2016 UTMB and 2022 TDS Winner Ludovic Pommeret and UTMB Mont-Blanc first-timer Duncan Perrillat are both toeing the start line of this year's UTMB in Chamonix, France. Both French athletes bring a lengthy running resume to the table. Perrillat, French Marathon Champ, attempts his longest race ever in Chamonix, while Pommeret goes for another podium placement.

If you are curious on how you too can accomplish your next big goal, sit back and relax as we are taking you up close with two athletes who share their own training strategy and race plan leading up to UTMB!

What Does UTMB Mean To You?

Ludovic's first participation at UTMB occurred 19 years ago where he had very little experience in ultra races and did not finish the race. It's only a few years later, after several other races and experiences under his belt, that he successfully completed and won the prestigious 100-mile race in Chamonix. Since then, Ludovic remains a strong contender for the podium in Chamonix.

Ludovic Pommeret

Duncan participated in his first ever ultra race in June 2023 where he surprised himself and won the 100-km course, securing him a place at UTMB this year. "Since I wanted to try ultra trail this year, I told myself- let's go for the most epic race of the year", Duncan said! With his strong background in marathon training and his recent performance in the ultra world, Duncan aims to be competitive in Chamonix.

Duncan Perrillat

How to Prepare for UTMB?

Ludovic had a busy season with Western States in June where he placed 13th overall. We can see below the massive mountains and valleys in Ludovic's Base Fitness throughout the year as he builds up and recovers from races. It is important as you train to ensure your Base Fitness does not plateau over time as this would lead to either under- or over-training.

Base Fitness build-up from Luduvic Pommeret.

After a specific build-up on mileage and low elevation for Western States, Ludovic focused on high elevation training and hiking with a 3-week high-volume training, which is very unusual for him.

Duncan completed his first ultra in early June at Ultra St-Jacques by UTMB where he won. Check out our St-Jacques Race Analysis for more insights on Duncan's performance. A few weeks later, Duncan decided to take part of the infamous UTMB race this year, at which point he shifted his training as seen below to meet the race demands and be ready to be competitive.

Base Fitness build-up from Duncan Perrillat.

Since Duncan has no experience in this specific distance, it has been harder for him to dial in specific training for UTMB. He explains: "I am still a little confused about how to handle this race, but training with some of the best athletes out there helped me understand how to manage distance and pacing during race day."

How Will You Approach UTMB On Race Day?

With Ludovic's experience at UTMB, it is worth listening whenever he shares some of his racing wisdom. "I don't have a plan of attack [for UTMB], I will have time to elaborate a plan during the race", he mentions. Ludovic uses his racing experience to position himself in the few sections of the race before building out a race strategy.

Duncan, on the other hand, has some specific key points to focus on throughout the race as he does not have the luxury of leaning on his ultra-marathon experience. "Control my cardio, drink well, eat well, be focused all the way, and be strong mentally, are my strategies for UTMB."

Duncan at Trail du Saint-Jacques. Photo by UTMB World Series.

Summarizing UTMB Successful In 3 Key Points

For Ludovic, a successful race relies on perceptions and feelings throughout the race.

1. Be prepared for things that could go unplanned;
2. Trust your training, but do not overestimate your capabilities;
3. Respect the race and the athletes that are racing.

For Duncan, a successful race relies more on race strategy to ensure mistakes are minimized for a first 100-mile race.

1. Remind myself I have to be wise with what I can achieve out there;
2. Always thinking one step ahead about nutrition, hydration, weather, etc.;
3. Strong mind, strong body.

Ludovic Pommeret

Finally, Ludovic shares his ultimate piece of advice for Duncan leading up to the race.

Easy to say, but difficult to apply: Find your own ideal pace. Too easy will make you lose some time that can not be taken back, while too strong could blow you up.