The Ultra-Trail Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is the crown jewel of trail running competitions worldwide, and its 21st edition has already uncorked the champagne in the eastern city of Chamonix, set against a backdrop of excitement and controversy. This year, the absence of Jornet, an undisputed legend of the sport, has left the stage open for new contenders, among them, American Walmsley, who enters as one of the top favorites after his 2023 victory.

This mountain ultramarathon, first held in 2003, is renowned for its gruelling nature and its stunning 176-kilometre route around the majestic Mont-Blanc massif, attracting over 2,300 runners from around the globe. This year is no exception, with athletes attempting to complete the race in less than 48 hours, facing 10,000 meters of positive elevation gain, the equivalent of climbing Mont-Blanc twice. The challenge, which unfolds under extreme conditions, demands not only exhaustive physical preparation but also mental resilience beyond measure.

The big question this year is how Jornet's absence will impact the race. Jornet, who will not participate in the UTMB following a contentious disagreement with the race organizers, aimed to "open a dialogue with professional athletes about the sport's development," which was perceived as a boycott by the governing body. After his spectacular victories in Zegama and Sierre Zinal, Jornet has decided to focus on a personal project in the Alps called Alpine Connections, which seeks to connect as many 4,000-meter peaks as possible. Although his presence in the race will be sorely missed, his shadow looms large, and many wonder if anyone can fill the void he leaves behind.

Enter Walmsley, the 2023 UTMB champion, who emerges as the leading contender to defend his title. The American runner has proven to be one of the fastest and most resilient in the international circuit, and he arrives in Chamonix with a firm intention to add another victory to his impressive track record. However, it won't be easy. Alongside him, other high-caliber runners, such as the Frenchmen Mathieu Blanchard, Ludovic Pommeret, and Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz, as well as Briton Tom Evans, are ready to contest every meter of the course.

Returning to the root of the dispute that has enveloped the legendary Spanish athlete, it's worth noting that this year's edition has also been marked by that controversy surrounding UTMB's management and its "values." It all came to light in January when a leaked email, written by Jornet and American Zach Miller, suggested a restructuring by elite athletes. In that message, Jornet and Miller expressed their concern about the direction the organization, controlled by the UTMB group and Ironman, was taking in terms of "environmental management, sponsorships, and race acquisitions." Although Jornet has since de-escalated the tension, stating that he still loves the race and that "it's not about creating discord but about fostering constructive dialogue."

In response to the criticisms, the UTMB organization has announced several initiatives to improve gender equality, support professional athletes, and reduce the event's ecological impact. Among the most notable measures is a half-million-euro investment to fund 15 bus lines that will operate during the competition, in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the thousands of participants and spectators who gather in the Chamonix valley.

The UTMB is the culmination of an intense week of racing in the Alps, where a total of eight different events are held, attracting thousands of runners and tens of thousands of spectators. This year, in the women's category, American Katie Schide, winner of the Western States 100 and the 2022 UTMB, is looking to repeat her feat. She will compete against other top runners like China's Fuzhao Xiang and France's Blandine L'Hirondel in a race that promises to be as fiercely contested as the men's.

As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on each step of the runners, on every ascent and descent, as they challenge not only their rivals but also nature itself and their own limits. The UTMB is more than just a race; it is a test of endurance, willpower, and spirit, where only the strongest, both physically and mentally, manage to cross the finish line. With Jornet's absence, the throne is vacant, and Walmsley, along with the rest of the world's elite, finds himself with the opportunity to make history in the heart of the Alps.