‘The UTMB Effect’

Chris Z describes his complicated affair with UTMB on his blog:

That’s the magic of UTMB. The race itself, the mountains, the atmosphere, they have a way of unlocking something deeper. That’s why I know this race will never let go of me.

Despite the best efforts, most folks just can’t let go of the UTMB. Chris does make a good point in describing what makes UTMB as a “big corp” different from others:

And yet, UTMB has also reached a level of “he always tried his best” (German readers will hear the ironic undertone of “Er war stets bemüht”). That’s more than can be said about most companies of its size.

Crucifying UTMB just because they are a big corporation is a knee-jerk reaction, and many folks who initially made these FUTMB calls are now eating their hats and are back in Chamonix. UTMB is the biggest show and deservedly so. If we, collectively, can keep them accountable and let them progress, evolve, and grow as an organization they might just be okay for our sport. And man, that loop around Mont Blanc is just magical – no matter the weather conditions.