To participate in a UTMB event, in particular it is essential:
To be completely aware of the length and difficulty of the event and to be adequately prepared for it.
To have acquired, before to the race, a real understanding of personal autonomy in the mountains/terrain allowing for the management of potential problems encountered during this type of event, notably:
Ability to confront, without outside assistance, changing climatic conditions which could be very difficult to deal with at altitude (night, wind, cold, fog, rain or snow).
Ability to manage, including when one is isolated, physical or mental problems arising from a heavy fatigue, digestive problems, muscle or articular/joint pains, small wounds, etc...
Aware that the organization’s role is not to help a runner manage these problems.
Aware that for such an activity in the mountains, safety depends upon the runner's ability to adapt to the problems encountered or foreseen.
To inform and educate the runner’s supporters towards the respect of nature, people, and the regulations of the race.
Participants are expected to demonstrate the principles of semi-autonomy/self-sufficiency. They should be prepared to carry their own fluids, food, and gear (including inclement weather gear) between aid stations. Participants should also be prepared, within the course safety guidelines, to handle adverse or changing conditions. This self-sufficiency principle implies the following rules:
Throughout the duration of the race each runner must have with them all their mandatory equipment. This equipment will be carried in a pack (backpack or belt) and cannot be changed along the race route. At any moment of the race, the race stewards/marshals can verify the pack and its contents. The runner is obligated to comply with these gear checks. Any non-compliant runner is at the risk of disqualification from the race.
The aid stations provide drinks and food to be consumed on site. The race organizer only provides still water and/or sports/electrolyte drink for filling water bottles or hydration packs. The runner should take care to ensure they have, when leaving each aid station, the appropriate quantity of drink and food to keep them going until the following aid station.
For races of the 100M, 100K and 50K, a personal assistant is allowed at certain aid stations (*), in the area specifically reserved for this use and at the discretion of the team leader. Only one person is allowed to provide assistance, which only includes providing the runner a bag with a maximum volume of 30 liters. Medical assistance given by a member of the runner’s crew, is strictly forbidden, only small cares are allowed like massage and treating a blister as long as the runner remain seated on a chair and does have to lie. The rest of the aid station is strictly reserved for the runners.
It is forbidden to accompany or be accompanied along any part the race route by a person not registered for the race, outside of the spectator run zones which are clearly marked in the proximity of the aid stations. A participant who accepts being accompanied outside of the designated zones violates the principle of self-sufficiency. The assistance zone begins 500m before and ends 500m after the aid station, and there is only one assistant allowed per runner. The race stewards/marshals or team leaders, witnessing this violation, are authorized to penalize the participant in order to enforce the rules. Runners are not allowed to participate with a dog or any other animal, including service animals.
The list of places where assistance is tolerated is available on the website race pages.
In order to ensure their safety, each participant must carry with them all the items listed in the mandatory equipment checklist and must carry all the equipment with them during the duration of the race even if the runner is not using it.
Organized and/or random equipment checks will be carried out during the race. A penalty up to and including disqualification will be applied to runners who do not have all the mandatory equipment with them.
Please note: the items included in the mandatory equipment checklist are the basic pieces of equipment each runner must carry with them. It is important not to choose the lightest possible clothing. Instead runners should pack clothing that provides adequate protection in the mountains/course terrain against bad weather conditions, including cold, wind, heavy precipitation and snow and will be a better protection and allow better performances.
It is important to pack all this equipment in a way that preserves it from rain/snow and keeps it dry when it needs to be used (for example, using waterproof plastic bags).
List of mandatory equipment is available on the website race pages.
All clothing items must fit the runner - in terms of size - and they must not be altered in any way after leaving the factory. The mandatory gear must be carried in a running pack or belt for the duration of the whole race and must not be changed during the race.
In order to reduce plastic waste, no disposable dishes (cutlery, cups, bowls) will be distributed at any check point or aid station. We invite you to Bring Your Own Utensils (BYOU) if you wish to eat hot meals at the aid stations.
If runners choose to take hiking poles with them, they must carry them for the entire duration of the race. It is forbidden to start without poles and get them during the course of the race. No poles are authorized in the spare bags. The use of poles may be prohibited in certain areas marked by specific signs along the course, for safety or environmental reasons.
If you have further questions about mandatory equipment, do not hesitate to consult the organization.
Music: Listening to music using earphones only, is tolerated, so long as it is safe to do so. Any earphones MUST be removed when crossing any roads, as well as on approach to, and whist at, any checkpoints and when approaching and passing any Safety Team members.
