FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
POW (Protect Our Winters) has obtained the carbon results for the 2025 UTMB: the total emissions amount to 24,400 tCO2e, down 3% from 2024 (25,200 tCO2e) – a reduction of approximately 1,220 tCO2e – calculated using the new carbon methodology adopted by the organization.
After 24 months of advocacy efforts directed at UTMB, POW is pleased that the organisation is finally showing a decline, driven primarily by a reduced number of participants and attendees (≈280 fewer runners in 2025, a 2.5% decrease), as well as a decrease in the number of media representatives, guests, and partners (≈560 fewer people). These measures are in line with UTMB's goal of a 20% reduction in the carbon footprint by 2030. However, it remains insufficient unless additional actions are implemented.
Key data from the 2025 edition’s assessment:
- 89% of the UTMB 2025’s emissions are related to transportation for runners and support staff.
- 38% of runners arrive by plane, 50% by car.
- 84% of transportation-related emissions are generated by the 25% of runners traveling from other continents.
Through its work on major international sporting events, POW has identified four strategies available to organizers to reduce their carbon footprint:
- Frequency: spacing out events (e.g., holding certain races every two years or less frequently).
- Scale: reducing the number of participants, spectators, and partners (a strategy adopted by the UTMB in 2025).
- Carbon efficiency of transportation: encouraging and promoting low-carbon modes of transportation (a measure adopted by the Mont Blanc Marathon since 2024 and by the UTMB for 2026)
- Intensity: limiting transcontinental and continental air travel while ensuring equitable international participation
POW’s position and recommendations
Based on POW’s findings regarding major international sporting events, the 2026 initiative (a 30% lottery bonus for low-carbon travel) is expected to reduce car-related emissions but is not sufficient to significantly reduce the impact of air travel.
With 40% of racers traveling by plane, POW reiterates that a responsible mobility policy aimed at limiting intercontinental participation is essential to achieving their goal – a 20% reduction by 2030 – and laying a solid foundation for further reductions thereafter.
Alternative or supplement efforts could mirror 2025 and was mentioned by the mayor of Chamonix. UTMB could continue to reduce the total number of participants (runners, support staff, media, partners) – an additional decrease of approximately 15–20% of participants would lead to a significant reduction in emissions.
“The 2025 reduction is a first step, which also highlights the reality of the challenges: without targeted measures on international flights and a comprehensive strategy to reduce participation, the UTMB Group will not meet its climate commitment. The organizers have the tools at their disposal; it is time to put them to full use.” — Antoine Pin, Director of POW France
Meet POW at UTMB
POW will have a booth at the UTMB; join us at the Hôtel de l’Arve on Friday, August 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with Antoine Pin, Director of POW France, and Ben Aidan, Director of Partnerships at POW Europe, in attendance.
Contact
For more information or interview request, please contact: Ashley Perl, Communications Lead, Protect Our Winters Europe, ashley@protectourwinters.eu
Top image: Makoto Chida / Flickr
