Ruth Croft Withdraws from UTMB, Leaving Race Without Defending Champions — image accompanying Canadian Running's report. Image accompanying Canadian Running’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Ruth Croft, the defending UTMB champion, announced her withdrawal from the race. This leaves the event without its defending champions, including Tom Evans. Croft cited personal reasons for her decision, despite being in strong form.
Croft's withdrawal adds to the men's field losses, including Kilian Jornet and Jim Walmsley. The race will now see new champions, with strong contenders remaining. The women's field still features notable runners like Rachel Entrekin and Courtney Dauwalter. Read more trail coverage.
Canadian ultrarunners like Emilie Mann and Jazmine Lowther are also in contention. Mann recently won the 2025 Run Rabbit Run 100-miler, while Lowther won the Triple Crown at Broken Arrow Skyrace. Related: UTMB 2026: Record Holders Absent, Strong Field Set for Race Week.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Canadian Running. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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What should runners know about Ruth Croft Withdraws from UTMB, Leaving Race Without Defending Champions?
Defending UTMB champion Ruth Croft withdraws, joining other top runners in absence. Ruth Croft, the defending UTMB champion, announced her withdrawal from the race. This leaves the event without its defending champions, including Tom Evans. Croft cited personal reasons for her decision, despite being in strong form.
When did Runner World publish this trail brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 26, 2026. The underlying Canadian Running report was dated August 26, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Canadian Running. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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