New Zealand’s Ruth Croft had already left her mark on the UTMB festival, with wins at the OCC in 2018 and 2019 and at the CCC in 2015. Few athletes have managed to master all three distances, but on Saturday, Croft did something no woman has ever done—add the full UTMB crown to that set. Now 36, the New Zealander brings a mix of sharp road speed and mountain experience, and she’s used it to good effect on Saturday, passing three-time UTMB champion Courtney Dauwalter around the 100K mark and never looking back.
Bruyas charges into second
France’s Camille Bruyas finished second behind Croft in 23:28:4. Bruyas has quietly built one of the most consistent résumés in the sport, earning UTMB silver in 2021 and not slowing down since, claiming victories at 2024’s Maxi-Race du Lac d’Annecy and Dacia Ultra-Trail Cape Town 100K, along with a runner-up finish at Hardrock 100 that same year. Known for her tactical smarts and steady pacing, Bruyas handled the difficult conditions in Chamonix with composure.
Germany’s Katharina Hartmuth held steady in the harsh conditions to take third, crossing the line in 24:16:39. “Not the biggest fan of wet and cold, but after last year’s TOR I know that I can handle this… excited to see what happens – looking forward to the group run with all these strong ladies,” she shared on Instagram before the race. Hartmuth’s performance adds to an impressive resume: she finished third at the last two editions of Hardrock 100 and won the Tor des Géants 330K in 2024.
At the time of publication, three-time UTMB champion and course record holder Courtney Dauwalter was running in 10th position, after a difficult day in the mountains.
For full results and to follow the live tracking as the race continues, head here.
