Kilian Jornet Returns to UTMB
Kilian Jornet will return to the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in search of a record fifth title. The 38-year-old already holds four UTMB titles and is widely regarded as a legend in both mountain and ultra running. His return marks a significant moment for the trail running world as he attempts to extend his dominance at the sport's most prestigious race.
- Jornet currently shares the men's record of four UTMB titles with Frenchman François D'Haene. His previous victories came in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2022. - His last appearance in 2022 was a historic one, where he won in a duel against Mathieu Blanchard and became the first athlete to break the 20-hour barrier for the 171km course, setting a new record of 19 hours, 49 minutes, and 30 seconds. - The current men's course record is now held by American runner Jim Walmsley, who broke Jornet's record in 2023 with a time of 19 hours, 37 minutes, and 43 seconds. - A fifth victory would give Jornet the standalone men's record and tie the overall record for wins, currently held by British female runner Lizzy Hawker with five titles (2005, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012). - Jornet's return follows a period of public criticism of the event's direction after its partnership with the Ironman Group, which he felt was overly commercial. - His 2026 race schedule also includes the Western States Endurance Run just two months before UTMB; no male athlete has ever won both prestigious 100-mile races in the same calendar year. - Jornet first won UTMB as a relatively unknown 20-year-old in 2008, a victory that is considered to have revolutionized the sport with his lightweight approach and fast times.
