[Editor’s Note: Photographer and Vert.Run co-founder Kirsten Kortebein created these images at the 2023 UTMB. Enjoy!]
The headlines from the 2023 UTMB were dominated by the amazing achievements of Courtney Dauwalter — who rounded out her triple crown by winning the Western Sates 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB in one season — and Jim Walmsley, who finally achieved his long-time ambition by becoming the first American man to win this iconic ultra.
There were thousands more stories taking place, with runners from all around the world challenging themselves to do something extraordinary. This photo gallery catches a few glimpses from all of those stories. For more on how the elite race played out, you can read our 2023 UTMB results article.
Runners collect themselves as the 2023 UTMB start line energy mounts around them. All photos: iRunFar/Kirsten Kortebein
Jim Walmsley (U.S.) waves to the crowds as he toes the start line.
Blandine L’Hirondel (France), who went on to take third at the 2023 UTMB, soaks up the excitement at the start line.
Runners charge out from the start line, their expressions ranging from nervousness to focus to glee.
The U.S.’s Courtney Dauwalter takes a last long swig from her water bottle before heading out of Les Contamines aid station, about 32 kilometers into the race.
Katharina Hartmuth (Germany), who went on to take second at this year’s UTMB, searches for her crew at the Les Contamines aid station.
A runner changes shirts while his mini crew waits attentively with his water bottles at the ready.
Spectators snooze in the sun while waiting to cheer on their runner.
Hayato Nishikata (Japan) looks focused heading into the Champex-Lac aid station, 126 kilometers into the race, on Saturday morning.
Anthony Lee, from the U.S., powers into the Champex-Lac aid station.
A French runner is welcomed into the Champex-Lac aid station by his children, who were also volunteering as MCs.
Spain’s Maite Maiora grimaces after realizing she’s left a piece of her mandatory gear in the aid station she’s just left, and heads back to grab it.
Matibini Matibini (Botswana, lives in the U.K.) puts his head down for the last push to the UTMB finish line.
The U.S.’s Qi Song wipes away tears as she’s cheered on by the finish line crowds.
