UTMB 2024: Top 10 Men’s & Women’s Results

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) 2024 once again lived up to its reputation as the pinnacle of ultra-trail running. Athletes from around the globe gathered in Chamonix, France, to test their limits against the daunting 109-mile course that traverses through France, Italy, and Switzerland, accumulating over 30,000 feet of elevation gain. This year’s edition was filled with thrilling performances, unexpected outcomes, and historic achievements that will be remembered for years to come.

Key Takeaways

1. Katie Schide sets a new women’s course record, winning her second consecutive UTMB.
2. Vincent Bouillard of France claims an unexpected victory in the men’s race.
3. Katie Schide becomes the third woman to win both Western States 100 and UTMB in the same year.
4. Defending men’s champion Jim Walmsley withdraws due to a knee injury.
5. UTMB 2024 reinforces its status as one of the world’s most challenging ultra-trail events.

Men’s Race Breakdown

The men’s race at UTMB 2024 was nothing short of exhilarating. French runner Vincent Bouillard emerged as the surprise victor, seizing the lead after the 48-mile mark and maintaining his position until the end. Crossing the finish line in Chamonix with a time of 19:54:23, Bouillard defied expectations and secured his place among the elite in ultra-trail running.

His compatriot, Baptiste Chassagne, finished strong in second place with a time of 20:22:45. Ecuador’s Joaquín López rounded out the podium, claiming third place in 20:26:22. Notably, last year’s champion, Jim Walmsley of the United States, was forced to withdraw just after 50 miles due to a knee issue, reminding everyone of the race’s unforgiving nature.

Top 10 Men’s Results

1. Vincent Bouillard (France) – 19:54:23
2. Baptiste Chassagne (France) – 20:22:45
3. Joaquín López (Ecuador) – 20:26:22
4. Hannes Namberger (Germany) – 20:31:54
5. Ludovic Pommeret (France) – 20:57:48
6. Arthur Joyeux-Bouillon (France) – 21:12:12
7. Cody Lind (U.S.) – 21:33:16
8. Manuel Anguita (Spain) – 21:41:01
9. Gautier Bonnecarrère (France) – 21:45:16
10. Yannick Noël (France) – 21:45:16

Women’s Race Breakdown

In the women’s race, American runner Katie Schide delivered a commanding performance to secure her second consecutive UTMB victory. Finishing the race in 22:09:31, Schide not only defended her title but also shattered Courtney Dauwalter’s 2021 course record by 21 minutes. Undefeated throughout the year, Schide’s 2024 season included wins at the Canyons 100K in April and the prestigious Western States 100 in June.

Ruth Croft of New Zealand claimed second place, finishing 39 minutes behind Schide with a time of 22:48:37. Croft overtook Canada’s Marianne Hogan just after the 100-mile mark, with Hogan ultimately finishing third in 23:11:15. Schide’s remarkable achievement places her alongside ultra-running legends, becoming only the third woman to win both Western States and UTMB in the same year, joining Courtney Dauwalter and Nikki Kimball.

Top 10 Women’s Results

1. Katie Schide (U.S., living in France) – 22:09:31
2. Ruth Croft (New Zealand) – 22:48:37
3. Marianne Hogan (Canada, living in France) – 23:11:15
4. Lin Chen (China) – 24:16:33
5. Blandine L’Hirondel (France) – 24:35:54
6. Emily Hawgood (Zimbabwe, living in U.S.) – 24:58:19
7. Sabrina Stanley (U.S.) – 25:32:10
8. Claudia Tremps (Spain) – 25:39:37
9. Martina Valmassoi (Italy) – 25:42:02
10. Lucy Bartholomew (Australia) – 25:55:31

Conclusion

The UTMB 2024 was a year of surprises. Katie Schide’s record-breaking victory and Vincent Bouillard’s unexpected triumph highlighted a race filled with both personal and professional milestones. As athletes pushed their limits against the unforgiving terrain of the Mont-Blanc massif, they not only competed against each other but also against the very elements themselves.

This year’s UTMB reinforced its reputation as one of the most challenging and prestigious events in the ultra-running calendar. With remarkable performances and inspiring stories, the 2024 race has set a high bar for future competitions. As the dust settles on Chamonix, the global trail running community eagerly anticipates what the next year will bring.