Q&A - HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026

If you have been selected in the lottery with 30% boost and completed your registration, we remind you that you have committed to respecting the transport rules defined by the organisation, which you can find here.

Between March and June, you will need to upload a proof of transport through a dedicated platform. This step is necessary to ensure that you are adhering to the rules. Please note that only proof of your travel itinerary to the event will be required.

Important: failure to submit your transport proof or if this proof is not valid, will result in the cancellation of your registration, without a monetary refund (only Running Stones will be refunded in accordance with the cancellation conditions outlined here).

In 2026, the carbon contribution becomes mandatory for all runners participating in the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc. When registering, you will be required to provide your departure address (permanent place of residence) and your mode of transport, and the amount of the carbon contribution will be automatically calculated for your round trip. Proof of residence will be requested at a later date.

Important note: the transport options for the carbon contribution are independent of the mobility rules for the 30% boost.

To learn more, we invite you to consult our FAQ dedicated to responsible mobility here.

For any questions regarding the new responsible mobility policy, we have created a dedicated and very detailed FAQ to support you. You will find answers to all your questions there, in particular regarding:

• Boost calculation
• Cheating and non-compliance with the rules
• Special cases
• Local runners
• Group pre-registrations
• Itineraries and planning

We encourage you to take the time to carefully read this information before contacting us, as you will find answers to most of your questions there.

Check the official regulations of the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026 HERE .

Check the registration conditions for the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026 HERE.

Cancellation insurance is available for purchase during the registration process. It allows participants who opt for it to request a refund in accordance with the general terms and conditions.

Please note that cancellation insurance cannot be added after the registration process is completed.

If you have NOT taken out the registration cancellation insurance, no refund will be possible.

No bib transfers, distance changes or deferrals will be possible.

Runners (UTMB, CCC, and OCC) wishing to cancel their registration will be refunded the Running Stones used to enter the lottery as follows:

• Runners with cancellation insurance who cancel their registration before race day: They will be refunded 100% of the Running Stones used to enter the lottery.
• Runners without cancellation insurance who cancel their registration before race day: They will be refunded 50% of the Running Stones used to enter the lottery (rounded up to the nearest whole number).

We inform you that a medical certificate is no longer mandatory for the races of the HOKA UTMB Mont Blanc. Each runner must complete the PPS to validate their registration. How to proceed ?

• Go onto the PPS website: PPS website
• Sign up or log in (if you already have a account)
• Complete the modules
• At the end of the modules, you will receive a code
• Paste this code in your dashboard

When completing your PPS form, make sure to make the information match with your registration information (first name, last name, date of birth, compound nouns and dash).

Starting this year, a fee of €5 will be charged for this course, which will also include a civil insurance. This step is mandatory for all adult participants who do not hold a FFA (French Athletics Federation) license.

You will have the option to collect your race number either at the race start village or in Chamonix. You will be able to book your bib collection slot in July, and we will send you an email with all the details about the booking process.

We would like to remind you that it is obligatory to be in possession of an individual accident insurance which covers any eventual costs for search and rescue in France, Italy and Switzerland. (Repatriation by helicopter costs between 800 and 3000 euros). Such an insurance policy may be taken out with the organization of your choice.

For 49€ / year, you can subscribe to UTMB Assurinco insurance that guarantees you a worldwide coverage for your rescue, repatriation and medical care expenses (including helicopter rescue) in the context of your trail running practice whether it is for training, competitions or even for your reconnaissance outings. The following disciplines are also covered: hiking, trekking, cycling and mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You are also covered if you are a professional.

The registration is personal and final. No bib transfer, deferral, or category change is allowed for all races of the HOKA UTMB Mont Blanc 2026 (unless otherwise specified in the registration conditions).

The shuttle bus is included in the race bib (UTMB, CCC, OCC, TDS, MCC, ETC, YCC) but reservations are required. Reservations will open in a few months and you will be notified by email.

Shuttles will be provided from Cluses, Sallanches, Le Fayet, Servoz, and the Chamonix Valley, as was the case last year.

In order to accelerate your visa request, you may request an invitation letter, for you and companions. To request this document, please connect to your race dashboard, and fill out the form with your passport information.

Please do not follow this form with an email after submitting this form. A member of our team will contact you in 2 to 5 business day, with the requested document.

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.