The finals of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) World Series begin on August 26 and run until September 1. The annual finale consists of three races: the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc Orsières-Champex-Chamonix (50 km), the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix (100 km) and the classic UTMB (100 m) through France, Italy and Switzerland.
Of course, the crowds come for the world-class athletes and spectacular views of the Alps, but some would argue that the food is a big draw too – and even the racers get to sample something along the way. Much of the fuel at the aid stations is sourced from the surrounding communities, who bring the best. Think locally made croissants, bread, cheese and prosciutto.
But for those of us who haven’t had the pleasure of passing tents full of freshly baked French baguettes on our long runs, here are some strange, specific, and sometimes gross details about how we fuel ourselves for our adventures.
The Food Outside editors eat for ultramarathons
Birthday cake
On a 13-hour, 10,000-foot ridge hike through the high peaks of New Mexico a few years ago, I fortified myself with the food of the gods: birthday cake in a bag. A few nights earlier, I’d somehow snuck three cakes into my birthday dinner, and figured the calorie-to-weight ratio of buttercream frosting couldn’t stray far from Gu. So I cut off a generous slice of birthday cake, put it in a Ziploc bag, and stashed it in my backpack. By the time I went to eat it, it had lost all structure, and I could easily squeeze it right into my mouth through a hole I’d cut in the bottom corner of the bag.
—Abigail Barronian, senior editor, Outside
Raisin scones
The last time I ran 100 miles, it was a multi-day trip through the English countryside where I had to be self-sufficient. The bad news: no aid stations. The good news: pubs and cafes in much greater numbers. I was able to refill my vest every 10 miles with raisin scones and coffee. A scone on its own is pretty dry, but combined with a sip of coffee (or even water), it becomes an easily digestible, carbohydrate-rich snack that has just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s the perfect size to fit in a breast pocket.
—Corey Buhay, acting editor-in-chief, Backpackers
Real food
I’m blessed with a rock-hard stomach and have never had gastrointestinal issues during a run or race. This gives me the freedom to eat pretty much anything, but I’m significantly avoiding energy gels and opting for real food – either the breakfast burritos or ramen noodles available at aid stations, or peanut butter tortilla wraps (sometimes with Nutella) and Pay Day candy bars (because they don’t melt and have a good mix of calories, carbs, fat and protein). I’ve also been known to drink pickle juice straight from the glass because of the sodium content. I love the taste!
—Brian Metzler, Editor-in-Chief, RUN
Trader Joe’s Many Things Snack Mix
I always have a variety of snacks on hand during an ultramarathon that I like to indulge in! My favorite is a special mix from Trader Joe’s called “Many Things Snack Mix,” which has honey roasted peanuts, sweet and spicy Chex-style cereal squares, pretzel sticks, and bread chips. It’s basically Chex mix. I pack it in a Ziploc bag and enjoy being able to eat it guilt-free during the run (because when I eat it at home, it never really meets any nutritional needs and I always eat too much of it!).
I also pack a Ziploc bag of gummy bears and then another with half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Peanuts and peanut butter go down easily for me while also providing some satiety, while the gummy bears have great texture and give me a sugar rush. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich combines both sides of that, and then the Chex mix – as long as it has a few flavorful bits in it – wakes up my taste buds.
—Svati Narula, contributing editor, Outside
Peanut butter and jam
I always resort to a good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s easy, reliable, easy on my stomach (maybe I’m just used to it), and gives me the perfect balance of carbs and protein – plus all the nostalgia of my childhood days. I love it so much.
—Mary Mckeon, Director of Audience Development, Outside Inc.
Spam Musubi
My favorite buns are the perfect combination of salty and sweet and are packed with carbs and protein. Plus, as a runner who tends to get an upset stomach after 10 miles, they’re so bland that I don’t eat them when I need another snack right away. Best of all, Spam Musubi is a handy bun that travels well and is just as delicious after a few hours in my backpack at room temperature.
—Abigail Wise, editor, Outside
Good mood
I prefer to live on good vibes and enthusiasm for three or four hours before I inevitably crash and burn from lack of energy.
—Matt Skenazy, features editor, Outside
