In this blog post, we recap the latest updates and predictions for the 2025 UTMB, including insights from trail experts Dylan Bowman, Karen Malcolm, and Keith Burn. We discuss the impact of weather on race strategies, the evolution of athlete preparation, and predictions for the OCC, CCC, and UTMB races. Key athletes to watch include Ruth Croft, Courtney DeWalter, and Tom Evans, among others. Join us as we explore the excitement leading up to this year's races.
Welcome back to our trailgating coverage of the 2025 Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB). In this post, we will recap the latest updates, insights, and predictions for the upcoming races, including the OCC, CCC, and UTMB. Join us as we dive into the excitement surrounding this year's events.
As we kick off our coverage, I’m joined by Karen Malcolm and the legendary Keith Burn. The energy in Chamonix is electric as we prepare for the big races. The smaller races have already begun, and we are excited to provide updates on the ongoing events like the TDS and ETC.
Today's show serves as our final thoughts and predictions for the races. We will focus on the UTMB world final events: the OCC, CCC, and UTMB. Here’s a quick look at our coverage schedule:
A big thank you to our team behind the scenes for making this coverage possible, and to Hoka for their support throughout race week.
Karen shares her excitement about finally being in Chamonix, describing the chaotic energy of UTMB week. The atmosphere is bustling with athletes preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the anticipation is palpable. Keith reminisces about his 21 years of experience at UTMB, sharing memorable moments and the evolution of the race over the years.
One of the standout discussions revolves around Tom Evans, who has introduced a new mindset and strategy into his training. He is working with a PhD data scientist to develop a precise pacing strategy, a trend that may shape the future of ultra-running. Karen emphasizes the importance of having a supportive team around athletes, including coaches, nutritionists, and mental performance coaches, to optimize their performance.
As we look ahead to the races, weather conditions are a significant concern. Keith shares insights from meteorologists about the forecast for the OCC, predicting heavy rain and thunderstorms. This could lead to course changes and will undoubtedly affect race strategies. Athletes accustomed to adverse weather conditions may have an advantage, particularly those from colder climates.
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As we wrap up our predictions, the excitement for the 2025 UTMB is building. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, this year's races promise to be thrilling. The combination of weather challenges and athlete preparation strategies will play a crucial role in determining the outcomes. Stay tuned for our ongoing coverage as we bring you updates and insights from the heart of the action in Chamonix.
