Q&A - HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
We’ve gathered all the practical information to answer your questions about the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026 event. Check out this section to find everything you need to know about your race.
DURING THE RACE
Information points will be available to assist you:
- Information Point – Promenade du Fori
- Information Point – Place du Triangle de l'Amitié
- Information Point – Bib Pick-up Areas in Courmayeur, Martigny and Orsières
- Chinese-languages Information Point – Chez Yang Restaurant, Chamonix
Additional elements shown as numbered items in the available list here may be added if necessary.
Runners will be informed by SMS before bib pick-up opens for their race.
You can collect your race bib either at your race start village or in Chamonix. Bib pick-up slot reservations are open until August 10.
For the UTMB®: all runners must present their headlamp with the red light mode activated to collect their race bib. Without presenting a headlamp with the red light mode, runners will not be able to collect their race bib.
In order to make the races more fluid, we have organized the starts in waves as follows:
The following list has been defined according to UTMB Index criteria. No change to a higher wave will be authorized._
UTMB Top Elites (Start 17:45): Bibs 1–99
UTMB Elites (Start 17:45): Bibs 101–499
UTMB 1 (Start 17:45): Bibs 501–2999
CCC Top Elites (Start 09:00): Bibs 3001–3099
CCC Elites (Start 09:00): Bibs 3101–3299
CCC 1 (Start 09:00): Bibs 3301–3831
CCC 2 (Start 09:15): Bibs 3832–4582
CCC 3 (Start 09:30): Bibs 4583–5999
OCC Top Elites (Start 08:15): Bibs 6001–6099
OCC Elites (Start 08:15): Bibs 6101–6299
OCC 1 (Start 08:15): Bibs 6301–6645
OCC 2 (Start 08:30): Bibs 6646–7212
OCC 3 (Start 08:45): Bibs 7213–7774
OCC 4 (Start 09:00): Bibs 7775–8999
TDS Elites (Start 23:50): Bibs 9001–9099
TDS 1 (Start 23:50): Bibs 9101–9788
TDS 2 (Start 23:50): Bibs 9789–10534
MCC 1 (Start 10:00): Bibs 11001–11586
MCC 2 (Start 10:15): Bibs 11587–12182
MCC 3 (Start 10:30): Bibs 12183–12999
ETC Elites (Start 14:00): Bibs 13001–13149
ETC 1 (Start 14:00): Bibs 13150–13403
ETC 2 (Start 14:10): Bibs 13404–13760
ETC 3 (Start 14:20): Bibs 13761–14109
ETC 4 (Start 14:30): Bibs 14110–14467
ETC 5 (Start 14:40): Bibs 14468–14999
YCC 1 (Start 11:00): Bibs 15001–17099
PTL 1 (Start 08:00): Bibs 20010–21500
The time barriers can be found on each event page in the table "Time charts".
UTMB Two drop bags will be provided to you at bib collection. You must drop them off at the designated location at the race start. You will find your first bag at the Courmayeur aid station, then your second bag at Champex-Lac. Both bags will then be transported to the finish area. Please note that these are two separate bags.
TDS A drop bag will be given to you when you pick up your race bib. You must drop it off at the designated location at the start of the race. You will find your bag at the Beaufort base camp, and then in Chamonix.
CCC You will be given a drop bag when you pick up your race bib. You must drop it off at the designated location at the start of the race. You will find your bag in Champex-Lac and then in Chamonix.
OCC, MCC You will be given a drop bag when you pick up your race bib. You must drop it off at the designated location at the start of the race. You will find your bag in Chamonix.
No poles, valuable or fragile items are allowed in the bags. Only bags provided by the organization will be transported. The repatriation time depends on logistical constraints. A bag may arrive later than the runner, especially if the runner withdraw the race early. Please be patient and respectful of the volunteers' work.
ETC, YCC (Courmayeur) A drop bag will not be provided, but you are welcome to leave your personal bag at the Auditorium in Courmayeur.
The 2026 GPX file will be available 2 weeks before the event. It will be downloadable on each race page in the "MAP" tab between "PROFILE" and "PASSAGE TIME".
Assistance is only allowed at certain aid stations*. You may only be assisted by one person at a time, and only in the area specifically reserved for this purpose, on presentation of the 'Assistance ticket' and at the discretion of the station manager (the rest of the aid station is strictly reserved for runners).
