Why this page existsThe official website contains useful data, but spreads it across registration conditions, the French PPS system, an interactive table, icons, the programme and regulations. This guide adds the missing layer: what must be completed, what remains uncertain and what it means for transport, food, clothing, crew, drop bags and cut-off buffer.
Officially confirmedFinisher experienceStill to be confirmed in the final runner guide
The essentials
Six things to include in your race plan now
1h30Nice to Auron
The 90 km drive normally takes about 1.5 hours. Allow extra time for boarding, traffic and arrival when using the official race shuttle.
1Official drop bag
You hand in one bag in Auron. The same bag is available at Saint-Sauveur at 63.7 km, then moves on to Levens at 121.8 km and finally to Nice.
8Crew points
Personal assistance is permitted at Isola, Saint-Sauveur, Venanson, Utelle, Levens, Tourrette-Levens, Drap and Plateau Saint-Michel.
3Hot meals
Explicitly listed at Saint-Sauveur, Levens and the finish. The exact menu is not published.
0 → 26°CTemperature range
Previous editions combined snow, wind and near-freezing conditions above 2,000 m with summer heat towards Nice.
15 kmBusy finale
The final kilometres are shared with other races, bringing fresh and faster runners among tired 100M participants.
Entry requirements
A paid entry alone is not enough
Four separate gates must be open before you can actually start in Auron. The rules below explain what each requirement proves — and what it does not.
Officially confirmedYou meet the age requirement
For 2026, runners born in 2006 or earlier may enter. The classification age group is only a results category, not an extra qualification.
Officially confirmedYou hold a valid UTMB Index in 50K, 100K or 100M
No minimum Index score and no mandatory number of Running Stones are stated. Check that the correct category is shown as valid in My UTMB.
Officially confirmedYour entry is personal and confirmed
There is no waiting list. The bib is personal, non-transferable and cannot automatically be deferred to another year.
Officially confirmedYou register a valid PPS number
PPS means Pass de Prévention Santé. It currently costs €5, remains valid for one year and is a French participation formality — not an individual sports medical examination.
The key distinction
A UTMB Index is not a medical certificate. A PPS is not a sports medical examination.
Start logistics
From Nice to the start in Auron
The current official transport page shows specific times but still uses 2025 calendar dates. Runner transport and separate crew transport are confirmed; the exact 2026 departure times are not.
Officially confirmedThe start is Friday at 13:00 in Auron
Bib collection is available Thursday in Nice from 16:00 to 21:00 and Friday in Auron from 09:00 to 13:00. The low-stress choice is to collect it in Nice on Thursday.
Conflicting official informationPublished times are not yet confirmed for 2026
The public page shows departures at 08:30, 08:45 and 09:00, but labels the schedule “FRI 26.09” and uses 2025 weekend dates. Treat these times as indicative until they appear in MyUTMB or an updated 2026 guide.
Officially confirmedThe current boarding point is Port of Nice
The official stop page lists Port of Nice, Quai du Commerce / P2. The runner shuttle is booked via MyUTMB → My Dashboard → Edit my registration.
Officially confirmedCrew transport is separate and paid
It requires a separate booking. Crew must arrange their own return to Auron after the finish. Children under three are not permitted; bicycles must be dismantled and bagged.
Still unpublishedWhat remains unclear
Final 2026 departure times, the crew-transport price after click-through, exact luggage rules and the missed-shuttle procedure are not stated consistently on the public pages.
Practical adviceDo not make the bus your first fuelling opportunity
Eat and drink according to your normal pre-race plan. Carry a simple snack and water for waiting, boarding and the journey.
2025 context: about 31% of the 846 starters did not reach Nice. In our checkpoint analysis, the biggest attrition zone came after Isola: 149 of the 262 DNFs occurred before Valdeblore. Of the runners who reached Levens, 92.4% eventually finished.
See the full 2025 checkpoint analysis in the route guide →
Official timing and service table
All 31 points, cut-offs and services in one overview
The main race page states 165 km and 8,900 m+. The detailed checkpoint table finishes at 167.2 km, 8,549 m+ and 10,129 m−. The detailed table is used below for logistics and cut-offs.
