UTMB 2026: Record Holders Absent, Strong Field Set for Race Week — 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.
UTMB Mont-Blanc begins with a notable absence of record holders. The course record holder, Jim Walmsley, and women’s record holder, Katie Schide, are not participating.
Despite these absences, the event boasts one of its strongest fields ever, with 846 elite entrants from 54 countries. The UTMB course spans 174K with 9,900 meters of elevation gain. Read more trail coverage.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about UTMB 2026: Record Holders Absent, Strong Field Set for Race Week?
UTMB 2026 features a strong field with notable absences, including record holders. UTMB Mont-Blanc begins with a notable absence of record holders. The course record holder, Jim Walmsley, and women’s record holder, Katie Schide, are not participating.
When did Runner World publish this trail brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 22, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated August 22, 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.
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Start the week a step ahead.
A concise edit of the running stories worth knowing, sent every Monday.
