The announcement of an UTMB event between Granville and Mont-Saint-Michel raises questions and sparks debate within the sport.
The news sent shockwaves through the ultra-trail world. The UTMB World Series will expand its global network with a 27th race, and Normandy is where the choice has fallen. More precisely, between Granville and Mont-Saint-Michel, a route that promises to be as iconic as it is challenging.
While the official presentation isn't scheduled until late November 2026, discussions are already in full swing. The sport's leading athletes haven't failed to express their reservations. Questions are flying: what will the actual difficulty level be? Will the course be suitable for all runner profiles or reserved for an elite?
Reactions haven't been long in coming. Some see it as a fantastic opportunity to showcase a magnificent region from a unique sporting angle. Others remain more skeptical, believing the concept doesn't really match UTMB's DNA. The debates surrounding the terrain profile, between dunes, cliffs, and sunken lanes, are fueling conversations on social media.
It remains to be seen how the organizers intend to manage the specificities of the Norman terrain. The balance between accessibility and technicality will be decisive for the success of this event. The coming months will be crucial in clarifying the vision of this ambitious project.
While the official presentation isn't scheduled until late November 2026, discussions are already in full swing. The sport's leading athletes haven't failed to express their reservations. Questions are flying: what will the actual difficulty level be? Will the course be suitable for all runner profiles or reserved for an elite?
Reactions haven't been long in coming. Some see it as a fantastic opportunity to showcase a magnificent region from a unique sporting angle. Others remain more skeptical, believing the concept doesn't really match UTMB's DNA. The debates surrounding the terrain profile, between dunes, cliffs, and sunken lanes, are fueling conversations on social media.
It remains to be seen how the organizers intend to manage the specificities of the Norman terrain. The balance between accessibility and technicality will be decisive for the success of this event. The coming months will be crucial in clarifying the vision of this ambitious project.
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Source: Ouest-France