Corrine Malcolm, a trail running expert, and Matt Daniels, a seasoned competitor and commentator, dive into the thrilling OCC and CCC races as part of the 2024 UTMB. They discuss the challenging course layout, technical demands, and strategic considerations athletes will face. Listen for insights on emerging talents like Samuel Chilangat and Hannes Namburger, along with predictions on key competitors. The duo also explores athlete performance, recovery stories, and the deep excitement surrounding these iconic trail events.
The OCC's updated technical terrain increases race difficulty, requiring careful pacing and nutrition management from competitors throughout the challenging course.
The upcoming CCC race features a mix of fast runners and experienced mountain athletes, emphasizing strategic pacing to optimize performance amid significant elevation changes.
Emerging talents and international competitors are reshaping the landscape of elite trail running, creating an unpredictable competitive dynamic at UTMB events.
Deep dives
Overview of the UltraTrail du Mont Blanc
The UltraTrail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) is one of the premier sporting events in the world, celebrating its 21st year. This prestigious race highlights trail running and brings together athletes from across the globe, particularly during coverage week in Chamonix, France. Participant preparation involves not just physical training but also familiarization with the course, as the terrain can be technical and challenging. Athletes gear up for various race formats, including OCC and CCC, showcasing their endurance and skills in this renowned mountainous backdrop.
Course Dynamics and Challenges for OCC
The OCC course, which measures about 35 miles with roughly 11,400 feet of climbing, presents significant challenges for participants. Recent course adjustments promise to increase completion times by approximately 15-30 minutes due to more technical terrain. Competitors are advised to plan their pacing carefully, particularly for crucial climbs that may impact their overall performance. The technical sections, especially towards the end, could result in dramatic shifts, as racers must maintain composure while navigating difficult descents and keep track of their nutrition without crew support.
Key Competitors in OCC
This year's OCC features a competitive lineup, including the return of top athletes from previous world championships. The women's field prominently displays contenders such as Judith Wieder and Clementine Jeffrey, while Allie Mack's aggressive racing style could ignite fierce competition. Meanwhile, notable male runners like Francesco Pupi and Eli Heming are expected to contend vigorously, emphasizing speed and endurance. The high-profile nature of this race positions it as a potential career-defining moment for various athletes, particularly those from the U.S. looking to break into the podium placements.
The Exciting Landscape of CCC
The CCC race, covering 62.7 miles with 20,000 feet of climbing, offers its own unique challenges and opportunities for speed. Athletes need to harness their leg speed effectively, as the course favors faster runners despite significant elevation changes. Strategic pacing on climbs can lead to advantageous positions as competitors make their way through each station toward the finish. With a blend of mountain runners and pure speedsters, the race dynamics promise thrilling twists as participants balance physical exertion with tactical decision-making.
Emerging Talents and Team Strategies
The UTMB events spotlight emerging talents who have the potential to reshape future competitions, particularly from the American field. More athletes are now leveraging their experiences from earlier competitions like Western States to prepare for CCC and OCC, creating a strong competitive pool. Known athletes such as Hayden Hawks and Peter Engdahl bring valuable experience, but up-and-comers like Caleb Olson could disrupt expectations with standout performances. As globalization expands trail running's reach, lesser-known international competitors also add layers of unpredictability to these prestigious races.
This is part of Freetrail's coverage of the 2024 UTMB. Today Dylan is joined by Corrine Malcolm and Matt Daniels to preview both the OCC and CCC races. Thank you for listening!
Make sure to play Freetrail's own fantasy trail running at https://fantasy.freetrail.com/events. Fantasy winners this week will receive a head to toe trail kit from HOKA as well as other sweet prizes.
Our 2024 UTMB coverage is brought to you by our good friends at HOKA. We're grateful for their generous support and belief in Freetrail.
