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UTMB Mont-Blanc 2026 to feature HOPE wheelchair athlete project
The 2026 UTMB Mont-Blanc event in Chamonix will feature a diverse range of trail running activities, including the launch of the HOPE project. This initiative, a collaboration between UTMB Group and Marathon des Sables, involves four wheelchair athletes attempting a 170-kilometre journey around Mont Blanc. The teams, including athletes from Switzerland, France, and Italy, will use all-terrain wheelchairs and support crews to navigate the mountainous terrain, which includes approximately 10,000 metres of elevation gain.
The broader UTMB ecosystem includes the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc races scheduled for August 24–30, 2026. Key races include the UTMB (174 km), CCC (101 km), and OCC (61 km). The UTMB World Series operates as a global network of events across various continents, providing runners with opportunities to earn Running Stones and qualify for the annual finals in Chamonix.
In Chile, the Endurance Trail by The North Face is also expanding its offerings for 2026, introducing a new 160-kilometre ultra-distance category to challenge experienced mountain runners.
Entities
Chamonix · Marathon des Sables · Michel Polettis · Mont Blanc · UTMB Group
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The route involves approximately 10,000 metres of elevation gain. runningmagazine.ca
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Four wheelchair athletes will attempt a 170-kilometre journey around Mont Blanc. runningmagazine.ca
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc races will take place from August 24 to August 30, 2026. freeman.la
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The UTMB race covers 174 kilometres with 9,900 metres of positive elevation gain. freeman.la
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The HOPE teams are scheduled to start in Chamonix on Friday, August 28. runningmagazine.ca
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The HOPE project is a collaboration between UTMB Group and Marathon des Sables (MDS). runningmagazine.ca