Funding and Local Impact

Each UTMB event is organized by a local entity (association or organizing committee) in collaboration with the UTMB Group teams. As a driver of attractiveness and regional vitality, these events are also co-developed with local authorities—municipalities, districts, tourist offices, and development agencies—who actively contribute to their design, implementation, and funding.

The economic model follows that of most sporting events hosted in a region and is based on a classic three-part structure :

• Runner registration fees
• Support from local authorities
• Support from private sponsors, whether local or international

Like any major sporting event, the financial model relies on a balanced mix of public funding, registration revenues, and private sponsorship.

This diversity of funding sources helps ensure the event’s sustainability, uphold high organizational standards, and strengthen its local roots. The financial distribution is as follows :

Local authorities support a UTMB event because it directly contributes to the economic and tourism development of their region.

It attracts thousands of participants and supporters, generates significant benefits for accommodation, restaurants, and local businesses, and provides national and international visibility for the area. These events are co-developed with public stakeholders and contribute to the long-term promotion of the region.

he event generates significant direct economic benefits for the towns and villages it passes through—accommodation, food services, local shops, transportation, and other services all see a measurable boost.

According to a study conducted by the independent firm Traces TPI, based on participant feedback from the 2024 edition:

7M CHF in direct and indirect economic impact (spending by participants, accompanying persons, service providers, and the organization).

Private sponsors choose to partner with a UTMB event to support a sporting initiative that aligns with strong values, strengthen their local presence, and benefit from high visibility among a broad, engaged audience.

Funding received from local authorities supports the local organization of the event, in alignment with the public sector's goals of regional promotion, social inclusion, and economic vitality. It is used to:

• Enhance the touristic and media appeal of the area
• Promote the region through national and international media
• Work with local providers (logistics, security, medical, transport)

Develop social initiatives that make the event accessible to all (children's races, joëlette participation, youth programs).