ULTRA-TRAIL DES PAÏENS (100K): KAMIL LEŚNIAK AND LIN CHEN TAKE THE WIN

Kamil Leśniak (POL - UTMB Index 865) won the Ultra-Trail des Païens (100K) in 9h00’39’’ after a tightly contested race that remained undecided until the final kilometers. Still together at the last aid station, the three leaders battled for victory deep into the final half hour.

The Polish runner ultimately edged out Corentin Play (FRA - UTMB Index 877), who finished second in 9h01’08’’. “Everything came down to the final kilometer”, he explained at the finish, having initially targeted a finishing time closer to ten hours. Arnaud Bonin (FRA - UTMB Index 903), considered one of the pre-race favorites and temporarily dropped from podium contention after the Barr aid station (km 61), fought his way back into the race to secure third place in 9h08’27’’.

In the women’s race, China secured a one-two finish with Lin Chen (CHN - UTMB Index 783) taking victory in 10h44’46’’, followed by Anna Li (CHN - UTMB Index 759) in 11h03’09’’ after catching Diane Rassineux (FRA - UTMB Index 692) in the closing kilometers. Long settled into second position, the French runner, third in the Trail des Celtes (50K) in 2024 and racing beyond 100 kilometers for the first time, ultimately completed the podium in 11h06’20’’, despite not expecting to contend for the lead positions today.

Starting Friday morning from Orschwiller, the 100K connected several iconic sites across Alsace, from Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle to Mont Sainte-Odile, on a demanding course marked by constant changes of rhythm.

ULTRA-TRAIL DES CHEVALIERS (100M): BAPTISTE DEROUIN DEFENDS HIS TITLE AS MANUELA SOCCOL IS CROWNED CHAMPION

Baptiste Derouin (FRA - UTMB Index 796) successfully defended his title in the Ultra-Trail des Chevaliers (100M), winning in 16h27’32’’. Despite an extremely fast start among all the favorites, each running ahead of projected split times, the pace eventually stabilized after the passage through Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg (60 km). Local favorite Sébastien Spehler was forced to withdraw in Aubure while leading the race, reshuffling the battle for victory. Derouin gradually reeled in his competitors before taking control at Niedermunster Abbey (127.5 km). “Physically, I struggled more than last year. I really had to dig deep”, he said at the finish. Benjamin Gys (BEL - UTMB Index 817) claimed second place in 16h35’33’’. Starting conservatively, the Belgian runner capitalized on the aggressive early pace and steadily climbed through the standings over the course of the race.

Behind them, the fight for the podium remained tight, with Quentin Dassé (FRA - UTMB Index 761), long firmly established in second position, ultimately securing third place by just three minutes in 16h49’35’’.

In the women’s race, victory went to marathon runner and 2016 Olympian Manuela Soccol (BEL) in 19h17’28’’. She controlled the race from start to finish before crossing the line with visible emotion. “Today was very difficult, because of the night. It was my first race that I started with night!” she explained afterward. Christine De Geloes (FRA - UTMB Index 648) finished second in 20h17’23’’, comfortably securing her position around the 70-kilometer mark. A mother of six at age 33, she once again demonstrated her strength over long-distance formats. Enora Niort (FRA - UTMB Index 611) completed the podium in 21h19’13’’.

The longest and most demanding race of the weekend, the Ultra-Trail des Chevaliers (100M) introduced a new start location this year at the Lac Blanc resort, more than 1,000 meters above sea level. The course guided runners through the Vosges trails and several iconic Alsatian heritage sites before finishing on the ramparts of Obernai.

TRAIL DES PÈLERINS (20K): A FAST RACE AROUND MONT SAINTE-ODILE

Grégory Basilico (FRA - UTMB Index 826) claimed victory in the Trail des Pèlerins (20K) in 1h57’22’’. From the opening kilometers, the lead pack imposed a relentless pace before gradually slowing down. The Alsatian runner capitalized on the race dynamics to make the decisive move and take the win in Obernai. After two editions below his personal expectations at Trail Alsace by UTMB in 2024 and 2025, Grégory Basilico returned to victory at the event three years after winning the Trail des Celtes (50K) in 2023.

