Racing Round Up – w.e 1st Sept -UTMB, ‘M’brough 10k & more

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is a 176 km loop that circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps. This iconic course starts in Chamonix, France, and takes runners through Italy and Switzerland before finishing back in Chamonix, all while accumulating 10,000 meters of elevation gain. It’s a breath taking course, both in beauty and challenge, with technical sections that test even the most experienced runners. Considered the Holy Grail of ultra-trail running, the UTMB draws hundreds of runners from around the globe.

This was my first experience of the UTMB, and it was everything I had imagined and more—brutal, physically and mentally demanding, yet profoundly rewarding. The race began at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, and I completed the loop in 37 hours, 36 minutes, and 8 seconds, finishing in 588th position out of the 2,761 participants who started. Unfortunately, 1,001 runners dropped out due to various factors, with soaring temperatures being a significant challenge.

My original plan was to arrive in Chamonix on Tuesday, allowing myself plenty of time to explore the area and acclimatise to the elevation. However, due to a few issues, I only made it to Chamonix on Thursday evening—just 24 hours before the race start. It wasn’t the preparation I had envisioned, but I tried to stay positive, reminding myself that sometimes the best adventures come when plans go awry.

I struggled immensely with the first three climbs: Col de Voza, Les Chapieux, and Col de la Seigne, which seemed to stretch on forever. I felt breathless and lacked energy with every step, likely due to insufficient acclimatisation to altitudes above 2000m. The highest point I had trained at was under 1000m in the Lake District. As expected, my pace slowed in the second half. My body grew tired, my feet were in pain, and each step felt heavier than the last. But this is where the real challenge begins—where mental toughness and resilience are essential to keep moving forward. Crossing that finish line wasn’t just a victory over the course; it was a triumph over every doubt, pain, and obstacle that came my way.

I am incredibly grateful to have the ability to run and enjoy the beauty of these trails. Thank you to everyone in the club for supporting me on this journey—your encouragement was my fuel.