UTMB 2025 – Australian Entrants & Interviews

What Australian’s are running in UTMB in 2025?!

Every year UTMB rolls around and there’s always a mad rush to try and figure out who exactly is racing, and especially which Australian’s are racing! In our blog earlier this week we covered all the elite fields for each event, but today we’re focusing on Australia.

Who is running, and in which distance.

We’ve also been lucky enough to get some insights on the training and backstories of some of the entrants!

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Complete Lists of Aussie Entrants at UTMB 2025

• UTMB Aussie Entrants
• CCC Aussie Entrants
• OCC Aussie Entrants
• TDS Aussie Entrants
• PTL Aussie Entrants
• YCC Aussie Entrants
• MCC Aussie Entrants

Interviews

Lucy Bartholomew
Michael Dunstan
Milly Young
Nathan Pearce
Matthew Dunn
Kellie Angel
Matty Abel
Etienne-Blumstein-Jones
Chris Kane
Owen Lancelot
Nigel Hill
Michael Lough
Kerri Clayden
Florian Guillemard
Jake Nowicki
Emily Brunt
Julian Schulz
Jacob Gome
Max Daube
Maj Backhausen
Mick Sullivan
Ewan Horsburgh
Mark Mathieson
Alec Campbell
Kelly Roberts
Dainen Pearce
Marcus Angwin
Hannah McInnes
Jamie Sangster
Nat Gow
Mark Storey

