The CCC (Courmayeur–Champex–Chamonix) is one of the most respected races on the UTMB World Series circuit. At 101 km with over 6,100 m of elevation gain, it crosses Italy, Switzerland and France before finishing in the heart of Chamonix.
The numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance | 101 km |
| Elevation gain | 6,100 m |
| Maximum altitude | 2,562 m |
| Countries | Italy, Switzerland, France |
| Official time limit | 26 h 30 min |
The key climbs on the route
KM 8 — The climb to Testa Bernarda
900 m of climbing in under 5 km. An average gradient of 18% with pitches over 30%. This is where the pace of your race gets set. Be very careful in those opening kilometres.
KM 46 — Col du Grand Ferret (2,562 m)
The highest point of the CCC, and the crossing from Italy into Switzerland. It comes at halfway, when your legs are already feeling everything that came before.
KM 75 — Col de la Forclaz
The hardest one mentally. By now you've banked more than 5,000 m of climbing and there are still 25 km to the finish.
Benchmark times by level
| Level | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Professional (UTMB 2025 winner) | 10 h 06 min |
| Advanced | 14h – 18h |
| Competitive amateur | 22h – 28h |
| Official time limit | 26 h 30 min |
Fuelling for 18-26 hours
- First 6 hours (km 0-30): eat steadily but don't overdo it. 250-300 kcal an hour.
- Hours 6-15 (km 30-70): peak intake. 350-400 kcal an hour.
- Hours 15-22 (km 70-95): ease off gradually. 250-300 kcal an hour.
- Final 2-4 hours: whatever you can keep down.
Kit (you may well be up all night)
- Down jacket.
- A powerful head torch (10+ hours of battery).
- A full first aid kit.
- Spare socks.
- Spares of any medication you take.
Classic mistakes
- Going out too hard on Testa Bernarda (km 0-8).
- Not carrying enough layers for the Col du Grand Ferret.
- Underestimating the mental toll of 20+ hours awake.
- Going over on the final descent because concentration has gone.
TrackLAB tip: the CCC is the balanced challenge of the UTMB circuit. Shorter than the UTMB (101 vs 171 km) but more technical than the OCC. Ideal for tasting the circuit without committing to the full UTMB.
Summary
The CCC is the balanced challenge of the UTMB circuit. It combines demanding elevation, technical alpine terrain and cross-border logistics. If you want the UTMB experience without the sheer scale of the full route, the CCC is your race.