Zach Miller, preparing for his seventh UTMB, reflects on his journey from a vacation in 2013 to becoming a seasoned ultrarunner. He first visited Chamonix, France, unaware of the UTMB, aiming to run from Chamonix to Zermatt. A stomach bug derailed his attempt, but he returned to Chamonix and eventually raced the UTMB.
Miller completed his first UTMB in 2016, finishing faster than his 2013 multi-day trek. He raced again in 2017, 2022, and 2023, achieving fifth and second-place finishes. His return to UTMB in 2026 stems from his love for mountain running and a desire to test himself against the competition. Read more trail coverage.
Miller cites several reasons for his return, including curiosity about his performance in both Western States 100 and UTMB in one year, representing his sponsors, and the energy of the fans. He hopes his story inspires others to pursue their passions and make a difference in their chosen fields. Related: Michael Mitchell: Ultrarunner and Influencer Prepares for Leadville 100.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from iRunFar. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.