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UTMB Aussie Entrants

Michael Dunstan – UTMBIndex: 828 – Interview here

Nigel Hill – UTMBIndex: 765 – Interview here

Matthew Dunn – UTMBIndex: 756 – Interview here

Chris Lenkic – UTMBIndex: 756

Max Daube – UTMBIndex: 748 – Interview here

Luke Nichols – UTMBIndex: 742

Lucy Bartholomew – UTMBIndex: 706 – Interview here

Emily Brunt – UTMBIndex: 693 – Interview here

Robbie Nichols – UTMBIndex: 665

Chantelle Smith – UTMBIndex: 639

Justin Montgomery – UTMBIndex: 634

Robert Herzfeld – UTMBIndex: 626

James Lennon – UTMBIndex: 612

Ewan Horsburgh – UTMBIndex: 610 – Interview here

Connor Farnell – UTMBIndex: 606

Amelia Kerr – UTMBIndex: 604

Olivia Hulbert – UTMBIndex: 598

Isaac Hogan – UTMBIndex: 579

Hao Zhang – UTMBIndex: 571

Grace Wellington – UTMBIndex: 563

Tom Farnell – UTMBIndex: 552

William Dixon – UTMBIndex: 547

Matthew Wood – UTMBIndex: 537

Amber Wood – UTMBIndex: 534

Sunny Manon – UTMBIndex: 530

Alex King – UTMBIndex: 527

Jeff Bennett – UTMBIndex: 526

Carlos Barca – UTMBIndex: 517

Jason Craig – UTMBIndex: 512

Ryan Trestrail – UTMBIndex: 510

Julie Gibson – UTMBIndex: 509

Guangchang Liang – UTMBIndex: 502

Greg Thomson – UTMBIndex: 498

Craig Blacker – UTMBIndex: 497

Katherine Lyon – UTMBIndex: 495

Florian Guillemard – UTMBIndex: 492 – Interview here

Xiaoan Weng – UTMBIndex: 477

David Tickell – UTMBIndex: 477

Nina Sweaney – UTMBIndex: 476

Joshua Serov – UTMBIndex: 476

Robert Naylor – UTMBIndex: 473

Salliann Powell – UTMBIndex: 464

Liam Shalders – UTMBIndex: 457

Ali Payne – UTMBIndex: 453

Michael James – UTMBIndex: 448

Stephen Clark – UTMBIndex: 444

Jonathan Ennis-King – UTMBIndex: 437

Nicki Thomas – UTMBIndex: 436

Jordan Whittington – UTMBIndex: 433

Mark Storey – UTMBIndex: 416 – Interview here

Michael Smith – UTMBIndex: 416

Adam Szlicht – UTMBIndex: 415

Donna Jiang – UTMBIndex: 402

Alec Campbell – UTMBIndex: 401 – Interview here

Dainen Pearce – UTMBIndex: 383 – Interview here

John Joass – UTMBIndex: 376

Mikaela Barca – UTMBIndex: 362

Alex Roland – UTMBIndex: n/a

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CCC Aussie Entrants

Joshua Chugg – UTMBIndex: 768

Matt Gore – UTMBIndex: 757

Bastien Missud – UTMBIndex: 742

Paddy Trihey – UTMBIndex: 707

Simone Brick – UTMBIndex: 704

Rory Sutherland – UTMBIndex: 701

Andrew Lennon – UTMBIndex: 675

Nicole Paton – UTMBIndex: 656

Adam Clarke – UTMBIndex: 646

Jacob Gome – UTMBIndex: 635 – Interview here

Jake Nowicki – UTMBIndex: 602 – Interview here

Caio Peculis – UTMBIndex: 600

Anne-Marie Cook – UTMBIndex: 597

Stewart Carter – UTMBIndex: 586

Karis Brown – UTMBIndex: 575

Michael Baker – UTMBIndex: 571

Ian Ridoutt – UTMBIndex: 569

Gerard Estivill Mercade – UTMBIndex: 547

Ross Thursby – UTMBIndex: 535

Mike Thomas – UTMBIndex: 529

Jamie Sangster – UTMBIndex: 524 – Interview here

Michael Sullivan – UTMBIndex: 515 – Interview here

Lienca Nell – UTMBIndex: 504

James Rigney – UTMBIndex: 502

Jane Hume – UTMBIndex: 490

Fergus Carney – UTMBIndex: 481

Rod Hill – UTMBIndex: 468

Lisa Ivers – UTMBIndex: 467

Alan Ngo – UTMBIndex: 459

Hui Harvey – UTMBIndex: 456

Shayne Halls – UTMBIndex: 455

Anthony Yao – UTMBIndex: 455

Tracy Abdipranoto – UTMBIndex: 451

Adriana Carolina Laurel Medina – UTMBIndex: 449

Hannah Mcinnes – UTMBIndex: 444 – Interview here

Marcus Angwin – UTMBIndex: 441 – Interview here

Jennifer Sullivan – UTMBIndex: 427

Kelly Roberts – UTMBIndex: 394 – Interview here

Richard Gibson – UTMBIndex: 282

Silvia Gross – UTMBIndex: n/a

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OCC Aussie Entrants

Tait Hearps – UTMBIndex: 825

Tom Driscoll – UTMBIndex: 779

Kellie Angel – UTMBIndex: 699 – Interview here

Madison Reynolds – UTMBIndex: 687

Douglas Price – UTMBIndex: 663

Emma O Sullivan – UTMBIndex: 651

Andrew Clarkson – UTMBIndex: 622

Mark Mathieson – UTMBIndex: 557 – Interview here

Kerri Clayden – UTMBIndex: 577 – Interview here

Natasha Pertwee – UTMBIndex: 534

Amanda Richmond – UTMBIndex: 522

Gareth Hicks – UTMBIndex: 517

Jacqui Morrow – UTMBIndex: 508

Steven Coughlan – UTMBIndex: 505

Jun Huang – UTMBIndex: 478

Jessica Pollard – UTMBIndex: 459

Lifen Yang – UTMBIndex: 445

Natalie Gow – UTMBIndex: 443 – Interview here

Dougal Walker – UTMBIndex: 433

Mike Toby – UTMBIndex: 410

Stephen Moon – UTMBIndex: 402

Colin Hercus – UTMBIndex: 369

David Little – UTMBIndex: 328

Michael Brewer – UTMBIndex: 293

Armando Lecaros – UTMBIndex: 275

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TDS Aussie Entrants

Morgan Pilley – UTMBIndex: 763

Majell Backhausen – UTMBIndex: 742 – Interview here

Michael Lough – UTMBIndex: 731 – Interview here

Julian Schulz – UTMBIndex: 714 – Interview here

Matty Abel – UTMBIndex: 706 – Interview here

Mark Reid – UTMBIndex: 672

Craig Sherritt – UTMBIndex: 631

Warren Proctor – UTMBIndex: 630

Chris Kane – UTMBIndex: 625 – Interview here

Jarrod Mitchell – UTMBIndex: 613

John Walsh – UTMBIndex: 598

Tony Phillips – UTMBIndex: 598

Jalna Clair – UTMBIndex: 567

James Brennan – UTMBIndex: 567

Alex Treglown – UTMBIndex: 561

Fiona Castle – UTMBIndex: 556

