Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc...

This one might be of interest to any of you that are interested in trail running or Ultra running.....The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc. It has been called ‘the Tour de France of trail running’ or the ‘world championships’ for ultra-marathon mountain runners. Entries are limited to 2,500 and runners must have earned a certain number of points from other Ultra trail races before they can take part.

The North Face ‘UTMB’, as it is commonly known, has grown hugely in popularity since it started in 2003. The race usually takes place in late August every year and the mens winner is usually expected to finish in 20-21 hours with a 46 hour cut-off for the last runner. Starting in Chamonix in France, the race route takes in apline trails in Italy and Switzerland before finishing back in Chamonix. In 2011, out of the 2369 that started, only 1126 or 48% finished.

Starting at 1,000 metres above sea level, the course undulates between valleys and high mountain passes, the highest of which is 2,500 metres asl. The total ascent over the 167 km course is approx 9,500 metres. Just to put that into context, Carrountoohil.......the highest mountain in Ireland is only about 1040 metres.

Here is a nice video which gives a good feel for the race...



There is an article on the 2011 race HERE while the race website can be seen HERE