The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is touted as one of the hardest races in the world. With “numerous passes at high altitude”, runners climb 31,000 feet and descend another 31,000 feet over the course of 104 miles, while circumnavigating Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Runners must prove their ability to complete this course by earning points (finishing other ultra-distance races) to enter the lottery. This year 10,000 people entered the lottery and 2500 were chosen; only 223 were women.
