The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (or UTBM for those in the know) is a trail running race held each year at the end of August in the Alps mountain range. The route offers remarkable high mountain landscapes and passes through three different countries (France, Switzerland and Italy).
Known as being one of the most difficult of its kind in the world, the main race follows the Tour du Mont Blanc, a Grande Randonnée hiking trail that totals 170 km with a cumulative change in altitude of 10,000 m. The trail is dotted with glaciers and many high-altitude passes of which the highest, the Grand Col Ferret, is 2,500 m above sea level at its highest point.
Each year the UTBM attracts the best top-level athletes and elite runners from all over the world, who come to take part in this trail running event on the roof of Europe for at least once in their lives.