167.2 kmdistance in checkpoint table
8,549 m+cumulative ascent
10,129 m−cumulative descent
Sun 15:15final official finish
All 31 Nice 100M timing points, cut-offs and services| Point | Location | Total | From previous | Cumulative D+ | Cumulative D− | Fastest schedule | Slowest schedule | Cut-off | Services |
|---|
| Start | Auron1592 m | 0 km | 0 km | 0 m+ | 0 m− | Fri 13:00 | Fri 13:15 | — | Emergency supportToiletOrganisation transportDrop-bag hand-in |
|---|
| N1 | Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée1133 m | 8,1 km | 8,1 km | 216 m+ | 673 m− | Fri 13:38 | Fri 14:45 | — | Drink stationNäak productsEmergency supportToiletOrganisation transport |
|---|
| N2 | Cabane des Chasseurs2464 m | 16,5 km | 8,3 km | 1.579 m+ | 709 m− | Fri 14:51 | Fri 17:42 | Fri 17:45 | Aid stationNäak productsEmergency supportToilet |
|---|
| Refuge de Rabuons2505 m | 17,1 km | 0,6 km | 1.622 m+ | 709 m− | Fri 14:56 | Fri 17:51 | — | — |
|---|
| Colle Longue2554 m | 28,9 km | 11,7 km | 2.209 m+ | 1.248 m− | Fri 16:07 | Fri 20:37 | — | — |
|---|
| N4 | Isola Village829 m | 38 km | 9 km | 2.290 m+ | 3.055 m− | Fri 17:03 | Fri 22:59 | Fri 23:15 | Aid stationNäak productsEmergency supportToiletOrganisation transportPowerCrew assistance permitted |
|---|
| N5 | Pont de Paule662 m | 50,1 km | 12,1 km | 3.007 m+ | 3.937 m− | Fri 18:31 | Sat 02:38 | Sat 03:00 | Aid stationNäak productsEmergency supportToiletOrganisation transport |
|---|
| Roure1096 m | 58,5 km | 8,4 km | 3.755 m+ | 4.250 m− | Fri 19:49 | Sat 05:24 | — | — |
|---|
| N6 | Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée478 m | 63,7 km | 5,1 km | 3.770 m+ | 4.886 m− | Fri 20:22 | Sat 06:35 | Sat 07:15 | Hot mealNäak productsEmergency supportRest areaToiletOrganisation transportDrop bagPowerCrew assistance permitted |
|---|
| N7 | Rimplas1018 m | 68,4 km | 4,6 km | 4.312 m+ | 4.886 m− | Fri 21:11 | Sat 08:27 | Sat 09:00 | Aid stationEmergency support |
|---|
| Valdeblore / La Colmiane990 m | 71,9 km | 3,4 km | 4.495 m+ | 5.097 m− | Fri 21:38 | Sat 09:33 | — | — |
|---|
| N8 | Venanson1149 m | 83,5 km | 11,6 km | 5.251 m+ | 5.693 m− | Fri 23:17 | Sat 13:35 | Sat 14:00 | Näak productsEmergency supportToiletPowerCrew assistance permitted |
|---|
| N9 | Granges de la Brasque1693 m | 93,8 km | 10,3 km | 6.126 m+ | 6.024 m− | Sat 00:52 | Sat 17:30 | Sat 18:00 | Aid stationNäak productsEmergency supportToilet |
|---|
| Bouche des Fournès1363 m | 99,5 km | 5,6 km | 6.135 m+ | 6.364 m− | Sat 01:23 | Sat 18:51 | — | — |
|---|
| Brec d’Utelle1531 m | 104,1 km | 4,5 km | 6.311 m+ | 6.382 m− | Sat 01:53 | Sat 20:07 | — | — |
|---|
| N10 | Utelle784 m | 109,8 km | 5,7 km | 6.311 m+ | 7.127 m− | Sat 02:30 | Sat 21:41 | Sat 22:00 | Aid stationNäak productsEmergency supportToiletOrganisation transportCrew assistance permitted |
|---|
| Pont du Cros d’Utelle330 m | 117,3 km | 7,4 km | 6.348 m+ | 7.610 m− | Sat 03:13 | Sat 23:30 | — | — |
|---|
| N11 | Levens525 m | 121,8 km | 4,4 km | 6.692 m+ | 7.758 m− | Sat 03:53 | Sun 01:12 | Sun 01:30 | Hot mealNäak productsEmergency supportRest areaToiletOrganisation transportDrop bagPowerCrew assistance permitted |
|---|
| Mont Férion1415 m | 127,2 km | 5,3 km | 7.580 m+ | 7.758 m− | Sat 05:04 | Sun 04:10 | — | — |
|---|
| N12 | Chapelle Saint-Michel1259 m | 128,3 km | 1 km | 7.580 m+ | 7.913 m− | Sat 05:12 | Sun 04:31 | — | Drink stationNäak productsEmergency supportToiletOrganisation transport |
|---|
| N13 | Tourrette-Levens400 m | 140,4 km | 12 km | 7.701 m+ | 8.895 m− | Sat 06:29 | Sun 07:38 | Sun 08:00 | Aid stationNäak productsEmergency supportToiletOrganisation transportCrew assistance permitted |
|---|
| Baisse de Bordinas488 m | 143,6 km | 3,2 km | 7.938 m+ | 9.043 m− | Sat 07:00 | Sun 08:49 | — | — |
|---|
| N14 | Drap94 m | 147,4 km | 3,8 km | 7.938 m+ | 9.434 m− | Sat 07:25 | Sun 09:48 | Sun 10:00 | Aid stationNäak productsEmergency supportToiletOrganisation transportPowerCrew assistance permitted |
|---|
| La Trinité95 m | 149,1 km | 1,6 km | 7.948 m+ | 9.446 m− | Sat 07:35 | Sun 10:11 | — | — |
