‘It took everything I had’ – Dakota Jones on his Transvulcania by UTMB 2023 title

Dakota Jones has spoken out about his second victory at Transvulcania by UTMB, finishing first in the 2023 Ultramaratón eleven years on from his first victory. 

Jones put in an impressive performance, winning the 72km race in a time of 07:02:16 ahead of runner-up Damien Humbert and third-placed Andreas Reiterer. 

A big effort

Dakota Jones won his first Transvulcania title in 2011 when, as a 21-year-old, he stunned Kilian Jornet to take victory. 

Since then, he has won several races in his native USA including Desert Rats and the Broken Arrow Skyrace. He has had three more attempts at retaking the Transvulcania crown- and with his latest effort he finally returned to the top of the La Palma podium. 

“We did it!” Jones shared on Instagram after taking victory, “What an amazing day in La Palma at Transvulcania by UTMB.  

“My race strategy is always to go 5% or 10% harder than I know I’m capable of and see if I can hang . And my goodness it took everything I had but today it worked out.  

“It was a serious mental effort from start to finish. But the views of the island and the full moon and the volcano and the ocean and so many other things were incredible.”

Local connection

Jones dominated the course set on the stunning Canary island of La Palma, striking out by himself at around the half-way point at Punta De Los Roques all the way to the finish at Los Llanos de Aridane. 

But with being a race on a volcanic island there are hazards; this year the event returned to its usual May date after the 2022 edition was held in October, which was the first Transvulcania by UTMB in two-years due to a volcanic eruption on Cumbre Vieja. 

“I kept thinking about how much this island has suffered from the volcano recently,” Jones said, “it made me want to work harder.  

“They all seem to know me here, and it means a lot. 

“Thanks to so many people and organizations who support me in this crazy sport. 

“Feeling very grateful tonight.”

For our full race report of Transvulcania by UTMB click HERE.