FAQS

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is trail running?

According to ITRA (International Trail Running Association), trail running is a pedestrian race, open to all, in a natural environment (mountain, forest, plains, etc.), with minimal possible paved or asphalt roads. The terrain may vary and the course must be properly marked. An endurance trail, in particular, is a trail race that includes more than 70km.

Today, more than 25 million runners participate in 20.000 trail running events around the world. A great community held in the respect for sporting ethics, loyalty, solidarity and the environment.

Why is the race called Ushuaia by UTMB®?

The most important trail running event in the world is called UTMB® (Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc) and it is organized since 2003 in Chamonix, France. During a week, competitors take part in different courses, running across the Mont Blanc mountain chain and, as doing so, passing through various towns and countries (France, Switzerland and Italy).

UTMB® is considered the world summit of trail running, since the event involves more than 10,000 runners of 100 different nationalities, accompanied by 30,000 family members. In total, there are around 100,000 applications to participate, of which only 10% qualify (after a selection process based on ITRA Points – points awarded by the International Trail Running Association).

By April 2019, South American Sport Company has the honour of organizing in Ushuaia the first trail running event in South America under the UTMB® franchise. Hence, the competition is called Ushuaia by UTMB®.

Where and when will the race take place?

The event will take place on Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April 2019 in Ushuaia, capital of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, in the Patagonian region of the Argentine Republic.

What is the format of the race?

Ushuaia by UTMB® is a technical race that is run under the principal of semi-autonomy. That is, each runner must be independent between the assistance stations. Thus, to be able to face any climate or physical condition, we ask you to carry the obligatory equipment at all times.

What are the requirements to be able to participate?

There are no requirements: anyone aged 18 or more on April 5 2019 will be able participate in any distance. However, the organisation reserves the right of admission.

We recommend runners to be prepared both physically and mentally to face the distance they choose to run, taking into account the characteristics of this type of event. In addition, participants must have personal autonomy in the mountains to be able to face any problems that may arise during the course, between assistance stations.

The organisation will place special emphasis on the capacity of runners who register for more than 70km. The organisation reserves the right to refuse any registration for these courses if, upon requesting experience, it turns out that the person does not have sufficient training (or cannot certify his/her background).

What is the obligatory and recommended equipment?

The equipment required to participate in Ushuaia by UTMB® seeks to improve your experience in the race, as well as being an important part of your safety and comfort. Therefore, it is essential that you carefully select and evaluate the quality and characteristics of each material that you will use during the competition. You can check the equipment (both mandatory and recommended) for the FMU and for the rest of the courses in the Event Rules and in the section of our website regarding The Race.

During the race, you must always carry the obligatory equipment with you. At any time of the course, the staff may require you to see the contents of the bag where you keep your equipment. If you don´t have the required material (or don´t allow the staff to verify it), you will be disqualified.

What kind of landscape will I find?

Very close to Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego is one of the last wild places on earth. Regardless of which course you choose, you will come across with very different geographies and scenarios: paths that border the coast of the sea, valleys, mountains with different altitudes, rocky trails, wetlands, glaciers, subantarctic forests, lagoons, lakes and rivers.

In other words, you will run on animal tracks, remote trails of difficult access, and areas of rock, earth, mud and grasslands, among other terrains. You will also face important slopes and you will be exposed to the surprises that all high mountain trails offer. For these reasons, we ask you to have experience in trail running, be well trained, carry the mandatory equipment and have personal autonomy.

What is the weather like in April?

Mountains surrounding the city of Ushuaia are between 1,000 and 1,500 meters high, with vegetation up to 600 meters. Here, you can expect the same climate that exists in the Alps at 2,500 or 3,000 meters high.

In spite of the fact that by April autumn will have arrived at this end of the continent, as you advance in your course you may be able to experience the 4 seasons of the year in a single day.

In general, by this time of the year the strong winds of spring and summer diminish. The average temperature fluctuates between 6ºC and 11º, although it can descend during nights and, specially, in the mountains. In fact, cold fronts and storms can enter the Andes Range at any time. Therefore, you may encounter that temperatures on the mountain descend below -10°C (especially at night) and extreme winds reach 80km/h. Keep in mind, also, that you will have around 11 hours of light to enjoy on your way the beautiful landscapes of the end of the world.

In short, it is strongly recommended to never underestimate the mountain and its climate and to carefully read the Event Rules to be aware of the mandatory and recommended equipment.

What happens if there are bad weather conditions?

