In a stunning display of endurance and skill, Blandine L'Hirondel, a 35-year-old obstetrician-gynecologist from France, clinched victory at the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) last Saturday. L'Hirondel's time of 21 hours, 54 minutes, and 49 seconds not only secured her the win, but it also marked the fastest finishing time for a woman in the race's history, though it isn't classified as an official course record due to changes made to the course in prior years.
Despite facing fatigue and several stumbles in the final five miles, L'Hirondel's performance was a testament to her status as a top competitor, having already won European and two world championships. The UTMB victory completed her career accolades, making her one of only two runners to have swept all three UTMB World Series Finals events, following wins at the CCC 100K in 2022 and the OCC 60K in 2021.
Rachel Entrekin, a rising star in the ultra-running scene, finished in second place with an impressive time of 22:15:54, leading a strong contingent of American women at the renowned race. Entrekin's performance comes on the heels of her overall victory at the Cocodona 250 in Arizona and marked her debut at UTMB. Following her in third was Emily Schmitz, who clocked in at 22:17:28, and Careth Arnold in fourth with a time of 23:05:20.
Race Dynamics and Key Moments
The UTMB is renowned for its demanding 108-mile course that features a staggering 33,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, traversing parts of France, Italy, and Switzerland. It kicked off after a two-hour rain delay, with L'Hirondel and Entrekin quickly establishing themselves as main contenders alongside Australian runner Lucy Bartholomew.
Initially, Courtney Dauwalter, the pre-race favorite and a previous UTMB champion, struggled through the early stages before ultimately dropping out at the 44-mile mark. This left the race increasingly tilting towards L'Hirondel and Entrekin, who began to distance themselves from the rest of the pack around the 32-mile mark.
"My original strategy was to hang back and let seasoned runners lead the way," Entrekin noted. "However, I soon realized I needed to push myself and engage more directly with the race." This decision paid off as both she and L'Hirondel gained a significant lead.
Challenges Faced
As the race progressed, the infamous climbs took their toll, especially on Entrekin, who admitted to feeling overwhelmed during the grueling ascents. After hitting the halfway point, she found herself battling fatigue and the physical demands of the course, commenting that she felt “hit by a truck” after 40 miles.
"Reaching the halfway point was a relief, even though I was exhausted," she reflected. "But at that point, I knew I could start to manage the fatigue." Meanwhile, L'Hirondel continued to push her pace, amplifying her lead after crossing into Switzerland.
Despite the heat and fatigue creeping in during the latter stages, L'Hirondel maintained a solid lead, crossing the 80-mile mark with a 36-minute advantage. Even as she stumbled and slowed on the final climbs, her prior effort ensured she could secure her win. "It's about keeping one foot in front of the other at that stage," she remarked as she neared the finish.
The Final Stretch
The final miles saw Entrekin in a tough battle to maintain her position, as Schmitz began to close in from behind. "I had to tune out the noise and focus only on putting one foot in front of the other," Entrekin explained. She acknowledged the mental aspect of the race, suggesting that her experience at Cocodona prepared her for the mental fatigue she faced at UTMB.
Schmitz, who has adapted to life in Chamonix and has been training extensively on the local trails, had a standout run leading her to a comfortable fourth place. Her strategic pacing early in the race allowed her to gain momentum in the later stages.
The camaraderie among competitors was palpable, with L'Hirondel attributing her success not just to her training and preparation but also to the encouragement she received from supporters throughout the race. "If I’m the champion, everyone here is too—they helped make this moment possible for me," she exclaimed after her victory.
As the race concluded, it was clear that L'Hirondel's future in ultra-running is bright, while Entrekin's impressive debut and strong finish have solidified her as a formidable competitor on the global stage. Both athletes left an indelible mark on this year’s UTMB, showcasing the determination and spirit of trail running.
