Reducing carbon emissions and sustainable mobility

Mobility has been central to our environmental approach since 2004, when our dedicated transport plan – now known as UTMB Mobility – was introduced to reduce private car use across the Mont-Blanc valleys.

While the results have been encouraging, the reality is stark: travel to the Mont-Blanc region accounts for nearly 86% of our total carbon footprint each year, whereas local transport during the event makes up just 2%*.

To accelerate progress towards our 2030 goal, in 2026 we will introduce a major new measure:

LOTTERY BONUS: Runners who follow the organisation’s recommended low-carbon travel route will benefit from a 30% higher chance of selection in the lottery.

Alongside our emissions reduction efforts, we are launching a collective carbon contribution programme. While every journey leaves a trace we believe contribution plays an essential role in driving the transition – by funding sustainable development and protecting carbon sinks through emissions reduction or sequestration projects.

*Carbon footprint for the 2024 event was calculated by sustainability consultancy firm Utopies.

From 2026 we will implement a pioneering initiative:

+30% chance of selection in the lottery for participants who choose a low-carbon travel route recommended by the organisation. This bonus will apply to races that are part of the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery – these include the three UTMB World Series Finals (UTMB, CCC, OCC) and also the ETC, which has now adopted the lottery system.

How does it work?

At registration our dedicated tool will help you identify the most efficient low-carbon route from your location. Train, bus, shared transport – every option will be considered to guide you toward the most sustainable journey.

If you commit to the suggested route, you will automatically receive the 30% lottery bonus. To ensure the system remains fair and transparent, you’ll simply be asked to provide proof of travel after registering (e.g. a train ticket, bus ticket, etc.).

The initiative has been designed to reflect the unique realities of each country, and to ensure fair access to responsible travel. Our aim is to encourage everyone to adopt the most climate-conscious travel option, so that – collectively – we can reduce the long-term environmental impact of our sport.

Full details will be made available ahead of registration for the 2026 edition.

Reducing our carbon footprint remains the top priority. But even with the most ambitious measures some residual impact will remain. That’s why, from the 2025 edition onwards, we have introduced a CARBON CONTRIBUTION SCHEME.

In 2025 nearly €25,000 was raised through voluntary contributions from runners and the organisation. These funds supported two high-impact, independently audited projects (verified by EcoAct):

• Two agricultural transition projects in Haute-Savoie, France (GAEC Les Chardonnerets farm in Chênex);
• A renewable biomass deployment project at Serragem in Brazil - reducing pressure on native forest and protecting biodiversity.

From 2026 the scheme will expand:

• UTMB Group will cover all emissions generated by event operations, including those from volunteers and service providers.
• Partners will contribute according to the emissions generated by their travel to and from the event.
• Carbon contribution will become mandatory for all runners at HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026, based on the emissions from their journey between home and the event.

These funds will be 100% transferred to an independent body responsible for selecting and monitoring the supported environmental projects.

In 2024 and 2025 several new initiatives were introduced to support low-carbon travel:

• Partnerships with TGV Lyria and Alpy Transfers: exclusive discounts on Paris–Geneva journeys and onward transfers to the Mont-Blanc region.

• Launch of the UTMB GO platform: a simple planning tool to compare travel options based on time, carbon footprint and logistics. UTMB GO is available to runners, supporters and volunteers.

Limiting traffic during the event is essential to reduce congestion, preserve the natural environment, and encourage travel without cars.

• Each year investment in UTMB Mobility increases, with more than €500,000 committed since 2023.

→ 15 routes, 28 bus stops and 120 buses are deployed during the event, with 110 on the busiest day.

→ Impact: over 6,000 individual car journeys eliminated.

• Shuttle services to race starts and the UTMB Bus system for following runners during the races (in place since 2004).