Tom Evans, the reigning men’s champion at Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, will not defend his title in this year’s renewal of trail running’s blue riband event later this month.
The Briton is part of a select group of athletes to win the sport’s two biggest 100-mile races – UTMB, which goes around Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland, and Western States in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
His bid to add another big 100-mile title to his CV came to an abrupt end when he was a DNF at Hardrock 100 in July.
‘Bigger picture’
The plan had been to return to Chamonix but news came through earlier today [13 August] that he will only be there as a spectator.
Writing on Instagram, Evans said: “UTMB is one of those races that will always be incredibly special to me.
“Chamonix, the mountains, the crowds and the energy throughout race week make it unlike anything else in our sport. I have so many amazing memories from being part of it.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be on the start line this year. It’s never easy watching a race you love from the sidelines, but sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture.
“I’ll still be in Chamonix for race week, soaking it all in, supporting everyone racing and enjoying being part of this incredible event.
“Good luck to everyone heading out there to race. I hope to see plenty of you in Chamonix 🇫🇷⛰️
“See you there 🤝”
Three former winners return
The former British Army captain achieved a lifetime ambition when winning UTMB in 2025.
He had been third there in 2022 but things unravelled at the race for him in 2023 and 2024, meaning he had unfinished business when he returned to Chamonix 12 months ago and produced a trail running masterclass despite some brutal weather.
Even without Evans it is still a stacked men’s field this year, headed by ultrarunning GOAT Kilian Jornet, the Spaniard being four-time winner of the race in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2022, and absent since then until now.
Joining him on the start list is 2023 hero Jim Walmsley of the United States and 2024 victor Vincent Bouillard of France, who won Western States earlier this year.
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