UTMB Training Week 3: Qualification Process Demystified | Trail Running Tips

[@jamstaa69]

Just gotta get me some of those dam stones! Timed out in UTS50.. but I’ve just finally completed my first official beginner 🙃 mountain ultra and got some more index points but also proven I can get it done.. roll on uts50 2024!

[@FilmMyRun]

Good luck! Just keep plugging away at it and you'll get there. Plenty of lovely races in France you could do!

[@mattbadgerultrarunner]

That's a massively helpful explanation of the UTMB qualification process. Thanks for putting it together. Good luck with your training!

[@FilmMyRun]

Thanks. I hope it leads to you signing up!! What race are you hoping to do?

[@mattbadgerultrarunner]

@@FilmMyRun ultimately, I’d love to do UTMB but for now I’m going to make a plan for CCC. I love your approach to training. It somehow seems achievable to make UTMB happen.

[@changary6061]

Just did Val d aran 100K a few days ago. The race was cancelled around 15-16 hrs (~70km) after started due to extreme weather. Luckily we still get all 6 stones😁

[@FilmMyRun]

Yes, incredible. I heard about the thunderstorm. Glad everyone got off the mountains safely.

[@Merritt7278]

Absolute beast.

[@FilmMyRun]

Haha cheers Marc.

[@Heinrichdouglas1]

Such a great motivating and informative channel, a favorite of mine

[@FilmMyRun]

Thank you so much Heinrich. Appreciated

[@itsjustus949]

Would love to do some of those races in the next 8-10 years but I'm just getting back into my fitness journey and am starting from zero.

[@FilmMyRun]

Just keep working up slowly and you’ll get there! Stay consistent but realistic about your build in distance and fitness. One day see you in Chamonix!!

[@peterrichmond6133]

Good training advice and thanks for the UTMB explanation!

[@FilmMyRun]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching. Are you considering getting out to Chamonix?

[@peterrichmond6133]

@@FilmMyRun unfortunately not, I’ll be in final prep for a 100k in early September.

[@HerbertKrabel]

When you win your age group at a UTMB Major you get a direct no lottery entry in the distance you raced in. So if you win the 100k of that Major you get to enter CCC without a lottery. This however mostly works for folks older than 45 since many Pros are in the age groups from 20-44

[@FilmMyRun]

This is a really good way for faster runners to get their slot. Well done Herbert. See you in a few weeks!

[@nk-dw2hm]

I'd need a sponsor to help pay for all that travel!

[@FilmMyRun]

I know. It’s annoying in many respects that UTMB talks about environmental issues but the way the system is structured it makes people have to travel further.

[@carlroland3947]

great video! i have entered UTMB Snowdonia in May next year. will that be enough 2 stones to enter the ballot for Snowdonia? great advice about TDS. So is it worth entering the TDS as a back up incase i am not successful in the ballot

[@FilmMyRun]

So, right now with only a few weeks to go until UTMB week, there are still places available for TDS. Just remember that it's arguably the toughest of all the events at UTMB. I think with 2 stones you'll be lucky to get in on your first attempt. But you won't know unless you try. If you don't get in you can enter UTS again and get another two or three stones for the following year. More stones gives you more chances to get in. Good luck!!

[@carlroland3947]

@@FilmMyRun thanks for the quick reply! i have entered GB ultra 50 in September which has no stones and UTMB Snowdonia next may 2 stones. what would your advice be to increase my chances of being successful in the UTMB ballot to qualify for Chamonix 2024/? do you have a contact possibly for training or couching?

[@jasonhawen3272]

So, if you have 4 stones and you get into UTMB.... do you still have 3 stones to use the following year?

[@barurarnason7490]

No when you take part in the finals all stones vanish😊

[@FilmMyRun]

Unfortunately not! Once you have successfully managed to enter a Finals event, all your stones are gone. BUT, they will remain indefinitely if you do not gain entry to the UTMB World Series Finals. They are active for two years and then they are frozen until you gain at least one more stone. Once you get your stone then all other stones are reactivated. So you must have at least one stone gained within two years of the event you are trying to enter.

[@danielhall2049]

If you are unsuccessful in the UTMB ballot do your stones and UTMB Index rollover to the following year? If so, how many years do they last before you have to re-collect them?

[@FilmMyRun]

Stones will roll over and never expire. However, you will need to maintain your Performance Index by doing a race of the correct category each year

[@danielhall2049]

@@FilmMyRun Thanks for clarifying! Looking forward to the new release tonight! I ran the race sweep at this year's SDW100 at 5am the following morning - it was already SO hot

[@WendyInTheWild]

Thanks for the info Stephen. But in a time where many of us are considering how to lessen our impact on the environment, it seems a bit tone deaf of UTMB to be encouraging so much travel.

[@FilmMyRun]

Yes it is a very tough one. The problem is everything we do, our very existence, is a burden on the environment. We have to balance caring for the planet with living our lives. I think that balance can involve reasonable travel. But yes, if you are travelling every week to a different race in a different part of the world then it's probably too much. One of the greatest joys in life is travel and experiencing new places, new scenery, new cultures. It gives our lives meaning and memories and makes us feel fulfilled. This hopefully leads us to be better people in the long run.