Casey Barrett – UTMBIndex: 519

Hoa Banh – UTMBIndex: 495

Salvatore Febbo – UTMBIndex: 485

David Bennie – UTMBIndex: 481

Jonathan Acosta – UTMBIndex: 471

Leanne Mclauchlan – UTMBIndex: 469

Ron Bester – UTMBIndex: 462

Michael Entwistle – UTMBIndex: 456

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PTL Aussie Entrants

Kirra Balmanno – UTMBIndex: 540

Amelia Young – UTMBIndex: n/a (3rd place previously) – Interview here

Charlie Young – UTMBIndex: n/a (3rd place previously)

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YCC Aussie Entrants

Fergus Jackson – UTMBIndex: 610

Jules Fredonnet – UTMBIndex: n/a

Elea Ormiston – UTMBIndex: n/a

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MCC Aussie Entrants

Owen Lancelot – UTMBIndex: 486 – Interview here

Mick Marshall – UTMBIndex: 291

Glenn Blackwood – UTMBIndex: n/a

Jaymie Clinton – UTMBIndex: n/a

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ETC Aussie Entrants

Nathan Pearce – UTMBIndex: 822 – Interview here

Henry Hugman – UTMBIndex: 765

Etienne Blumstein-Jones – UTMBIndex: 741 – Interview here

Jessica Short – UTMBIndex: 618

Jeremy Lloyd – UTMBIndex: 488

Victoria Boyd – UTMBIndex: 476

Amy Hiller – UTMBIndex: 424

Karen Ridoutt – UTMBIndex: 370

Sophie Lim – UTMBIndex: n/a

Maeli Ormiston – UTMBIndex: n/a

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Interviews

Lucy Bartholomew Interview – UTMBIndex: 706

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? TBD
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Ultra-Trail Australia 100km
What first drew you to UTMB? My dad ran it in 2014 and I loved the atmosphere
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? YCC 2016, TDS 2017, OCC 2018, UTMB 2023/2024
Tell us about your training and preparation. A block in the Aussie winter and a block in the Euro summer. Spending the last part with the Salomon international team- things feel good
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Salomon S/lab Genesis
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Mixture of stuff from The Feed.

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Michael Dunstan Interview – UTMBIndex: 828

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 97
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UltraTrail Snowdonia 100mile
What first drew you to UTMB? Getting to soak up the action via the livestream each from home in Australia. I loved following people that inspired me, and watching the ups and downs of the race, it’s just an insane loop!
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? Yes! I’m most excited/dreaming about the feeling of coming through town after (hopefully) completing the whole loop. I think it’s the moment where the whole journey of training and the race really sinks in and it’s powerful to experience. And getting to see loved ones after doing something so hard, is always bittersweet.
Tell us about your training and preparation. The main block has seen many weeks in the 15-29hr range, a mixture of running and cycling when back home and since being in Europe solely running. My peak week was 29hrs, 225km with 13200m, at altitude in Tignes in France. It was hot and challenging! All weeks have had two solid strength sessions. This has felt so important. At home I did some hypoxic training to try get me a little more prepared for training at altitude in Tignes. Living in the Blue Mountains and having access to really solid terrain the last few years has arguably been more important than just this ‘last block’. Stoked with the training block, it’s been a valuable experience and journey, but I am also aware it doesn’t guarantee anything for race day!
What is your shoe of choice for race day? La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Tailwind High Carb, Tailwind Endurance Fuel, Naak Bars, 226ers bars

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Milly Young Interview – UTMBIndex n/a (previous third place in PTL @ UTMB)

Which event are you doing? PTL (Author note: 300km, 25000m of elevation)
What is your bib number? TDB
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Lots of alpine climbing and mountaineering 🙂
What first drew you to UTMB? To the PTL – the technicality, the self-sufficiency, the adventure, the team…the madness!
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? No, PTL 2024. Charlie (my brother) and I had a crazy trip!
Tell us about your training and preparation. A very short build after breaking my leg in March! Lots of mountaineering and alpine climbing, weighted uphill muscular endurance work, weighted hill sprints, long days in the mountains, a few recces on old PTL courses (the course changes every year). Best part of PTL training is getting to spend really long days scrambling around in the hills.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Arc’teryx LD3
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Precision Fuel and Hydration + real food – pre-packaged pancakes, madelines (little french cakes), M&Ms, dried fruit, frosties muesli bars. Probably we’ll get sausages and polenta at 2am a refuge somewhere.
Anything else we should know?! Bon courage, Aussies!

