Kilian Jornet returns to UTMB 2026 chasing a record fifth win and a shot at the course mark. After ending a 14-year gap with a sub-20-hour victory in 2022, he’ll also take on Western States and Sierre Zinal in a stacked summer.
Kilian Jornet is heading back to the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, and this time history is on the line.
The 38 year old Spaniard confirmed this week that he will race UTMB in August 2026, marking his first appearance at the event since 2022.
A victory would give him a record fifth title and see him move clear of François D’Haene as the most successful male runner in the race’s history.
Jornet has previously won UTMB in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2022.
His most recent triumph came 14 years after his first, when he became the first athlete to complete the 171 kilometre course in under 20 hours, finishing in 19:49.
Since then, Jim Walmsley has lowered the course record to 19:37.
The UTMB return forms part of a packed summer schedule. Jornet also plans to race the Western States Endurance Run and Switzerland’s Sierre Zinal, compressing three major events into a two month window.
No male runner has ever won both Western States and UTMB in the same calendar year.
His comeback also follows past tensions with UTMB organizers after its partnership with the Ironman Group, though recent statements suggest common ground has been restored.
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