UTMB 2023 | Shakeout to Big Dance | ULTIMATE World Series Mountain Race
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2024
- Welcome to the 2023 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), the pinnacle of mountain ultra-running. This year's event was nothing short of extraordinary, with runners facing grueling climbs, breathtaking scenery, and their own inner demons. Here’s a detailed account of the race week, from the shakeout run to the final steps across the finish line.
The Shakeout Run
The week kicked off with a shakeout run organised by Loyd from Run4Adventure. I joined Ben Parkes and many enthusiastic runners at the church by the UTMB start line. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly as we ran 4 miles finishing with a few loops of the running track, sharing laughs and banter about our marathon PBs and race strategies.
TDS: The First Race
The first race of the week, TDS, saw Christian Meier from Canada take the win. I chatted with him the next day at Moody's cafe, where he described the challenging climbs and technical sections coated in snow and slush. Watching the elites was inspiring, but seeing friends like Richard and Spencer finish after spending nearly two days on the course was truly heartwarming.
Elite Runners and Media Events
Throughout the week, there were numerous media events. I interviewed elite runners like Tom Evans and Sage Canaday, who shared their experiences and the unique challenges of racing in the rugged mountains of UTMB. Tom Evans, fresh from Western States, expressed his excitement about competing in UTMB again.
OCC: Victoria's Turn to Race
After five years of dreaming and training, Victoria finally got her chance to run the OCC. Despite feeling nervous and out of place, she was determined to do her best. The runnable trails of the Swiss mountains were a delight, and the first climb, though steep, offered stunning views.
As the race progressed, Victoria faced tough climbs, stony descents, and moments of sheer exhaustion. The climb up to Col de Balme was the hardest she had ever done, but reaching the top was a significant achievement. The final climb to La Flegere was grueling, but knowing her family was waiting at the finish line kept her going.
Crossing the Finish Line
The descent into Chamonix was emotional. Running through the town with her children by her side and friends cheering her on was an unforgettable experience. Crossing the finish line was a dream come true, and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.
UTMB: The Main Event
The UTMB race itself was a spectacle. From the crowded start line in Chamonix to the first climb under the evening sun, the journey was both physically and mentally demanding. The night was spent trudging up steep inclines with only head torches lighting the way. The climb to Col de Bonhomme was particularly memorable, with snow on the ground adding to the challenge.
The next day brought new trials as the heat took its toll. My stomach issues persisted, making it difficult to eat or drink. Despite the setbacks, I pushed on, driven by the thought of finishing what I had started. The climb up Grand Col Ferret, the highest point of the race, was a milestone that renewed my determination.
The Final Push
The descent into La Fouly and the climb to Champex Lac were tough, but the beautiful scenery and the support of fellow runners kept me going. As dawn broke on day three, I felt a renewed sense of hope. The final climb to La Flegere was exhausting, but the thought of the finish line spurred me on.
The Finish Line Experience
Reaching the foot of the descent into Chamonix was an incredible feeling. The support from the crowd and the sight of the finish line brought tears to my eyes. Crossing the line, I was overwhelmed with pride and joy. The journey was long and arduous, but it was worth every moment.
Historic Finishes
Victoria watched history being made as Courtney Dauwalter won UTMB for the third time, completing the triple crown of victories at UTMB, Hard Rock, and Western States in the same year. Jim Walmsley's emotional victory and course record was the elite highlight of the week.
Looking Ahead
UTMB 2023 was an unforgettable experience filled with highs and lows, challenges and triumphs. The camaraderie, the stunning landscapes, and the personal achievements made it a race to remember. We’ll all be back again in 2024, ready to face the mountains once more.
#utmb
#filmmyrun
#trailrunning
00:00 Start
00:55 Shakeout Run with @Run4Adventure and @BenParkes
03:40 Christian Meier
04:55 Sage Canaday
07:10 Tom Evans
08:00 Victorias starts OCC
14:34 Victoria finishes OCC
16:40 Robbie Simpson
17:34 Start of UTMB
21:48 Sarah Place
25:12 Hoka Light Tunnel
27:26 Summit of Col de Bonhomme
29:56 Col de la Seigne
32:16 Arete de Mont Favre
34:28 Courmayeur - Half Way ish
36:26 Refuge Bertone
38:08 Wanting to Quit at Arnouvaz
41:14 La Fouly
44:08 Trient
46:28 Valorcine
49:50 La Flegere
50:29 The Finish in Chamonix
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I have also done TDS in 2023 :):) with a time of slightly below 35 hrs (including one hour break at medical point due to leg issues). Last year's TDS was really hard due to changes in the cours and weather conditions. But that is why we love it :) See you in Chamonix again!
