Could British trail runner Tom Evans be fighting for the win?
Unless you’ve been living in a remote refuge for the past month, you’re probably aware that the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc starts tomorrow (Friday). The 20th year of ‘the Superbowl of trail running’ promises to be as exciting as ever. Here are five things to look out for.
Tom Evans fighting for the top spot
The British trail runner finished third at last year’s UTMB. Kilian Jornet took the top spot – recording the first ever sub-20hr time – but is out injured this year. Having taken the win at this year’s Western States 100, Evans will be full of confidence going into this year’s UTMB. Not since Jez Bragg took victory on a shortened course in 2010 has the UK had a male winner at the UTMB. Could Evans put an end to the wait?
Can Jim Walmsley finally get it done?
If Tom Evans is to triumph, he’ll have to get the better of long-term rival Jim Walmsley, who’s been on a mission to become the first US male to win the UTMB. Walmsley, an exciting frontrunner, has led the event in previous years, only to capitulate in the latter stages. There’s no doubting the Western States 100 record holder’s credentials; but can he piece it all together to finally triumph here? One thing’s for sure, it won’t be dull.
Can Courtney Dauwalter continue her winning streak?
Talk about a brilliant year. Courtney Dauwalter – already a two-time champion and female course record holder at the UTMB – has been on a winning streak in 2023. She won the Western States 100 in a new record time, before doing exactly the same at the Hardrock 100. If she triumphs at the UTMB, as many believe she will, it will be one hell of a hattrick of victories.
Blandine L’Hirondel
If anyone can challenge Dauwalter this year, it’s perhaps this lady. France’s Blandine L’Hirondel is making her debut appearance at 100 miles, but has notched up a string of high-profile victories at shorter distances: she’s a two-time trail running world champ – in 2022 and 2019– and holds the course record for the UTMB’s shorter events, the 101k CCC and 56k OCC. Can she add a win at the UTMB to her impressive resumé?
There’s better TV coverage than ever before
It’s no easy task following some of the world’s fittest people up some of Europe’s toughest peaks, but the UTMB makes an impressive fist of it. This year promises to be the best ever for armchair trail runners – and you can follow all the action live at live.utmb.world.
You Might Also Like
