The UTMB® CCC® – An Iconic 100K Alpine Trail Race from Courmayeur to Champex to Chamonix
- Location: Italy, Switzerland, France
- Distance: 62.7 miles (101 km)
- Elevation gain: 19,849 ft D+ (6,050 m)
- Event type: Mountain ultra-trail race
- Part of / race series: UTMB® World Series
- Date: Late August (UTMB® World Series Finals)
- Participants: ~2,000 runners
What is the UTMB® CCC®?
The UTMB® CCC® is an alpine ultra-trail race that crosses three countries around the Mont-Blanc massif, starting in Courmayeur, Italy, passing through Champex-Lac in Switzerland, and finishing in Chamonix, France. With just under 20,000 feet of elevation gain, the CCC® tests athletes’ ability to endure long climbs, control descents, and pace themselves for 10 to 26 hours, requiring equal parts physical endurance and mental strength on the trails.
The 2026 UTMB® World Finals, which include the CCC®, are scheduled for August 24th-30th, with the CCC® 100K trail running final taking place on the 28th.
How does CCC® fit into the UTMB® World Series?
The UTMB® World Series Finals involve multiple races of varying distances, all centered around Chamonix and the Mont-Blanc massif.
The key races of the UTMB® World Series Finals are:
- UTMB® Mont-Blanc (100M category final): 108 miles, 32,480 ft D+ (full loop around Mont-Blanc)
- CCC® (100K category final): 62.7 miles, 19,849 ft D+ (Courmayeur to Chamonix)
- OCC (50K category final): 35.4 miles, 11,482 D+ (Orsières to Chamonix)
Within the World Series Finals of the UTMB®, the CCC® provides a mid-range ultra-trail race option for runners looking for a more manageable challenge than the 100M category or stepping up from shorter 50K distances.
The UTMB® CCC® Route: Courmayeur to Chamonix
The UTMB® CCC® course traces a counter-clockwise half loop to the north of the Mont-Blanc massif.
- The UTMB® CCC® has a start time of 9 a.m., departing from Courmayeur, at approximately 4,000 feet.
- An early climb toward Tête de la Tronche brings runners to one of the race’s highest points at 8,336 feet.
- A brief descent and climb to Grand Col Ferret takes runners into Switzerland.
- After a steady decline over 11.2 miles, the Champex-Lac halfway point provides an aid station and warm meal.
- Several shorter climbs in the second half, including a steep ascent to Bovine, challenge endurance.
- From Vallorcine to Chamonix, runners experience rolling terrain and moderate elevation, including the final ascent to La Flégère.
In terms of pacing strategy for trail running, the initial ascent, with its 4,000 ft of vertical gain, requires effort conservation to avoid early fatigue. Throughout the course, terrain alternates between rocky alpine trails, forest singletrack, and runnable valley sections, forcing continuous adjustments in cadence, though the final descent to Chamonix allows runners to push through for a faster finish.
The UTMB® CCC® race: a unique event within an established series
The UTMB® CCC®’s inclusion in the UTMB® World Series Finals helps it attract an international field of dedicated trail runners. The CCC® features a three-nation format, spanning the Italian Val Veny, Swiss alpine pastures, and the resort town of Chamonix, allowing participants from all over the world to experience three distinct mountain environments within a single race.
The established infrastructure of the UTMB® World Series Finals also allows runners to focus on effort management over logistics. They can count on seven aid stations, all of which provide food and water. Select aid stations also offer medical attention, a rest area, or a warm meal.
Most of the UTMB® CCC®’s elevation gain comes within the first third of the race. Early climbs demand restraint, but later runnable sections reward efficiency for a faster second half, even as fatigue sets in.
Photo credit: Marz Merwe
UTMB® CCC® qualification and lottery
Elite runners can qualify for the UTMB® World Series Finals races by finishing among the top 3-10 runners in certain qualifying races or with a UTMB® index above a set benchmark. For the 2026 UTMB® CCC®, the required index was 660 for women and 800 for men.
Other runners may enter a lottery using Running Stones and a valid UTMB® index. Running Stones are gained by finishing any one of more than 50 eligible UTMB® World Series events. These stones provide access to the lottery system, with more stones resulting in a higher number of entries. Pre-registration and the drawing usually take place early in the year.
Running the ultra-trail Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix
Those interested in participating should consider how they need to train and gear up for the UTMB® CCC® distance.
Training
Running the CCC® requires trail run training that combines vertical gain accumulation, downhill conditioning, and long-duration efforts between 6 and 12 hours. Even those accustomed to typical trail running will need to increase training load prior to an ultra-trail event. Climbs can last hours, technical descents often exceed 3,000 feet, and runners may be on the course for as many as 30 hours. That also means significant time is spent running in the dark, so be aware of how to stay safe on the trails at night.
Gear
Perhaps most essential when it comes to gearing up for trail running is a good pair of trail running shoes. Consider factors like tread, cushioning, and stability when choosing the right trail running shoes to maximise comfort and performance.
Certain items of trail running clothing (like a hooded outer layer for bad weather) and trail running accessories (such as a hydration flask, hat, and gloves) are listed as mandatory gear for the UTMB® CCC®. All participants must also carry several items for safety, including a phone, survival blanket, and whistle.
The CCC® within the UTMB® World Series
Despite its moniker as “the little sister of the UTMB®,” the CCC® is its own race, presenting unique challenges.
What does CCC® stand for in trail running?
CCC® stands for Courmayeur–Champex–Chamonix, referencing the three key locations along the route. Both the CCC® and UTMB® Mont-Blanc, sharing much of the same course, are part of the UTMB® World Series Finals in the 100K and 100M categories respectively.
How much elevation gain features in the CCC®?
The course involves 19,849 feet of positive elevation gain, with major climbs such as Tête de la Tronche and Grand Col Ferret contributing significant vertical load early in the race, unlike its 100M counterpart, which has more elevation gain in the middle.
How is CCC® different from the UTMB® Mont-Blanc?
The CCC® is a partial loop to the UTMB®’s full loop of the Mont-Blanc Massif. Both races finish in Chamonix, though the CCC® starts in Courmayeur. The CCC® includes approximately 60% of the distance and elevation gain of its “big sister.”
The Courmayeur–Champex–Chamonix ultra-trail: a little sister with a big reputation
The CCC® is one of the world’s most famous 100K alpine trail races, traversing three countries and varied terrain on and around the Mont-Blanc massif. It sits in the middle of the UTMB® World Series Finals in terms of both distance and elevation, but its long, early climb and final, fast-paced descent into Chamonix have earned it a reputation among international athletes as a challenging alpine race that rewards early restraint with a strong finish.
Looking for world-class events across winter and mountain sports? Discover other races below: