The 2026 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) set a new benchmark in ultramarathon history, with both men’s and women’s winners achieving unprecedented times. American runner Ben Dhiman clinched victory with a record-breaking time of 18 hours, 16 minutes, and 29 seconds, becoming the first to complete the 171-kilometer course in under 19 hours. French athlete Blandine L’Hirondel led the women’s field, finishing in 21 hours, 54 minutes, and 49 seconds, marking the fastest time ever recorded by a female runner at UTMB. (runnersworld.com)
The race unfolded under near-ideal conditions, following a brief two-hour delay due to evening thunderstorms. Clear skies and a favorable course layout contributed to the exceptional performances. Notably, the top ten finishers in both categories showcased a diverse array of footwear brands, highlighting the evolving landscape of trail running gear. (trailrunnermag.com)
Men’s Top 10 Footwear Highlights:
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Ben Dhiman (1st Place): Opted for the Asics Metafuji Trail 2, a model praised for its agility and responsiveness. (trailrunnermag.com)
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Baptiste Chassagne (2nd Place): Chose the On Cloudultra Pro, known for its cushioning and stability, ideal for technical terrains. (trailrunnermag.com)
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Caleb Olson (3rd Place): Selected the Nike ACG Ultrafly, featuring ZoomX foam and a carbon plate for enhanced propulsion. (trailrunnermag.com)
Women’s Top 10 Footwear Highlights:
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Blandine L’Hirondel (1st Place): Wore the Kiprun Kipsummit Race, a lightweight shoe with an A-TPU midsole and embedded carbon fiber plate, offering a bouncy and responsive ride. (trailrunnermag.com)
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Rachel Entrekin (2nd Place): Opted for the Norda 055, featuring a TPEE midsole and Dyneema upper, combining durability with a secure fit. (trailrunnermag.com)
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Emily Schmitz (3rd Place): Utilized a prototype Hoka shoe, potentially an updated version of the Rocket X Trail, designed for technical descents. (trailrunnermag.com)
The diversity in footwear choices among the top finishers underscores the importance of selecting gear tailored to individual running styles and the specific demands of ultramarathon courses. Runners are encouraged to consider factors such as cushioning, stability, and traction when choosing their trail running shoes.
Highlights:
- Luna llena para el Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc más rápido de la historia, Published on Saturday, August 29
- Los mejores ‘ultreros’ del mundo buscan su día mágico en el Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, Published on Friday, August 28
- Bolas de arroz con coco y geles, la nutrición de Ben Dhiman para arrasar en el Mont Blanc: “Se adelanta a las necesidades energéticas”, Published on Thursday, September 03