*Vert.run was the Official Online Coaching for the 2023 and 2024 UTMB Mont Blanc–so we know our stuff!*
UTMB week in Chamonix is the Super Bowl of trail running.
If your 2026 bucket list says “OCC/CCC/UTMB,” this guide breaks down exactly how to get there—without the myths and guesswork.
Quick context: the three UTMB World Series Finals that use a lottery are OCC (50K category), CCC (100K), and UTMB (100M).
*MCC and ETC update for 2026: both races will move to a lottery system. Neither requires Running Stones or a valid UTMB Index. Heads up: MCC remains restricted to local residents of the host communes.
TL;DR — How entry works for 2026
To enter the 2026 OCC/CCC/UTMB lottery you need:
Running Stones
• At least 1 Running Stone earned in the 24 months before the lottery closes (stones are cumulative and don’t expire, but they go inactive if you haven’t earned one in the last two years—earning a new stone reactivates your full balance).A valid UTMB Index in the right distance category
• Valid = you finished at least one UTMB World Series or UTMB Index race in that category in the previous 24 months. (Once you have one valid result in that category, UTMB uses up to the last 36 months of results to calculate your Index.)
2026 Key Dates
Pre-registration opens: January 8, 2026 – 11:00 a.m. (CET)
Pre-registration closes: January 19, 2026 – 11:59 p.m. (CET)
Draw date: January 19, 2026 (only runners admitted to this draw will participate)
Draw results announced: January 22, 2026
Deadline to confirm registration & pay: February 4, 2026
(If you don’t confirm by then, your pre-registration will be cancelled and you’ll lose half your Running Stones.)
Waiting list updates: February 5, 2026 (runners contacted if spots open).
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Running Stones, explained (and how to collect them fast)
What they are: Stones = lottery tickets.
More Stones = more chances in the draw.
How to earn them: Finish UTMB World Series races (not just any race).
• World Series Events: 20K=1, 50K=2, 100K=3, 100M=4 Stones
• World Series Majors: double Stones → 20K=2, 50K=4, 100K=6, 100M=8
Expiry/activation rule (important):
• Stones never expire from your account, but if you don’t earn at least one new Stone in the last 24 months, your Stones go inactive for the lottery until you earn one again.
Reset rule: When you complete registration for a Finals race (via draw, direct, or charity), your Stones reset to zero. Plan accordingly.
Pro tip: If you want a low-impact way to “refresh” Stones, finishing a short category race at a World Series event (even ETC 15 km = 1 Stone) keeps your full balance active for the lottery.
UTMB Index, explained (and what counts for each race)
What it is: A performance metric by distance category (20K, 50K, 100K, 100M) used for safety/access and to validate lottery eligibility. You get/refresh it by finishing a UTMB World Series race or a listed UTMB Index race (formerly “qualifiers”).
Validity:
• Must have at least one finish in the last 24 months in the relevant category (UTMB then uses up to 36 months of results to compute the Index).
Which Index works for which Final?
• OCC (50K Final): valid Index in 20K, 50K, 100K, or 100M
• CCC (100K Final): valid Index in 50K, 100K, or 100M
• UTMB (100M Final): valid Index in 100K or 100M
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Direct (non-lottery) ways to get in
If you don’t want to rely purely on the draw, there are several performance and non-performance paths:
1) Performance slots at UTMB World Series races
• Top 3 overall (M/F) at World Series Events in 50K/100K/100M → direct slot for next year’s Final in that category.
• Top 10 overall (M/F) at World Series Majors → direct slot.
• Hit the UTMB Score auto-qualifier (men: 830/800/760 for 50K/100K/100M; women: 680/660/600).
2) Age-group slots at Majors
• Each Major allocates ~225 direct spots across categories, including age-group qualifications (equally split M/F).
3) Charity bibs (aka solidarity/UTMB Cares)
• Donate to an approved charity to bypass the lottery (limited supply; still need 1 Stone + valid Index). In 2025 the minimum donation was €2,200.
