Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the plantar pressure distribution and foot measurements during standing posture before, during and after a mountain ultra-trail race. Methods: Thirty-eight runners were tested before (km-0) and after (km-171) of the Ultra-Trail Mont-Blanc 2016. Ten runners among of them were also tested at three checkpoints (km-49, km-79 and km-124). Standing erected posture was recorded on a stabilometric platform and was analyzed by the mean position of the center of pressure (CoP) on the antero-posterior (YCoP) and medio-lateral (XCoP) axis. The relative body weight under the forefoot (FPP), the foot length (LF) and the front foot width (WFF) were also measured. The rating of perceived overall fatigue (RPF) was evaluated by Borg scale. Results: YCoP moved forward (P<0.05) after the UTMB while FFP and WFF were increased (P<0.05). Changes in YCoP and changes in FFP were positively correlated (r=0.47, P<0.05). YCoP, FFP and RPF increased significantly (P<0.05) from the start to km-79 but were unchanged between km-79 to km-171. WFF increased at km-79 then remain unchanged until the end. XCoP and LF were unaltered throughout the UTMB. Conclusions: The increase of the forefoot plantar pressure is related to the forward displacement of CoP. These results explain probably why many runners have injuries in this area during a MUM. The increase of the front foot width should be taken into account for the choice of the running shoes, as much as the foot length.
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