UTMB® for the Planet: New challenges and highlights still to come

August 25, 2020

Trail and running enthusiasts from around the world have just 10 days left to register for the 4 Virtual Races and 10 Partner Challenges on offer through UTMB^® for the Planet. So far, more than 7,800 runners representing 100 nationalities have already taken part through the new digital platform, with 14,300 registrations for the various Challenges and Virtual Races.

While UTMB^® Mont-Blanc normally marks the highlight of the trail running year at the end of August, this year the UTMB^® team have planned numerous activities to engage the trail community. On Thursday August 27, the reigning champion Pau Capell will embark on a challenge to try and beat the UTMB^® Mont-Blanc record by completing the brutal 170km course in sub-20-hours as part of the UTMB^® for the Planet Virtual 170. The day before, Wednesday August 26, the founder of the event Michel Poletti accompanied by his son and members of the UTMB^® team, will set out on an adventure to complete the same 170km course with the objective of finishing in the time of 44 hours. UTMB^® partners Columbia and Chamonix Mont-Blanc will also launch their respective Challenges next week, bringing an end to what has been 5 weeks of Challenges and adventures that have engaged the world and the region. Be sure to check the official website for details of the new Challenges.

UTMB^®  for the Planet

A digital and united initiative, UTMB^®  for the Planet invites runners to participate in a virtual UTMB^®  by recording their activities from wherever they are on the planet. In addition to the Virtual Races, runners can also enter several exclusive Challenges which have been supported by partners of UTMB^® , with plenty of prizes up for grabs.

The Virtual Races and Challenges will be live from July 20th to August 30th and will integrate a real-time ranking, allowing participants to compete against friends and the best athletes from across the globe.

To encourage the greatest number of runners to take part and experience the joys of trail running, participants will be able to complete their chosen distance over several runs or in one go. The classification will also take into account the kilometre-effort. Upon completing a Virtual Race, participants will unlock an exclusive Finisher Badge. Every runner who completes UTMB^®  Virtual 50, UTMB^®  Virtual 100 and UTMB^®  Virtual 170 will also be entered into a special draw to gain entry into the corresponding distance at UTMB^®  Mont-Blanc 2021, with three places available for each distance.

Entry into the UTMB^®  for the Planet Virtual Races is free, and all participants are invited to donate the amount of their choice when they register to support WWF France. Those who choose to support WWF France will receive an exclusive virtual bib. The organisers, UTMB^®  Group, have also committed to support WWF France.