Accidents and the UTMB®

There have been few accidents in the history of the UTMB® but it is the whole mountain trail environment that is often a factor in accidents, whether in training or on free runs.

Accidents during the event

In the history of the UTMB® there have been very few serious accidents on the course over the years. It must be said that the organisation is well established and offers a large infrastructure and rescue resources ready for all situations. Of course, there are minor accidents and injuries every year, but nothing serious that would tarnish the event's reputation. 

Accidents in training

On the contrary, it is during the preparation phases of the UTMB® that many accidents occur. Some runners launch themselves into challenges that are often poorly mastered and unprepared, and face failures. And they do so in a free environment, without specific or reinforced security. Moreover, the exploits of the world's best sometimes encourage beginners to set off on the paths of the peaks, without equipment, without preparation and without training. It is always in these conditions that serious or even fatal accidents occur and are to be deplored. For example, the tragic death of a trailer a few weeks before the 2017 edition. The ultra trail is a demanding sport and requires a certain amount of control and preparation. It is often impossible and in any case very dangerous to set off, without equipment and without training, on paths as dangerous as those of the Mont Blanc massif.