Ultra running's top event, UTMB, announces Jim Walmsley as a bid for 2025, with a rundown of anticipated participants and notable absences.
UTMB Finals 2025: A Star-Studded Lineup Awaits
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) finals are set to return in August, promising an exciting and competitive event as some of the world's top ultrarunners prepare to tackle the challenging course.
Defending champion Courtney Dauwalter is aiming to regain her title and potentially break the 22-hour mark, a feat that has never been achieved in the UTMB finals. Joining her is Abby Hall, who recently clinched victory at the Western States 100, making her a strong contender for the UTMB finals.
Notable competitors expected in the UTMB 2025 finals include Jim Walmsley, Arden Young, and Christian Meier from Canada, who have confirmed their participation. Another exciting addition is Jan Frodeno, a three-time IRONMAN World Champion and Olympic gold medalist, who will be stepping out of his usual discipline to take on the OCC race at the UTMB World Series Finals.
The UTMB finals will feature a mix of elite ultrarunners and athletes expanding into ultratrail running, ensuring a thrilling competition.
Katharina Hartmuth, a UTMB veteran, will also be running in the finals. Ruth Croft, who finished second in last year's UTMB finals, is returning with hopes of improving her performance. Emily Hawgood and Marianne Hogan, trail icons, are also set to compete.
Other notable starters include Ludo Pommeret, Germain Grangier, Francois D'Haene, Jeff Mogavero, Tom Evans, Rod Farvard, Hayden Hawks, and Vincent Bouillard. Eszter Csillag and Heather Jackson, who were both defeated at this year's Western States, are hoping for a better result in the UTMB finals.
However, Vincent Bouillard, the winner of the 2022 UTMB finals, is not listed for this year's race. Katie Schide, who was a strong contender in previous years, is not on the starting list for the UTMB finals this year.
The UTMB finals will take place from August 25 to 31, with the 100-mile finale starting on August 29. Live coverage will be available at live.utmb.world in seven languages, ensuring fans from around the world can follow the action.
For those interested, the full list of starters for the UTMB finals in 2025 can be viewed on the official website. The race promises to be an exciting spectacle, showcasing the best of ultratrail running.
Sports enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the return of the UTMB Finals 2025, as it brings together a star-studded lineup of ultrarunners. Not only will defending champion Courtney Dauwalter aim to regain her title, but high-profile athletes like Abby Hall, Jim Walmsley, Arden Young, Christian Meier, and Jan Frodeno will also participate, making the event a highly competitive sports spectacle.
