Ever wondered what it takes to conquer the world’s most gruelling mountain race? Tom Evans didn’t just compete at Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, he dominated! From a celebratory shoey to a Union flag finish, his victory was epic. But what made this win truly special amidst challenging conditions? Find out how he etched his name in ultra-running history!
Tom Evans cemented his legacy in the annals of ultra-running on Saturday, August 30th, by claiming a historic victory at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). This monumental achievement, arguably the most prestigious in the realm of mountain and trail ultra running, saw the British athlete triumphantly cross the finish line in Chamonix, France, amidst an ecstatic crowd of thousands.
The journey to this remarkable UTMB victory was anything but straightforward. Evans demonstrated exceptional resilience and strategic prowess over a course that spanned more than 100 mountainous miles across France, Italy, and Switzerland. Despite minor course adjustments due to challenging weather conditions, his performance remained consistently dominant, showcasing his profound understanding of endurance racing.
Evans’s final approach into Chamonix was a spectacle of national pride and personal triumph. Clutching a Union flag, he draped it over his shoulders like a cape before pausing just shy of the finish line to perform his signature salute, a poignant nod to his background in the British Army. This moment of reflection underscored the immense physical and mental fortitude required for such an arduous feat.
Immediately following his triumphant crossing, Evans shared a heartfelt embrace with his wife, international triathlete Sophie Coldwell, and their daughter, Phoebe. The celebration then took a unique turn as he removed an ASICS’ shoe, filled it with Red Bull, and indulged in a celebratory “shoey,” a light-hearted tradition marking his extraordinary Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc success. His official time for the slightly altered course was an impressive 19 hours, 18 minutes, and 58 seconds.
Reflecting on his win, Evans articulated the profound significance of his achievement, stating, “To have a victory at UTMB is a dream come true and I’m joining a special and small list of incredible athletes.” He recounted the race’s “bizarre” nature, highlighted by unexpected rain and snow, and the camaraderie formed with fellow ultra running competitors, creating a “buddy-buddy system” to navigate the treacherous conditions. This insight reveals the unique challenges and spirit of the trail running community.
The podium also saw strong performances from other athletes, with Ben Dhiman of the United States securing runner-up position, approximately half an hour behind Evans. Another British runner, Josh Wade, based in the Lake District, achieved an impressive third place, demonstrating significant improvement from his 11th-place finish last year. Wade’s steady ascent through the field despite gruelling conditions further underscored the competitive nature of the mountain endurance challenge.
Evans’s path to this elite status began unexpectedly in 2017 with the Marathon des Sables, entered on a bet, where he finished third and discovered his innate talent. His career rapidly progressed, including a win at the UTMB’s sister race, the ‘CCC’, and representing Britain in the World Half-Marathon and World Cross Country Championships. This Tom Evans victory marks him as the first British man to win the UTMB since Jez Bragg in 2010 and the first Briton since Lizzy Hawker’s five women’s victories between 2005 and 2012, solidifying his place as a leading figure in the sport.