Spent a very enjoyable hour reminiscing on last year's race. I was lucky enough to take part in UTMB for the sixth (and probably final) time, and that finish line feeling this year was as magical as ever. The support throughout was the biggest I've seen since my debut in 2007. Thanks for capturing it so brilliantly in your video. Makes those long days at work stuck at a desk pass by much more enjoyably!!
It was worth the wait Stephen, what a run, you certainly overcame your fair share of adversity & huge congrats to Victoria too, she should be far more confident of her ability, knocking out the 100 slam should tell her all she needs to know 👍
Thank you Jon. I still don’t think I’ve processed what I achieved last year.
Underappreciated is how hard it is to add filming and narration to such an enormous physical and mental challenge, especially when running close to cutoffs, and/or feeling nauseous, where the smallest of distractions and frustrations can have negative effects. Congratulations!
I started watching this last night and suddenly realised I was sat doing nothing so I stood up, put some shoes on and went for a walk in the countryside at dusk. I've just watched the end, which is always so moving. Well done!
Haha well done on getting out! And thank you so much for watching.
😊😅😮😢🎉😂❤
@@FilmMyRun😅❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Well worth the wait. Such determination to 'override' the body and the mind, to grind it out till the end. Congratulations again, truly inspiring.
Absolutely brilliant Stephen. What a week for you and Victoria. Hopefully I will make it to the start line some time soon 🤞 good luck this week with the cape wrath ultra I’m following your dot with interest.
Epic film! Thanks 👍 also really really appreciate you carrying that bloody light around the course with you. Makes the world of difference to the night sections. Absolutely great shout 👏
Another masterpiece put together to make us part of the journey from both Victoria and yourself Stephen. It is not always fun and easy and you brought it so clear that with determination and the correct mindset a lot is possible. Awesome❤!
Stephen, every single content from your side is better then the previous one. Top of the top. Amazing and in the same time astonishing editing, storytelling and that passion just pouring from your videos. You're the best running youtuber! Side note you and Ben Parkes together with Sarah 😜
absolutely well worth the wait for this vid! I cannot even begin to contemplate how ridiculously crazy those course are. *just* another 800m mountain to climb 🤯 Seriously I was trying to think about the hills in the Lake District and justify it to those kind of heights and it just doesn't bear thinking about how many times up and down... Seriously great effort both of you, got me right in the feels!!
Cheers Nic
Great video! You really do capture the atmosphere at UTMB. I love the race- 3 times finisher (for the moment!). Shout out to my friends who you captured on film: Minute 18:32 Vanesa Martínez Hansen. 39:29 Luciana Alves!
This is my favourite video about the UTMB!
Victoria wow what an impressive performance, so inspiring. You made me cry so much 😂 and motivated me to follow my dreams. I hope you now have that self confidence.. you are brilliant and make me believe I can do some of these races (I hope)!!
Stephen, just brilliant congratulations.
Thank you for your videos they are amazing and they make me want to enter every race you report on :))
Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated. I hope you can follow your dream.
Stephen, I told you we'd broken the back of it...
It was good meeting you around the course and watching the video brought back loads of memories from last year.
Good work, well worth waiting for.
Great to meet you Paul. I was glad to see you finished.
Good stuff mate 🙌 was looking forward to this one. We criss-crossed several times during the race. Between Bertone and the finish. Also did a film on the big dance 😄
Brilliant video and a fantastic achievement. Your CCC video was the inspiration for me to get into ultra running and last year I achieved my goal of finishing the CCC in just over 20 hours. I can’t imagine running a further 60 km on top of that.
Superb video Stephen, great to see all the different sections, looks epic, thanks both for filming it 👍
Another fantastic film. I love watching you and Victoria on your running adventures.
I remember commenting on your TDS 'revenge' video about how inspirational it was.
This was even better. Absolutely amazing.
You should have so many more subscribers but never lose faith...those of us who follow you really appreciate the dedication into giving us a video like this.
Really inspirational and i hope you kmow that.
Wonderful Stephen - very inspirational. Who knows, maybe one day I can fulfil this dream.
