CCC Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

About the Race

The CCC (Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix) is one of the most iconic races within the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc festival, widely regarded as the unofficial world championship of ultra-trail running. Covering 101 kilometres with a cumulative elevation gain of 6,100 metres, the CCC presents a formidable challenge that draws 2,500 elite and amateur runners from across the globe to the heart of the Alps every summer.

The race starts in Courmayeur, the stunning Alpine gem in Italy's Aosta Valley, and traverses some of Europe's most spectacular landscapes before finishing in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France. The route crosses the Franco-Italian border and passes through Swiss territory, making this a genuine international crossing through three countries in a single mountain day. Runners face cols exceeding 2,500 metres in altitude, technical rocky trails, ancient larch forests and Alpine meadows with sweeping views of the Mont-Blanc massif, the highest peak in Western Europe.

Since its inception in 2003, the CCC has grown into the second most sought-after race in the UTMB festival, behind only the flagship 171-kilometre event. Registration works through a lottery system based on ITRA (International Trail Running Association) points, ensuring that participants have a proven track record in mountain races. Runners must accumulate a minimum number of race points over the previous two years to enter the draw, which raises the average standard of the field considerably.

The atmosphere in Chamonix during UTMB week is unrivalled. The town transforms into the global capital of trail running, hosting a massive runner expo, technical talks, mountain film screenings and a festive spirit that fills every corner. The finish at the Place du Triangle de l'Amitié, beneath the illuminated arch with thousands of spectators cheering deep into the night, is a life-defining moment for any runner.

The cut-off time for the CCC is 26 hours and 15 minutes, although elite runners typically finish in around 10-11 hours. The race runs mostly during daylight, but back-of-pack runners will face night sections requiring a headlamp and mandatory equipment. Alpine weather is unpredictable: temperatures can swing from 30°C in the valleys to 0°C on the cols, with the possibility of thunderstorms, rain or even snow at altitude.

For many international runners, the CCC represents the ultimate step into world-class ultra-trail. Each year the global community that makes the pilgrimage to Chamonix continues to grow, united by a shared passion for mountains and endurance.

Route & Course

The CCC route departs from Courmayeur (Italy) at 9:00 AM and heads south along the Mont-Blanc massif. The opening kilometres follow the Italian Val Ferret, a breathtaking glacial valley. The first major test is the Grand Col Ferret (2,537m), marking the border between Italy and Switzerland. From there runners descend into the Swiss Val Ferret to La Fouly, home to the first major aid station. The route continues through Champex-Lac, a picturesque village beside an Alpine lake, before tackling the climb to La Giète and the technical descent to Trient. The final stretch includes the ascent to Tête aux Vents (2,132m) with panoramic views of the Argentière glacier, followed by a steep descent to La Flégère and the closing kilometres through the Chamonix valley to the finish line.

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