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If you’ve browsed our calendar you’ll notice “by UTMB” attached to several races — Val d’Aran, Lavaredo, Eiger, Snowdonia, Ultra-Trail Côte d’Azur, and of course UTMB itself in Chamonix. These all belong to the UTMB World Series, a global circuit that uses a shared qualification system. Here’s how it actually works.
What the “by UTMB” label means
UTMB World Series races are independently organised events that license the UTMB name and qualification system. Finishing one earns you “Running Stones” — a point-like credential, in categories such as Gold, Silver, Bronze and Blue Stones depending on the race’s distance and difficulty rating.
Why Stones matter
To enter the flagship races in Chamonix (UTMB, CCC, OCC and the others run that week) via the standard route, you generally need to have collected a minimum number of Running Stones from World Series races within a set period, then enter a lottery-style draw — more Stones typically improve your odds but don’t guarantee a bib. Entry procedures and Stone requirements are set by UTMB each year, so always check the current rules on the official UTMB site before planning a season around them.
You don’t need Stones to enjoy the other races
Every World Series race — Val d’Aran, Lavaredo, Eiger, Snowdonia, Côte d’Azur — is also a complete, well-organised event in its own right. Most runners who do them are there for the race itself, not chasing a Chamonix bib. Don’t let the qualification system talk you out of a race that otherwise fits your season.
Practical takeaway
If Chamonix is a long-term goal, pick one or two World Series races per year that also fit your training and travel budget, and treat the Stones as a side effect of racing well — not the primary goal for your first few ultras.
Found on Ultra Radar Articles — part of our European ultra calendar.