Ultra-Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour

Q: What is the Ultra-Trail Cote d'Azur Mercantour? A: The Ultra-Trail Cote d'Azur Mercantour (UTCAM) is a 120km UTMB Index mountain ultra based in Saint Martin Vesubie, within the Mercantour National Park, Alpes-Maritimes, France. Founded in 2022 as the successor to Mercantour Ultra, it gains 7,800m D+ with a 34-hour time limit. The race is a UTMB Index 100M event. The full event weekend includes multiple distances -- 120km, 75km, 50km, 30km, 15km and others -- drawing approximately 3,143 runners across all formats.

Q: How hard is the UTCAM 120km? A: Among the most demanding 120km races in Europe by measurable gradient data. The course carries 65.0 m/km elevation density -- above UTMB's 56.9 m/km -- with 14.7% average uphill gradient, -15.46% average downhill gradient (UPPER tier), and only 14.0% flat terrain. 14.82km of the route is at 20%+ uphill gradient -- near-vertical ascending for over 12% of the total distance. The race's decisive sequence arrives in the final 40km: back-to-back climbs of 1,208m and 925m between km 79 and km 100, followed by a 1,366m descent at -19.54% average gradient into the finish.

Q: What are the qualification requirements for UTCAM 120km? A: UTCAM uses a race-specific qualification system, separate from standard ITRA or UTMB Running Stones. For the 120km, runners must have completed a qualifying race earning 80 UTCAM qualification points between January 1, 2023, and June 17, 2026. Confirm current eligibility requirements at utcam06.com before registering, as the point window and requirements may update for future editions.

Q: When is UTCAM and how much does it cost? A: The 2026 edition runs July 3-5, with the 120km starting at 5:00 AM on July 4 from Saint Martin Vesubie. Entry is 173 EUR standard (Airtable reference); the June 2026 rate was 180 EUR, rising to 200 EUR on-site. Registration is through Klikego (klikego.com); a small platform fee applies. The race does not sell out. Monitor utcam06.com for 2027 registration opening dates and fee schedules.