This weekend, the Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB is set to deliver an electrifying showdown featuring three of trail-running's titans—Spain's Kilian Jornet, Jim Walmsley of the U.S., and France's reigning UTMB champion, Vincent Bouillard. The event, which began on March 21 and runs through March 23, 2025, offers five races, but all eyes are on the marquee 120K distance.
The 120K course starts and ends in Radda, Italy, a picturesque medieval village nestled between Siena and Florence. Runners will traverse a route marked by 25 ancient castles, winding through vineyards and over rolling hills, with a total elevation gain and descent of more than 5,000 meters. The anticipation is palpable as this race serves as the second-to-last Golden Ticket event before the prestigious 2025 edition of the Western States 100, with the top two male and female finishers earning guaranteed entry.
Fans of the sport know this is a monumental occasion. Four-time UTMB champion Jornet and four-time Western States 100 champion Walmsley do not often race against each other, and Bouillard, who shocked the trail world by winning the UTMB last year after Walmsley dropped out due to injury, adds to the excitement. While Jornet has recently become a father for the third time, leading some to question his capacity to compete vigorously, Walmsley and Bouillard have been diligently scouting the course in Tuscany, further increasing the stakes.
The women’s race promises to hold its own thrill, featuring defending champion Azara García de los Salmones from Spain, who in 2024 finished over an hour ahead of her closest competitor. She will be up against veteran American ultrarunner Abby Hall, determined to snag her desired Golden Ticket after a near miss in 2023. Britain’s Fiona Pascall, a winner of the Mozart 100 by UTMB in Austria, is also in the mix, raising the competition level significantly.
In addition to the marquee 120K event, the Chianti Ultra Trail also showcases other competitive distances. The 20K offers a clash of titans, with Morocco's Elhousine Elhazzaoui, fresh off a record-setting win at the 2024 Marathon du Mont-Blanc, facing Italy's Giacomo Forconi, known for his short-course battles. Meanwhile, the 46K race features 2024 OCC champion Francesco Puppi of Italy competing against Kenyan speedsters Kevin Kibet and Timothy Kibett. Both the men's and women’s races in this distance reflect fierce competition with heavyweights like 2024 Sierre-Zinal winner Joyline Chepngeno of Kenya and Zegama champion Sylvia Nordskar of Norway.
As for tracking the challenge, viewers can tune into the live stream for breathtaking footage of both athleticism and stunning Italian scenery, kicking off at 4 a.m. local time on Saturday, March 22 (11 p.m. ET Friday, March 21). For those looking to follow the action closely, detailed coverage will be available through various platforms.
As the race continues, the unfolding drama is sure to keep spectators on the edge of their seats. Jim Walmsley, known for his impressive speed, will be aiming to secure a commanding lead early on, while Jornet struggles with nagging TFL pain that has been a concern since a long road race a decade ago. This ongoing issue could prove pivotal in determining whether he can keep pace with Walmsley and Bouillard.
At the time of writing, Walmsley has carved out a substantial lead over both Jornet and Bouillard. As they all hit the 45K mark, the challenging conditions on course will likely complicate their runs further; nevertheless, the resolve of these athletes indicates a strong competitive spirit.
With the race expected to bring intense competition and stunning scenery, the Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB is not just another event. It’s a stage for some of the best ultrarunners in the world to prove themselves in Tuscany’s breathtaking landscapes—and an opportunity for viewers worldwide to witness this extraordinary showdown. The stakes are high, and the level of commitment from all competitors ensures that both races will reveal the determination, grit, and talent in the world of ultrarunning.
In conclusion, the Chianti Ultra Trail not only sets the stage for personal achievements but also highlights the enduring spirit of trail running, bringing together competitors and fans alike for a thrilling experience as they traverse the stunning Tuscan hillsides.
