Sign up for the Mont Blanc Ultra Trail from the 17th Dec 08
As it snows outside our window all thoughts turn to the winter season in Chamonix, but December is also the time to think about next year's Ultra Trail as the online sign up opens on the 17th December. If it's anything like in previous years, you'd better be quick to subscribe as the races fill up incredibly fast.
The 7th Edition of the Mont Blanc Ultratrail will take place from the 25th to 30th August 2009, with a choice of four races for those feeling ready to attack the mountains on these physically and mentally demanding itineraries.
* The UTMB is the traditional race, coming in at 166km with 9400m of uphill height gain leaving from and arriving back in Chamonix, all within the maximum time of 46hrs.
* The CCC leaves Courmayeur and arrives in Chamonix, covering 98km with 5600m of uphill height gain in a maximum of 26hrs
* Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie is a new race for 2009 leaving Chamonix and arriving in Courmayeur via the likes of St Nicolas de Veroce, Bourg St Maurice and La Thuile. This new route covers 105km with 6700m of uphill height gain in a maximum time of 31hrs.
* La Petite Trotte a Leon is the team race version of the tour, covering more than 250km of terrain and 18000m of height gain, with a maximum time allowed of 100hrs
So there you go. If your fit and (in our opinion) a little bit mad, then you'll need to log on to the Ultra Trail website from the 17th December to sign up for the race you fancy. However, due to the popularity of the event, the sign-up rules have been changed slightly this year in an effort to manage demand more fairly.
For 2009, enrolement is exclusively by internet between December 17th - January 7th. During this PRE-enrolement period, applicants complete an entry form and pay €50 deposit for their chosen race. All applicants are then split by nationality into "France" and "Rest of World" and then entered into a draw on January 14th to decide who will be offered starting places in the various races. If drawn, you will then have 10 days to confirm your place and pay the remaining entry fee for your chosen race, before your place is offered out. Those who are not selected will receive an automatic refund of their deposit and be given priority entry in the same race for the following year (providing they still meet the entry points criteria). Phew! More exhausting than the actual race itself....?
As in previous years, Chamonet will be following the developments of the Ultra Trail and bringing you news as we get it. Good luck and see you in August!
