Taiwan Trail Ultramarathon: A Preparation Guide for UTMB Asia Series Events

Introduction

In recent years, Taiwanese ultramarathon runners have shown growing interest in the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) World Series. The UTMB series is no longer just that legendary 168K race in the French Alps—it has expanded into a global network of events, with multiple stops in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and India. These Asian races offer opportunities to earn UTMB points (Running Stones) and serve as a stepping stone for Taiwanese runners aiming for the UTMB main event.

This article provides Taiwanese runners interested in the UTMB Asia Series with race information, an explanation of the qualification system, and a training guide tailored to the characteristics of Asian mountain trails.

Understanding the UTMB Race System

Points System (Running Stones)

UTMB introduced the “Running Stones” points system in 2022, replacing the previous points system. Each UTMB series race awards different points (1–5 stones) based on distance and difficulty, and runners must accumulate a certain number of points to qualify for the lottery draw.

To enter the 100M category of the UTMB main event, runners typically need to accumulate 6 stones (e.g., 3 races × 2 stones, or 2 races × 3 stones).

Major UTMB Races in Asia

Asian UTMB series races that Taiwanese runners may consider:

Options closer to Taiwan:

• Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM): Held every November in the Sapa mountains of northern Vietnam; high elevation gain, high altitude, cool and dry climate
• Vibram Hong Kong 100: Held every January in Hong Kong’s country parks; close to Taiwan, with a relatively familiar climate
• TNF100 Singapore Trail: Singapore; hot and humid conditions, suitable for Taiwanese runners’ adaptation training
• UTMB Japan (Shinetsu Gogaku): Nagano Prefecture, held every September; Japanese mountain trails with spectacular scenery

Important note: Qualification requirements, mandatory gear lists, and registration dates for each race may change annually. Please refer to official websites for the most current information.

Advantages and Challenges for Taiwanese Runners

Advantage: Abundant Trail Resources

Taiwan is a paradise for trail ultramarathon training. With over 268 peaks above 3,000 meters, plus a well-developed network of suburban trails—from Qixing Mountain in Taipei to Hehuan Mountain in Nantou—training venues of all difficulty levels are readily available. Compared to European and American runners who often need long drives to reach mountainous terrain, Taiwanese runners enjoy exceptional training conditions.

Challenge: Climate and High-Altitude Adaptation

Taiwan’s low-elevation areas have a subtropical climate, and summer training in hot, humid conditions can indeed help runners adapt to muggy races (such as those in Singapore or southern Vietnam). However, if the goal is a high-altitude race (northern Vietnam, Japan, or the UTMB main event), Taiwanese runners may need to arrange specific high-altitude adaptation training.

High-altitude adaptation recommendations:

• Travel to high-altitude areas 1–2 months before the race for training (e.g., Taiwan’s Hehuan Mountain at approximately 3000m)
• Consider attending high-altitude training camps in Japan or Nepal
• If the race is above 2000m, rest for at least 48 hours after arrival before starting training

Race-Specific Training for UTMB Events

Building Elevation Gain

UTMB series races involve substantial elevation gain—a 1-stone race typically has 2000–3000m of climbing, while the UTMB main event exceeds 10,000m. Taiwanese runners should place special emphasis on elevation training during preparation:

Weekly elevation gain training targets:

• Early preparation phase: 800–1200m per week
• Mid preparation phase: 1500–2500m per week
• Peak preparation phase: 2500–4000m per week

Quality training routes near Taipei:

• Datun Mountain Range: Multiple peaks can be linked; a single session can exceed 1000m of climbing
• Erge Mountain–Maokong Route: Wenshan District; well shaded, suitable for summer training
• Beihang Ancient Trail: Technical terrain, close to race conditions

Training with Mandatory Gear

UTMB series races have strict mandatory gear requirements, which may vary slightly by race. During preparation, runners should:

• Obtain the official mandatory gear list for the target race, purchase items in advance, and test them
• Conduct several “full-gear long training sessions” to ensure the gear does not cause chafing or discomfort during prolonged use
• Specifically test the actual waterproof performance of rain gear during Taiwan’s plum rain season or typhoon season

Language and Race Culture Preparation

Overseas ultramarathon races typically use English as the primary language of communication, though some Asian races also use local languages. During preparation, runners should:

• Familiarize themselves with common English ultramarathon terminology
• Learn the emergency contact numbers and rescue systems of the host country
• Prepare offline translation packs (mountain areas may have no network coverage)

Practical Advice

The importance of training partners: Taiwan has the “Taiwan Trail Ultramarathon Association” and various trail running clubs across the country. These communities regularly organize training events and international race exchanges. Joining a community not only provides training partners but also access to first-hand race information from runners who have already participated.

Visa and travel preparation: Overseas races require advance travel planning. Taiwan passports enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to most Asian countries, but runners should still confirm the latest entry policies of the host country.

The importance of insurance: Overseas ultramarathons require travel insurance that covers mountain rescue; some races even list insurance as a registration requirement.

Conclusion

For Taiwanese runners, the UTMB Asia Series is not just a competitive goal—it is a valuable opportunity to experience different trail cultures and connect with runners from around the world. Taiwan’s abundant trail resources and active ultramarathon community provide excellent conditions for race preparation. Starting with a clear understanding of the points system, setting a reasonable preparation timeline, and steadily building strength step by step, the dream of Taiwanese runners standing at the UTMB starting line is not far away.

Related Reading

• ITRA Points and Entry Requirements: The Rules You Must Know Before UTMB
• The 18-Month Roadmap for UTMB-Level Trail Race Preparation
• Complete Guide to UTMB Series Races: The Four Main Events—OCC, CCC, TDS, and UTMB
• Hualien Taroko Marathon Preparation Guide: The Unique Challenges of a Mountain Course