The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (also referred to as UTMB) is a single-stage mountain ultramarathon. It takes place once a year in the Alps, across France, Italy and Switzerland. The distance is approximately 166 km, with a total elevation gain of around 9,600 m. It is widely regarded as one of the most difficult foot races in Europe. It’s certainly one of the largest with over two thousand starters. The combined participation in all of the events is approaching 10 thousand runners. While the best runners complete the loop in slightly more than 20 hours, most runners take 30 to 45 hours to reach the finish line. There is no prize money awarded. Since 2006, a second race Courmayeur – Champex – Chamonix (half-loop) has also been organised, and a third race was added in 2009: “Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie”. A fourth shorter “running” event – Orsières – Champex – Chamonix – was added in 2014. La Petite Trotte à Léon is a non-competitive team event started in 2011 (?). Each team is made of two or three members for safety. The route and direction of the course change every year. In 2014 it will be run clock-wise. Today, the races consist of the following; UTMB: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (166 km +9,600 m) CCC: Courmayeur – Champex – Chamonix (101 km +6,100 m) TDS: Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie (119 km +7,250 m) OCC: Orsières – Champex – Chamonix (53 km +3,300 m) PTL: La Petite Trotte à Léon (approx. 300 km +28,000 m)
