Katie Schide shattered the record for the fastest female time at UTMB on Saturday – but revealed afterwards she had been looking to go even faster!
The French-based American also became only the second woman – after the great Courtney Dauwalter – to win Western States and UTMB in the same season and there was a touching message afterwards from the GOAT.
Schide dominated throughout the 176 km and 10,000 metres of climbing by using the same strategy she employed when winning in 2022 – integrating into the group of male favourites.
From that point on, her female competitors never saw her again as she delivered a trail-running masterclass.
Sub-22 hours was the goal
After 22 hours, nine minutes and 31 seconds of racing, she crossed the finish line in first place and 13th overall to knock more than 20 minutes off the previous quickest time, set by Dauwalter in 2021.
But at the finish, Schide admitted: “My goal was to break the 22-hour barrier, and I started fast but at the planned race pace.
“I was surprised to be running with the men in the early kilometres because I didn’t feel like I was running faster than in 2022.
“Even though I didn’t manage to run under 22 hours, I’m very proud of my performance!”
From one great to another
The only time that Schide looked anything other than light on her feet was on the descent to Chamonix after the last aid station at La Flégère.
And she added: “The last kilometres were tougher, which is why I want to thank the incredible spectators that were present throughout the trails in France, Italy, and Switzerland.
“Their energy carried me from the first to the last hour!”
And afterwards there was a lovely message from Dauwalter, who had been there cheering on the runners in a yellow duck outfit!
The GOAT has continually raised the bar for women’s trail and ultrarunning in recent years, making her words on Instagram even more special as she posted a picture of Schide crossing the line and said: “Got to be here to see this in person. INCREDIBLE! Congratulations Katie Schide. Thanks for raising the bar for all of us!”
