Extreme Sports
What Is the UTMB World Series? Format, Running Stones, Qualification and How to Watch
Watch the UTMB World Series for FREE on DAZN
The UTMB World Series has become the biggest global circuit in trail running, bringing together elite athletes and amateur runners across some of the most challenging endurance events on the planet.
Created as the pathway to the iconic HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc Finals in Chamonix, France, the series spans events across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Africa and Oceania.
It combines world-class competition with a qualification system that gives runners the opportunity to earn entry into trail running's most prestigious races.
Here's everything you need to know about the UTMB World Series.
What Is the UTMB World Series?
The UTMB World Series is an international trail running circuit featuring more than 50 events around the world.
The series was created to provide a unified pathway to the UTMB World Series Finals, which take place during the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc festival in Chamonix, France.
Events range from shorter trail races to gruelling ultra-distance contests covering hundreds of kilometres across mountains, forests and remote terrain.
The circuit is open to both elite athletes and recreational runners, making it one of the most accessible global sports systems in endurance sport.
Who Are the Biggest Athletes in the UTMB World Series?
The UTMB World Series attracts many of the biggest names in trail running and regularly features some of the sport's most successful athletes.
Competitors have included Kilian Jornet, Jim Walmsley, Courtney Dauwalter, François D'Haene, Mathieu Blanchard and Katie Schide, depending on the event and season.
The UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix consistently attract the strongest fields in trail running, with many of the sport's biggest stars competing for victory across the OCC, CCC and UTMB races.
What Does UTMB Stand For?
UTMB stands for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc.
The original UTMB race circles the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy and Switzerland and is widely regarded as the most prestigious ultra-trail race in the world.
The success of that event led to the creation of the wider UTMB World Series, which now serves as the global qualification pathway to the UTMB Finals held in Chamonix each year.
How Does the UTMB World Series Work?
The UTMB World Series is built around three levels of competition.
The first level consists of UTMB World Series Events, which are held across the globe and allow runners to earn Running Stones and improve their UTMB Index.
Above these are the UTMB World Series Majors. These are flagship events held in different regions and award double Running Stones compared to standard events.
At the top of the pyramid sit the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix. The Finals are contested across three headline race categories:
- OCC (50K)
- CCC (100K)
- UTMB (100M)
The entire season is designed to create a pathway from local and regional trail races through to the biggest event in the sport.
What Are Running Stones in the UTMB World Series?
Running Stones are the qualification currency of the UTMB World Series.
Athletes earn Running Stones by finishing UTMB World Series Events and UTMB World Series Majors. The more Running Stones a runner collects, the greater their chances of securing a place through the lottery system for the UTMB World Series Finals.
Running Stones cannot be earned through UTMB Index races. They are only available at official World Series events and majors.
How Do Runners Qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals?
There are two main ways to qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals.
The first is through the Running Stones lottery, which is how most runners secure their place. To enter the lottery, athletes must have:
At least one Running Stone earned during the qualification period
A valid UTMB Index in the relevant race category
Each Running Stone acts as an additional entry into the draw. The more Running Stones a runner collects by completing UTMB World Series events, the better their chances of being selected for the Finals.
The second route is through direct qualification. Elite athletes can earn automatic entry by finishing in qualifying positions at selected UTMB World Series Events and UTMB World Series Majors.
This system allows both amateur runners and professional athletes to earn a place at the UTMB World Series Finals, which take place annually during UTMB Mont-Blanc week in Chamonix.
What Is the UTMB Index?
The UTMB Index is a ranking system used to assess a runner's performance level.
Athletes receive an Index score based on their results in recognised races. The Index helps determine eligibility for different race categories and is required for entry into the UTMB World Series Finals lottery.
Unlike Running Stones, the UTMB Index is focused on performance rather than qualification chances. It acts as a benchmark of a runner's ability across different trail-running distances.
Where Can You Watch the UTMB World Series?
Fans can watch selected UTMB World Series races live and on demand on DAZN in territories worldwide, excluding Canada, France, Monaco, the French Overseas Territories and the United States.
Coverage includes live race action, highlights, athlete interviews and analysis from some of the biggest events on the trail-running calendar, including races that form part of the pathway to the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix.
You can watch on the DAZN app, available on smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.
If you do not already have a DAZN account, getting started is simple:
Download the free DAZN app from your device's app store, or visit DAZN.com on your computer.
Select Sign Up or Log In.
Create an account using your email address, or sign in with Apple, Google or Facebook.
Once registered, you'll have access to DAZN's free content and live events that are available in your region.
Search for UTMB World Series and start watching.
