The 2026 UTMB men’s race features a wide-open field with Ben Dhiman as the favorite. Four-time winner Kilian Jornet and 2023 winner Jim Walmsley both face knee injuries.

Last year’s winner, Tom Evans, is not returning. Dhiman, who finished second in 2025, has no major races this year, making him a strong contender. Other notable runners include Josh Wade, Yannick Noël, and Jia-Sheng Shen. Read more trail coverage.

Jornet’s knee injury caused him to drop from Western States, while Walmsley’s injury led to his withdrawal from the same race. Both remain potential winners if fully recovered. Related: Kiriago and Florea Win Sierre-Zinal for Second Time This Summer.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from iRunFar. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.