This yr’s UTMB Mont-Blanc (174K) will look just a little completely different. After a sequence of rockfalls close to the beginning of the route, organizers have unveiled course updates that tweak the acquainted opening stretch and shift the beginning time. The adjustments goal to maintain runners secure with out shedding the wild spirit of the race round Mont Blanc.
New begin time and route changes
Essentially the most rapid change is the race’s begin time: UTMB will now start quarter-hour earlier, at 17:45 (native time) on Friday, Aug. 29, from the standard location at Place du Triangle de l’Amitié in Chamonix. For followers tuning in to the livestream from house, that’s 11:45 a.m. ET.
As for the course itself, “As a consequence of latest rockfalls between Chamonix and Les Houches, this part of the course has been reworked,” UTMB shared on Instagram. “Following a number of on-site assessments, an alternate route has been chosen that ensures runner security whereas staying true to the spirit of the unique path.” The brand new route maintains the general problem of the race, with the ultimate UTMB course now measuring 174 km with 9,900 m of elevation acquire. There aren’t any adjustments to time boundaries or total cut-off occasions.
Help Station Modifications at la Balme
In a separate replace tied to environmental preservation efforts, organizers introduced the elimination of the La Balme assist station (km 40) to scale back affect on the Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve.
“In settlement with ASTERS (the Haute-Savoie Nature Conservancy), the La Balme assist station might be eliminated,” they wrote. “The help stations at Les Contamines and Les Chapieux will stay accessible and might be strengthened to compensate for the elimination of La Balme, guaranteeing your security and luxury alongside this part.” Runners are inspired to regulate their hydration and diet methods accordingly.
TDS course additionally impacted
The TDS (Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie) course may also be affected by these environmental circumstances. Whereas full particulars weren’t shared within the UTMB announcement, race officers confirmed that “the route of the TDS may also be tailored to make sure optimum security circumstances.” Contributors are suggested to observe official channels for detailed maps and updates.
UTMB 2025: Jim Walmsley is confirmed
Who’s returning to Chamonix?
After a DNF in 2024, Jim Walmsley is formally on the beginning checklist for this yr’s UTMB, aiming to reclaim the title he received in 2023. Two-time girls’s champ Courtney Dauwalter can also be set to return, together with final yr’s runner-up Ruth Croft. Canada’s Arden Younger, Christian Meier and Marianne Hoganrecent off a third-place end at Western States, may also line up in Chamonix. Lacking from the beginning checklist: defending champion Katie Schide.
For full particulars, together with up to date maps and elevation profiles, UTMB recommends checking the official web site.
