UTMB MONT BLANC 2025 PREVIEW:

TOP RUNNERS FOR UTMB, CCC AND OCC

UTMB World Series Finals: three races to crown three champions. For the third consecutive year, the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc will stage the UTMB® World Series Finals, bringing together athletes who qualified throughout the season at races across the circuit. Three iconic formats will decide the champions: the OCC (50K), CCC® (100K), and UTMB® (100M). Each offers its own challenges, its own heroes, and the promise of world-class racing at its very best.

It is worth noting that the 50K and 100K distances are increasingly popular, striking a balance between intensity and technicality that attracts more elites every year. The CCC (100K) has seen a 10% increase in elite participation compared to 2024, while the OCC (50K) has surged by 29%.

UTMB 174km: three past champions return

The flagship 174km race with 10,000m of elevation gain is set to be one of the highlights of the trail running season. With the return of three UTMB® Legends, fierce international competition, and rising talents ready to make their mark, the 2025 race promises intensity and suspense from start to finish. Key contenders include:

François D’Haene (FRA, UTMB Index 865) – the big comeback

A four-time winner (2012, 2014, 2017, 2021), the Frenchman returns four years after his last appearance. Having first discovered the event as a volunteer in 2005, D’Haene has built a lasting relationship with Mont Blanc. Now 38, he is back with the same excitement as in his early days: “In 2005, 20 years ago, I was amazed and intrigued to discover the UTMB as a volunteer. A few months later, too young for the UTMB, I entered the CCC. Since then, I’ve witnessed the growth of the race and the sport year after year, and the fascination and wonder that ultra-trail brings to runners. I’ve also experienced unforgettable moments and victories in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2021. This year, I return with the same excitement and enthusiasm for an adventure and story that I can’t wait to relive.”

Ludovic Pommeret (FRA, UTMB Index 896) – an enduring force

At 50, the Savoyard is a living legend. Winner of the UTMB in 2016, he underlined his class again this summer with victory at the iconic Hardrock 100 in the USA. Enduring and tactical, Pommeret could once again spring a surprise.

Other Top Men

Alongside the French champions, some of the biggest international names in global trail running will line up to write their own stories on the Mont-Blanc trails. Jonathan Albon (GBR, UTMB Index 926), a complete athlete and master tactician, stands out as one of the main favourites. He will be joined by Daniel Jones (NZL, UTMB Index 921), Hayden Hawks (USA, UTMB Index 913), Tom Evans (GBR, UTMB Index 910), and Ji Duo (CHN, UTMB Index 906). Also in exceptional form is Ben Dhiman (USA, UTMB Index 904), winner and course record holder at the 2025 Lavaredo 120K and champion of the 2025 Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB 100K.

UTMB 174K WOMEN

Courtney Dauwalter (USA, UTMB Index 843) – the queen of trail running

With three UTMB titles (2019, 2021, 2023), the American has become a global icon of ultra-trail. Always smiling and instantly recognisable in her trademark sunglasses, she continues to push the boundaries as she pursues a fourth crown in Chamonix: “I am so excited to come back to the UTMB this year! I love the challenges of this course and I can’t wait to enjoy the stunning scenery and the electric atmosphere!”

Other Women Challengers 

The women’s race promises to be fierce. Ruth Croft (NZL, UTMB Index 797), CCC® champion in 2015 and double OCC winner (2018, 2019), is chasing her first UTMB victory – a win that would make her the first woman to triumph in all three Finals. Abby Hall (USA, UTMB Index 789), one of the most consistent athletes on the circuit, arrives with high ambitions after a standout victory at the 2025 Western States Endurance Run. Emily Hawgood (ZIM, UTMB Index 769) continues her rise following a strong start to the season, while Camille Bruyas (FRA, UTMB Index 755) could also make her mark. Close behind, Heather Jackson (USA, UTMB Index 767), a former triathlete, will be a serious contender, while Katharina Hartmuth (GER, UTMB Index 762) – runner-up in 2023 – represents the new wave determined to dethrone Dauwalter.

CCC (101km, 6,050m D+)

CCC 101K TOP MEN

Francesco Puppi (ITA, UTMB Index 932), long recognised on shorter formats such as the 50K, lines up as the favourite and will be one to watch as he tests himself over 100K. He will look to confirm the impressive form he showed recently at The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB®. His main rivals include Eli Hemming (USA, UTMB Index 920), the 2024 OCC champion and former triathlete who has made a successful transition to trail running, and fellow American Chris Myers (UTMB Index 917), a regular at major events. Close behind are David Sinclair (USA, UTMB Index 916), experienced on Alpine terrain, and leading Italian Andreas Reiterer (UTMB Index 910). China will also be well represented with powerful climber Guangfu Meng (UTMB Index 902) and long-distance specialist Canhua Luo (UTMB Index 889). French hopes rest with Hugo Deck (UTMB Index 895), while Andreu Simon Aymerich (ESP, UTMB Index 894), a strong mountain marathonrunner, and Jeshurun Small (USA, UTMB Index 892), steadily rising through the ranks, will also target the top 10.

