The UTMB® is still a young race, but it is the queen of ultra trail and its history has already made this event a legend. From records and the roll of honour to its incidents, the UTMB® has packed a unique story into 20 years of existence.
UTMB® Records
While the race now attracts 10,000 runners, its records lie above all in the surge of entries, which reach new peaks every year. But the records set by the runners themselves come in the form of victories accumulated on both the men's and women's sides, and of course the course record, with certain editions set to remain historic in the eyes of enthusiasts.
Roll of honour
Only the biggest names feature in the UTMB® roll of honour! From the first winner Dawa Sherpa to the recent dominance of French runners Xavier Thévenard and François D'Haene, not forgetting ultra trail star Kilian Jornet, who in 2022 broke Pau Capell's record by coming in under the symbolic 20-hour mark. He also equalled François D'Haene's record of four victories. On the women's side, the roll of honour is dominated by British runner Lizzy Hawker's five victories.
Incidents
In the legend of any race, its level of danger plays an important role. While the UTMB® does present real risks for competitors, it has proven to be relatively free of serious incidents. It is above all the race's popularity and the excitement it generates that draws many people to attempt the summits. When these spontaneous attempts are made without proper equipment or specific preparation, that is often when the most serious incidents can occur. Feel free to consult the race's Wikipedia page here.
