On August 29 (Beijing time), another highlight of UTMB finished, and it was full of twists and turns. Norwegianathlete Yngvild Kaspersen came from behind to win the women's title in 12:01:14。
South Africa's Toni McCann was overtaken before the finish and ultimately took second with a time of 12:06:14.
China's trail-running queen Yao Miao returned to the CCC after eight years and took third in 12:15:41, marking four consecutive years on the podium in Chamonix.
The 2026 CCC was exceptionally tough: the course was rerouted before the start, increasing the distance to 107.8 km and the elevation gain to 6,198 m, and heavy rain hit from the race start.
The women's competition centered on the three former CCC champions: Yao Miao (2018 CCC winner), Toni McCann (2024 CCC winner) and Yngvild Kaspersen (2023 CCC winner)—these three former CCC champions were the ones to watch.
After leaving Courmayeur, Yao Miao was in hot form and stayed in the lead, while Toni McCann kept close—until La Fouly (40.7 km), where Toni McCann moved ahead.
Near 70 km a minor incident occurred—similar to last year's OCC—when a passing train held up Toni McCann; Yao Miao reached the train crossing at the same time and a roughly 200 m gap was closed. However, after the restart, Yao Miao appeared to have some discomfort in her left leg.
Yao Miao briefly took the lead during the long climb before Les Tseppes (82.9 km), but the leg injury affected her pace and at one point she needed painkillers to keep going. Toni McCann seized the opportunity to retake the lead, while Yngvild Kaspersen—who had been behind them—began to push, closing the gap.
Yngvild Kaspersen had dropped as low as 20th among the women during the race, but after Champex-Lac (54.2 km) she mounted a comeback, hovering around 10th.
Between 50–80 km, Yngvild Kaspersen launched a decisive counterattack; after leaving Trient (79.1 km) she had climbed to third among the women.
After leaving Vallorcine (90.1 km) she overtook Yao Miao again, but her charge wasn't over: Toni McCann couldn't hold off Yngvild Kaspersen's furious chase in the final moments. Kaspersen became the first female to return to the Chamonix Triangle Square, and the classic "Viking row" celebration was reenacted at the foot of Mont Blanc. Toni finished second in 12:06:14.
With third among the women, Yao Miao earns a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. Will she attempt a 100-mile race again next year? The last time Yao ran UTMB was in 2019—will she get the chance next year?
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Text/Editor: David
Image source: RUNYEAH
Visuals: Max
