The UTMB World Series reaches its climax this August in Chamonix, where the world’s top mountain and trail runners will converge for the selection of iconic races. With packed start lists fans can look forward to showdowns between established champions, rising stars, and a strong British contingent looking to make its mark.
David Miller will be following the action from behind his lens and we are thrilled that he will be sending RunUltra photographs live from the course, so make sure you’re following our socials for updates.
So, what do we have to look forward to?
As well as the world’s top elites, more than 10,000 passionate runners are set to participate in one of the eight races of the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc. Every year, around 2,000 volunteers from 15 countries, together with 18 French, Italian, and Swiss municipalities across the Mont Blanc region, come together to make the HOKA UTMB Mont Blanc a success and to support its runners. The event also draws 20,000 supporters cheering on their loved ones, while more than 50,000 spectators flock to the Mont Blanc villages to enjoy the spectacle and take part in the festivities.
UTMB 2025 Agenda
- Monday 25th – PTL, MCC, TDS
- Tuesday 26th – YCC, ETS
- Wednesday 27th – YCC The Revenge
- Thursday 28th – OCC
- Friday 29th – UTMB, CCC
The full programme of events can be found here.
All photos courtesy of David Miller
UTMB (Ultra Tour de Mont Blanc)
The UTMB is the flagship event of the series; a single-stage ultramarathon that circles the Mont Blanc massif, traversing France, Italy, and Switzerland. Covering approximately 170–174 km with around 9,900–10,000 m of elevation gain, it’s widely regarded as one of the most demanding trail races in the world. Launched in 2003, it has grown into the highlight of a week-long trail-running festival in Chamonix and now serves as the 100-mile final of the UTMB World Series.
The women’s race will be competitive; Courtney Dauwalter (USA), triple UTMB champion, headlines the field and will be challenged by Ruth Croft (NZL), Abby Hall (USA), and Germany’s Katharina Hartmuth, who has already shown podium form in Chamonix. Spain’s Maite Maiora Elizondo and France’s Camille Bruyas also bring serious experience to the women’s side.
The men’s UTMB has an extraordinary depth of talent and British hopes are strong with Tom Evans (Asics Fuji Trail Team) and Jonathan Albon (The North Face Trail), Josh Wade (The North Face) and Tom Joly (Kailas Fuga).
Standing in their way are global stars: Daniel Jones (NZL), Hayden Hawks (USA), Ludovic Pommeret (FRA), Jean-Philippe Tschumi (SUI), and four-time winner François d’Haene (FRA), returning from injury. China also fields a formidable squad led by Ji Duo and Jiaju Zhao, while neutral athlete Dmitry Mityaev brings podium credentials.
CCC (Courmayeur–Champex–Chamonix)
Known as the “little sister” of the UTMB, the CCC traverses roughly 101 km with around 6,050–6,100 m of climbing, beginning in Courmayeur and finishing in Chamonix. It was introduced in 2006 to offer more runners access to the UTMB festival and now also serves as the 100 K final of the UTMB World Series
The CCC women’s field is stacked with both speed and mountain strength. Blandine L’Hirondel (FRA) and Yngvild Kaspersen (NOR) lead the charge, while Toni McCann (RSA) and Fuzhao Xiang (CHN) bring international firepower. British interest will centre on Eleanor Davis (The North Face), Fiona Pascall (Salomon UK), and Gemma Hillier Moses (Hoka), all of whom could feature prominently if they run to form.
On the men’s side, Francesco Puppi (ITA), Andreas Reiterer (ITA), and Guangfu Meng (CHN) headline the entry, with Andreu Simon (ESP) and Hugo Deck (FRA) not far behind. For Britain, Luke Grenfell-Shaw (Brooks Trail Runners) and Keith Wigley (Team Altra) will fly the flag, while the USA brings depth with Chris Myers, David Sinclair, and Drew Holmen.
TDS (Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie)
A technical and wild race, the TDS (Following the Footsteps of the Dukes of Savoy) typically covers 145–148 km and about 9,100–9,300 m of elevation gain. Starting in Courmayeur, it crosses rugged Alpine terrain and scenic hamlets through the Aosta Valley, Savoie, and Beaufortain region before concluding in Chamonix. It’s known for its challenging terrain, dramatic landscapes, and historical route.
The women’s race sees Manon Bohard Cailler (FRA) and Ida-Sophie Hegemann (GER) as likely favourites, but keep an eye on Megan Mackenzie (RSA, On Running) and Austria’s Esther Fellhofer.
The men’s TDS will be a highlight of the week, with Bénat Marmissolle (FRA, La Sportiva) the top seed, joined by Pau Capell (ESP, The North Face), the 2019 UTMB champion making his return to Chamonix. France brings huge depth with Antoine Charvolin, Martin Kern, and Jean-Marie Thevenard, while Switzerland’s Diego Pazos and Italy’s Daniel Jung add international flair.
All photos courtesy of David Miller
OCC (Orsières–Champex–Chamonix)
The OCC, spanning approximately 57 km and climbing around 3,500 m, kicks off on Thursday, 28 August 2025, setting runners on a thrilling route through Swiss valleys and alpine passes before finishing in Chamonix.
