Alongside a blazingly fast race up front at this year’s 2025 UTMB Mont-Blanc, thousands of trail runners had the experience of a lifetime. Photographer Jacob Zocherman was at the finish line to capture the highs and lows.
(Photo: Jacob Zocherman)
Published September 4, 2025 04:32PM
Sun, rain, snow, mud, speedy descents, slogging climbs, freezing temperatures, changing courses, and more—the 2025 edition of the 106-mile UTMB Mont-Blanc had it all. And while most of the runners may have been cursing the conditions while grinding through the sleet on climbs at 2 a.m., they say the biggest (and hardest) adventures create the best stories.
In the case of UTMB Mont-Blanc—arguably the crown jewel of international ultra trail running—the stories are written on the faces of the finishers, as they stride through the crowded streets of Chamonix, France after hours and hours of suffering in the French Alps.
Knowing that a picture can be worth a thousand words, we installed veteran conflict and natural disaster photographer Jacob Zocherman at the finish line of the 2025 UTMB Mont-Blanc to capture the wordless tales etched on the faces (and legs) of the trail runners who stood strong through unthinkable conditions.
Scroll below for the most powerful images of the day.
The collective energy of the UTMB crowd in Chamonix, France, on race week is nearly impossible to capture, but the sea of raised hands bringing finishers in comes close.Finishing on your feet is a luxury that not all UTMB racers can afford. With a sea of helpers and medical professionals nearby, at least finishers are in capable hands.Many finishers hug (and hold) friends and family who have supported their dedicated training and grueling racing.There is a stark contrast between the solitude and silence of the serene French Alps and the jubilant, packed crowds awaiting racers in the village of Chamonix.It’s hard to imagine the variable conditions that racers have braved during an endurance event that saw multiple course alterations due to dangerous weather as they lay in the busy, sunny streets of Chamonix after finishing.For supporters, seeing their racer crosser the finish line at UTMB is not only a joy, but also a relief after hours and hours of waiting.Some of the toughest competitors during UTMB week are the PTL category racers who competed over days to cover 186 miles and 82,000 feet of elevation gain.After braving unimaginable conditions at lightning speeds, Great Britain’s Tom Evans was the first runner across the line at the 2025 UTMB Mont-Blanc.After more than 25 hours, Jonathan Naboulet and his team of guides celebrate completing the 62 mile CCC event.For so many who didn’t think they’d finish, running down the final stretch during UTMB week can be overwhelming.Supporters not only play a huge role during the race, but in the emotional moments that follow.Veteran runners must overcome countless challenges to reach the finish line at the 2025 UTMB.Many times working as a team can have advantages outside of basic physical support.Athletes at the 2025 UTMB often left it (all) on the line.The challenge of nearly 200 (rugged, hilly, dangerous) miles in the PTL event can create lifelong bonds.Sometimes the brutality of the course is written across more than just the runners’ faces.Careth Arnold crosses the finish line to become the first American to ever win the highly technical TDS event at the 2025 UTMB race week.
Careth Arnold crosses the finish line to become the first American to ever win the highly technical TDS event at the 2025 UTMB race week.
