Once again, ultrarunner extraordinaire Courtney Dauwalter demonstrated her exceptional capabilities in the women's race, kicking off the year with a triumphant performance at The North Face Transgrancanaria in the Canary Islands. Following her extraordinary 2023 accomplishments with wins at Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB, Dauwalter successfully defended her title in the 126km Classic with an impressive display of skill and endurance.
Stian Angermund, the current world short-course trail running champion hailing from Norway, is facing a doping controversy following a positive test for the diuretic chlorthalidone after his triumph at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc's OCC event in August last year. Despite the setback, Angermund steadfastly proclaims his innocence, expressing confusion and disbelief regarding the doping allegations.
In the heart of the winter cross-country season, Tom Evans, the reigning 2023 Western States Champion, continues to establish his dominance on the trails, foreshadowing what promises to be an exciting year ahead. Recent victories underscore the British athlete's exceptional versatility across varied terrains.
Held just outside of Wartburg, Tennessee, the 2024 Barkley Marathons concluded with an amazing feat: five competitors finished the challenging course. notably, British Jasmin Paris has created history by becoming the first female competitor to complete this difficult race, clocking in at an astounding 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds.
The North Pennines region of northern England witnessed a tragic turn as the search for the missing London-based runner, Edward Catmur, culminated in the discovery of his body on New Year's Eve. Catmur, a highly accomplished athlete, had embarked on a challenging run from Dufton to Cross Fell, the highest mountain in the Pennines, and Hartside Cross. Concerns mounted when no communication was received from the 40-year-old runner after 10 a.m. on December 31.
In the exhilarating realm of trail running, the 2023 season emerged as a chapter destined for the record books, marked by extraordinary performances that defied the limits of human endurance. From breathtaking displays of stamina to historic conquests of unforgiving terrains, this year’s trail running narrative was a testament to the relentless spirit and unparalleled determination of athletes worldwide.
The French trail running family is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Esteban Olivero, a young and promising athlete, just 22 years old. He tragically passed away on December 23 while skiing down La Blanche in Ecrins National Park, leaving everyone shocked and grieving for such a vibrant life cut short.
Renowned British ultra-runner, Tom Evans, celebrated for his triumphs including the Western States 100 and his representation of Great Britain in cross-country events, has reluctantly withdrawn from the impending Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100km race following a harrowing mugging incident during a solitary run on Cape Town's Table Mountain.
Prepare for an electrifying chapter in the realm of trail running as the World Trail Majors (WTM) makes its debut in 2024. This series, comprising a minimum of nine ultramarathons scattered across the globe, signals a nostalgic return, bringing back the essence of cherished races once part of the now-defunct Ultra-Trail World Tour.
In the heart of Western Australia's picturesque Avon Valley, the highly anticipated Transcend returns in 2024 with options for all fitness levels. Mark your calendars for 22 June, where you have the option to take part in the Kids Dash, 6km Hike, 6km Run, 40km Team Relay Hike (2-3 ppl 12/16/12km), 40km Hike, 65km Team Relay Run (2-5 ppl 12/12/12/16/12km) or the ultimate challenge, the 65km Ultra.