Note: Partners/charity/volunteer entries still require at least 1 valid Stone at registration; Stones reset to zero upon registering.
The likely timeline for the 2026 cycle
- Sep–Nov 2025: Plan your race calendar. If your Stones would go inactive, aim to earn at least 1 Running Stoneand keep your UTMB Index current. (Stones are valid for 24 months.)
- Jan 8–19, 2026 (CET): Pre-registration window for UTMB/CCC/OCC Finals. Eligibility: ≥1 Running Stone (earned in the past 24 months) + a valid UTMB Index.
- Jan 22, 2026: Lottery results published. If selected, you have until Feb 4, 2026 to pay and confirm; waiting-listnotifications begin Feb 5.
2026 update: MCC and ETC will also use a lottery. No Running Stones or UTMB Index required. MCC remains limited to local residents of the host communes.
Other key details often missed
🩺 Medical certificate change: No more doctor’s note. France now uses the PPS (Health Prevention Pathway) — you’ll need to generate a PPS code about 3 months before race day and add it to your MyUTMB account.
🎲 TDS/MCC/ETC registration rules:
• TDS → still first-come, first-served and requires a valid UTMB Index (100K/100M).
• MCC & ETC → now through a lottery; no Running Stones or UTMB Index required.
💸 Refunds/deferrals: No bib transfers or deferrals. Optional cancellation insurance is available. If you cancel, your Running Stones used for the lottery may be reimbursed depending on insurance and timing (check UTMB’s official Q&A for details).
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How many Stones should I have for OCC, CCC, and UTMB?
UTMB doesn’t publish per-Stone odds. It’s a weighted lottery where each Running Stone = one entry, so more Stones simply means a higher chance. You also need at least 1 Stone earned in the last 24 months to enter the draw and a valid UTMB Index in the right distance category.
Planning targets (not guarantees):
OCC (50K Final): aim for 5–7 Stones.
CCC (100K Final): aim for 6–8 Stones.
UTMB (100M Final): aim for 8–12 Stones.
These bands put you in a competitive range without over-racing. Fastest way to get there: finish a UTMB World Series Major (Stones are doubled at Majors) and top up with a shorter category race if needed. Remember: Stones never expire but go inactive for the lottery if you don’t earn ≥1 new Stone within 24 months; earning one reactivates your full balance. If you register after being selected, your Stones reset to zero.
Bottom line: more Stones = more tickets, but no magic number guarantees selection. Use the ranges above to plan a sane race calendar while keeping your Index current.
Smart strategies (without over-racing)
Bank Stones efficiently: Use a Major (double Stones) and a short-course finisher later in the year to keep Stones active without huge load.
Lock your Index early: For OCC, a 20K Index qualifies; for CCC/UTMB, plan a 50K/100K finish (or 100K/100M for UTMB) in the 12–18 months before pre-reg.
Chase a performance slot (if realistic): Target Events (top 3) or Majors (top 10) that suit your strengths; know the UTMB Score thresholds.
Have a back-up: If the draw doesn’t go your way, consider a charity bib (budget-dependent) or pivot to TDS/MCC/ETC to experience UTMB week now and build Stones/Index for the next cycle.
FAQs
- Do Running Stones expire after two years?
No. They don’t expire, but they go inactive if you haven’t earned at least 1 in the last 24 months. Earn a new Stone and your entire balance reactivates.
- If I’m selected, do I lose my Stones?
Yes—registering for a Finals race zeros out all Stones.
- Can an OCC hopeful use a 20K Index?
Yes. OCC accepts a valid Index in 20K/50K/100K/100M.
- What’s the quickest way to collect more Stones
Finish a Major (double Stones). E.g., a 100K Major = 6 Stones.
- Are there guaranteed performance paths?
Yes: Top 3 at Events, Top 10 at Majors, or meet UTMB Score thresholds (men 830/800/760; women 680/660/600) in a World Series race for next year’s Final
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