Race-bibs are handed over to each runner upon presentation of a valid ID with photo.
The race-bib must be worn on the front of torso at all times and must remain completely visible during the entire race. It must always be placed on top of all clothing and must not be positioned on a leg or on the pack. The runner’s name and partner's logos must not be altered or hidden. The bib is the pass to access the organization transportation, aid stations, medical points, rest rooms, showers, bag drop-off or pick-up areas. The bib is only withdrawn if the runner refuses to comply with the race director’s instruction. If the runner withdraws from the race, the race bib will be cut.
At the race-pack collection, each participant receives at least a 30-liter bag. After filling the bag with the items of their choice and closing them, runners can drop them off at the dedicated event area.
For logistics reasons, UTMB World series events only accept the UTMB World series spare bags that are distributed during the check-In. Those bags are reusable, so we ask the runners who already have received one of those bags to reuse it each time they take part in a UTMB World Series event.
How to get your bags at the finish area?
The bags are returned to either the runner or a family member or friend, only upon presentation of the race-bib. The bags must be retrieved no later than 2 hours after the end of the race.
For any runner that drops out of the race, the organization will take the bags to the finish area, as long as the runner’s withdrawal is registered with the race organizer. Because of logistical factors, the organization cannot guarantee that all bags are brought before the end of the race.
Only bags supplied by the organization will be transported. Poles are not allowed in these bags. As the items in the bags are neither checked nor controlled, the race organizer is not responsible for the items in the bags. We recommend not to put any valuable items in the bags. We advise runners to keep toiletries and spare clothes at their accommodation.
See drop bags location on the website race pages.
When registering for one of the UTMB® events, participants agree to respect the environment and the natural areas they pass through. In particular:
Littering is strictly forbidden (gel tubes, paper, organic detritus, plastic wrappers,...). Trash/rubbish bins are available at each aid-station and they must be used. The race stewards will be checking all along the race route.
All participants must keep their rubbish and wrappers with them until they can throw them in the bins at an aid station. Runners should carry a bag or pouch to carry their waste to the next bin. Plastic bags for soiled paper are handed out with the race-bibs. They must be used for collecting any paper used during any urgent need along the route.
All runners must follow the paths as they are way-marked, without short-cutting them. Actually, short cutting a path causes erosion thus damaging the site.
No disposable dishes (cutlery, cups, bowls) will be distributed at any check point or aid station. This is to reduce plastic waste by runners, as well as by the volunteers of the UTMB®. We invite you to bring your own utensils if you wish to eat hot meals at the aid stations.
Along the race route, there are points where runners are provided food and drinks. Aid stations supply drinks and food for consuming within the aid stations. The organization supplies still water and electrolyte/sports drink for filling the mandatory water bottles/hydration packs and personal collapsible cups. The runner must make sure, when leaving the aid station, that they have the necessary quantity of food and drinks to keep them going until the next aid station.
To enter the aid stations, runners must wear their race-bib.
The race guide and the relevant pages on our website provide full list of aid stations and what kind of food/drinks runners may find there.
Runners are checked upon arrival at an aid station and at some security points along the course. Unexpected check points are set up along the route. Their location will not be publicized.
Way markers are made of a reflective material that catches the light from the runner’s headlamp, so that they are easily visible at night.
WARNING: if you can't see any way markers, turn back!
Because we respect the environment, we do not use any paint on the trails.
There are several medical stations along the route. These stations are directly linked to the command center. There is medical staff at the command center or on the course during the events. Medical stations are intended to assist any runner in need of medical assistance. It is up to a runner in need of assistance or injured to call for help:
By going to a medical station
By calling the command center (phone number should be saved in mobile/cellphone)
By asking another runner to call for help
By using the SOS function on the LiveTrail app (if applicable)
Runners must provide assistance to any person in danger and alert the command center.
If a runner is unable to call the command center, and only if it is an absolute emergency, runners may call directly one of the national security services (especially if you are crossing an area where only emergency calls are possible): local emergency number will be specify on the race guide.
A number of unexpected events, including inclement weather events, could make you wait for help longer than expected. Your safety therefore depends upon the quality of the items that you have put in your pack.
All medical, paramedical, first aid and guide staff, as well as any person appointed by the race direction are able to:
Remove any participant who is deemed unable to continue the event.
Demand any competitor to use any item of the mandatory equipment.
Evacuate any runners deemed to be in danger.
Refer runners to the most appropriate care facility.
A runner who is treated by a doctor or reached by the search and rescue staff will defer to the professional’s authority and agrees to accept their decisions. If a runner's state of health justifies treatment via intravenous drip, the runner shall compulsorily withdraw from the race.
