Chamonix is one of our favourite places due to its outdoor vibe. The atmosphere was electric during the UTMB races this week. Thousands of runners, supporters and spectators arrived for one of the eight races which are part of the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc running festival.
The town was packed. The expo was huge. Runners were out on every trail, every moment of every day. The superstars of trail running – including Killian Journet – were to be seen ambling along the streets and in the coffee shops. And it was to be Killian who, despite testing positive for Covid, won the main event and achieved the remarkable feat of being the first person to run the 100 mile race under 20 hours. The young American Katie Schide came in at 23.15 hours – the second fastest time ever for a woman.
We spent several weeks in Chamonix and the surrounding area while Mirsie prepared for her race. It’s an inspiring place and I’m sure we’ll be back many times in the future.