Ben Dhiman Wins UTMB, Sets New Record Under 19 Hours — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Ben Dhiman completed the UTMB in 18:16:29, becoming the first to finish under 19 hours. Dhiman led the race from La Balme, covering 132.5 kilometers alone. His time surpasses previous records by significant margins.
Dhiman's time beats François D’Haene’s 2017 record of 19:01:54 by 45:25. However, iRunFar considers Jim Walmsley’s 2023 time of 19:37:43 as the relevant record due to route changes. Dhiman’s finish is 1:21:14 faster than Walmsley’s. Read more trail coverage.
The UTMB course this year was 173.6 kilometers with 9,700 meters of climbing, the longest and least climbing-intensive of recent races. Dhiman’s 2025 time was 19:51:37 over a 175.4-kilometer course with 9,985 meters of climbing. His 2026 race was 1.8 kilometers shorter. Related: Blandine L’Hirondel Triumphs at UTMB, Sets New Women's Record.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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What should runners know about Ben Dhiman Wins UTMB, Sets New Record Under 19 Hours?
Dhiman finishes UTMB in 18:16:29, breaking previous records. Ben Dhiman completed the UTMB in 18:16:29, becoming the first to finish under 19 hours. Dhiman led the race from La Balme, covering 132.5 kilometers alone. His time surpasses previous records by significant margins.
When did Runner World publish this trail brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 29, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated August 29, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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