There is a medical center at the finish area available for runners with severe medical problems. Comfort care is based on the decision of the medical staff within the limits of care available.
Runners must stay on the marked path, even when they sleep.
All runners who voluntarily venture from the way-marked course are no longer under the responsibility of the organization.
You may find the time limit (cut-off times) for leaving the main aid stations on the event web site and in the Runner's Guide. In case of any changes, the new cut-off times will be announced via SMS/text message.
When start is organized in several waves, the maximum authorized time and time barriers are calculated taking into account the departure time of the runners from the LAST wave.
Cut-off times are calculated to allow participants to reach the finish within the time limit. In order to be authorized to continue a race, all participants must leave the check point/aid station before the cut-off time (whatever their time of arrival at the check point).
All runners who drop out, are stopped by the organization, or are behind official time barriers are not allowed to continue the race. Their bib will be cut and they will be transported back to the event area by the organization transportation.
Time limit and cut off times are specified on the website race pages.
Except in case of injury, a runner wishing to withdraw the race must do so only at a check point. They must inform the person responsible for the point or report their withdrawal via the LiveRun app (if applicable) and inform the command center.
If a runner wishes to withdraw while on the route between two checkpoints, he/she must reach the nearest checkpoint where he/she must report their withdrawal.
Runners who withdraw must keep their race bib because it is the pass to access organization transport, meals, treatment rooms, ...
Repatriation works as follows:
Vehicules are available at some aid stations to take runners who drop out back to finish line.
Runners who drop out at any other aid station or check point but whose state of health does not require them to be evacuated must return as quickly as possible and by their own means to the nearest point of repatriation.
For aid stations or security points accessible by car or 4x4:
After the closing of the aid station/security points, the organization might repatriate any runners who have abandoned and haven't left the aid station yet.
In the event of bad weather conditions justifying the partial or total stop of the race, the organization will make sure that all runners are transported as soon as possible.
During the race, runners will have some rest areas in some aid stations, with camp beds and blankets. Runners having finished their race and wishing to prolong their stay, must have their own accomodation.
All the post race services are listed on the website race pages.
For each race, there is an overall ranking - men and women - and an age category ranking - men and women - (see below further details for each category).
UTMB® World Series Events The first five men and the first five women in the general ranking, as well as the first runner man and woman in each category receive a trophy.
UTMB® World Series Finals The first ten men and the first ten women in the general ranking, as well as the first runner man and woman in each category receive a trophy.
Awards and trophies are only distributed at the prize giving ceremony. It's mandatory to be present in order to receive them.
Results for all participants are available at www.utmbworld.com.
| Age categories |
|---|
| 16-17 |
| 18-19 |
| 20-34 |
| 35-39 |
| 40-44 |
| 45-49 |
| 50-54 |
| 55-59 |
| 60-64 |
| 65-69 |
| 70-74 |
| 75-79 |
| 80-84 |
| 85+ |
If a runner breaks the rules, race directors, Marshalls and aid stations’/security points’ team leaders can instantly apply (*) a penalty according to the following chart:
100K and 100M races
| BREACH OF REGULATION | PENALTIES (*) – DISQUALIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Short-cutting the route | At the race director's discretion |
| Missing safety item(s) of the mandatory equipment checklist (no minimum water supply, no waterproof jacket with hood, no torch, no survival blanket, no smartphone) | Disqualification |
| Absence of other mandatory equipment items (only 1 torch lamp + list on the event website) | 1 hour penalty during which the runner is encouraged to get the missing equipment |
| Refusal to have mandatory equipment checked | Disqualification |
| Smartphone turned off or in airplane mode | 15 minute penalty |
| Discarding of rubbish/trash or non use of the organisation toilets (voluntary act) by a competitor or a member of their entourage | 1 hour penalty |
| Lack of respect for others (organization or runners) NB: a participant whose supporters are rude and/or refuse to respect the organization’s instructions will be penalized | Disqualification |
| Not assisting a person in need (in need of care) | Disqualification |
| Assistance outside of authorized zones | 1 hour penalty |
| Being accompanied along the route outside the clearly defined zones of tolerance in the vicinity of an aid station | 15 minute penalty |
| Cheating (e.g., use of a means of transport, sharing a race-bib, …) | Immediate disqualification for life |
| Lack of visible race-bib | 15 minutes penalty |
| Wearing a non-conforming race-bib | 15 minute penalty during which time the runner places their race-bib in a manner which conforms to the rules |
| Dangerous behavior (e.g.: poles with unprotected points orientated towards runners or spectators) | 15 minutes penalty |