|---|
| Plateau de la Justice563 m | 153,6 km | 4,4 km | 8.417 m+ | 9.446 m− | Sat 08:21 | Sun 12:01 | — | — |
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| Mont Leuze553 m | 154,9 km | 1,2 km | 8.423 m+ | 9.461 m− | Sat 08:29 | Sun 12:19 | — | — |
|---|
| N15 | Plateau Saint-Michel / Villefranche-sur-Mer376 m | 156,5 km | 1,6 km | 8.423 m+ | 9.637 m− | Sat 08:38 | Sun 12:41 | Sun 13:00 | Aid stationNäak productsEmergency supportToiletOrganisation transportCrew assistance permitted |
|---|
| Mont Vinaigrier358 m | 158,3 km | 1,8 km | 8.470 m+ | 9.706 m− | Sat 08:50 | Sun 13:12 | — | — |
|---|
| Col de Villefranche131 m | 160,1 km | 1,7 km | 8.473 m+ | 9.933 m− | Sat 09:02 | Sun 13:41 | — | — |
|---|
| Mont Boron159 m | 162 km | 1,8 km | 8.525 m+ | 9.956 m− | Sat 09:14 | Sun 14:11 | — | — |
|---|
| Finish | Nice – Promenade des Anglais12 m | 167,2 km | 5,1 km | 8.549 m+ | 10.129 m− | Sat 09:44 | Sun 15:14 | Sun 15:15 | Hot mealNäak productsEmergency supportRest areaToiletOrganisation transportDrop-bag collectionShowersPower |
|---|
“Organisation transport” does not automatically mean a crew shuttle. Treat it as an organiser service for participants until the final guide specifies its purpose.
Food and drink at aid stations
An icon is not a menu
The table distinguishes drink stations, aid stations, Näak products and hot meals, but does not state flavours, quantities, allergens or availability throughout the night.
Officially confirmedHot meals at Saint-Sauveur, Levens and the finish
These are the only three points explicitly labelled with a hot meal.
Finisher experience“Real food” may be simpler than expected
Previous runners mention broth, simple soup, cola, water, watermelon and basic snacks.
Still unknownWhat has not been published
Exact menus, Näak product variants, allergens, vegetarian options and late-night availability.
Plan as though the aid station supplements your race, not saves it. Carry enough tested food to reach the next major point.
One bag · two controlled restarts
One official drop bag: Saint-Sauveur → Levens → Nice
You hand in one official drop bag in Auron. The checkpoint table shows “Spare bag” at N6 and N11, but these are not two separate bags: the same bag goes first to Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, then moves on to Levens after you use it, and finally returns to Nice. A previous finisher report describes this exact logistics chain.
N6 · 63.7 kmSaint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée
Pack A — first access to the drop bag: reset after the first night and before the hard middle section.
- dry base layer and socks;
- warm layer and spare gloves if needed;
- tested food for the next phase;
- spare battery and charging cable;
- foot care and anti-chafe;
- optional shoe change only if tested beforehand.
Use only the Saint-Sauveur pack. Leave the clearly labelled Levens pack untouched inside the official bag; the bag continues to Levens.
N11 · 121.8 kmLevens
Pack B — the same drop bag again: functional reset for the final roughly 45 km.
- fresh socks and a clean Alzheimer Nederland shirt;
- planned Speedgoat 7 shoe change if still appropriate;
- tested late-race food and Tailwind refill;
- lamp, phone and power-bank backup if needed;
- blister and chafing supplies;
- sunscreen and sunglasses for Sunday.
After Levens, the same official drop bag continues to Nice and is available again after the race.
The simple packing rule: one official bag, two inner packsDo not pack two official bags. Put two clearly labelled inner bags or pouches inside the single UTMB drop bag: SAINT-SAUVEUR and LEVENS. At Saint-Sauveur, use Pack A only; Pack B stays in the bag and automatically travels on to Levens.
Crew and supporters
Eight permitted points do not mean your crew should visit all eight
A crew constantly chasing the runner can become tired and create extra stress through driving, parking and timing.
N4 · 38 kmIsola Village
First major recovery point after the high-alpine opening.
