UTMB 2017 Results

Last updated: 20-Oct-17

By Alice Morrison

It was heralded as the best UTMB line up in history with a fearsome cast in both the men’s and women’s races: ultra running’s darling, Kilian Jornet; the French formidables François D’Haene and Xavier Thevenard; and the ultra-ambitious Americans Jim Walmsley, Zach Millar and Tim Tollefson. For the women: Caroline Chaverot, Andrea Huser, Nuria Picas and Magdalena Boulet were all fancied.

After 19:01:32 hours on the mountain, and after leading for most of the race, it was the triumphant François D’Haene who crossed the line in Chamonix first. A fantastic race from him, this is his third win at UTMB. He was followed just 15 minutes later by Kilian Jornet, and the young American, Tim Tollefson, came in third with 19:53:00.

Watching the runners cross the line at UTMB is a truly uplifting experience. Pure joy is etched on the finishers’ faces. Hundreds of supporters line the route, hoping to high five the runners, the TV cameramen follow behind on roller blades, and the sound of hands clapping on the barriers is like thunder.

They deserve the moment, after a course that is guaranteed to take every last ounce of determination. It varies slightly from year to year but is always hugely challenging. It is a single-stage race over 171km with 10,000m + of ascent. Entry requires points and there were 2,537 starters in Chamonix this year.

The route covers the following path: Aiguille de Bionnassay, Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Seigne, Val Veni, Noire du Peuterey and the glaciers descending Mont Blanc, Val Ferret, Dent du Géant and Grandes Jorasses, Bovine and Les Tseppes, Aiguille Verte, the Drus, Mont Blanc and Chamonix.

The cut off time is 46h 30 but the winners come in in under half that. The weather played its part this year, with plenty of rain and very low temperatures.

At the finish line, champion, François D’Haene, thanked the supporters, “I had a great race. I had a nice time running with Kilian and Jim. I was really surprised to see how many people were out there to support us. There were people everywhere, even in the snowy areas.”

Of course, Kilian Jornet, came in for the win, but he had this to say about François, “He deserves his victory! But how about a second meeting? What do you think, François? Next year?

Tim Tollefson, bounced down the last few metres like a kangaroo, with a smile that almost split his face open, lapping up the adulation of the crowd. “It was absolutely fantastic,“ he said. “The weather and the course changes made it difficult and challenging but we came out here for the challenge. Everything about this race is beautiful.

Night had fallen as the first of the women made their way into Chamonix and the history books. Nuria Picas of Spain had had a super strong race throughout. She had gone in as one of the favourites and did not disappoint. The crowd cheered themselves hoarse as she crossed the finish line in 25:46:43. They didn’t have long to wait – just two and a half minutes – until Andrea Huser powered in in second place with a time of 25:49:18. Christelle Bard of France came in third with 26:39:03.

As Andrea crossed the line, Nuria was waiting for her and the two women shared a long embrace, celebrating their remarkable achievements.

The race, of course, continues with many runners out there on the mountains for a second cold, long night. You can follow their progress live at http://utmbmontblanc.com/en/live/utmb

Winners

Men

  1. François D’Haene, France, 19:01:32
  2. Kilian Jornet, Spain, 19:16:38
  3. Tim Tollefson , USA, 19:53:00

Women

  1. Nuria Picas, Spain, 25:46:43
  2. Andrea Huser, Switzerland, 25:49:18
  3. Christelle Bard, France, 26:39:03


Nuria Video


Killian Jornet Video


François D’Haene Video

"Everything about this race is beautiful"

Like what you read?

Click here to sign up for more

Related news

Latest news

The Backbone Bill Whitfield

The BACKBONE

The Backbone – Pennine Way via SPINE ROUTE Edale to Kirk Yetholm 12th – 18th Jan 2024 Many of us have a sports plan at the

Read More »

SEARCH

Filters

Distance
Distance - slider
0KM500KM
Entry Fee
Entry Fee - slider
010000

DATE SEARCh

Date Range

Global - Virtual

Elevation

A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for

For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Elevation

An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for

Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Brutal

Elevation

Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude)

Suitable for

Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Expert

Elevation

Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat)

Suitable for

Experienced runners who have completed at least 4 ultras in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Advanced

Elevation

Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for

Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Intermediate

Elevation

Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for

Runners who have completed at least one ultra in last 6 months or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Beginner

Elevation

Very little change < 500 metres

Suitable for

First ultra event. Runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running (>26 miles) in the last 6 months.