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Nathan Pearce Interview – UTMBIndex: 822

Which event are you doing? ETC
What is your bib number? 13039
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Ultra-Trail Australia 22km
What first drew you to UTMB? The competitive nature and the size of the whole week.
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? Yes this will be, most excited to be amongst the Mountains of the alps and the atmosphere.
Tell us about your training and preparation. I have been focusing on getting as much vert as I can each week, which can be hard living in the city of Melbourne. So treadmill sessions at 15% grade are a must. I have also been focusing on getting my ground speed up with training intervals like 8 x 1km. Overall I try get 100-110km a week, with 2,500m of elevation. Preparation has been good with up to 3 months of consistency and fitness increasing week by week.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? On CloudUltra Pro, this shoe is a game changer!
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Skratch, with a blend of their Hydration mix and their High Carb mix.
Anything else we should know?! I will be representing Australia at the end of this trip at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain in both Mountain disciplines; the Uphill and Classic.

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Matthew Dunn Interview – UTMBIndex: 756

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 303
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Tarawera 100mile
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? I did it in 2023. It was a horrible experience as far as I felt, this race has the ability to crush souls. The atmosphere there though was like nothing else I’ve experienced.
What first drew you to UTMB? The thought of running through 3 countries in one push
Tell us about your training and preparation. Living in Chamonix doing bulk vert with poles, getting on the course as much as possible.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? North Face vectiv pro 3s
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Precision hydration and fuel+
Anything else we should know?! I have a pug named Frank, he’s my life.

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Kellie Angel Interview – UTMBIndex: 699

Which event are you doing? OCC
What is your bib number? TBC
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Western States
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB?
2014- OCC 13th F, first international race.
2017- UTMB 5th F, the race of my life!
2018- TDS 11th F
2019- UTMB 19th, terrible race
2023- CCC 17th, gut issues
It’s a lot of fun and a great challenge!
What first drew you to UTMB? It was the pinnacle of trail running! My husband brought me along in 2014- he ran UTMB and I ran OCC, my first ever international race.
Tell us about your training and preparation. Big block at home post UTA miler. Training with team Hoka in France for 2 weeks. Now in Canfranc for World Champs recon.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Hoka Mafate 5 👌
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Precision Fuel & Hydration.
Anything else we should know?! Go Aussies!

Matty Abel Interview – UTMBIndex: 706

Which event are you doing? TDS
What is your bib number? 8211
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Kosci100
What first drew you to UTMB? Lifelong dream
Tell us about your training and preparation. A roller coaster, rolled right ankle (TWICE) and then strained left calf.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Salomon S/Lab Ultra
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Precision Hydration & Fuel

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Etienne Blumstein-Jones Interview – UTMBIndex: 741

Which event are you doing? ETC
What is your bib number? TDB
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What first drew you to UTMB? The beauty of the Mont Blanc massif and just how cool the event is.
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? I was supposed to race ETC last year but I had so much pain in my ankles that after doing a recon of the course 3 days before ETC, I couldn’t race. So really looking forward to racing it this after getting over all my niggles.
Tell us about your training and preparation. It’s been a very long process to get over my niggles so I haven’t been able to do exactly what I would have liked to have done by this point. I had to progressively reintroduce vert so I’ve only managed to do over 3000m a week since April because it was irritating my ankles. I’ve only just managed to start getting out to the Brindabellas this last month (the mountain range in the ACT). Usually a week would consist of three sessions, a midweek long run and a long run. More or less two weeks with bigger volume then dropping the volume for a week. Last week and this week are what I would have liked to have done more of to build for ETC so 150 to 160km of running with over 4000m of vert as well as some cycling indoors and outdoors because I enjoy it and for heat training. Last week I was in the Brindabellas twice and am planning to do the same this week. As well as do one last parkrun before heading to Europe next week.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Nike Ultrafly
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? A combo of Pure and Enervit gels
Anything else we should know?! As well as looking forward to racing ETC, I’m also looking forward to eating at one of my favourite restaurant in the world in Aosta called Bataclan after the race. It has some the best pizza I’ve ever had and amazing wine!

