Chamonix, France – Tom Evans, a former British Army captain, has claimed victory in the prestigious 100-mile ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), solidifying a career shift spurred by his passion for ultra-distance running. Evans completed the grueling race, navigating over 17,000 feet of elevation gain across three countries, to become the first British man to win the UTMB since 2010.
Evans’ triumph represents a vindication of his decision to leave a stable military career and pursue ultra-running full-time. His win breaks a thirteen-year drought for British male runners at UTMB, following Jez Bragg’s victory in 2010 – a race shortened due to inclement weather. The result also positions Evans as a leading figure in the sport, demonstrating the potential for athletes to successfully transition from elite military service to professional endurance competition.
American Ben dhiman finished second, over thirty minutes behind Evans, while fellow Brit Josh Wade secured third place on the podium.
Evans’ journey into ultra-running began with a bet and his entry into the 2017 Marathon des Sables, where he placed third, fueling his confidence in his endurance capabilities. A year later,he won the UTMB’s ‘CCC’ race (Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix). As then, he has represented Great Britain at the world Half-Marathon Championships and the 2023 world cross Country Championships in Belgrade.
His UTMB victory echoes the success of Lizzy Hawker, who dominated the women’s race between 2005 and 2012, securing five wins.Evans’ achievement marks a new chapter for British ultra-running, signaling a resurgence in the nation’s competitive presence on the international stage.
