Running News: Walmsley, Blanchard, and Dunand-Pallaz Withdraw from UTMB
Three Top Contenders Drop Out of Prestigious Ultramarathon
American Jim Walmsley, French runner Mathieu Blanchard, and Swiss athlete Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz have all withdrawn from the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). The 171-kilometer race is one of the most challenging ultramarathons in the world.
Walmsley, the reigning UTMB champion, was forced to withdraw due to a foot injury. Blanchard, who won the race in 2019, pulled out with just hours to go before the start. Dunand-Pallaz, who placed third in 2021, dropped out after 100 kilometers into the race.
The withdrawals of these three top contenders have left the race wide open. The favorite is now believed to be Kilian Jornet, the multiple UTMB winner. However, several other runners could also challenge for the title, including:
- Tim Tollefson (USA)
- Hayden Hawks (USA)
- Jean-Philippe Tschumi (Switzerland)
- Thibaut Baronian (France)
The UTMB will start on August 26th and finish on August 28th. The race will be held in the French Alps and will cover a total of 171 kilometers and 10,000 meters of vertical gain.
Facts About the UTMB:
- The UTMB was first held in 2003.
- The race covers a distance of 171 kilometers.
- The race has a total elevation gain of 10,000 meters.
- The race is held in the French Alps.
- The race starts and finishes in Chamonix, France.
Additional Information:
For more information on the UTMB, please visit the official website: https://utmbmontblanc.com/
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