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Chris Kane Interview – UTMBIndex: 625

Which event are you doing? TDS
What is your bib number? 8495
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Kosci100
What first drew you to UTMB? Pretty much from the first year I started trail running I was drawn in by the beauty of the Alps, and the grandeur of UTMB. I never really dreamed I’d ever make it over, but thankfully a supportive wife and the promise of a holiday in Europe (who could say no to that! 😜) I’m back for my third trip. The atmosphere in Chamonix is electric on race week and I’m so humbled and excited to be part of it again this year.
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? It’s my third trip. I did Ccc in 2022, tds in 2024 (dnf) Each time I learn a little more and get my butt kicked each time!
Tell us about your training and preparation. This year off the back of a poorly executed run last year I’ve reconsidered my training. In Brisbane we have access to some decent hills but nothing that compares to TDS. To try and combat that, I’ve been doing lots more strength sessions, heat training and not being so focused on volume, more on quality efforts with big vert mixed with uphill treadmill and speed work.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? On cloudultra pro. Best shoe I’ve owned. I really really like it!
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? I make my own gels and hydration mix, so that will form the backbone of my plan. The bullion with noodles or rice is amazing later in the race and through the night, so I’ll be trying to get a bit of that in too (amongst the odd vomit… 😬)
Anything else we should know?! I’m really excited to see the depth of amazing Australian runners across all events this year!

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Owen Lancelot Interview – UTMBIndex: 486

Which event are you doing? MCC
What is your bib number? 11449
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Buffalo Stampede Sky Marathon Ultra Trail Australia 100km
What first drew you to UTMB? Being born in france and moving to australia when I was 7 years old, i have always been drawn to getting back there and racing in what I believe to be the most beautiful place in the world. The energy looks infectious, the trails look wild and beautiful, the food is going to be amazing, I’m going to be surrounded by the greats of trail running, I can’t wait!
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? Yes it is! I’m most excited about the energy. The videos I have seen already set the scene to be a spectacular week all round, but I know that it doesn’t do it any justice until you’re there. The screams ‘Allez’, the cowbells, the echos throughout the mountain ranges. What more could you ask for!
Tell us about your training and preparation. My training and preparation are very specific. As I have an ileostomy bag and no colon, I have had to dial my nutrition and hydration vigourously. I do not absorb nearly as much fluid so I have had to run with 4L of hydration most runs getting me used to having a heavier pack. My nutrition is the same as I need it to pass through me seamlessly or else I risk a blockage which did occur during my long run 2 weeks out from flying to France causing a prolapse of my intestine of 10cm! Luckily, I was back to training 3 days later and putting in my biggest week to make up for lost time. I also currently have to wear quite uncomfortable under garments which provide rigid compression around my abdomen to prevent potential hernias (I have been working on a solution for the last 2 years with my company Stryde). Being trained by one of Australia’s greats, Simone Brick, my training has been relentless, just the way I like it! A LOT of elevation training spending most my time in the Dandenong ranges trying to find as many uphills and downhills as possible and really giving it some! I dealt with a little bit of shin splints early on as I gave myself about a week post UTA 100 of rest so my intervals have been on the bike since, which is new for me. In typical fashion, I expected the bike to be easier but was humbled very quickly! I have never felt this fit and hungry to give it my all before a race in my life and feel very thankful to Shokz Australia for selecting me to represent them in the MCC.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Asics Gel Trabuco 13
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Maurten Gel 100, Salted Chips, Dried sausage, belgian waffles, Haribo Dragibus (rewards lol!), Liquid IV, SportsFuel 100 by Bulk Nutrients, Sodium tablets
Anything else we should know?! I am advocating for invisible diseases through my running (raising over $5000 for the Crohns and Colitis Australia Foundation for my UTA 100 race) as I dealt with severe ulcerative colitis from the age of 16. At the age of 20, I had no choice but to undergo life saving surgery removing my entire colon and leaving me with an Ileostomy bag. This makes me one of the very few Ultrarunners with this condition in the world and hope to inspire others to push themselves beyond what they think their body is capable of. I have created a company called Stryde which is in the final stages of creating a compression garment that will allow people with abdominal medical devices to exercise safely and accomodate for a comfortable and discreet fit wether they have an ileostomy, colostomy or dialysis port in their abdomen. I have also applied to set a Guinness world record to set the longest ultramarathon ran by a man with stoma in November at the Ultra Trail Kosciusko 100km by UTMB and am awaiting the approval (fingers crossed).

