Spanish legend and four-time UTMB champion Kilian Jornet announced on August 20 via social media that, due to a persistent left-knee injury, he will miss this edition of the race and will undergo surgery.

K wrote in his statement:

Sometimes plans change — I will not be racing UTMB this year.

After months of knee trouble, my medical team and I have decided that surgery is the best next step.

We initially pursued a conservative treatment plan and training progressed well for a time. However, after a long effort a few days ago I realized the problem persisted, which means we need to find a more definitive solution.

I’m an athlete and competitive — like everyone who loves this sport, it’s hard to say “no” to a race or a goal. But I’ve had injuries before, and each time they remind me these moments are part of the process; learning to adapt and adjust is what allows me to continue doing what I love over the long term.

There is still a lot of uncertainty ahead, but I’ll share more as soon as I have news.

Good luck to everyone racing in Chamonix — I’ll be cheering you on as always!

The 38-year-old Catalan runner has been troubled by the knee injury since the week before the Zegama-Aizkorri in May; after dropping out mid-race at Western States 100 and missing Sierre-Zinal, he ultimately was unable to make UTMB.

His absence removes a historically significant contender from the field, making the fight for the title more open.

On the same day K announced his withdrawal, the latest official UTMB elite list no longer included 2023 champion Jim Walmsley.

Unlike K, Walmsley has not issued any formal statement about his race status; whether he has withdrawn or, like last year, been reclassified may only become clear at the last moment.

Jim’s situation is mysterious — he’s posted very little on social media, with his most recent update on August 5, and before that during this year’s Western States 100.

David Sinclair, a favorite for the CCC crown, was also absent from the elite list a few days earlier. With the race drawing nearer, the elite list may still see further changes.