BUFF® EXTENDS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH UTMB®
Posted on
30/05/2022
There are runners, and then there are ultra runners, people whose passion, skill, and dedication push them to feats of endurance that most of us could only dream of. Ultra endurance running requires peak physical and mental strength and an ability to persevere through the toughest conditions imaginable. It’s not man against nature so much as man at one with nature, running incredible distances to cross some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. For these runners, the UTMB® Mont-Blanc is widely acknowledged as the ultimate race to enter. Not that it’s easy to do so, as there is qualification system in place that requires runners to collect Running Stones, which is an entry into the lottery to participate in the UTMB®, CCC® and OCC races of the UTMB® Mont-Blanc – also now known as the UTMB® World Series Finals. Running Stones can only be collected by finishing races in the 20K, 50K, 100K or 100M category at a UTMB® World Series Event or UTMB® World Series Major. Just qualifying already marks you out as a serious competitor, finishing is something else!
We have been on board since the early days, but this year an exciting new chapter begins with the inauguration of the UTMB® World Series. The best trail running events are now united in a global circuit that culminates in the finals in Mont Blanc. At BUFF®, we are proud to be the Official Head and Neckwear Supplier to the UTMB® World Series Events in EMEA and the Americas for 2022 and are committed to a Global partnership from 2023.
Ragna Debats
Pere Aurell
As partners for 15 years – we are happy to join the new circuit and continue to support athletes with key products for all conditions, cheering them through the months of training and being there at the finish line. We are here for the love of the sport, the mountain, and the never-ending adventure”
Our long partnership with UTMB® reflects that standard of excellence, that spirit of adventure, and our deep love of the natural world. When our ambassadors take part, they carry the DNA of our brand along every peak and crevice, and we hope that every runner who takes part feels that same passion as they battle the elements and dig deep into their inner reserves.
The passion for the outdoors has been at our core since the start, and UTMB has managed to present one of our core activities in the most thrilling and challenging ways possible”
Pere Aurell
Yoann Stuck
The race was founded in 2003 by a group of passionate friends including Michel and Catherine Poletti, who had a vision to circumnavigate Mont-Blanc, a 171km route that would cross the borders between France, Italy, and Switzerland, without turning around until they made it back to their base in Chamonix. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Chamonix also happens to be the birthplace of the Home of Outdoor Sports.
That first UTMB® race attracted 722 runners, only 67 of whom finished. These days almost 10.000 runners take part in one of the event’s eight races, and the finishers rate is around 60%. Given the distances, altitude, and often punishing weather conditions, making it across the finish line is a huge achievement. Elite runners can finish in around 20-21 hours, but most people need the full 46:30 time limit to complete it. Some run through the night, others take short breaks, and as the race begins on a Friday and ends on a Sunday, some experience two sunsets as they run. To put it in perspective, hikers would expect to take around 7-9 days to complete the same route!
Victor Del Aguila
Meet your Extraordinary is the tagline of the UTMB World Series®, and thanks to the live coverage of the events, even if you can’t make it in person you will see some truly extraordinary action. Stay tuned to our social media to find out which of our ambassadors will make it to the famous UTMB® Mont-Blanc start line in 2022!