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Nigel Hill Interview – UTMBIndex: 765

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 208
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? I completed UTA Blue Mountains100km and locked in my ticket at UTK Kosi 160km, both awesome events.
What first drew you to UTMB? To be honest I knew nothing about the sport before doing my first UTA, and this then steered me in the direction to head towards one day going to UTMB one day.
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? Yes first time to UTMB, so excited to take in all the hype associated with this event, racing amongst the massive crowds lining the course. Taking in the spectacular views along the way.
Tell us about your training and preparation. It’s been a solid 12 weeks specific block 1400km and 50,000 m vert. The bulk of my training done with a 4am alarm set to run before a day on the Tools Landscaping. The Winter cold conditions not ideal for a European Summer so Sauna and Spa sessions have been used for heat adaptations. I head over next week to prepare for the race.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? I will be using the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon Soar
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? I’m fairly simple with my Nutrition but have just changed to Maurten 160 gels, Hydralyte, Precision carb Mix and love watermelon during the race
Anything else we should know?! I may be using Wizard Sticks?

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Michael Lough Interview – UTMBIndex: 731

Which event are you doing? TDS
What is your bib number? 8168
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTA Blue Mountains100km in 2023 and 2024
What first drew you to UTMB? The sheer challenge of the event, the quality of competition, and the views!!!
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? Yes, first time. Most excited to get deep into the community, share some fun times and likely some absolutely torturous times with fellow trail warriors in the mountains, celebrate golden hour of all the events, and to soak up all of Chamonix with anyone who is as much a trail geek as I am.
Tell us about your training and preparation. Well it’s been a rollercoaster. Tested negative to pneumonia and all the diseases but I was smashed with a ‘non-pneumonia’ virus for at least 4 weeks, with effects lasting 9-10 weeks. It stunted my prep a bit, but I’ve done more quality and quantity than I ever have. I’ve found new routes here in Wollongong, NSW that I’ll love for a lifetime, and I’ve started to develop relationships with the Oz@UTMB2025 community that I also think will live on for a long time (Nigel Hill, Chris Lenkic). Throughout the whole prep, I’ve battled with the idea of being away from the wife and three kids, but I hope TDS will be something they can look back on and proudly talk about. I hope to demonstrate what resilience and passion for something (not just running, but environment and community) can look like.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Salomon Genesis
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Naak, GU, Precision & SiS
Anything else we should know?! Not UTMB related, but Benny Coubrough (Newcastle, NSW) is a friend who is headed to Moab for the Moab240. He is coaching some athletes going to ITMB, but he is aiming to spoil Killian Kieth’s attempt at the US 200 miler sweep. He will have an unreal story, from getting hit by two cars in training (same day, in back to back years), winning Coast2Kosci and being an awesome dude.

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Kerri Clayden Interview – UTMBIndex: 577

Which event are you doing? OCC
What is your bib number? 6465
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTA 50km and UTK Kosi 50km
What first drew you to UTMB? When i first started running 10 years ago i thought that is the event i want to do! Looked like an epic fun adventure! I turned 50 last year and it was my birthday goal to do OCC..i got in this year through the lottery and i am in for 26 as well through direct entry from UTA this year. How fun right?!
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? Yes it is! I have hiked the TMB course in 2019 with some mates and i know this course is phenomenal! I am just so freaking excited to get out on course, it will be such a vibe and i will just soak up every single step of this fun little adventure..its a special part of the world!
Tell us about your training and preparation. Ha well it was going great..i did Bogong to Hotham in Jan, then Buffalo Stampede mara and lastly UTA 50km. I do around 3 hrs running and cross training per day. 5 weeks ago i severely sprained and got an a avulsion fracture in my ankle..so thats sad..anyway i have managed to do 5 hrs a days cross training and building my running back in with the help of Mat Dore my coach..i did a 40km run last weekend with a bit of vert and the ankle has held up ok, its not great but i am positive i can get through the run. I will be so happy if i can cross that finish line..it’s been a character building few weeks..but we only get these opportunities so few times in our lives we just have to try right?!
What is your shoe of choice for race day? the North Face Vectiv Pro 3
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Maurten gels

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Florian Guillemard Interview – UTMBIndex: 492

