HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2025
The OCC opens the Finals: a spectacular start with favourites in the spotlight
The first Final of the UTMB® World Series, the OCC (61km – 3,400m D+), took place today on a re-routed course. More than 1,200 ultrarunners set off this morning from Orsières and although the weather conditions required last-minute changes, they did nothing to diminish the intensity or the spirit of the race.
A masterstroke from Jim Walmsley, Joyline Chepngeno crowned in the women’s race
In the men’s race, UTMB Legend Jim Walmsley (USA, UTMB Index 945) delivered a decisive performance. Having surprised many by announcing his entry to the OCC just weeks ago – a shorter format than the UTMB®, which he won in 2023 – the American confirmed his versatility by taking victory today in 5:00:35. He finished just 20 seconds ahead of Cristian Minoggio (ITA, UTMB Index 920), with Andrzej Witek (POL, UTMB Index 904) claiming third, 3 minutes 33 seconds behind.
The women’s race was equally intense, with defending champion Miao Yao (CHN, UTMB Index 802) battling it out against Joyline Chepngeno (KEN, UTMB Index 802). In the end, the Kenyan triumphed in Chamonix after 5:34:03 of racing, finishing 1 minute 10 seconds clear of Yao, with Judith Wyder (SUI, UTMB Index 804) completing the podium, 4 minutes 19 seconds adrift.
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Once again, the depth of the elite fields – both men’s and women’s – produced a thrilling and tightly fought finish.
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Team Adaptive athletes shine
The Team Adaptive programme was proudly represented in this first Final, with four of the 14 athletes with visible and invisible disabilities competing: Claire Verzaux, born with agenesis of the right forearm; Franck Derrien, who lives with Asperger’s; Guillaume Pick, who is deaf; and Pol Makuri Redolad Garcia, who has hemiparesis.
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Safety and adaptability go hand in hand
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After several days of close monitoring with the support of two meteorologists, and in response to a forecasted storm, the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc organisation decided on Wednesday 27 August at 12:00 to adjust the OCC start time and switch to an alternative route. The change avoided the most exposed sections, ensured access to key points, and preserved the demanding and authentic spirit of the OCC.
“The safety of runners and everyone present on the course is our absolute priority. We felt it necessary to implement this alternative route and revised start time to ensure the level of safety we consider essential across all races at the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc,” explained Baptiste Lassenssion, Technical Director of the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc.
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RESULTS OF THE DAY
OCC 2025 results
Top 3 Women:
- Joyline CHEPNGENO (KEN, UTMB Index 802) – 5:34:03
- Miao YAO (CHN, UTMB Index 802) – 5:35:13
- Judith WYDER (SUI, UTMB Index 804) – 5:38:22
Top 3 Men:
- Jim WALMSLEY (USA, UTMB Index 945) – 5:00:35
- Cristian MINOGGIO (ITA, UTMB Index 920) – 5:00:55
- Andrzej WITEK (POL, UTMB Index 904) – 5:04:08
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WHERE AND HOW TO FOLLOW THE HOKA UTMB MONT-BLANC 2025
From 25–31 August, the Mont-Blanc Valley will be the stage for an exceptional week of trail running, where fans and newcomers alike can follow – free of charge – the exploits of elite athletes and hundreds of runners pushing their limits. Whether in Chamonix or following remotely, everyone can experience the intensity of the races, the beauty of the Alpine landscapes, and the unique atmosphere of the event through live coverage and on-site activities.
- Live: from Thursday 28 August, 09:45 (CEST) – expect more than 70 hours of UTMB Live streaming(live.utmb.world), with the OCC, CCC® and UTMB® finals broadcast in five languages, featuring expert commentary and spectacular footage (drones, on-board cameras, LiveCam).
- Online & social media: follow real-time rankings, LiveTrail® stats, interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and highlights shared across the official HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc and UTMB World Series platforms.
- On-site: soak up the unique Chamonix atmosphere with the Fan Experience at the heart of the Ultra-Trail® Village (talk shows, entertainment, watch parties, athlete meet-ups), alongside festive activities throughout the valley and host villages.
See also
Trail of the Kings – Lake Toba by UTMB: Indonesia’s Epic Debut
