The 2021 UTMB was an exciting race — with multiple-time champions in Courtney Dauwalter (post-race interview) and François D’haene (post-race interview), a new course record by Dauwalter in the women’s race, and plenty of drama and DNFs. It was also a perfect day for running and spectating as participants made their way around Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland in the 171.5-kilometer (106.5-mile) event. Enjoy this photo gallery of the competition and ambiance of the 2021 UTMB.
Runners start the 2021 UTMB at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021. All photos: Ben Clark
Spectators enjoy the 2021 UTMB.
The Chamonix valley is host to UTMB and offers outdoor recreation of all kinds, making it a uniquely world-class destination.
Maite Maiora charges out of Les Contimines aid station respecting COVID-19 protocols — a major race regulation that was necessary for all.
François D’haene (left) and Dmitry Mityaev gaze upward into approaching darkness at Les Contamines aid station on Friday evening.
Jim Walmsley approaches the Courmayeur aid station in the earliest hours of Saturday morning.
Runners circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif during the UTMB. The access to beautiful views on foot is only rivaled by Chamonix’s multiple trams and trains — leading to views like this from a platform on the Aiguille du Midi.
François D’haene travels through a brightening sky before dawn at La Fouly on Saturday morning.
A crowd stands in the street, waiting through the night, near the La Fouly aid station. The well marked Tour du Mont Blanc trail is a popular route that trekkers often take a week to 10 days to hike. In the UTMB, the top runners do it in under 24 hours.
Ho Chung Wong takes camera time in stride. An ever-present fixture on the course next to elite runners, camera crews help broadcast the race live around the world.
A smile every mile — Courtney Dauwalter leaves La Fouly on Saturday morning.
Mimmi Kotka’s eyes gaze at the horizon dawning in La Fouly.
The always composed François D’haene shares a rare glimpse of fatigue seconds after crossing the finish line to win UTMB for the fourth time on Saturday, August 28.
The fans and two-time winner Courtney Dauwalter celebrate at the finish line on Saturday afternoon.
In the spirit of ultrarunning, Gregoire Curmer (left) and Diego Pazos run it in to tie in seventh place.
A view of beautiful Chamonix, France, the start and finish of the UTMB.
It isn’t just the glory of finishing, it’s the process getting there. Matheiu Blanchard and his crew (right of him) let out all the feels as he finishes in third place.
