Conquering the UTMB Ultra Trail Mont Blanc: My Journey to the OCC in August 2024

Matthew Salminen
4 min readDec 9, 2023
Image Source: https://montblanc.utmb.world/races/UTMB

Introduction

In August 2024, I am embarking on an adventure as I take on the UTMB Ultra Trail Mont Blanc, one of the most prestigious and challenging trail running events in the world. Having qualified through the 2023 Canyons Endurance Race, I am eagerly preparing myself to participate in the OCC (Orsières-Champex-Chamonix) race, a 55-kilometer trail with 3,425 meters of elevation gain that forms a part of the seven race UTMB series. Join me as I delve into the history, details, and allure of the UTMB and share my excitement for this upcoming race.

Understanding the UTMB Ultra Trail Mont Blanc

The UTMB Ultra Trail Mont Blanc is an annual trail running event held in the Alps, traversing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain, and demanding weather conditions, it attracts thousands of trail runners from around the globe. The race is a true test of endurance, pushing trail runners like myself to their physical and mental limits.

Image Source: https://frostysfootsteps.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/utmb-in-3-days/

A Glimpse into UTMB’s History

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Matthew Salminen

Marathoner | Trail Runner | Data Engineer | living in Irvine, CA