The race will not be suspended due to bad weather, unless extreme conditions arise. In this case, the organization will study the situation and may, exceptionally, suspend it, delay its start, etc. (*)

It is mandatory to have the security equipment and mountain clothing necessary to cope with any weather condition that may arise.

In case of bad weather, the organization can change the courses or shorten them (if so, this will be appropriately communicated to runners).

There is an alternative route planned in case that, due to climatic and/or terrain issues, it is not possible to carry out the established route. This route will allow the race to take place in safe conditions with approximately the same distance.

The start of the race may be delayed if the organisation considers it necessary (if so, this will be communicated in advance).

We recommend that runners anticipate this possible delay when organizing their stay in Ushuaia. For FMU participants (130km), we suggest that you stay in the city at least until Monday, April 8 noon, or Tuesday 9 morning. For the rest of the courses, it is recommended that you leave at least after Monday noon.

(*) We suggest reviewing the Event Rules for more information on this matter.

Which are the 4 courses Ushuaia by UTMB® 2019 offers and when do they start?

The event offers 4 race courses with different distances, for you to choose the one that better suits your profile, experience and physical capacity:

*Accurate information about maximum times may be consulted here.

Will there be intermediate cut-off times?

Yes, for security and logistics reasons, cut-off times will be established at intermediate points. The exact cut-off times are specified here.

What are the categories for Ushuaia by UTMB®?

Runners of each course will be classified according to the following chart of categories (Feminine and Masculine):

How will the course be indicated?

The course will be clearly demarcated so that all participants run the same circuit safely (both day and night), without getting lost and without crossing natural areas whose flora or fauna may suffer damage.

Depending on the area, the difficulty to orient yourself and the time of the day in which you will cross a certain place, different way-markers will be used. Likewise, in case of bad weather, the visibility and / or frequency of the way-markers will increase. For better sighting at night there will be reflective signals which should be clearly visible in the light of your torch.

When should I arrive in Ushuaia in order to participate in the event? When will the registration be and the withdrawal of the Runner´s Kit?
The withdrawal of the race-bib and the runner´s kit will take place on Thursday 4th, April 2019 (between 1pm and 9pm) and April, Friday 5th (between 10 am and 6 pm). Location: Albatros Hotel (505 Maipu Av., Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego). Runners must obligatorily remove their bibs and kits on the days and times indicated.

What do I need in order to obtain my race-bib?

The bibs will be delivered to you as long as you present at that time:

• An identification with your photograph;
• The bag with all the mandatory equipment;
• The original Medical Certificate (the one that you scanned and sent to the organization via the registration web site).

The bib must be worn in the stomach and be completely visible throughout the race (it will be necessary to access the assistance stations and all the services offered by the organisation).

You can find more information in the Event Rules.

How will the race be controlled?

Inspections will be carried out at the assistance stations and at certain control points arranged along the way of each course. Other random control points may be set along the courses (whose location will not be disclosed).

An anti-doping control can be carried out to any runner before, during or after the end of the race. Refer to the Race Regulations regarding this topic.

Will there be a guide with information for runners?

Yes, a Runner´s Guide with more details about the race will be published on the web site and sent by mail to all registered runners, in February 2019.

The Official Program will also available in February 2019, at www.ushuaiabyutmb.com. This program will include maps of the courses and practical information regarding cut-off times and the location of assistance and control points, among other data.

May I send a Drop Bag for personal belongings to an intermediate point of the course, or to the finish line?

Yes, competitors will receive a 30 litres bag with their race-bib, in order to place the necessities of their choice (no other bag will be allowed other than this one). After closing it, they can drop it off in the allotted area near the start.

Only in the case of FMU competitors, the bags will then be taken to the designated point defined by the organisation (the location of this point will be communicated in February 2019). Upon arriving there, runners must, obligatorily, withdraw their bags. When they leave the base they, personally, must leave them again in the allotted area. The bags are finally returned to Ushuaia, where runners (or their companions) can recover them upon presentation of the race-bib.

In the FBT, ELC and LCT courses, the bags will be directly transported from the start to the finish line in Ushuaia, where runners (or their companions) will be able to recover them upon presentation of the race-bib.

Regardless the course in which the runner took part, the bags must be recuperated no later than 2 hours after the end of the race.

Poles are not allowed in these bags.

For more information on this subject, read the Event Rules.

What will they serve in the refreshment posts?

The refreshment posts supply various snacks and drinks. The organisation only supplies still water or energising drink for filling water bottles or hydration packs. Runners should make sure they have, upon leaving each refreshment post, the quantity of drink and food necessary to keep them going until the following post.

More information about these posts will be offered well in February 2019. If you have a specific requirement related to your diet, make sure you obtain it personally in order to take it during the race.