N6 · 63.7 kmSaint-Sauveur
Hot meal, rest area, power and first drop bag.
N8 · 83.5 kmVenanson
Crew permitted, but no full aid-station label in the table.
N10 · 109.8 kmUtelle
Full aid station and logical check before Levens.
N11 · 121.8 kmLevens
Second major reset with hot meal and drop bag.
N13 · 140.4 kmTourrette-Levens
Short mental and nutritional reset after the last major climb.
N14 · 147.4 kmDrap
Urban transition, aid station and power.
N15 · 156.5 kmPlateau Saint-Michel
Final crew point before the finish.
Calm basic plan
Isola → Saint-Sauveur → Levens → finish. Four meetings with high recovery value and enough time for safe travel and rest.
Extended plan
Isola → Saint-Sauveur → Utelle → Levens → Tourrette-Levens → finish. Only sensible with two rested supporters and realistic travel planning.
Weather, clothing and chafing
Do not start too warm, but keep your warm layer accessible
Finishers describe near-freezing temperatures, fresh snow, strong wind and rain above 2,000 m, followed by heat towards Nice.
Finisher experienceThe first climb can mislead you
Do not put on every warm layer at the start. Keep insulation accessible and add it when wind, precipitation and temperature require it.
Finisher experienceDo not tuck your rain jacket into your waistband
A previous finisher developed severe chafing this way. Stow it in the vest or use a method tested in training.
What the elevation profile does not tell you
Six practical course lessons from previous finishers
1. Rougher than the UTMB label may suggest
Narrow singletrack, steep descents, rocks and less-travelled terrain.
2. Busy opening hours
Congestion and poles around you can occur on the descent and first major climb.
3. High-alpine terrain after Rabuons
A boulder field requires patience; early time gains are not worth a bad step.
4. Extremely steep descent towards Pont de Paule
Control matters more than pace. Some finishers used trees for support.
5. High steps after Valdeblore
Repeated knee lifts towards hip height make weighted step-ups and single-leg strength highly relevant.
6. The finale is shared
Fresh runners from other races may descend quickly among exhausted 100M participants.
Questions that reduce uncertainty
What runners and crews still need to resolve before September
When should I arrange my PPS?
Well before the document deadline. Register the number in your race dashboard and ensure it remains valid beyond 25 September 2026.
Does my UTMB Index need a minimum score?
The Nice conditions state no minimum score. A valid 50K, 100K or 100M Index category is required.
Is PPS a sports medical examination?
No. It is a French participation formality with online prevention steps, not an individual test or medical clearance for this ultra.
Do I need Running Stones?
No Running Stones are listed as an entry requirement for the Nice 100M.
Which shuttle should I take?
The final 2026 times are not yet confirmed. Once confirmed, choose the earliest practical bus to preserve buffer for the drop bag, toilets, equipment checks, food and rest.
Can my supporter use the runner shuttle?
No. Runner and crew transport are separate bookings.
Are there really two drop bags?
No. The checkpoint table shows two drop-bag access points, but they use the same official bag. You hand in one bag in Auron; it goes to Saint-Sauveur, then Levens, then Nice. For clarity, use two labelled inner packs.
May crew help wherever organisation transport is shown?
No. Assistance is limited to the eight explicitly designated crew points.
Must crew visit all eight points?
No. Four or five well-chosen meetings are usually calmer and more reliable.
Where can I expect hot food?
Explicitly at Saint-Sauveur, Levens and the finish. The exact dishes are not published.
What does “Näak products” mean at each station?
The table names the brand, not the product, flavour or quantity. Do not assume a specific gel, waffle or drink is available everywhere.
Can I charge my phone and headlamp?
Power is listed at several major points, but carry your own power bank and cable because access and waiting times are not guaranteed.
How technical is the first half?
Finishers describe rocky switchbacks, boulder fields, narrow trails and very steep descents — more technical than many expected.
Why do official distance figures differ?
The race is marketed as 165 km and 8,900 m+, while the checkpoint table totals 167.2 km and 8,549 m+. Use headline numbers for general communication and table figures for logistics.
Sources and transparency
What is official, what comes from experience and where official sources conflict
The organiser may still change the route, services, cut-offs and transport. The final runner guide remains decisive.
One figures discrepancy and one logistics clarification1. The headline figures are 165 km and 8,900 m+, while the checkpoint table totals 167.2 km and 8,549 m+. 2. The drop-bag information now fits together: the checkpoint table shows the service at Saint-Sauveur and Levens because the same official bag is available at both points before returning to Nice.
From preparation to impact
My fatigue will pass after the finish. Dementia will not.My parents-in-law live with dementia. That is why I am running these 100 miles for Alzheimer Nederland.