Thanks Victoria, shes all good, but it was a great bit of filming and was very emotional, well done on the run it was amazing, ive actually done Beachy 4 times but am looking to do my first ultra, as i love Beachy i think that would be a good ultra to start with.
Again congratulations.
Such a great video. Bravo Stephen and Victoria, and nice to see my brief cameo appearance. Will be at OCC this year and guaranteed at CCC next year - for redemption. Something Stephen might be familiar with.
Thanks for your support Herbert. Much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you again in Chamonix.
Congratulations!! An awesome achievement. I just finished UTS100k and this was the perfect watch to get me in the mood for more race signups...
Wow Angus UTS100k is no easy race. Congratulations to you for getting that done. The 50k was hard enough a couple of years ago! Thanks so much for commenting. What do you think you’ll sign up for next?
Thanks! Yeah it deserves it's tagline. To be honest, I'm not sure what to sign up to next. I'm definitely going to sign up to UTS again for next year, but still need to decide what my plans are until then.
Tremendous film, start to finish, and as always a wonderful inspiration.
Thanks Stephen and Victoria, run on!
I was in Chamonix on a walking holiday during UTMB. Met Loyd and Ben outside Moody’s after the shake out run but must have missed you!! Great video and fantastic achievement!! Kay
Thank you Kay. Yes I was probably chasing after Christian Meier to get an interview!
That was so motivating! Well done Victoria and Stephen.
Thank you 😊
You made us wait for this one! Absolutely amazing Stephen , elite level filmmaking!
Michael that’s so kind of you to say. So much footage and the usual technical problems, particularly with sound this time, all meant it took ages to get this one sorted. Felt a bit overwhelmed with it for a while until it suddenly started to come together. Appreciate your support thanks you!
Awesome video! Well done.
What a great film Stephen. Truly amazing achievement for you all, Victoria did so brilliantly and I hope she has the self confidence she was looking for as she has certainly deserved it! You didn't make that look easy and I'm grateful! What an epic adventure you've been on and see you cross the line with that smile says it all! Well done indeed. I think you and Victoria have inspired many to take this legendary challenge on one day, myself included!
Thank you 😊 I’m proud of what I achieved last year but still lack confidence in my ability.
Great video Stephen. Captured all the emotion.
Been waiting ages to see this. Great video once again. Superb performance by both yourself and Victoria! Chapeau 🎩
Cheers Will! What do you have coming up?
@@FilmMyRun My next race is SDW100. Will be my second attempt at SDW100 and 4th attempt at a 100M distance. Haven't completed one yet :(
Would love to join the 100 club one day...
Thanks Will. Good luck for SDW100. I’ll be crewing Stephen. Please do say hello. My best advice is to concentrate on one checkpoint at a time but stay focused on how you’ll feel at the finish line. It’s about how much you want it and how much you’re prepared to suffer for it.
Inspirational. Congratulations both of you
Thank you 😊
Superb video / doc. Worth waiting for! I need to find me some more stones..
You are both so inspiring and amazing! Thanks for sharing this video! Incredible! 😍
Thank you Lauri. Always appreciate your support.
Thanks Lauri 😊
Good grief- another epic performance and great vid to add to your memorable collection
Thank you so much. Looking back it was epic, although it didn't feel so at the time. Fancy it?!!
So impressive, i cant even imagine what that was like. Conratulations
Thanks Martin. It’s was bloody hard!! Fancy it??
Wheee - standing right next to you at 19:29 (Hoka cap guy), it's a small race after all ;) - looks like I tend to end up at the same UTMB races as you do (TDS 2022, UTMB 2023)
Nice one. How did you get on? I need to go back and get it done a bit faster I think.
Amazing! Thanks for taking us along. A total blast...Shoutout to Rafael Hidalgo at 21:25 and greetings from Zürich 🇨🇭
Oh wow I missed Rafael. Great guy! Thanks for commenting!
Actually he is there twice. Also at 45:20!
Stephen also makes a couple cameo appearances in Rafael’s video of the same race…seems like the 2 of you were neck and neck on the course!
fantastic film! goosebumps.
Epic, great filming. Wish i had your grit👍
Appreciate that Graham. It is just a matter of dogged determination and bloody mindedness!
This was an unbelievable watch. Congratulations to both of you. My wife actually teared up when Victoria finished, I can't imagine the willpower to get through something like that, never done a ultra myself but as a lover of Beachy head I think I might make that my first in October.
