The UTMB Journey: More Than a Race, It's the Ultimate Trail Running Experience

This weekend, as thousands of runners and spectators gather in Chamonix, France, for the start of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), my mind goes back to the feeling that first pulled me to the trails. It’s the same feeling that fuels every one of those athletes as they stand at the starting line, gazing up at the peaks of Mont-Blanc.

For those of us in the trail running community, UTMB is more than just a race. It’s a pilgrimage. It's a grueling, beautiful, and sometimes brutal journey that represents the very best of our sport: the challenge, the raw beauty of nature, and the incredible human spirit.

What is UTMB? (The Quick Primer)

UTMB is the main event of a week-long festival of trail races. The flagship race is a 174-kilometer (about 106 miles) loop around the Mont-Blanc massif, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. With over 10,000 meters (more than 32,800 feet) of elevation gain, it's a test of physical and mental endurance unlike any other.

But the most incredible thing about UTMB isn’t the distance or the elevation. It’s the energy. As a trail runner who knows what it feels like to just step outside and move, I can only imagine the surge of emotions these runners must feel as they run through towns lined with cheering crowds. It’s a powerful reminder that while trail running can be a solitary experience, we are all part of a larger community.

From My First Mile to Their 100th

When I started running to overcome some health issues, the idea of a marathon, let alone a 100-mile ultra, seemed impossible. My early runs were filled with shin splints, getting lost, and a lot of self-doubt. The gear I had was all wrong. I learned the hard way that a single run in the woods requires more than just a pair of shoes.

That’s why the story of every UTMB runner resonates so deeply with me. Everyone who steps up to that start line—from the elite professional to the runner who has been training for years just to qualify—had to take that first step. They had to deal with the blisters and the bad runs. They had to learn what gear works and what doesn't.

And that's the spirit behind On Trail. Our gear is designed for those very first steps—and for every single one that follows. We believe that no one should have to be held back by gear that isn't up to the challenge. The runners at UTMB are using some of the most advanced gear in the world, but the fundamental needs are the same as yours and mine: comfort, reliability, and support.

Two American Legends to Watch: Jim Walmsley & Courtney Dauwalter

This year, all eyes are on two American powerhouses who have not only dominated the sport but have become icons.

• Jim Walmsley: After years of attempts, Jim finally secured his historic win at UTMB in 2023, becoming the first American man to ever win the race and breaking the course record. His journey, which included moving to France to train and fully embrace the alpine environment, is a testament to perseverance and dedication. His story is a powerful reminder that with enough grit, you can achieve your wildest goals.

• Courtney Dauwalter: What can be said about Courtney that hasn't already been screamed from the mountaintops? Widely regarded as the greatest of all time, she completed a historic feat in 2023 by winning the Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB in the same year—a "triple crown" that had never been done before. Her famous smile and relentless mental toughness make her a living legend and an inspiration to every runner.

A Weekend of Inspiration

Whether you're following the live stream for a few hours or checking the leaderboard all weekend long, UTMB is a fantastic source of inspiration. It's a testament to what the human body and mind are capable of when pushed to their limits.

So, this weekend, find a comfortable spot, grab a cup of coffee, and get inspired. Then, lace up your shoes and head out for your own adventure—because the most important journey is the one that starts at your front door.

On Trail. Gear for Every Mile.