UTMB 2026 Registration: A Technical yet Passionate Guide for Trail Runners
HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026 is the summit of the trail running world, but getting there takes more than endurance—you need to understand the qualification system, lottery mechanics, and registration timeline. If you’re aiming for OCC (50K), CCC (100K), or UTMB (100M), here’s everything you need to know.
Key dates for UTMB 2026 registration
Pre-registration opens January 8, 2026 and closes January 19, 2026. You must apply via your MyUTMB account within this window.
Lottery draw happens January 19, 2026.
Results are published January 22, 2026.
Confirmation deadline: If selected, you must pay your entry by February 4, 2026—otherwise, you lose your spot and half of your Running Stones.
Waiting list notifications begin February 5, 2026.
You can only apply for one UTMB Mont-Blanc race. Duplicate entries or simultaneous registration for other races like TDS will get your applications cancelled.
Running Stones: your ticket to the lottery
The Running Stones system replaces the old ITRA points. You earn them by finishing UTMB World Series events:
20K race: 1 stone
50K: 2 stones
100K: 3 stones
100M: 4 stones
Majors (continental championship events) offer double stones
You need at least 1 Running Stone earned in the past 24 months to enter the lottery. More Stones = better odds. They don’t expire if you keep earning at least one new Stone every 2 years. If selected, all used Stones reset to zero. If not selected, you keep them for future draws.
Group entries (2–12 people) are allowed. Everyone gets the number of entries equal to the lowest Stone count in the group. Group outcome is shared: all in or all out.
The UTMB Index: proving your trail legs
Alongside Stones, you need a valid UTMB Index. This is your performance score in one of four categories: 20K, 50K, 100K, or 100M.
To have a valid Index, you must have finished at least one race in the relevant category within the last 24 months. The Index must match or exceed the race you want:
UTMB (100M): valid Index in 100K or 100M
CCC (100K): Index in 50K, 100K, or 100M
OCC (50K): Index in 20K, 50K, 100K, or 100M
You can check your Index anytime through your MyUTMB profile.
How the UTMB lottery works
Pre-register between Jan 8–19 on the official site
You must have ≥1 Running Stone and a valid UTMB Index
Each Stone gives you one entry in the draw
Lottery draw happens Jan 19
Results published Jan 22
Confirm and pay by Feb 4 to secure your spot
If selected, all used Stones reset to zero
If not, your Stones are retained (as long as one is refreshed every 24 months)
Waitlisted runners may be contacted starting Feb 5
You cannot be registered for multiple races during UTMB week (e.g., both CCC and TDS), and doing so invalidates your lottery entry.
Elite qualification: skipping the lottery
Top runners can bypass the lottery by qualifying through performance:
Top 3 overall at any UTMB World Series Event = direct entry to that category’s Final (50K/100K/100M)
Top 10 overall at a UTMB World Series Major = direct entry
Top age-group finishers at Majors also qualify
Runners achieving elite-level UTMB Scores in a single race (e.g. 830 for 50K men, 680 for 50K women) may qualify automatically
Qualified elites must register via MyUTMB between Jan 6–19, 2026, and still need 1 Running Stone and a valid Index.
Other entry routes
Charity bibs: A limited number (~285) available from Dec 16–22, 2025. You make a significant donation + pay the registration fee.
Sponsor or press bibs: Must still meet basic eligibility (1 Stone + Index).
All entries—lottery, charity, elite—must follow the core qualification rules. No one skips the Stones or Index.
Final tip: don’t wait
Stones and Indexes take time to build. Plan your races in 2024–2025 to ensure:
You collect enough Stones (via World Series or Majors)
You maintain a valid UTMB Index
You’re ready to pre-register in January 2026
To get started, visit the official UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026 registration page and explore your qualification path.