Only runners wearing a visible race-bib who have been duly checked have access to the refreshment posts.

What benefits do I get if I finish the race? Ushuaia by UTMB® is a qualifying race for the UTMB® Mont Blanc?

Finalists of Ushuaia by UTMB® will obtain a certain number of ITRA Points (from the International Trail Running Association), according to the circuit in which they participate:

Plus, there will be special benefits to run the UTMB® Mont Blanc. The points acquired in the Ushuaia by UTMB® 2019 races will be valid for 3 years (instead of 2) for those who wish to register in the UTMB® Mont Blanc.

In addition, each FMU finalist will gain one year in the registration process for this event: they will double their chances in the UTMB® Mont Blanc lottery if they register for the first time; or they will be guaranteed a place if they were not successful when registering for the previous year’s edition.

Who gets a recompense and when will the award ceremony be?

There will be trophies and/or medallions for the first three men and the first three women in the general classification. Also, for the first three in each category.

In the general ranking, ONLY for the FMU course (130 km) the first 5 women and the first 5 men will be rewarded.

Furthermore, there will be a “Finisher” Medal, for all those who complete the course in which they registered.

Runners must be present at the award ceremony. The trophies and/or medallions will be awarded exclusively at that time.

This ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 7 2019 (unless the race is delayed due to weather issues).

More information about the award ceremony will be provided closer to the event.

The results of the competition will be available at www.ushuaiabyutmb.com.

INSCRIPTIONS

What are the registration dates and how do I sign up?

REGISTRATIONS FOR USHUAIA BY UTMB® ARE ALREADY OPEN. You can only register through the event website (link to the Live Trail). To do this, you must read the Event Rules and the Ethical Chart in order to give your consent to these documents.

Registration closes in March 2019 (or else, as the available places for each distance of the present edition are completed).

How can I be sure that I have been confirmed to participate in Ushuaia By UTMB®?

You will receive an email from the registration system when your registration has been confirmed.

What should I do if I have completed all the forms, paid the registration fee and after a few days I am still NOT receiving an email that confirm my participation?

Please write an email to the organization at info@ushuaiabyutmb.com specifying your full name (as entered in the system) and the registration code (in case you have it)that the system gave you.

Do I need a medical certificate? How and when must I present it?

Yes, anyone who wishes to register for the event must ask a matriculated doctor to complete the Medical Certificate form available in the registration portal (and in the “Runners” section) of www.ushuaiabyutmb.com. The certificate (*) must be dated and signed by the doctor, who should stamp it and/or specify his professional number. It must be returned complete BEFORE MARCH 16TH 2019, by posting a scanned copy via the registration portal (the organisation does not accept medical certificates delivered by email or post). Your registration will be cancelled if this certificate is not received by the specified date.

The original medical certificate (with the doctor’s original signature and stamp/professional number) must be shown at race-bib distribution. In the absence of this medical certificate no race-bib will be attributed.

(*) Runners should use exclusively this template.

What is the registration fee and how can I pay?

Payment: exclusively through the registration portal available in the web site. The registration fee can be payed using credit card or via bank transfer.

Bank Transfer: once you select the option of paying via Bank Transfer, you will automatically receive an email with the details of the bank account.

You must OBLIGATORILY write down, in the details of the bank transfer, the registration number that the registration system gives you, in order for the organization to be able to tell who carried out the payment. It is recommended that you also send us the email with the receipt of the bank transfer to info@uhsuaiabyutmb.com

1. If the transfer originates from a bank account in Argentina, you will pay the fee in Argentine Pesos (ARS), as detailed in the email you receive (*).
2. If the transfer originates from a bank account that is not in Argentina (International Bank Transfer, from elsewhere to Argentina) you will have to pay the fee in Dollars (USD) detailed in the email you receive. To this fee, you HAVE TO CONSIDER THAT AN EXTRA COST OF 50 USD will be added (international bank transfer fee, that the bank charges). (*)

Credit Card: if you choose to pay via credit card (issued in Argentina or international) YOUR DEBIT WILL BE IN DOLLARS (NOT IN ARGENTINE PESOS). (*)

(*) Residents of Tierra del Fuego will have 30% discount.

(*) Running Teams registrations fees and special conditions are described here.

What does the registration fee include?

Payment of the registration fee includes all the services listed in the Event Rules. Particularly:
– Access to the chosen course

– Participant´s kit

– Race T-shirt

– Race-bib

– Trophies for winners

– Hydration and snacks in refreshments posts.

