The UTMB Group, a global trail running organization, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to further its commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion in the sport of trail running.
This new Disabled Athlete Policy aims to facilitate participation and provide support for athletes with disabilities and is effective immediately for all UTMB World Series events worldwide.
This landmark policy was developed after a comprehensive process that took into account the perspectives of various groups of adapted sportsmen and sportswomen, including input from Amy Winters, a renowned professional athlete with a below-knee amputation, who boasts an impressive 13 world records in different endurance events.
Winters, who has successfully completed the Western States 100 Endurance Run and participated in the UTMB 100M race on the Dacia UTMB® Mont-Blanc, commended the initiative.
“UTMB is committed to inspiring others to do their best and strive for a more ambitious goal. The creation and implementation of this policy is an important step that will surely evolve into something better and give more opportunities for those who think they can’t run on the mountain,” said Winters.
The newly introduced policy provides detailed eligibility criteria, accommodating athletes with varying levels of permanent visual impairment, intellectual disability, or physical or neurological movement disability.
Under this policy, each athlete can run with their chosen guide, who will receive a free race bib.
While adapted athletes must be able to complete the course on their own physically, guide runners are allowed to accompany them for all or part of the race to ensure their safety and help them achieve their goals.
To further encourage the participation of athletes with disabilities in the UTMB World Series Finals, including the UTMB (100M), CCC (100K), and OCC (50K) events, a special access route has been created for them.
Several reserved starting line positions will be made available to these athletes. However, all participants must meet the standard requirements of the race, including possessing a valid UTMB Index and at least 1 Running Stone.
Additionally, athletes interested in these events must pre-register through the Dacia UTMB Mont-Blanc website.
The UTMB Group’s introduction of the Disabled Athlete Policy represents another milestone in its ongoing regeneration plan, known as “UTMB for the Planet,” which was initiated at the beginning of the year.
This comprehensive plan aims to unite diverse trail-running communities and contribute to the well-being of individuals and the planet’s regeneration.
The UTMB Group’s commitment to fostering inclusion and providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities reflects a significant step forward in the world of trail running, promoting the values of diversity and equality in the sport.
This initiative not only paves the way for athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams but also sets a positive example for the broader sports community.
