A brutal and record-breaking introduction to Africa at Mountain Ultra-Trail by UTMB, before UTMB World Series heads to the pilgrim paths of Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB

Over 1,400 runners took to the Western Cape of South Africa over 26-28 May to be part of Mountain Ultra-Trail by UTMB®. Making its debut on the UTMB World Series, the event was one for the ages with South African elite runner Ryan Sandes (UTMB Index 797) taking the tape in the MUT Miler, completing the challenging course via the Garden Route and across the Outeniqua mountains in 21:46:32.

Having led from start to finish, Sandes had his eye on the top spot but not without having to dig deep. He said, “ That was an epic 21 hours or so, although all a bit of a blur. I have some amazing memories out there and some really challenging moments as the course was super tough and challenging. In the early hours of the morning, I had a low patch but once the sun rose, I knew I was nearly home! ” Relishing the opportunity to qualify directly for the UTMB® World Series Finals on home turf, South-African runners Douglas Pickard (22:54:50 – UTMB Index 782) and Gabriel Kriel (UTMB Index 731) joined Sandes on the podium.

With just 25 runners finishing the 100-miles, Sylvie Scherzinger (ZAF – UTMB Index 519) put in a heroic shift to finish first in her category (38:45:24) and 14th overall, with Colleen Browne (ZAF – UTMB Index 517) crossing the line in second (42:32:35) and inspiring more women to take on the queen stage in 2024.

With one of the world’s most biodiverse floral kingdoms and old growth indigenous forests lining the trails, the 100-km MUT 100 race kept runners mentally and physically entertained from start to finish. Bruce Arnett (ZAF – UTMB Index 710) put together a blinding race to cross the line first in 13:39:13, joined by Michael Molyneaux (ZAF, 14:09:40 – UTMB Index 672) and Guido Tagge (GER, 14:20:40 – UTMB Index 675).

In the women’s race, Tarrin van Niekerk (15:02:39 – UTMB Index 649) took the win, finishing 9th overall in the process. Kelly Freeth (15:14:00 – UTMB Index 537) came in second with Sveta Becker (UTMB Index 560) rounding out the all South-African podium in third (15:34:33).

A blistering pace was set in the 50K, with new records for Johardt van Heerden (ZAF, 05:55:18 – UTMB Index 836) in the men’s race and Kim Schreiber (GER, 07:19:18 – UTMB Index 725) in the women’s race. “ This is my second time in South Africa but my first time in George and it was beautiful and unique! I have never started a race in the dark before so the most special moment for me was seeing the sunrise in the morning as they lit up the mountains and the trails. That was the toughest course I have ever raced on though and I still can’t believe I won and broke the course record! ” said Schreiber.

USA runner, Jeshurun Small (UTMB Index 880) backed up his second place at The Canyons Endurance Run by UTMB® last month with another podium in the men’s race, while Mvuyisis Gcogco (ZAF – UTMB Index 763) rounding out the podium in third. In the women’s race, Schreiber was joined on the podium by Jada Linstrom (ZAF, 08:03:56 – UTMB Index 594) and Samantha Reilly (USA, 08:09:04).

It was all action in the MUT Marathon, with a remarkable finish for Ian Peterkin (RSA) and Jacques Buys (ZAF – UTMB Index 686) which saw them cross the finish line together after 4 hours and 31 minutes of racing. Rikus Saayman (ZAF, 04:43:32 – UTMB Index 737) joined them on the podium in fourth, as Bianca Tarboton (ZAF – UTMB Index 686 earned her third overall, finishing less than six minutes behind the leading duo.

“ When we broke away from the group, we agreed that if we are still together with two kilometres to go then we will share this win together. We are good friends and Hoka teammates, so it was a really special day for us both ”, said Peterkin.

The performance of the day came from Tarboton finishing first female and breaking the course record in the process in 04:36:55. Local favourite, Rebecca Kohne (ZAF – UTMB Index 658) crossed the line in second (05:16:12), backing up her first place and course record at Istria 100™ by UTMB® (20km) last month. Sumé van Heerden (ZAF – UTMB Index 686) rounded out the all South-African podium in third.

With over 400 runners taking on the MUT Challenge, Anderson Ncube (ZAF, 02:01:22 – UTMB Index 767) and Lijan Van Niekerk (ZAF – UTMB Index 687) came out on top in their respective categories in the 20km race. Christiaan Van Den Heever (ZAF) and Ruben Dlepu (ZAF) rounded out the podium in the men’s field with Vicky Welham (ZAF – UTMB Index 495) and Nadine Van Driel (ZAF – UTMB Index 540) second and third in the women’s field.

The Mountain Ultra-Trail by UTMB proved to be one for the ages, with the muddy conditions also adding an extra dose of grit to the challenge. With a strong showing of South African runners, the event opened the opportunity for local trail runners to earn Running Stones and fulfil their dreams to qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals in August.

Full results are available here.

Over 3,500 runners will experience the beauty of the Haute-Loire region and the famous Camino de Santiago trails next weekend as part of the Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB®. Heading into its 12th edition, and the second as part of the UTMB® World Series, the course showcases the rural beauty of France and its wild and unspoiled countryside, shadowed by the ever-dominant Massif Central Mountain ranges.

A highlight of the race, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cathedral Notre-Dame du Puy promises an unforgettable moment as runners complete one last uphill charge across the cobbled narrow streets of the Old Town at Puy-en-Velay. After such a daunting journey, runners will feel joy and relief under the new finish line arch at Pierre Cardinal center where every finisher receives their precious Running Stones to participate in the UTMB® World Series Finals lottery.

Course Director, Patrick Dufor said, “ We look forward to welcoming all the participants to this great event! The volunteers and the association, combined with the knowledge of our partners has enabled us to organize a quality event in a unique playground which is steeped in history. Good luck to all and may the celebration be beautiful! ”

With six distances on offer, including four UTMB World Series Races – 100m, 100k, 50k and 20k, the event has attracted a strong contingent of French runners looking for a podium on home soil. Claire Bannwarth (FRA – UTMB Index 696) has already enjoyed a huge season of racing, including a win at the Montane Spine Race in January, running 321.8km in 48 hours to break her own record at the Backyard Ultra in France and most recently finishing third at Ultra-Trail™ Snowdonia by UTMB® (100 mile). Having run a staggering 23 ultras in 2022, the Frenchwoman certainly has race miles and experience under her feet and could be set for a good result in Saint-Jacques.

European trail running champion Mathilde Sagnes (FRA – UTMB Index 763) will also be toeing the start line, taking on the 50km race. Part of the French national team, the 27-year-old continues to build her experience and results on the trails.

With the race also attracting an international field, 2021 Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 100-mile winner, Josh Bakker-Dyos (GBR – UTMB Index 791) makes up the 100M start list. Having undergone meniscal knee surgery last year, this will be his first 100-miler back after a careful rehab process and will be looking to celebrate his return to racing.

The event will also welcome two of the UTMB World Series Elite Support Program athletes, Konstantinos Paradeisopoulos (GRC – UTMB Index 870) and Despoina Simantrakou (GRC – UTMB Index 617) as they make the trip from Greece to experience the cultural and spiritual route that Saint-Jacques is famous for.

With the 2022 edition witnessing a joint first-place finish for French runners, Aubin Ferrari and Samir Tazi after 13 hours of racing, more unforgettable stories are sure to be written at the 2023 edition of Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB.

Watch the racing and track athletes live here.