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 1812
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Diagonale des fous on Reunion Island
What first drew you to UTMB? Adventuring somewhere I never been always attract me and having check points where you can restock makes it easier so when I realised i qualified I jumped on the opportunity.
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? First time. My French family will be waiting on the finish line, they never been to an event before so it will be very special for them to see. I can’t wait to see the sceneries and those good climbs. I am looking forward to meeting international runnerrs as well. Would they be as laid back as us Aussies? Will see.
Tell us about your training and preparation. I used to overtrained and I get injured easily so those days undertraining tend to be a safer option. I kept my mileage between 60km and 85km but very consistent with 2 or 3 strengh session as well. Unfortunately my knees started to hurt last week from too many squats, I am taking it easy now, the pain should go away.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Saucony xodus
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? I used to only do solid food but tried the trendy precicion gels which has been a game changer for me.
Anything else we should know?! I’ll make Australia proud and will cross the line an happy and grateful man! All the best to all the Aussies out the course.

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Jake Nowicki Interview – UTMBIndex: 602

Which event are you doing? CCC
What is your bib number? TBD
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTA and UTK Kosi
What first drew you to UTMB? The ultimate challenge. I am always striving for the pinnacle.
What are you most looking forward to? That feeling where it clicks into a mental battle not just physical. Crossing the finish line after so many hours out battling away, and cracking a cold beer.
Tell us about your training and preparation. I’m training as a Hyrox pro athlete and runner. Running about 80km a week and training 4-5 hours in the gym per week for Hyrox. On top of this I’m working as a Neurosurgery registrar doing 12 hr days everyday.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Hoka Mafate 5!!
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? A lot of tailwind

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Emily Brunt Interview – UTMBIndex: 693

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 153
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTK Kosi 100 mile
What first drew you to UTMB? Coming from Australia, it’s such a novelty to be able to run around 3 countries in one day. Mont Blanc is just such a spectacular mountain range and I feel very drawn to mountains.
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? I had a DNF at UTMB in 2023 so I’m back to finish it off.
Tell us about your training and preparation. Altitude!!! I’ve been at Tignes (2100m elevation) for 7 weeks leading up to UTMB. I worked on strengthening my uphill hiking and downhill running. My husband and I did a fastpack on the UTMB course at the start of July as way of seeing the entire course, it was such a great adventure we had together and although it’s hard to pick a highlight when we’ve been spending so much time in these beautiful French mountains, I would have to to put the fastpacking as a top moment.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Hoka.. most likely the speedgoats
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Precision and my crew will have an assortment of food options at crew supported check points.
Anything else we should know?! I previously raced as Emily Gilmour-Walsh

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Julian Schulz Interview – UTMBIndex: 714

Which event are you doing? TDS
What is your bib number? 8194
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTK Kosi 100 mile in 2023
What first drew you to UTMB? Some years ago, a friend told me about someone running a hundred kilometres around Mont Blanc (CCC), I couldn’t wrap my head around it but also, wanted to do it ever since. So here we are.
What are you most excited for? Being in and moving through the mountains sharing this time with friends — it’s simple. The race is just the moment that brings it all together.
Tell us about your training and preparation. Unfortunately, I’ve had a few niggles coming into the year so i’ve had to spend a lot more time on the bike trainer earlier in the season and only started training properly early March. Essentially, this year has just been about going up and down. A lot of climbing, a lot of hiking, two hard sessions a week.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Norda 005
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Maurten & Precision Fuel & Hydration

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Jacob Gome Interview – UTMBIndex: 635

Which event are you doing? CCC
What is your bib number? 3438
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTA and UTK Kosi
What first drew you to UTMB? I started trail running when I moved to Canberra for university. I was immediately drawn to ultras because of the adventure and the ability to spend hours out in the mountains. UTMB is every trail runner’s dream so now that I’m living in Europe, it’s the perfect chance to take part!
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? It’s my first time! I’m most excited for the buzz around Chamonix over the weekend. Having spent the last few years watching the livestream, I can’t wait to be out there on those iconic trails with so many other runners!
Tell us about your training and preparation. I moved to Switzerland for my PhD at the start of the year so I’ve been doing lots of big days out in the alps and on course. Hopefully it pays off on the long climbs!
I ran/hiked the 140km TVSB X-Alpine 6 weeks ago so hopefully CCC will feel easy after that.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Hoka Challenger 8 (as long as it’s dry) – enough grip for the trails but not too rugged for the road sections
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Gels, homemade sticky rice, mochi, lollies and as much coke as I can take from the aid stations!

