What is UTMB? And why do trail runners around the world dream of reaching it?

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc or UTMB—there is no name in the global trail running community that every trail runner doesn't recognize. UTMB is the trail event hailed as the pinnacle, the "Everest of Trail Running," and the ultimate dream that trail runners around the world aspire to conquer at least once in their lifetime.

What is UTMB?

UTMB stands for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, an ultra-marathon trail running event first held in 2003 in Chamonix, France. The route loops around the Mont Blanc massif, the highest peak in the Alps, taking competitors through three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland, before returning to finish where it began in Chamonix.

The Course and Challenges of UTMB

The distance of UTMB is approximately 170-176 kilometers with an elevation gain of nearly 10,000 meters, equivalent to climbing and descending Mount Everest more than once. Runners must navigate highly technical terrain, glacial valleys, dense forests, exposed ridges, and beautiful mountain villages amidst rapidly changing weather conditions, ranging from scorching sun to snow and freezing temperatures at night, all within a maximum time limit of about 46 hours and 45 minutes.

Why do runners worldwide want to reach UTMB?

UTMB is the 100 Miles Final of the UTMB World Series, the largest trail racing series in the world, with qualifying races spread across more than 20 countries globally. Gaining entry to UTMB isn't just about paying the registration fee; it requires going through a rigorous selection system, including collecting Running Stones from qualifying events around the world and a lottery system that receives far more applications than available spots.

Beyond that, the panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Alps throughout the course—whether it's the morning sea of mist, alpine meadows, or the last light of day on the ridges—are another reason why UTMB is more than just a race; it is an extreme experiential journey that trail runners worldwide want to experience for themselves at least once.

Prepare your feet: Shoes suitable for training and competing in UTMB distances

With a distance of over 170 km and ten thousand meters of elevation gain, the shoes you race in are just as crucial to your success as your fitness training. Runners looking for ultra-distance trail shoes can browse at REV Online, which offers a full range of running gear from leading brands such as HOKA, NNORMAL, Saucony, and Brooks, including both road and trail shoes.

Rev recommends an interesting model for ultra-trail runners: HOKA MAFATE X

A shoe designed specifically to support long-distance running, featuring a top layer of PEBA foam paired with a forked carbon fiber plate to provide energy return in every step. The shoe is reinforced with a Vibram Megagrip outsole that grips various surfaces, making it suitable for the highly technical terrain found throughout the UTMB course.

Color: BLACK / ELECTRIC AQUA - ฿8,990

Key features of the HOKA MAFATE X

• PEBA foam with carbon fiber plate: A dual-layer midsole with a soft, comfortable PEBA foam top layer and a high-compression EVA bottom layer for lightweight, responsive performance, integrated with a carbon fiber plate that adds propulsion and stability over tens of hours of distance.

• MetaRocker™ Technology: A curved sole design that helps the foot roll smoothly forward to save energy, reducing leg fatigue when running long distances.

• Active Foot Frame™: A structure that cradles the heel for a secure fit, increasing stability when running on uneven or slanted ground, reducing the risk of ankle rolls on technical trails.

• Vibram Megagrip outsole with 3.5 mm lugs: Excellent grip on wet surfaces, rocks, and muddy trails.
  
  

Getting to know NNORMAL, a trail brand born from a legendary trail runner

Besides HOKA, another brand that UTMB runners should know is NNORMAL, a trail running gear brand founded in 2022 by Kilian Jornet, the Spanish trail runner hailed as one of the greatest mountain runners of all time. A multi-time winner of UTMB, as well as Hardrock 100 and Western States, NNORMAL was born from a collaboration between Jornet and Camper, a Spanish footwear brand, under the concept of "produced less, made to last," focusing on designing gear that is field-tested by world-class athletes before being sold to everyday runners.

Rev recommends an interesting model: NNORMAL CADI

A trail shoe from NNORMAL designed for versatility, including trail running, hiking, and general outdoor activities. Weighing only about 270 grams, it offers high agility without compromising stability on uneven trails.

Color: BEIGE - ฿5,790

Key features of the NNORMAL CADI

• Lightweight at approximately 270 grams: Helps reduce fatigue when running long distances for many consecutive hours.
• 6 mm drop: The balance between ground feel and cushioning, suitable for runners who want agility on technical terrain.
• Engineered Mesh upper for good ventilation: Comfortable to wear, reducing stuffiness even during long-duration use.
• Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4 mm lugs: Excellent grip on diverse natural surfaces, including dry dirt, wet rock, and mixed trails.

You can view more trail shoe models at the REV collection page: rev.co.th/collections/trail-footwear

When the finish line is not just a destination, but the start of another chapter in life

UTMB is a trail running event that encompasses everything trail runners dream of: the ultimate physical and mental challenge, world-class scenery, history, inspiring legendary athletes, and the honor of being part of one of the toughest events to qualify for. It is no wonder that UTMB has become a bucket-list goal for almost every trail runner around the world.

If you are planning your first step toward ultra-trail running, whether starting to build your mileage or selecting the right gear for race day, exploring shoes and trail gear at the REV Online Store is a great starting point to prepare yourself for the big challenge that lies ahead.