| No timing chip | According to the race directors' decision |
| No passage through a check point | According to the race directors' decision |
| Refusal to comply with an order from the race directors, race stewards/marshals, aid station’s team leader, doctors or search and rescue staff | Disqualification |
| Refusal of anti-doping control | The runner will be sanctioned in the same manner as they would be for drug taking |
| Departure from a check point after the time barrier | Disqualification |
| Use of poles not carried from the beginning of the race | 1 hour penalty |
20K and 50K races
| BREACH OF REGULATION | PENALTIES (*) – DISQUALIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Short-cutting the route | At the race director's discretion |
| Missing safety item(s) of the mandatory equipment checklist: no minimum water supply, no waterproof jacket with hood (if requiered), no torch (if requiered), no survival blanket (if requiered), no smartphone | Immediate disqualification |
| Absence of other mandatory equipment items (race leggings or long trousers, only one torch light, cap or bandana, hat, warm and waterproof gloves, long-sleeved top, waterproof over-trousers, whistle, self-adhesive elasticated bandage, food reserve, collapsible cup) | 30 minute penalty during which the runner is encouraged to get the missing equipment |
| Refusal to have mandatory equipment checked | Disqualification |
| Smartphone turned off or in airplane mode | 15 minute penalty |
| Discarding of rubbish/trash or non use of the organisation toilets (voluntary act) by a competitor or a member of their entourage | 30 minute penalty |
| Lack of respect for others (organization or runners) NB: a participant whose supporters are rude and/or refuse to respect the organization's instructions will be penalized | Disqualification |
| Not assisting a person in need (in need of care) | Disqualification |
| Assistance outside of authorized zones | 30 minute penalty |
| Being accompanied along the route outside the clearly defined zones of tolerance in the vicinity of an aid station | 10 minute penalty |
| Cheating (e.g.: use of a means of transport, sharing a race-bib, …) | Immediate disqualification for life |
| Lack of visible race-bib | 10 minute penalty |
| Wearing a non-conforming race-bib | 10 minute penalty during which time the runner places their race-bib in a manner which conforms to the rules |
| Dangerous behavior (e.g.: poles with unprotected points orientated towards runners or spectators) | 10 minute penalty |
| No timing chip | According to the race directors' decision |
| No passage through a check point | According to the race directors' decision |
| Refusal to comply with an order from the race directors, race stewards, aid station’s team leader, doctors or search and rescue staff | Disqualification |
| Refusal of anti-doping control | The runner will be sanctioned in the same manner as they would be for drug taking |
| Departure from a check point after the time barrier | Disqualification |
| Use of poles not carried from the beginning of the race | 30 minute penalty |
(*) The time penalties are immediately applicable on the spot, meaning the runner must “stand down” for the duration of the penalty time. The runner’s time will not be stopped while the penalty is being served . If a breach of regulation is discovered after the race, the Race Director can also decide to apply a penalty on the finish time of the runner. Any other breach of the rules will be subject to a penalty decided by the Race Directors. In case of a disqualification, the runner is not entitled to get refunded of the entry fee.
Any complaint regarding the rankings must be submitted to the organization by email within two hours after the runner's arrival. Any other complaint must be submitted to the organization by email within 10 days after the end of the event.
If necessary, the organization reserves the right to modify at any time the routes, starting times, cut-off times, the position of aid stations and medical stations, and any other aspect related to the smooth running of the events.
In case of force majeure, bad weather conditions or any other circumstance endangering the participants' safety, the organization reserves the right to:
Postpone the start of the race
Modify the cut-off times
Change the start date
Adapt the race’s course
Cancel the race
Stop temporarily the race
Stop the race in progress
Every competitor expressly foregoes the right for any images during the event, just as they renounce any right of appeal to the organizers and their partners for the use of their image. Only the organization can transfer this right for images to any media, via an accreditation or relevant license. Ultra-Trail®, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®, UTMB®, CCC®, TDS® and PTL® are legally registered trademarks. All communication about the event or the use of images from the event must respect the name of the event, the registered trademarks and have official approval from the organization.
Runners who are sponsored or otherwise using the branding of third-parties for promotional purposes, shall only use such third-party branding on their clothing and equipment during the competition. All other items, including but not limited to flags, banners or posters, are not allowed to be used, carried or worn along the race route, including at the finish line. Violations against this provision might lead to a penalty as decided in the sole discretion of the respective race directors.
