Are you an avid trail runner with aspirations of participating in the prestigious UTMB® World Series Finals, which includes the iconic UTMB®, CCC®, and OCC races? If so, you’ll want to understand the concept of UTMB Running Stones, the UTMB Index, and how they can help you secure your spot in these epic events. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about UTMB Running Stones and the entry process.
The UTMB Running Stones, Index, and Lottery Explained
Are you an aspiring ultrarunner with dreams of conquering the UTMB World Series Finals? If so, then you’re in for a thrilling journey, and your golden tickets to this epic event are called Running Stones. But what are Running Stones, and how do they work? In this section, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Running Stones, exploring how they can turn your dreams into reality.
What are Running Stones and How Do They Work?
Running Stones serve as the key to the UTMB World Series Finals, providing you with a chance to participate in the legendary UTMB®, CCC®, or OCC races. Each Running Stone you earn is essentially an entry ticket into the lottery for these prestigious races. But here’s the exciting part: the more Running Stones you accumulate, the higher your chances of being selected via the lottery. Imagine your name appearing multiple times, dramatically improving your odds compared to others. It’s all about increasing your chances, and Running Stones hold the power to do just that. For instance, if you have 9 Running Stones, your name appears 9 times in the lottery. Significantly improving your odds compared to someone with only 3 Running Stones.
How Do I Earn Running Stones?
So, how can you earn these valuable Running Stones? The answer lies in completing races within specific categories at UTMB World Series Events or UTMB World Series Majors. These races offer different numbers of Running Stones based on their distance, ranging from 20K to 100M. The rewards are generous, and in UTMB World Series Majors, they’re even doubled.
But that’s not all; there are specific criteria you must meet to enter the lottery for the OCC, CCC®, or UTMB® races, including having at least one Running Stone earned within the last two years and possessing a valid UTMB® Index for your chosen distance.
Below are how running stones are distributed at qualifying races, including majors.
- 20K: 1 Running Stone
- 50K: 2 Running Stones
- 100K: 3 Running Stones
- 100M: 4 Running Stones
In UTMB World Series Majors, the rewards are doubled:
- 20K: 2 Running Stones
- 50K: 4 Running Stones
- 100K: 6 Running Stones
- 100M: 8 Running Stones
Note: You do not receive running stones for running the OCC, CCC®, or UTMB® races.
What is the UTMB Index?
Think of the UTMB index as a qualifying race. All racers who complete a UTMB series race are given an index for the distance they finished. And in order to qualify for the UTMB race you must have an index, or finish in a required distance. For example, if you want to run the UTMB 100M, you must have an Index or finish of a 100k or 100m UTMB race.
How many points do you need to enter the UTMB drawing?
To enter the lottery for the OCC, CCC®, or UTMB® races, you must meet specific criteria:
- You need at least 1 Running Stone earned within the last two years.
- You must possess a valid UTMB® Index for the distance of your choice.
Your UTMB Index is akin to a qualifying race. Completing a UTMB series race grants you an index for the distance you finished. For example, to enter the UTMB 100M lottery, you must have an Index or finish a 100K or 100M UTMB race.
What happens to my Running Stones if I’m not selected in the Lottery?
If luck isn’t on your side and you’re not selected in the lottery, don’t worry. Your Running Stones don’t go to waste. They are given back to you, so you can use them for a subsequent edition of the lottery for the race of your choice as long as you maintain a valid UTMB® Index in the respective category.
Do Running Stones expire?
The beauty of Running Stones is that they are cumulative and have no expiration date. Each Running Stone you accumulate provides an additional chance to be drawn in future lotteries, ensuring that your efforts are never in vain.
Common Questions and Answers
How can I earn Running Stones?
You can collect Running Stones by finishing races in the 20K, 50K, 100K, or 100M category at a UTMB World Series Event or UTMB World Series Major.
How many Running Stones do I need to enter the UTMB drawing?
To enter the UTMB drawing, you need at least 1 Running Stone earned within the last two years and a valid UTMB® Index for the distance of your choice.
What is the UTMB Index, and why is it important?
The UTMB Index serves as a qualifying race. To qualify for the UTMB race, you must have an Index or finish a required distance in a UTMB series race.
What happens to my Running Stones if I’m not selected in the Lottery?
If you’re not selected, your Running Stones remain valid for future lottery editions as long as you maintain a valid UTMB® Index in the respective category.
Do Running Stones have an expiration date?
Running Stones are cumulative and have no expiration date, providing you with additional chances to be drawn in future lotteries.
Do you receive running stones for running the OCC, CCC®, or UTMB® races?
No, you do not receive running stones for running the OCC, CCC®, or UTMB® races.
Closing Thoughts
The journey to participating in the prestigious UTMB® World Series Finals, including the UTMB®, CCC®, and OCC races, revolves around understanding the concept of UTMB Running Stones and the UTMB Index. Running Stones are your golden tickets to these epic events. Offering a chance to secure your spot through a lottery system. The more Running Stones you accumulate, the higher your odds of being selected, making it essential to earn as many as possible by completing races within specific categories at UTMB World Series Events or Majors.
Your UTMB Index is crucial, serving as a qualifying race or finish for the distance you choose. To enter the lottery, you need at least one Running Stone earned within the last two years and a valid UTMB® Index for your desired distance. And remember, if luck doesn’t favor you in the lottery, your Running Stones are not wasted. They can be used in future lottery editions as long as you maintain a valid UTMB® Index in the respective category.
The beauty of Running Stones lies in their cumulative nature and lack of expiration date, ensuring that your efforts continue to provide additional chances in future lotteries. Lastly, it’s important to note that you do not receive Running Stones for running the OCC, CCC®, or UTMB® races. Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of UTMB Running Stones and the entry process. You’re better equipped to embark on your journey as an aspiring ultrarunner aiming for UTMB World Series glory. Best of luck on your trail-running adventures!