‘Conquering Mont-Blanc: The Path 2 UTMB’

UTMB just released a 52 minute documentary about the 2024 UTMB race:

“Conquering Mont-Blanc: the path 2 UTMB” showcases the intense moments: from the start to the summits, from moments of doubt to triumphant victories, where every runner, whether elite or amateur, pushes themselves beyond the challenges of the mountain. You’ll be plunged into the heart of the action with its epic stories of humanity, solidarity and going beyond personal limits.

The main narrator of the film is Topher Gaylord, newly named President of Western States which is just another example of how closely these two races are actually working together and shaping our trail running world.

The runners the film follows are:

• OCC: Sunmaya Budha – Nepal – DNF
• OCC: Vincent Herdoin – France – 1200th
• CCC: Sylvia Nordskar – Norway – DNF
• CCC: Petter Engdahl – Sweden – DNF
• UTMB: Marianne Hogan – Canada – 3rd
• UTMB: Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz – France – DNF

What’s a bit of a bummer, and always such a gamble for the filmmakers, is that of the six runners featured four DNF’ed. But maybe that is exactly what needs to be shown to showcase how hard these races are and that success is not assured, even with the elites. Overall the film is a fantastic recap of the 2024 events, especially as someone who raced OCC myself. Good thing I just got myself more stones.