If you’re a trail runner, this week is your Super Bowl, Olympics and World Cup all rolled into one. The UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix, France, is the event that many ultrarunners dream of. Every year, some of the world’s best endurance athletes gather to push their limits in some of the most beautiful, yet brutal, terrain on the planet, and you don’t want to miss a moment. With races that range from the daunting 176K UTMB to the shorter (yet still very challenging OCC), there’s something for every kind of trail running enthusiast—and you can follow most of it live as it unfolds. Here’s what you need to know.
OCC (57K)
UTMB coverage begins Thursday, Aug. 29, with the OCC race (which stands for Orsières-Champex-Chamonix). Dubbed the “little Swiss sister,” OCC kicks off at 2:00 am ET and is a 57K race that serves as an excellent entry point into the world of UTMB events, yet it’s still a formidable challenge with its high altitude and technical trails. Follow OCC by clicking here.
CCC (101K)
Don’t let the word “shorter” fool you—these races are no walk in the park. CCC (which stands for Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix) covers 100 kilometeres and is a fierce competition in its own right, with no shortage of high-calibre athletes. The race begins in the centre of Courmayeur and finishes in Chamonix, with runners climbing 6,062m. Click here to follow CCC.
UTMB (176K)
The pinnacle event of UTMB Wld Series Final week kicks off on Friday, Aug. 30, at 12:00 pm ET.
The granddaddy of them all, UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc), is the ultimate test of endurance and mental fortitude. Covering 176K with more than 10,000m of elevation gain, this race circles Mont Blanc, taking runners through France, Italy and Switzerland. Expect epic battles between the sport’s biggest names as they chase the coveted title. Watch live coverage of the race here.
Other notable races
TDS: The 145K TDS (Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie) kicked off on Monday, Aug 26. TDS is known for being particularly technical, as it covers 145K of rugged terrain. It’s a race that tests not just endurance, but also a runner’s ability to navigate tricky sections of trail. For live results click here.
PTL: The PTL (Petite Trotte à Léon) also kicked off on Monday, Aug. 26 at 1:00 am ET. For a different sort of challenge, PTL is a team event that covers 305K and 24,765m of elevation with no set course, meaning navigation skills are just as crucial as speed and stamina. For live results click here.
