Search
RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / ‘We fought together’ – Kilian Jornet on his 2022 UTMB victory

‘We fought together’ – Kilian Jornet on his 2022 UTMB victory

Patrick Ryan
Reporter
Updated on

Kilian Jornet is once again the UTMB champion, and in 2022 he did it in even more impressive style than ever before. His fourth victory saw him break the course record and become the first person to set a sub-20-hour time on the famous course.

Yet despite the emphatic nature of his athletic display over the 19 hours and 49 minutes it took him to complete the race, Jornet admits that at no point did he ever feel comfortable.

“Since the start there has not been a single moment in which I have not suffered,” he said in his post-race interview.

That was obvious throughout. At times in the race he did not look as stunningly unwavering as he often does mid-race, likely in no small part to the fact he had recently tested positive for COVID, something that threatened his participation in the race.

Advertisement

Different level

However, he made it to the start line, wearing a mask to be sure of not infecting anyone, and away he went with the UTMB music blaring away.

It was far from easy. “When I cross my threshold, I notice that in my lungs, I can’t breathe well and the cramps in my legs start ,” he told his doctor at the checkpoint Champex-Lac.

At that point he was third, but from then he would kick on whilst long-time race leader Jim Walmsley would falter, Jornet powering himself to a historic win.

“It has been an incredible race,” Jornet said after his victory. “For me it is a special day that I will remember for a long time. Thanks to the spectators who were on the mountain I have been able to reach the final and that fast.

“What I will remember at the end are those moments, the victory and winning. Yes I am happier, but the important thing is the experience, the hours spent all night with Jim and then the whole final part with Mathieu Blanchard, that we have helped each other and fought together.

“Above all to see so many people on the route and thanks to all of them, that I have not been able to thank them during the route.”

Patrick Ryan
Written by
Patrick Ryan
Patrick is a major contributor to TRI247 and RUN247. A keen hiker with wide experience in sports journalism, he has covered the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Latest Running News

TCS London Marathon 2024 finisher celebration
What is a good London Marathon finish time?
London Marathon 2024 crowded runners shot blur effect photo credit TCS London Marathon
76-year-old marathon World Record holder has the VO2 Max of a 20-year-old
barkley marathons gate 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Iconic ‘Do Not Block Gate’ Barkley Marathons sign could be auctioned
John Kelly day 2 Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Barkley Marathons 2025: NO finishers but John Kelly gets ‘Fun Run’ consolation
Run 247 Breaking News
15-year-old New Zealand phenom becomes the youngest athlete EVER to run a 4-minute mile
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...