The 2026 HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc delivered a dramatic Thursday in Chamonix, with the CCC® reaching its conclusion before the flagship UTMB® race got underway later in the evening.
The UTMB started from Chamonix at 7:45 p.m., following a delay caused by storm forecasts and safety concerns. The 174-kilometre race features around 9,700 metres of elevation gain, while the course was modified to avoid the Limestone Pyramids.
Cristian Minoggio and Yngvild Kaspersen Win CCC
The CCC began at 9 a.m. in Courmayeur in persistent rain and strong winds. The race covers 106 kilometres and 6,400 metres of elevation gain between Italy and France.
Italy’s Cristian Minoggio (UTMB Index 943) won the men’s race in 10:21, after making a strong comeback through the leading group. Miguel Arsenio (POR, 913) finished second, with Hans Troyer (USA, 920) third.
In the women’s race, Yngvild Kaspersen (NOR, 816) fought her way through the field to claim victory in 12:01. Toni McCann (RSA, 802) finished second, followed by Miao Yao (CHN, 827).
Meanwhile, the PTL® concluded after 300 kilometres and 25,000 metres of elevation gain, with Jules-Henri and Candide Gabioud completing the course in 89 hours.
UTMB Field Set for Final Battle
Attention now turns to the UTMB, where Courtney Dauwalter (USA, 859) is seeking a fourth victory. She will face contenders including Riley Brady and Blandine Lhirondel.
The men’s field includes leading Americans Ben Dhiman (946) and Caleb Olson (945), alongside Frenchman Vincent Bouillard (941).
The race also features five Team Adaptive athletes, while Project HOPE has brought four wheelchair users onto the UTMB course as part of an initiative focused on accessibility in outdoor sports.
The unusual overlap between the CCC finish and UTMB start recalls 2012, the last edition when weather delayed the UTMB start enough for CCC winner Tòfol Castanyer Bernat to cross the finish line while UTMB runners gathered at the start.
As the 2026 UTMB enters its final stage, competitors now face a long night of racing across the Mont-Blanc massif.