Dauwalter withdraws from UTMB 2026 in Chamonix
Courtney Dauwalter withdraws from UTMB 2026 in Chamonix.
Event / Sports
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc 2026
Annual ultramarathon trail running event in the Alps featuring elite international competitors. The 2026 edition saw American Ben Dhiman win the men's race with a sub-19-hour finish and French runner Blandine L'Hirondel secure the women's victory, marking France's first women's win since 2016.
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2026-08-29 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 29 Aug, 20:30 UTC
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What happened
Courtney Dauwalter withdraws from UTMB
Courtney Dauwalter, considered the dominant female runner in ultra-trail racing, withdrew prematurely from the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc on August 29, 2026.
Blandine L'Hirondel wins UTMB women's race
French runner Blandine L'Hirondel won the women's Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc on August 29, 2026, completing the 173 km course with 10,000 m elevation gain in 21 hours 54 minutes 49 seconds. The 35-year-old physician took the lead at Lac Combal in Italy (around 70 km) and maintained her advantage to finish well ahead of her competitors. This was the first victory by a French woman in the race since Caroline Chaverot won in 2016.
Caleb Olson completes UTMB podium in third place
American runner Caleb Olson finished third at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc on August 29, 2026, with a time of 18 hours 48 minutes 24 seconds, remaining competitive until the final stage of the race.
Ben Dhiman wins Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in under 19 hours
American runner Ben Dhiman won the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) at Chamonix on August 29, 2026, completing the 173 km loop with 10,000 m of elevation gain in 18 hours 16 minutes 29 seconds. This made him the first runner to finish the course in under 19 hours. Dhiman took the lead at the Contamines exit (approximately 35 km) and maintained his advantage throughout, finishing more than one hour ahead of second place.
Baptiste Chassagne finishes second in UTMB men's race
French runner Baptiste Chassagne finished in second place at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc on August 29, 2026, with a time of 18 hours 47 minutes 38 seconds, the same position he achieved in 2024.
UTMB course shortened from standard distance
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc course in 2026 was shortened compared to the standard route, similar to the previous year. As a result, Ben Dhiman's winning time of 18 hours 16 minutes 29 seconds does not constitute a course record despite being the fastest sub-19-hour finish.
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2 alternative perspectives
Dhiman, L'Hirondel claim UTMB 2026 victories in Chamonix
Dhiman and L'Hirondel win UTMB 2026 races in Chamonix.