Your assistant has the right to one piece of hand luggage (a bag with a maximum volume of 30 liters) to carry the necessary items (food, clothing, etc.). Assistance provided by a team of professionals, or any medical or paramedical professional, is strictly prohibited. This measure is a guarantee of fairness between runners, and helps prevent aid stations from becoming saturated.
* UTMB (Les Contamines, Courmayeur, Champex, Vallorcine)
CCC (Champex, Vallorcine)
TDS (Bourg St Maurice, Beaufort, Les Contamines)
"Assistance" tickets are given to the runner in the bib envelope. The runner is then free to give each ticket to the person of their choice.
1 TICKET PER ASSISTANCE STATION
1 TICKET = 1 PERSON
Animals are not allowed in the base camps.
You can find all information to follow a runner HERE.
RED LIGHT
The “red light” device applies only to the UTMB race within the Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve (around km40), over a section of approximately 6 to 7 km between the Nant-Borrant refuge (above Notre-Dame de la Gorge) and the Col du Bonhomme. This section is mostly uphill and not very technical.
The scientific committee of the Haute-Savoie National Nature Reserves has produced a summary of scientific research on the impacts of artificial light at night on wildlife.
It shows that “artificial light at night (ALAN) is a important factor of ecological disturbance, affecting many biological processes such as circadian rhythms, behavior, and reproduction (Sanders et al., 2020; Gaston et al., 2015; Karan et al., 2023). Effects vary depending on the light spectrum: shorter wavelengths, particularly blue light, are generally more disruptive than red or amber spectra (Figueiro, 2013; Longcore et al., 2018; Russart & Nelson, 2018).
Blue-rich LEDs are especially problematic for biological rhythms and light pollution, leading to recommendations for warmer spectra as a mitigation measure (Longcore & Rich, 2004; Hölker et al., 2023).
Conclusion: red light, or light shifted toward red, is generally less disruptive to wildlife than blue, green, or white light. However, any artificial light at night can have ecological effects. Reducing the intensity, duration, and spatial extent of lighting remains the most effective strategy to limit impacts on biodiversity.”
The Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve is a particularly sensitive natural area due to the diversity of habitats and species it hosts. This area, regulated year-round, requires special attention when organizing events.
For several years, impact-reduction measures have been implemented to conciliate the passage of UTMB runners with local environmental concerns: specific marking defined with reserve managers, establishment of quiet zones, removal of the Balme aid station, adaptation of rescue posts, etc. As runners pass through the reserve exclusively at night, this measure aims to reduce light disturbance from headlamps on wildlife. Since this section is mostly uphill or on non-technical terrain, course marking and technical arrangements are being adjusted to ensure smooth and safe progression compatible with this lighting mode.
Most modern headlamps include this mode. Some chest lamps are also equipped with it.
You can check directly on the brand’s website or in your equipment manual to see if your model has this option.
How do I activate red light mode? Operation depends on the model, but several methods are common: 🔴 Long press: holding the main button (2 to 5 seconds) often activates red light directly. 🔄 Mode cycling: short presses cycle through modes (high white → medium → low → red → flashing red, etc.). 🔘 Dedicated button: some lamps have a specific button or red icon. ⚡ Double click: on some recent models, a quick double press provides direct access to red mode.
No. Only one of the two required lamps must emit a forward-facing red beam and be functional during the race. Any device emitting light backward (head or back) is considered non-compliant.
Most modern headlamps already meet this requirement. Some chest lamps may also be suitable.
However, other red light sources (lanterns, camping lamps, torches, or bicycle rear lights) are not suitable for trail running and are therefore not allowed.
The human eye quickly adapts to changes in light (intensity and color). Failure to comply can significantly affect other runners’ perception of the environment and terrain reading.
Race marshals will be present on the course to carry out checks and apply penalties in case of non-compliance. These may range from time penalties to disqualification.
Reminder: a headlamp with red light mode is part of the mandatory equipment. The race rules also state that failure to follow environmental protection instructions issued by the organization is subject to penalties.
Some manufacturers offer red filters or covers compatible with their headlamps. These devices are allowed, provided they are designed by the manufacturer and used with the model for which the product was developed. Homemade modifications are not allowed.
