Two things are happening in the ultrarunning world this weekend. Firstly, hundreds of runners will set off through the Alps, traversing highly technical trails around Western Europe’s mightiest mountain and crossing the tallest and pointiest bits of three countries – France, Italy and Switzerland – while competing in a 106-mile race commonly considered to be the absolute pinnacle of mountain scampering: the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc [external link] known to its friends, fans and foes as UTMB. And secondly, one of Britain’s very best ultramarathon events – the Lakeland 100 [external link] – will open entries for next year. For both of these reasons, in between lacing up my best running shoes and hitting the trails with inspired excitement, I shall be eagerly scanning my screen for news.
An acronym that sends a shiver of excitement or a frisson of fear through the minds and muscles of most runners, the UTMB is a brutal and brilliant event, during which the frontrunners will record incredible times and perform seemingly superhuman feats of endurance and athleticism. But even the slowest entrants endure experiences and encounters that will, for better or worse, stay with them for the rest of their lives. Stories will form and friendships will be born over the next 48 hours – such is the nature of ultrarunning.