– Medical attention

Once registered, may I change the distance I chose? Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

Once registered, you WILL NOT be able to transfer your registration to anyone else. You WILL NOT, either, be able to change the course you selected. We suggest reading the Event Rules for more information on this subject.

In case I have to cancel my registration, is it refundable?

Any cancellation of a registration must be made by email via info@ushuaiabyutmb.com (no withdrawal is registered by telephone or post).

THE REGISTRATION IS NOT REFUNDABLE. In certain cases where the runner has good reasons to justify his non-show to the event, at its sole discretion, the organization may recognize a percentage of the registration fee paid by this runner for the next edition of Ushuaia by UTMB®.

For more information, read the Event Rules.

ELITE RUNNERS

Are there any special benefits for Elite Runners?

In recognition of athletes of a high calibre, we have reserved places for elite runners according to criteria based on their ITRA performance index data.

We inform that registration is free for men with more than 800 ITRA Points and for women with more than 700 ITRA Points.

To register for free, if you meet the above criteria you should contact info@ushuaiabyutmb.com (this way, you will obtain a discount code which can then be entered when registering in the registration site of the web page).

In return, elite runners are asked to be present at any press conferences and official ceremonies to which they are invited (including prize-giving ceremonies that concern them) and to be present at the start line no later than 15 minutes before the start of the event.

RUNNING TEAMS

What is the procedure to register as a running team and what benefits does the team get?
Every 10 participants registered as a group (“race team” or “club”), 2 participants will be able to register for free (that is, “every 10 participants, only 8 of them will pay”).

The procedure is as follows:

A. The 8 participants that WILL pay, have to each one register through the system, clearly stating the name of the “running team” or “club” they belong to (all of them must register the same name in the registration system box that says: “Do you belong to a Running Team or a Club? “).

B. The other 2 participants who WILL NOT pay have to EACH ONE send an email to info@ushuaiabyutmb.com with the following information:
1) the registration numbers (provided by the system) of their 8 colleagues (once all of them have registered and paid), 2) name of the “race team” or “club”, and
3) the personal information of the 2 participants that WILL NOT pay for the registration (full name, ID, date of birth, sex, chosen course (distance), country of residence, email, cell phone, t-shirt size).

C. The 2 participants who WILL NOT pay for the registration will receive via email a discount code in order to register for free.

REMINDER: when registering, all participants who decide to make the payment by bank transfer MUST state the registration number. It is recommended that you also send us the email with the receipt of the bank transfer to info@ushuaiabyutmb.com

VOLUNTEERS

Why volunteer? 

Ushuaia by UTMB® Volunteer´s Program is a unique opportunity if you want to be a part of the first edition in South America of this amazing international event. As a volunteer, you will be able to meet new people from all around the world and from Argentina, learn new skills next to the professionals who will be working in our race and enjoy nature and sports, in this unique place that is Ushuaia.

How do I register to be part of the Program?

To live this adventure, you have to complete the form available on the volunteers website and tell us what your skills and preferences are. We will answer as soon as possible to determine which position best suits your profile.

What are the conditions to volunteer?

It doesn´t matter if you don´t have specific experience or knowledge and you just want to help us in whatever is needed, all hands are welcome!

To be a volunteer, you must be aged 18 or more (on April 5, 2019), have availability of days and time for when the event takes place, accept the terms and conditions of the Volunteer Program, know that you have to respond to a person of the staff, have a desire to learn and, above all, want to help us make the dream of hundreds of athletes around the world come true!

In what activities could they need my help?

There will be a great variety of activities to help with. You can find some examples in the web page of Volunteers 

SUPPORTERS

May I be joined in the race by members of my team, family or friends?

We invite all those who want to travel to Ushuaia in order to accompany their athletes, to participate in this great trail festival that is Ushuaia by UTMB®.

You will be able to obtain information about services and accommodations in the city in our website. If you want us to recommend an accommodation, please contact info@ushuaiabyutmb.com. The organisation will have agreements with certain hotels to which the runner and his/her supporters can access with a promotional rate (depending on the size of the group and the availability of the hotel).

In addition, families and supporters will enjoy surprises and special entertainments while cheering their favorite runners in the start and finish line.

We remind you that running with a participant or accompanying him/her outside of the zone indicated by the organization is prohibited and exposes the runner to a penalty.

Will I be able to follow the race online?

During the 3 days of the race, we will do everything we can to make sure that runners, and their supporters, live an extraordinary experience.