CCC 101K TOP WOMEN

The 2025 women’s CCC promises to make history – rarely has the depth of the field been so strong. The start line will feature the race’s last three champions: Toni McCann (RSA, UTMB Index 803), explosive and formidable over fast formats; Yngvild Kaspersen (NOR, UTMB Index 800), a specialist on technical terrain; and Blandine L’Hirondel (FRA, UTMB Index 790), double trail world champion. Three champions, three styles, three strategies… but only one can reign again in Chamonix.

Their challengers include Fuzhao Xiang (CHN, UTMB Index 802), a leading name in Asian trail running; Anna Tarasova (ESP, UTMB Index 786), versatile and capable of springing a surprise; Hau Ha Thi (VNM, UTMB Index 769), ultra-resilient and recently 6th at the 2025 Western States Endurance Run; and Dani Moreno (USA, UTMB Index 785), whose speed makes her a real threat. Behind them, Sylvia Nordskar (NOR, UTMB Index 779), Sunmaya Budha (NEP, UTMB Index 779), and Martyna Mlynarczyk (POL, UTMB Index 770) round out a dream line-up.

OCC (57km, 3,500m D+)

OCC 57K MEN

Jim Walmsley (USA, UTMB Index 945), 2023 UTMB champion, will test himself over this shorter, explosive format where his speed could be devastating. His main rivals include skyrunning specialist Roberto Delorenzi (SUI, UTMB Index 924), Italian star Nadir Maguet (UTMB Index 923), Cristian Minoggio (ITA, UTMB Index 920), a powerful and consistent contender, and Sweden’s Petter Engdahl (UTMB Index 919), a formidable climber. Italy also fields Luca Del Pero (UTMB Index 918) and Davide Magnini (UTMB Index 913), both proven over short, high-intensity formats. Antonio Martinez Perez (ESP, UTMB Index 913) adds speed and technical flair, while Andrzej Witek (POL, UTMB Index 905) and Ezekiel Rutto (KEN, UTMB Index 901) complete an international top 10 of outstanding quality.

OCC 57 WOMEN

Swiss athlete Judith Wyder (UTMB Index 804), a former orienteering star turned trail runner, starts as the favourite. She will face defending champion Miao Yao (CHN, UTMB Index 800), renowned for her strength on fast courses, and Joyline Chepngeno (KEN, UTMB Index 797), who burst onto the scene in 2024 with victory at the iconic Sierre-Zinal and now lines up as one of the favourites. Spain will be represented by Rosa Lara Feliu (UTMB Index 791) and Sara Alonso (UTMB Index 781), both capable of excelling on this terrain. Sophia Laukli (USA, UTMB Index 780), bringing power from her cross-country skiing background, and Hannah Allgood (USA, UTMB Index 772), known for her consistency, also join the battle. Completing the top contenders are Theres Leboeuf (SUI, UTMB Index 770), Jazmine Lowther (CAN, UTMB Index 769), and Rosanna Buchauer (GER, UTMB Index 768), all well-suited to this profile.

TDS 148K

Known as the ‘wild’ alternative to the UTMB, the TDS® (148km, 9,300m D+) continues to grow in stature. Since its redesign in 2019, the course has gained a fearsome reputation for technicality and legendary sections such as the Passeur de Pralognan. This year sees record interest, with a 37% rise in elite participation, cementing its place among the premier races on the ultra-trail world stage.

TDS 148K WOMEN

The women’s field promises high-level competition, led by Manon Bohard Cailler (FRA, UTMB Index 746). Runner-up at the 2025 Hardrock 100 and winner of the 100K at Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB® the same year, she returns to the TDS after her 2021 victory, following participation in the UTMB last year. She will be joined by Careth Arnold (USA, UTMB Index 727), making her debut at the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc, and Ida-Sophie Hedemann (GER, UTMB Index 725), brilliant winner of the 100M at the 2025 Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB®.

TDS 148k MEN

The men’s race will also feature a strong line-up, with several leading figures in international trail running. Benat Marmissolle (FRA, UTMB Index 878) arrives in top form after victories in 2025 at both the X-Alpine of the Trail Verbier St-Bernard by UTMB® and the 100M of Valhöll Fin del Mundo by UTMB®. Alongside him is Antoine Charvolin (FRA, UTMB Index 880), a familiar presence across the CCC, OCC and YCC formats, and one to watch. Pau Capell (ESP, UTMB Index 864), 2019 UTMB champion and 2016 TDS winner, is back to confirm his credentials on this challenging course. Rounding out the competition, Alexandre Boucheix (FRA, UTMB Index 819) adds his trademark energy and audacity to an already exceptional field