Kévin Vermeulen (FRA - UTMB Index 856) finished second in 2h00’12’’, ahead of Nicolas Navet (BEL - UTMB Index 762), third in 2h00’37’’, just 25 seconds behind second place.

In the women’s race, Martina Bilora (ITA - UTMB Index 718) took victory in 2h19’39’’. The Italian runner made the difference on this course and confirmed her strength on fast, technical formats. Behind her, Marie Genay (FRA - UTMB Index 667) delivered a strong performance in 2h22’58’’. Triathlon specialist Sarah Vidal (FRA) rounded out the podium in 2h25’27’’.

Starting from Barr, the course took runners up to Mont Sainte-Odile, the high point of the race, before a fast descent back to the ramparts of Obernai, where the finish line awaited.

TRAIL DES ÉCUYERS: A NEW RACE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF TRAIL RUNNERS

New for this fourth edition, the Trail des Écuyers welcomed young runners aged 16 to 19 for a first “by UTMB®” experience in the heart of Châtenois, co-organized with the local association Time2Run. Set on a 10.5-kilometer course along the town ramparts, this new format quickly developed a strong competitive spirit while maintaining its sense of discovery.

In the men’s race, Basile Boucharlat claimed victory in 44’39’’. In the women’s race, Bas-Rhin athlete Lia Engert took the win in 55’52’’, confirming the emergence of a highly promising local generation.

With nearly 89 participants and 30% women at the start line, this first edition confirmed both the success of the format and the strong interest in a race dedicated to the next generation.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE REST OF THE WEEKEND

The Trail Alsace by UTMB® weekend continues tonight with the start of the Ronde des Pages (20K), beginning at 8:00 PM from Obernai. This 18-kilometer course with 250 meters of elevation gain offers a short, friendly, semi-night format through Alsatian vineyards, orchards, and forests.

Tomorrow, attention turns to the Trail des Celtes (50K), which will start at 7:00 AM from Barr. This iconic course will tackle Mont Sainte-Odile via Niedermunster Abbey and the summit of Heidenkopf.

The favorites are expected to arrive in Obernai by late morning. Among them are Christian Allen (USA - UTMB Index 918), Vosges native Benjamin Pollin (FRA - UTMB Index 856), and Pierre Livache (FRA - UTMB Index 883). In the women’s race, Martyna Mlynarczyk (POL - UTMB Index 806) will line up alongside Camilla Magliano (ITA - UTMB Index 773) and Éléa Kopf (FRA - UTMB Index 702).

Trail Alsace by UTMB® will celebrate the arrival of its final finisher at 5:00 PM on the ramparts, warmly welcomed by volunteers and the event’s Local Committee. The weekend will conclude with a solidarity ceremony at 5:30 PM on the Obernai stage, featuring donations presented to associations supported through charity bibs and runner contributions. A closing moment dedicated to sharing, community, and thanking all volunteers, partners, and stakeholders involved in the event.

About UTMB® World Series®

UTMB® World Series is the world's ultimate trail-running circuit that unites the sport's biggest stars and passionate runners through the best, leading international events in the most stunning locations. Built on a passion for the mountains with sustainability at its heart, UTMB® World Series gives all trail runners the chance to experience the UTMB® adventure across the world, with events taking place across Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It is the only place where runners can begin their quest to HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc, where the prestigious UTMB® World Series Finals will be held. Launched in May 2021 through the collaboration between the UTMB Group and The IRONMAN Group, the UTMB World Series circuit brings together many of the best international trail-running events on the planet.
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About UTMB Group®

Since the creation of HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc in 2003 by a group of passionate friends, UTMB Group has been the driving force behind the development of trail running. The HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc is the sports pinnacle event, and every year, 10,000 runners earn their place on the start line. UTMB Group also pioneered the LiveTrail® technology, an innovative digital service that supports the management of endurance races. Revered by hundreds of thousands of athletes, UTMB® has become a global, premium, and leading brand. In May 2021, UTMB Group partnered with The IRONMAN Group to launch the UTMB® World Series, which brings together many of the best international events on the planet to provide exclusive access to the sport's pinnacle event, HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc. The UTMB® World Series is built on the founding principles of HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc: surpassing oneself; fair-play; respect for people and the environment; and solidarity.
Find out more at https://utmb.world.