Therefore,
Mont-blanc: how utmb fights its:
The meeting of the trail –
How does the UTMB fight the frenzy he created in Mont-Blanc? – Mont-blanc: how utmb fights its
The UTMB group has announced several measures to encourage traileurs to be more green. In addition, And this, because Chamonix has grown too much.
Like Ludovic Pommeret, thousands of runners embark on the layout of the legendary UTMB each year.
AFP
- The UTMB attracts thousands of runners from around the world around Mont-Blanc each year.
- Transport represents 88% of the finals carbon footprint in 2024.
- The organizers mont-blanc: how utmb fights its will promote participants using ecological means of transport.
- The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint by 20% by 2030.
Who can really boast of having experienced great moments of trail running without. Furthermore, having experienced the finals of the Mont-Blanc (UTMB)? Similarly, Each year, the event brings together some of the biggest names in sport in its 174 km formats at 15 kilometers.
All the races are full. Moreover, and a draw system has been in place for years for participation in the legendary UTMB. In addition, The demand is five times higher than the number of sesames available in Chamonix.
The route around the highest peak in Western Europe forms a loop. However, The arrival brings back to the start. Meanwhile, The runners love it, and they flock mont-blanc: how utmb fights its from the whole world to be able to experience it. Meanwhile, The organizers also find their account there. However, like the layout, their darling race has everything of a snake that bites its tail.
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Because bucolic trails. For example, alpine landscapes that depict nature in its gross form are trampled on by thousands of people. However, Which come to Chamonix by plane, boat, car or public transport.
In 2024, transport weighed for 88% of the carbon footprint of the Hoka Utmb Mont-Blanc finals. However, Some would say that it is mont-blanc: how utmb fights its a lot. In addition, The organizers believe that it is too much. Therefore, They promise to reduce this figure further and have measures to encourage runners to reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, From 2026, those who favor sustainable transport increased their chances of being drawn by 30%.
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Mont-blanc: how utmb fights its
The Trail Running train is struggling to enter the station
In the idea. the measure has meaning. “We have always been in situations where we have more requests than available places. ” admits Fabrice Perrin, sport director and sustainability of UTmb Group. It was clear mont-blanc: how utmb fights its that we had to take a CAP, and offer incentives for more sustainable journeys. ”
As Swiss Olympic did. the trail racing organizer has developed a tool that allows you to Calculate your carbon footprint From one point A to a point B. A runner from the United States should choose a direct New York-Genève. then finish his train trip to be a model student. The cheaper ticket first sending him to Amsterdam. then to Zurich and Geneva probably does not appear among the ecological solutions.
Negotiations with railway companies continue to prevent the broken prices from the plane from winning over those, expensive, trains. “The price of the ticket is divided by ten with the TGV Lyria. but that only affects travelers starting from – or passing by – Paris”, concedes the gentleman of the UTMB mont-blanc: how utmb fights its Group. For others, you have to choose between lasting logistical complexity or a simplicity of polluting travel.
Train logistics is not suitable
“This is a frustrating point. Many runners. runners would like to come without a car but, in practice, the offer is rarely there, “denounces Vanessa Rueber, member of the Protect Our Winters Switzerland Committee.
It evokes the schedules, which are not always adapted to the departures and the arrivals of the racing. It mainly points to the lack of strong incentive. “Very few events incorporate a train or bus ticket in the registration price, when it would be a concrete lever.”
The cost of certain journeys sometimes exceeds that of the bib. This “free” trains or buses through a sporting event is not achieved. mont-blanc: how utmb fights its It is not for nothing that the organizers of theEuro 2025 welcomed himself with having included public transport. from home to stadium during the tournament.
Several racing organizers hit it and have even launched a circuit named Le Trail by Train Tour. Several tests, including the Lavaux XTRATRAIL or the Swiss Canyon Trailplay their proximity to a station to attract participants.
Chamonix, rich land or wealthy land?
And you have to accommodate around Chamonix at a time when demand reaches peaks. Added to this are the bib costs, equipment or power. A runner from a poor country may have the legs. but does he have the kidneys solid enough to be durable?
This is the concern of Hillary Gerardi. athlete and member of the Pro Trail Runners mont-blanc: how utmb fights its Association, present at the online press conference of UTMB Group. “It is not fair to penalize the runners who come from afar. especially if they belong to populations which contribute very little to pollution.”
His criticism is heard. It is also shared by many trail specialists. The organizers of these races were expected, and there is no question for them to penalize anyone.
“We want to encourage everyone to make efforts. adopt new reflexes, no matter where they come from,” says Fabrice Perrin. Understanding: the important thing is the trip, not the destination.
UTMB multiplies the measures
Criticized for its partnership with the car manufacturer Dacia. conspired for its environmental impact, attacked for the surourism generated in Chamonix, the meeting of Trail Running regularly feeds the debates.
Even Kilian Jornetone of the race legends, had criticized the organization and started a boycott. He demanded measures and real sustainability policy. This is announced. Is it enough?
The ambitious objective is to reduce the carbon footprint of Hoka Utmb Mont-Blanc by 20% by 2030. The 18,600 tonnes of CO2 issued should decrease, but nothing guarantees that this is enough to satisfy detractors.
Besides, is it only possible to do just? “Honestly, I don’t think so,” admits Fabrice Perrin. There is no unique or ideal solution. What matters above all is that everyone is trying to do something. ”
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The runners are spoiled for choice. Grand mass of the Running Trail in Chamonix. mythical race in Colorado; Local race 2 kilometers from their home: to them to know who they will turn to buy a bib, and how the ecological argument will guide their steps.
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