UTMB cuts direct qualification spots, leaving runners confused

September 24, 2026

The UTMB World Series Final in Chamonix, France, is arguably the most prestigious ultra-trail race in the world, and athletes from around the world travel to major races each season to try to earn a spot. Now, UTMB has announced a shift in age-based direct qualification: there were previously 210 direct slots; now there are 60, divided among the UTMB, CCC and OCC races. The loss of 150 age-based direct qualifying spots sent the community into a frenzy of confusion, with many pointing to the decision as reducing spots for non-elites and older runners. UTMB has indicated that this is not the point, and that it should not have that effect.

On Instagram, UTMB said that only the top 10 men and women at each distance (50K, 100K and 176K) at World Series major races will receive direct qualification for the Final. Running Stones remain the same, so athletes who compete in major races will have their stones doubled, increasing their lottery chances of participating in one of the Finals races. Four majors across the World Series circuit offer runners a chance to earn stones or secure direct qualification by finishing among the top 10 men and women.  CANADIAN Trail Running