Embracing the Trails: A glimpse back at UTMB in Chamonix

I love the UTMB. At the core of its allure lies the loop around Mont Blanc, one that breaks down the concept of a race and turns it more into a hell of a journey. Crossing through France, Italy, Switzerland, and back into France, you run through the day and night (most people 2 nights) past hundreds of spectators who have navigated to the middle of nowhere to cheer strangers on through the night. It’s an experience that’s equal part bizarre and beautiful.

Having photographed UTMB week on numerous occasions and ran in the races too, I find myself reflecting as the 2023 edition approaches. I’ve taken a nostalgic look back at some of the images captured over the years.

Kilian Jornet's victory in 2011 opened my eyes to the world of trail running, and right then, I made a vow to return to Chamonix to participate in these races. Staying true to my commitment, I completed the CCC in 2012, followed by the TDS in 2013. In 2014, I took on the UTMB, though I unfortunately did not finish. Another attempt at the TDS in 2016 ended in another DNF, leaving me with what one might call 'unfinished business'.

It was raining at the start of 2014 when I set off, completely underprepared for the adventure that lay ahead. Earlier that summer, while photographing the Mont Blanc Marathon, I had fallen and bruised a rib, limiting my training to a mere 30km as my longest run. Needless to say, the odds were stacked against me from the beginning.

The start in Chamonix is a blend of excitement and nerves, as everyone begins to grasp the journey that lies ahead. The UTMB offers its rewards, but they come hand in hand with challenges. One thing is for sure: Every runner is soon to regret how fast they tackle the first 8km to Les Houches on the swift and winding single track."

Although 2017 wasn't Kilian's year for victory, his presence left a lasting impression on all who followed his journey.

I waited patiently in an area where I wasn't supposed to be until the leaders arrived at the Courmayeur aid station at 2:30 in the morning. Somehow, all the other media had been redirected elsewhere, leaving me alone to do my thing.

The Grand Col Ferret truly bites. Even during warmer years, the temperature drops as you ascend towards the Swiss border from the Val Ferret. I experienced its challenge in 2012 during the CCC, just before the UTMB route was rerouted due to snow up there. In 2014, I crossed it again during the UTMB (though that race is a bit of a blur), and in 2015, I even camped up there. Then, in 2017, I hiked up in the middle of the night to catch the morning runners.

At 6:17 am, I was on the run into Courmayeur in 2014. Little did I know, I would endure another 12 hours out on the trails – not covering much ground – before deciding to call it a day in La Fouly. Since then, I haven't had the opportunity to run the race again.

My old dog (RIP) watches on the CCC runners at the star of their race in 2015.

Live-streaming on my wedding day in 2022 :) Two runners under sub-20 hours. Wow.