Fantastic video.
Appreciate that Marx. Why does my wife always make people cry?!!!
Apologies for making her cry! 😊 If you’re considering Beachy Head then do it. It’s a beautiful race with good aid stations.
What a video Stephen and was great watching Victoria smash it. Certainly the motivational video I needed right now.
Thank you Marc. I hope you’re getting out there. We all lack a bit of mojo from time to time. You’ll get back to it. Thanks so much for your kind words.
Thank you Marc. Happy running!
VIctoria is a machine. She smashed that!
She is a bit of a mentality monster for sure.
@davidthompson3741 thanks 😊 It was lovely finishing a race without having to put on a headtorch! 😂
Brilliant video Stephen. That`s an achievement. Well done.
Thanks Anthony. Might go back and try it again one day!
Great video, really well done. Wonder if Ben Parkes was so confident 30 miles in ?
Fantastic video Stephen👏👏👏. I got emotional watching Victoria, she is so amazing and you are extremely resilient. Hope you are over all your illnesses and back to full health. Are you doing Berlin this year?
Thank you so much Sandra! I won’t be at Berlin no. Too many other races in September. I’m off to Canada then.
Thank you Sandra 😊
I'm obsessed with the UTMB, guess your video is not gonna help with that :D
No you’ll be fine. UTMB is rubbish….😂
Great Performance and Nice video
Thank you so much
Great video Stephen and Victoria! I am your new fan!!
Great to have you with us Guille! Thank you very much for watching. There’s plenty more where that came from!
Thank you 😊
Stephen you are a legend and Victoria is truly inspirational. You have both achieved so much and both myself and my wife are huge fans of you both! Well done guys 👏
Really appreciate your words Paul thank you. Any running plans for this year for you?
@@FilmMyRun I have a few more adventures this year mate. So I completed my first SDW50 in April which was amazing, going to book on the SDW100 in 2025 😳 As for the remainder of 2024 I have the Serpent Trail 50k in July, Run to the sea Bournemouth in October and the winter Salisbury plain marathon in December. Also have a number of half-marathons booked so plenty to keep me on the straight and narrow 😂 I will apologise now because I'll probably be pestering you for advice on tackling the SDW100 because I've already binge watched your videos 🤣 Keep up the great work, as a fellow Sussex lad you and Victoria do the County proud 💪🏻
@@paulmulks I’ll be at SDW100 again this year so I’ll have up to date info for you for 2025!!
@@FilmMyRun Aaaaah that's brilliant 💪🏻 I'm already looking forward to the video, is Victoria doing it with you? I hope all your preparations have gone well, not long to go now 😵💫
Thank you Paul for your kind words. This year, I’ll be crewing Stephen for SDW100. SDW50 2022 was my first 50. A year later I did the 100. I think it’s a natural progression. SDW100 route is my favourite. Good luck with your running.
Really fantastic achievement!
Many thanks!
Epic video loved it! So inspiring well done 🙌
Thank you 🙌
Loved this!
Looking back I think I loved it too!! Thanks so much for watching.
Kudos all round Stephen.
Thank you so much!
Great video but the pre-race chats with Ben Parkes and then Tom Evans were painful knowing how things turned out 😢
Thanks Nick, yes hindsight is a wonderful thing. I did actually meet Jim Walmsley and had a chat with him on a mountain side the week before in his home village of Areche. But incredibly annoying, I lost the footage!! Ben will be back and I know Tom is going for the win this year. So we’ll see how it pans out.
Time to review nutrition, I have never had nausea or vomiting, have run over 100 races. 50k to 100 miles. My nutrition is simple, Tailwind, Spring gels, Honey stinger gels, Muir, probar chews, bulletproof bar, Ethan shots, salmon jerky, lara bar. That's it. No aid station food surprises. Maybe ginger ale, little coke, watermelon.
Do you ever suffer differently in hot weather to cold?
@@FilmMyRun a little, seems like the hot weather requires I drink electrolytes much more carefully and regularly. I use Tailwind. But cautious with overdoing the gels, Spring gels work well for me in hot weather.
@@FilmMyRun also I stay away from regular food, too much to ask the body to digest slow digestion foods.
Get video, really enjoy these. Thanks for making them 😊
Fabulous! Huge congratulations to you both - epic performances on epic mountains! 👏👊🍾🏔️
Thanks so much Mel!!