UTMB International Congress 2026
Women, health and ultra-endurance

International
Congress UTMB 2026:
Women's Health
in Ultra-Endurance

Congrès International UTMB 2026, Femmes, santé et ultra-endurance

An initiative led by Ultra Sports Science.
The UTMB 2026 congress is part of a strong ambition: to make UTMB week an international benchmark for women's health in ultra-endurance.

Chamonix – UTMB Week | August 24–30, 2026

A unique event combining scientific research, field experience, athlete testimonials, and health innovation.

Connecting science, the field, and athletes,
to advance science,
to better understand and protect
women's health in ultra-endurance.

Discover / Participate

The UTMB 2026 Congress

A comprehensive and ambitious vision

Creating a complete ecosystem around women's health in ultra-endurance sports:
• Produce groundbreaking scientific data.
• Raise awareness of issues specific to women.
• Connect researchers, clinicians, and athletes.
• Generate a lasting impact beyond the event.

The 3 pillars of the project

1. Scientific Congress (Thursday, August 27, 2026 – morning)

Thematic
Women and Ultra-Endurance: Mental and Gynecological Health.

Objectives
• To present the latest scientific advances.
• To highlight still under-explored issues.
• To establish an international academic reference.

Target Audience
Researchers, healthcare professionals, coaches, institutions, media

Language:English (or bilingual)

Scientific Content
• Mental Health & Performance: Chronic Stress, Mental Workload, Anxiety, Burnout, Body Image.
• Gynecological Health: Menstrual Cycle Disorders Menstrual cycle, pelvic floor, hormonal impact.
• Digestive health: gastrointestinal disorders and prevention strategies.

Deliverables
• Video recording
• Scientific report (white paper)
• Communication materials

2. Podcasts: Women & ultra-trail

Objectives
• To give elite athletes a voice.
• To popularize science.
• To reach a wide audience.

Format
3 one-hour episodes recorded during the UTMB, distributed across multiple platforms.

Themes
• Mental health and performance pressure.
• Hormonal cycles and sport.
• Longevity and work-life balance.

Deliverables
• Podcasts released.
• Social media excerpts.
• Partner recognition

3. Field research & data collection

Objectives
• Generate original scientific data.
• Fuel future research.
• Strengthen academic credibility.

Method
• Mental health questionnaire: stress, anxiety, mental workload, performance.
• RED-S questionnaire: energy intake, hormonal imbalances, fatigue.

Methodology
• Digital distribution (QR code, UTMB, social networks).
• Anonymized data.
• Validated questionnaires.

Data Analysis
• Statistical analysis.
• Scientific publications.
• Foundation for future projects.

A unique integrated approach

To reveal, understand and advance women's health in ultra-endurance.

• The congress provides scientific legitimacy.
• Podcasts ensure widespread public dissemination.
• Field data creates a lasting impact.

Expected Impact
• International benchmark
• Global visibility
• Sustainable scientific output
• Accelerated research in women's health

Partners & Commitment
• Project supported by the Ultra Sports Science endowment fund.
• Opportunities: international visibility, societal impact, health commitment.

Join the project
• Participate in the conference
• Contribute to research
• Become a partner

Contact us:

s.nail-billaud@ultrasportsscience.org

Project stakeholders & supporters

UTMB Mont-Blanc Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, the ultimate ultra-endurance experience.
Ultra Sports Science Endowment fund, to support ultra-sport & better protect athletes.
Loughborough University A world-renowned British university in sports and performance science.

Our ambassadors

Two committed voices to convey a shared vision.

Patrick BASSET Founder of Ultra Sports Science. MD, Anesthesiologist-Resuscitator, Health and Emergency Expert for large outdoor gatherings.
Sandrine NAIL-BILLAUD Pharmacist, PhD
Ultra-trail runner & Lecturer in Immunology (University of Angers).