UTMB’s Transportation Plans

Posted today on Instagram:

The UTMB Bus Service is one of the largest transportation networks in the world of outdoor sports…

UTMB shares in this post some details on the size, scope, and investment into this operation which will help runners navigate alpine valleys and three countries around the Mont Blanc come this August. They link to their ‘plan your trip’ web page for more info.

I’m looking forward to checking this out and experiencing it myself this summer. But, this announcement does come shortly after their Tarawera event where transportation and other logistical issues where again cause for concerns. Runners, many of them international travelers who rely on a rock solid race organization, experienced supply shortages at the aid stations, and a last minute start location change which screwed people’s travel plans. If UTMB’s intention is to own their events to maintain a level of standard then they are currently clearly not delivering on that. Most of the “by UMTB” events are still operated by the local race director who initially built the event, so these misses can’t be for a lack of understanding the local requirements. If UTMB thinks kneecapping RDs in delivering a great race experience then the shortsightedness is truly staggering.