From The President (AUGUST 2025)

Every August, the trail world heads to Chamonix, France for UTMB. It’s the biggest week in our sport, a festival of mountains, endurance, and community. And this year, Australians weren’t just part of it, we turned up in record numbers.

Across all the events, UTMB, CCC, OCC, TDS, PTL, MCC, YCC, and ETC, 164 Australians stood on the start lines. That’s a phenomenal presence. It shows just how far our trail and ultra community has grown, and how deeply the UTMB dream runs through our sport here at home.

What made it so special was the mix. It wasn’t only elites up front, it was everyday runners too. First-timers, veterans, and everyone in between. Some chased podiums, others chased cut-offs, but all of them shared the same experience of pushing their limits in the shadow of Mont Blanc.

That’s the heart of Australian trail running. We might not have the Alps, but we have our own rugged landscapes, our own brutal summers and wet winters, and a community that makes these journeys possible. Crews, volunteers, race directors, and coaches all play their part, and when an Aussie lines up in Chamonix, they carry that entire community with them.

164 Australians stood on the start lines in Chamonix, proof that our trail spirit has gone global.

A big thanks to the team at RunDais for pulling together the entry lists and showing just how many Aussies took part in UTMB 2025.

Congratulations to everyone who wore the green and gold, carried the Southern Cross, or simply ran with the spirit of Australia in their stride. You’ve inspired us back home and reminded the world that Aussies belong on the biggest stage in trail running.

Gary Mullins

President, AUTRA