Ben Dhiman, a former footballer turned ultra-runner, won the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in 2026, setting a new fastest time. Despite falling with 10km left, he pushed through to finish in 18 hours 16 minutes and 29 seconds. Dhiman's journey to victory included two non-finishes and a second-place finish last year.
Dhiman's unconventional path to UTMB glory began with thru-hiking in his 20s, which he believes gave him a unique blend of speed and durability. His training focuses on low-intensity volume, emphasizing durability over speedwork. He trains around 100 hours a month during winter, shifting to more trail running as the race approaches. Read more racing coverage.
Dhiman's success is attributed to his deliberate training system, which prioritizes volume over intensity. He believes this approach is crucial for ultra-distance races like UTMB. His method includes extensive data analysis to refine his performance, focusing on heart rate and climbing speed. Dhiman also emphasizes consistency and injury prevention in his training philosophy. Related: Keely Hodgkinson's Speed Suit: A Year in the Making.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.