Any proclamation, display or exhibition of political or religious messages or related images during the Event is prohibited.
The Associació Esportiva TRAIL RUNNERS ARAN organises the sporting event "Val d'Aran by UTMB®" with the technical and operational assistance of the group UTMB IBERIA S.L. and with the support of the Conselh Generau d'Aran and the town councils of the area. The event takes place from 3rd to 7th July 2024.
Val d’Aran by UTMB® is an event which includes several races in the middle of nature, winding through the great hiking routes of Val d’Aran region. Each race takes place in one single stage, at an undefined pace, and within a time limit.
100M CATEGORY
VDA (Torn dera Val d’Aran): Circular race of around 163 km with around 10,000 metres of elevation gain, starting from Vielha, in semi-autonomy, and in 48 hours maximum.
100K CATEGORY
CDH (Camins d’Hèr): Approximately 110 km with 6,400 metres of elevation gain, starting from Les, in semi-autonomy, and in 28 hours maximum.
50K CATEGORY
PDA (Peades d’Aigua): Around 55 km with an elevation gain of 3,300 metres, starting from Salardú, in semi-autonomy, and in 14 hours maximum.
EXP (Experiéncia d’Aran): Around 32 km with about 2,100 metres of elevation gain, starting from Vielha, in semi-autonomy and in 7 hours and 15 minutes maximum.
20K CATEGORY
SKY BAQUEIRA BERET: Around 15 km with about 850 metres of elevation gain, a circular race around Pla de Beret, in semi-autonomy and in 4 hours maximum. Two categories. SKY Promesas, open to runners aged between 16 and 19. SKY Master, open to runners aged 20 and over.
Any participant could be subject to an anti-doping control before, during or after the event. In the case of refusal or abstention, the athlete will be sanctioned as if they were found guilty of doping.
The organization will award cash prizes to the three best ranked in the general category, women´s and men´, in the VDA, CDH and PDA. Prizes are considered an income by the State. Athletes domiciled in Spain must include it in their income tax return. For all runners, the Spanish Government realizes a % retention (according to current legislation) before the amount is paid by the organisation.
| Ranking | Prize H/M |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2,000€ |
| 2 | 1,000€ |
| 3 | 600€ |
Awards and trophies are only distributed at the prize giving ceremony. It's mandatory to be present in order to receive them.
Each competitor must, obligatorily, be in possession of a personal accident insurance that covers the cost of search and rescue and evacuation in the mountains of Spain and France, up to 3.000 m altitude. It must also cover hospitalization expenses. The insurance must cover the practice of trail running and participation in long distance races in the mountains. The insurance can be subscribed from any organization, federation, or insurance company, at the participant's choice, as long as it complies WITH THE REQUIREMENTS INDICATED ABOVE. Verify with your insurance company or federation that your insurance meets the requirements. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RUNNER TO HAVE THE APPROPRIATE INSURANCE. THE ORGANIZATION WILL ONLY VERIFY THAT THE RUNNER HAS INSURANCE AND THAT IT IS VALID. IN THE CASE OF NOT COMPLYING WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS, IT WILL BE THE RUNNER HIMSELF/HERSELF WHO WILL HAVE TO PAY THE MEDICAL AND RESCUE EXPENSES.
Nonetheless, the organization offers to runners without the adequate insurance, or that want to extend their insurance cover, the possibility to obtain insurance at the moment of registration. Highly recommended to runners.
Medical evacuation with helicopter and hospitalization might be subject to a fee. The choice of evacuation method depends exclusively on the organization, which will systematically put the runner's security first. The choice of the method of evacuation and the actual choice of hospital is at the discretion of the search and rescue and medical officials. Expenses arising from the use of exceptional methods of rescue or evacuation have to be paid by the person rescued, who will also have to pay their return from the place to where they were evacuated. It falls to the runner to create their file and present it to their insurance company within the stated time limit.
The organization will take out Civil Liability insurance in the name of each runner (already included in the registration fee), in accordance with the regulations of the competent authority in each case.
There is an annex to this Set of Rules that informs about the Privacy Policy. HERE
Any complaint that involves a change in classification must be sent by email to valdaran@service.utmb.world, within 2 hours after the end of the event. Other complaints must be made by email, within a maximum of 10 days after the race. Any complaint or disagreement related to the registration or in relation to the sporting management of the race and its rules (eg. if a runner withdraws from the race) are not valid to be considered as a complaint.
The original version of this Set of Rules is written in Spanish. In case of inconsistency or discrepancy between the Spanish version and any of the other language versions of this Set of Rules, the Spanish version will prevail.