The men’s elite field is stacked with heavy hitters. Heading the list are Roberto De Lorenzi and Nadir Maguet of Italy, both showcasing UTMB indexes above 920, alongside other top contenders such as Cristian Minoggio, Luca Del Pero, Antonio Martínez Pérez, Davide Magnini and Petter Engdahl. Add to that Remi Bonnet, who came a close second in the Golden Trail Series last year, makes this a high-profile race.
For Britain, two strong names line up to make their mark:
Kristian Jones, with a UTMB index of 887, stands out for real potential. With a history in skyrunning and podium-level performances, he came 8th at the 2023 World Mountain & Trail Championships short trail; he brings experience and grit to this fast and technical terrain.
Victoria Stansfield also adds to the UK presence, rounding out the British entry. While not listed among the top UTMB-indexed athletes, her inclusion underscores the depth and growing strength of British ultra-running representation.
PTL (La Petite Trotte à Léon)
The PTL is a legendary, ultra-endurance team challenge, offering around 300 km of rugged terrain and approximately 25,000 m of elevation gain. Participants must navigate unmarked high-altitude routes across France, Italy, and Switzerland with only minimal support and frequent course changes. Teams of two or three must remain inseparable, relying on GPS navigation, partner huts, and minimal aid. It’s non-competitive and emphasizes adventure, mental fortitude, and mountain values, with a generous time limit of about 151 hours.
MCC (Martigny-Combe-Chamonix)
This 40 km trail serves as a heartfelt homage to UTMB’s ecosystem: it’s primarily reserved for UTMB volunteers, partners, and local residents (though later opens to the general public if slots remain). With around 2,350 m of ascent, the route weaves from Switzerland (Martigny-Combe), over nearly 2,000 m passes like the Col de la Forclaz and Col de Balme, then descends into the heart of Chamonix, it gives runners a chance to experience the ambiance and the same standards as the other, longer, UTMB races.
YCC (Youth Chamonix Courmayeur)
The YCC is a vibrant, youth-focused two-stage event for runners born between around 2006 and 2011. The first stage is a classic trail race in Courmayeur (about 15 km, 1,200 m elevation), followed by a playful “YCC The Revenge” in Chamonix, where the fastest from the first race start last, turning it into a thrilling pursuit format. Young runners experience live ambience, UTMB finishes, and cross-border excitement, all under a fun, less competitive structure.
All photos courtesy of David Miller
OCC (Orsières-Champex-Chamonix)
A thrilling mid-distance race of approximately 57 km and around 3,500 m of climbing, the OCC delivers a powerful dose of Alpine beauty in a single day. Beginning in Orsières, runners traverse sweeping Swiss valleys, ascend via the Balme pass with sweeping Mont-Blanc views, and finish with a challenging climb up to La FlégèreS before descending into Chamonix’s iconic finish arch. It embodies the scenic, demanding essence of UTMB on a compact scale.
ETC (Experience Trail Courmayeur)
Another short-format UTMB race, this was a new addition introduced in 2022, featuring approximately 15 km and 1,200 m of vertical gain within Courmayeur. It’s crafted as an accessible, fun trail experience, especially appealing for newcomers or those wanting to participate without a high entry barrier.
The British Challenge
This year’s UTMB festival sees one of the strongest British contingents in recent memory. Tom Evans will look to improve on his 3rd place from 2022 after withdrawing from the past two editions, while Tom Joly will be aiming to build on his 16th place finish in 2023. Jon Albon, already a winner of both the OCC and CCC, takes on the full UTMB for the first time, and Josh’s 11th place last year shows he too has podium potential. In the CCC, the British challenge is bolstered by Eleanor Davis, Fiona Pascall, Gemma Hillier Moses, Luke Grenfell-Shaw, and Keith Wigley, ensuring strength on both the men’s and women’s sides. While there are no British elites in the TDS, the overall UK presence in Chamonix is set to be one of the strongest in years.
Sustainability
In recent years, UTMB has faced criticism for the environmental contradictions of a trail event headlined by a car manufacturer. For 2025, the organisers are keen to rebuild trust, highlighting a strengthened sustainability programme designed to reduce impact across all aspects of race week. Transport remains the biggest challenge, accounting for nearly 90% of the event’s carbon footprint, and this year’s UTMB Mobility system represents an investment of almost €600,000 to curb private car use. Over 60% of race sites are now only accessible by shuttle bus, and new services, including a dedicated valley-to-Chamonix route, are being introduced to ease congestion and protect sensitive alpine areas.
Alongside mobility, UTMB continues to refine waste management and aid station practices. The event pioneered the removal of single-use cups as far back as 2006, introduced mandatory reusable utensils, and has eliminated plastic bottles altogether. In 2025, vegetarian aid stations return at key points, sourcing produce locally from France, Switzerland, and Italy to cut transport emissions and support regional farmers. These measures form part of a broader year-round commitment involving trail care, biodiversity protection, and community partnerships, all underlining UTMB’s efforts to show that the world’s most high-profile trail race can also be a leader in environmental responsibility.
A Week of Excitement Awaits
From Dauwalter’s bid to extend her dominance, to the hunt for a British UTMB crown, the 2025 edition promises storylines at every distance. With world-class runners from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the trails of Mont Blanc will once again provide the ultimate test of endurance.
Stay up to date by watching UTMB Live.
Who will you be watching?
