Question 1

How does the VERT.RUN Race Time Predictor work?

Accepted Answer

The predictor uses a model that combines your fitness score (ITRA or UTMB Index), the race's distance, total elevation gain, and technical difficulty to estimate your finishing time. It accounts for progressive fatigue over long distances, terrain type, and your age to produce an optimistic, realistic, and conservative time range. The algorithm is trained on thousands of real race results and winning times from UTMB World Series and ITRA-registered events.

Question 2

What is the UTMB Index?

Accepted Answer

The UTMB Index is a performance score from 0 to 1000 calculated by UTMB World based on your results in trail races. A higher score reflects stronger performance. It is used as a qualification currency for UTMB World Series races — for example, UTMB® itself requires a minimum score. The index is updated after each registered race result and is based on your best performances over a rolling 3-year window, with recent results weighted more heavily.

Question 3

What is the ITRA Index?

Accepted Answer

The ITRA Performance Index (International Trail Running Association) is a score from 0 to 1000 that measures your trail running level based on your race results relative to the field and the winning time. An index above 400 represents a solid club runner; above 600 is nationally competitive; above 700 is elite. The index is calculated from your three best performances in ITRA-registered races over the past three years.

Question 4

How can I increase my UTMB or ITRA Index?

Accepted Answer

Your index rises by finishing well in ITRA or UTMB-registered races relative to the rest of the field. The most effective strategies are: race consistently in registered events, choose races where your fitness gives you a competitive edge within your gender and age group, and improve your base aerobic fitness and vertical gain capacity, since both indexes reward performance on difficult mountain courses most heavily. Avoid long gaps in racing — indexes decay if you have no results in the 3-year window.

Question 5

How do I know how long a race will take me?

Accepted Answer

Enter your ITRA or UTMB Index, date of birth, and the target race into this predictor. The algorithm uses the race's distance in km, total elevation gain in metres, surface type, and historical winning times to estimate your finish across three scenarios: optimistic (a great day), realistic (your expected performance), and conservative (a tough day). For pacing strategy, use the realistic estimate as your target.

Question 6

How do I calculate my pacing for a trail race?

Accepted Answer

Once you have your predicted finish time, divide it by the total distance to get a rough average pace per kilometre. Trail racing is rarely even-paced — expect to run faster on flat or downhill sections and significantly slower on climbs. A practical rule of thumb: add 1 minute per 100m of ascent on top of your flat running pace. For very steep or technical terrain (grade above 30%), add 1.5–2 minutes per 100m. Break the course into segments using the elevation profile and assign a target pace to each.