• With LiveInfo you will be able to search a participant and follow his/her progress, knowing at every moment their ranking and timing points. In addition, the app offers statistics, contains the list of favorites, compares runners and allows you to follow the progress of the leader. Download it on Google Play or Apple Store.
• LiveRun is an app that calculates in how much time a runner will arrive at the next post and proposes an integrated navigation system via Google Maps. Also, if you get the “premium” version, it allows you to receive notifications every time your favorite runner moves to a new stage. Download it on Google Play or Apple Store.
• Follow our social media in order to find all the information you need, know the latest news, get in touch with the community of supporters and runners, and enjoy this trail running festivity from within!

Can supporters assist the runners?

Assistance to runners during the race answers to very strict regulations that are detailed in the Event Rules. Upon registering, runners commit to endorse these rules. Their followers should make sure to help runners uphold this commitment.

Being that the event is run under the principal of semi-autonomy, athletes CAN´T receive help from outside: they can only get refreshments in the posts set up by the origanisation, from the staff of the organisation.

Personal Assistance is tolerated exclusively on the FMU and on the FBT courses, in a zone specifically reserved for this use by the organization (more information about this matter will be shared in February 2019). Assistance can only be given by one person, who will have to arrange transportation to this point privately. For more information, read the Event Rules.

Reminder: running next to a participant or following him/her along any part of the race (outside of the tolerance zones marked by the organization) is forbidden and exposes the runner to a penalty.

TRAVELLING AND STAYING IN USHUAIA

How do I travel to Ushuaia?

The usual gateway to Argentina is the City of Buenos Aires, an important capital connected by air with the main cities of the world. From here, there are several daily flights to Ushuaia (direct flights, 3hs or with a stop-over, 5hs approximately). You can either fly to Ushuaia from the airdrome called “Aeroparque Jorge Newbery” (20 minutes away from the town centre by car), or from the International Airport of Ezeiza “Ministro Pistarini” (35km away from town center, approximately 1 hour and a half, according to traffic). If the day is shiny, sights from the plane upon arrival to Ushuaia are astonishing. 

If you want to fly from another country to Buenos Aires and immediately take a plane to Ushuaia, you must take into account that international flights usually arrive at Ezeiza (we recommend you to check this when buying the flight). Therefore, it is best, in this case, if your flight to Ushuaia also departs from Ezeiza or, if this is not possible (and you must take a flight from Aeroparque), calculate at least an hour and a half to arrive safely from one airport to another.

Aerolineas Argentinas (that departs both from Aeroparque and from Ezeiza) and Latam, have daily flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires. The city can also be reached from other places such as Córdoba, Mendoza and all the Patagonian provinces.

Ushuaia has its own airport: Malvinas Argentinas International Airport. It is located just 4 km away from the city (15 minutes approximately, by car). It is important to note that there is no public transportation between the airport and the city (you must use a taxi, remise or transfer service).

For groups of runners and followers, the organisation may arrange for a transfer to take them from the airport to the hotel. To arrange this, please contact info@ushuaiabyutmb.com explaining your need, the group´s size, time of arrival to Ushuaia, flight number, etc.

More information about flight arrivals and departures: www.aeropuertoushuaia.com

What kind of documents do I need to travel to Argentina? Do I need a visa? For how long can I stay in the country?

For foreign citizens, the valid document in Argentina is the passport. You can stay in the country as a tourist for less than 90 days. Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to enter Argentina or maybe they will ask you to pay a reciprocity fee. It is advisable to consult in advance with the General Consulate of the Argentine Republic in the country of origin. Also, if you travel with minors, you should make sure you comply with the necessary requirements.

Argentine representations abroad: https://cancilleria.gob.ar/representaciones

Requirements for entering and leaving the country: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/site_docs/

How do I travel inside the city and its surroundings?

In the city, most restaurants, shops and accommodations are near the town centre. However, Ushuaia has taxis, remises and three urban bus lines (A, B and C).

Ushuaia by UTMB® offers exclusive transportation for runners and supporters to/from the airport “Malvinas Argentinas” of Ushuaia. To reserve a transfer, please send an email to:  tourism@ushuaiabyutmb.com

The cost of the transfer service is: USD 22 (per person)

We recommend reserving the service well in advance of the race.

Where can I stay? Does the organisation offer packages for runners?

Ushuaia by UTMB® can offer you, and your family/friends, the best accommodations for your trip. 

The organization has agreements with certain hotels, where you will be able to make a reservation profiting of promotional rates.

Click here for more information on the exclusive hotels we offer; accommodations for running teams, groups or families; special activities and other touristic services in the End of the World.

Or else contact us at info@ushuaiabyutmb.com for personal assistance on these matters.