Top Tips for Racing During UTMB Week

For many trail runners, racing during UTMB week is the highlight of the season. With thousands of runners descending on Chamonix to tackle some of the world’s most iconic mountain trails, the atmosphere is truly unforgettable. 

But success in the Alps isn’t just about fitness. Good preparation, smart decision-making and patience will often take you further than raw speed. 

Here are our top tips for making the most of your race. 

1. Understand the Impact of Travelling 

Long journeys, disrupted sleep and changes to your routine can all affect performance. Arrive with enough time to settle in, hydrate well, eat normally and avoid cramming in extra training before race day. 

2. Plan to Walk 

Even the fastest runners hike the steepest climbs. Walking efficiently conserves energy and is often quicker than trying to run. Decide in advance where you’ll hike and where you’ll run to avoid burning too many matches early on.  

3. Run by Effort, Not Pace 

Forget pace on the climbs. Aim to maintain a steady effort throughout the race. If your watch has a vertical speed function, use it to help maintain a sustainable climbing rhythm rather than chasing unrealistic split times. Pace (horizontal) is meaningless when you could be climbing for an hour and the distance will be less than 2km. Set up a screen on your watch with vertical speed, average vertical speed, elevation gain and current elevation. This will keep you motivated. 

4. Break the Race Into Chunks 

A long ultra can feel overwhelming if you focus on the finish. Instead, concentrate on reaching the next checkpoint, climb or summit. Smaller goals keep you motivated and make the distance far more manageable. 

5. Be Kind to Your Legs 

It’s tempting to attack the descents, but that’s a quick way to destroy your quads. Stay relaxed, run within yourself and remember there’s always another climb ahead. Before long descents, tighten your shoelaces to reduce foot movement and help protect your toes. 

6. Run Your Own Race 

Don’t get drawn into racing those around you. Stick to your pacing, nutrition and strategy. Many runners who disappear into the distance early on will come back later. 

Likewise, don’t let the occasion overwhelm you. UTMB week is special, but once the race starts, it’s still just another run. 

7. Know the Route 

Study the course before race day. Know where the major climbs, descents and checkpoints are, and what food and drink is available at each aid station. If you’re using a support crew, make sure you understand the UTMB support rules before you arrive. 

8. Respect the Mountains 

The Alps demand respect. Weather can change in minutes, turning sunshine into heavy rain, strong winds or even snow. Carry your mandatory kit, know how to use it and be prepared to adapt. These are serious mountains where conditions can become dangerous very quickly. 

9. Nutrition Wins Races 

Poor nutrition ruins more races than poor fitness. Plan your nutrition carefully, include plenty of variety and eat before you’re hungry. Drink regularly, replace electrolytes and don’t neglect your salt intake, especially in warm conditions. 

A simple tip is to eat while descending, when your effort is lower and digestion is often easier. 

10. Protect Your Decision-Making 

Every ultrarunner experiences low moments. If you feel like quitting, don’t make an immediate decision. Eat something, drink something and wait 30 minutes before reassessing. 

One of the best pieces of ultrarunning advice is simple: never quit at a checkpoint. Leave the aid station first—you’ll often feel completely different once you’re moving again. 

11. Expect Highs and Lows 

No ultra is perfect. You’ll have moments where you feel unstoppable and moments where everything hurts. Neither feeling lasts forever, so stay patient and keep moving forward. 

12. Stay Humble 

The Alps have a way of humbling everyone. Even experienced runners have difficult days. Stay adaptable, trust your training and remember that consistency beats heroics over long distances. 

Final Thoughts 

Running races in the mountains is all about making consistently good decisions. Travel well, pace yourself, fuel consistently, respect the mountains and stay adaptable. Remember however tired you feel, there’s usually a sprint finish hiding somewhere. When you hear the crowds in Chamonix, you’ll often discover energy you thought had disappeared. 

Most importantly, enjoy the experience. Racing through the Alps is something you’ll remember long after you’ve crossed the finish line. 

Written by Run the Wild for Science in Sport 

Check out our What to Pack When Racing in the Alps