UTMB 2025 is just around the corner. Every August, the French town of Chamonix becomes the beating heart of ultra-trail running. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) isn’t just a race, it’s the ultimate endurance challenge, the world cup of ultra running!

What is UTMB and Why is it the Holy Grail of Trail Running?

The flagship event? A 174km loop around Mont Blanc, through three countries, France, Italy, and Switzerland, with 10,000m of elevation gain. That’s like climbing Everest, twice, without oxygen or sherpas.

But UTMB week isn’t just one race. It’s a festival of mountain running, featuring iconic events like CCC, TDS, OCC, PTL, and MCC. Each one delivers brutal climbs, breathtaking views, and stories of triumph and heartbreak.

UTMB 2025: Dates and Big Changes

When: 25^th to 31^st August 2025

Where: Chamonix, France

This year, expect bigger coverage, greener practices, and the deepest elite field ever. UTMB Live will feature 12 events in 7 languages, so you can stream the drama from anywhere.

Who to Watch at UTMB 2025?

Women’s Elite Field

Courtney Dauwalter – The reigning queen of ultras, renowned for her relentless endurance and unbreakable spirit. With multiple victories at UTMB, Western States, and Hardrock, she’s redefined what’s possible in women’s trail running. Her signature baggy shorts and ever-present smile belie an indomitable will. Can she add another jewel to her crown this year?

Katie Schide – The fiercely focused course record holder, Katie blends strategic pacing with mountain savvy. Her 2022 UTMB victory was a masterclass in patience and grit, outlasting the field in punishing conditions. With a background in geology and a life spent on rugged terrain, she’s as comfortable on alpine ridges as she is at the front of the pack. Expect her trademark resilience, tactical brilliance, and an unwavering drive for another podium run.

Ruth Croft – The New Zealander is renowned for her strategic mind, relentless drive, and a finishing kick that has broken many contenders in the final miles. Croft’s mountain pedigree is forged on both the technical trails of Europe and big races in the U.S., with podiums at Western States and wins at CCC. Known for her ability to excel in all conditions, she’s as comfortable charging through rain-soaked mud as she is dancing over alpine ridges. Always dangerous late in the race, Croft’s tactical savvy and unwavering grit make her a real threat for the podium.

Men’s Elite Field

Jim Walmsley – The relentless American trailblazer, Walmsley has long dominated the ultra scene in the US, including multiple Western States victories and course records. After years of near-misses at UTMB, he famously relocated to France to immerse himself in the mountains, training obsessively on the course’s iconic climbs and descents. Known for his fearless pacing, laser focus, and willingness to push the limits from the starting gun, Walmsley’s journey is one of perseverance and bold ambition. In 2023, he made history as the first American male to win UTMB, shattering expectations and inspiring a legion of fans. In 2025, he returns to defend his legacy and prove that lightning can strike twice in Chamonix.

François D’Haene – The legendary French ultrarunner and four-time UTMB champion returns to Chamonix with a legacy that looms large over the mountains. Revered for his calm, methodical approach and remarkable consistency on technical alpine terrain, D’Haene has conquered not only UTMB but also Hardrock and the Diagonale des Fous, cementing his status as a giant in the sport. Known for blending precise race strategy with a humble demeanour, he balances his life as a winemaker with relentless training on the very trails where his legend was forged. D’Haene’s return promises a fascinating battle of experience versus ambition, as he looks to add yet another title to his extraordinary résumé.

Jonathan Albon – The British-born trail phenom is renowned for his versatility and technical prowess across a range of distances, from sky races to extreme mountain marathons. Albon’s record includes multiple world titles in mountain running and obstacle racing, but 100-mile ultras remain his ultimate frontier. With a reputation for meticulous preparation and cool-headed decision-making even when the weather turns wild, Albon’s entry into the UTMB field sparks intrigue: can his formidable speed and precision over shorter distances translate into glory on the sport’s grandest stage? This year, all eyes will be on his transition to the ultra-long format, as he tests his endurance, resilience, and strategic acumen against the deepest field UTMB has ever seen.

Tom Evans – The British ultrarunner has steadily built a reputation as one of the most consistent and tactically astute competitors in the trail running world. A former British Army officer, Evans burst onto the scene with a podium finish at the Marathon des Sables and has since claimed victories at majors like CCC and Western States 100. Known for his meticulous preparation, laser-focused race strategy, and balanced pacing, Evans brings a unique blend of speed and endurance to the UTMB. His analytical approach to nutrition, rest, and course management often sees him surge through the field when others begin to falter. In 2025, Evans is poised to challenge for the podium once more, his every stride a product of discipline and a deep understanding of the mountains.

Hayden Hawks – A relentless competitor and crowd favourite, the American ultrarunner is celebrated for his fearless racing style and front-running tactics. Hawks’ breakthrough came with a victory at the 2017 CCC, and he’s since notched up wins and podiums at some of the world’s toughest ultras, including the Western States 100 and Lavaredo Ultra Trail. Known for his relentless positivity and aggressive pacing, Hawks has never shied away from taking the race out hard, often stringing out the field in the early miles. His meticulous preparation and deep well of endurance have transformed him into a perennial threat at mountain ultras. In 2025, after hard-learned lessons and narrow misses, Hawks returns to Chamonix hungrier than ever, aiming to translate his signature boldness and experience into a career-defining UTMB run.

The Green Revolution at UTMB

In recent years, UTMB has faced pointed criticism for its rapid expansion, commercialisation, and the environmental impact of growing participant numbers, issues that have sparked debate within the trail running community. Concerns have ranged from the carbon footprint of thousands of international runners flying to Chamonix, to questions about the race’s partnership choices and its effect on the local ecosystem.

Responding to these critiques, UTMB is now making bold moves to become a leader in sustainable sport. The organisation has committed to slashing CO₂ emissions by 20% before 2030. Beginning in 2026, runners who choose trains or more eco-friendly travel options over flights will see their odds improved by 30% in the race lottery. Tools like UTMB GO assist participants in planning greener journeys, while partnerships with EcoAct roll out carbon offset projects for the event.

Symbolising this shift, runners like Cyril Billet have pledged to walk hundreds of kilometres to the starting line, a powerful testament to the race’s evolving ethos. UTMB’s push for sustainability suggests a future where epic adventure and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand.

How to Watch UTMB 2025 Live

UTMB Live provides real-time coverage of each climb, descent, and finish-line segment in high definition. This year’s broadcast will includes aerial footage, live data tracking, and commentary available in multiple languages for a comprehensive viewing experience.

Why UTMB 2025 Will Be Unforgettable

Unrivalled competition – The strongest elite line-up the event has ever seen. Records on the line – Will Katie set a new benchmark? Can Courtney make history once more? Global access – Watch live coverage from anywhere in the world, free of charge. Sustainability in action – Setting the standard for eco-friendly sporting events worldwide.

UTMB 2025 isn’t just a race. It’s a celebration of nature, resilience, and the wild spirit of the mountains. Whether you’re running, watching, or daydreaming, this is one event you can’t ignore. Mark your calendar: 25^th to 31^st  August 2025.