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Max Daube Interview – UTMBIndex: 748

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 314
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Wildstrubel by UTMB 2024
What first drew you to UTMB? It’s mostly a natural progression from exploring mountain trails, then starting to compete a bit, and now probably getting a bit too carried away with it all! But a super opportunity to do something so unique and challenge myself in different ways that I feel very fortunate to experience
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? Yes! Excited to feel the grind, learn for future years (fingers crossed!) and hopefully finish.
Tell us about your training and preparation. Overall had a good plan, though a bit interrupted by injury. November-April on the bike in Aus, then moved to Annecy and ramped up the running to ~120km weeks + bike. Now spending the last ~5 weeks in Chamonix. Knee injury from a prep race in June has reduced the volume and eliminated intensity from training (gotta get the excuses out beforehand!), but in all seriousness I’ll be relying heavily on aerobic base and probably settng a more conservative target to get a result on the first attempt.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? On CloudUltra Pro! Awesome shoe!!
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Precision Fuel & Hydration. Combination of PF90, PF30 caffeine and electrolyte capsules
Anything else we should know?! I’m highly likely to get distracted by patting dogs and wild raspberries 😛

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Majell Backhausen Interview – UTMBIndex: 742

Which event are you doing? TDS
What is your bib number? TBD
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Takayna Trail
What first drew you to UTMB? What drew me to UTMB Mont-Blance was the 100mile distance with close to 10,000m elevation neatly made of a circumavigation around the Mont-Blanc Massif traversing 3 countries. Along with the guarentee of having aid stations with good bread in France, good soup in Italy and good chocolate in Switzerland.
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? I first did UTMB in 2015, then TDS in 2016, the 0.5xUTMB in 2017 (AKA a DNF), then UTMB in 2023. I first attended the event in 2014 with a bunch of Brits and it was good craic, so I moved to Chamonix in 2015 and the craic continued. The event has grown an huge amount and there are a lot of very cool people who now attend UTMB globally, which is cool. I joined the UTMB Livestream team as a commentator in 2023 and this has been a great way to view the sport in a new light.
Tell us about your training and preparation. I tried to train with Matt Dunn for a couple of days, he is training for UTMB, which is much longer than TDS, due to this he is much stronger and I couldn’t keep up so I had to adjust my training. I’ve spent the last few weeks in Europe getting used to using running poles and hiking up big hills, I believe this will be beneficial on race day because TDS has many big hills to hike.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? The North Face Summit Series VECTIC Pro 3
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Precision Fuel & Hydration because they send great emails
Anything else we should know?! The UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix are called HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc. I learnt this from the UTMB Livestream team. After TDS I’ll help on the UTMB Livestream from the Arnuva Aid Station, so there will be some ecstatic livecoverage for the audience Downunder.

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Mick Sullivan Interview – UTMBIndex: 515

Which event are you doing? CCC
What is your bib number? 4210
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? Chiang Mai by UTMB 100km
What first drew you to UTMB? The challenge of going longer and in bigger mountains.
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? NO, Attempted the TDS in 2022, got 100km in then DNF.
2023 TDS, completed just in time.
2024 UTMB, the big dance around Mt Blanc, great event and everything went to plan.
Tell us about your training and preparation. At home in Oz, about 60k per week, try t get 2000mt vert pw. We are in Europe for 2 months and over here I get 80-100k pw, and 4000-6000 mt vert to get the mountain legs for the coming events. The other key training component is SLEEP !
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Altra Olympus, until now. Lets see, have been using a test pair of Mafate 5, not bad.
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Body fat mostly 🙂
Carbs about 15-25gm/hr, still experimenting, have been lowering the levels over the last year and running faster. MCT powder used in the drink bottle.
Anything else we should know?! UTMB events, start easy and wind up in the event, many runners get excited & start too fast and you will pass them on route. The big mountains are unforgiving, respect them.

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Ewan Horsburgh Interview – UTMBIndex: 610

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 755
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTK Kosi
What first drew you to UTMB? Has been on the bucket list for a while. Entered the lottery in 2012 unsuccessfully and didn’t enter again till last year. Luckily I had a stack of stones so the chances ended up being quite high for an entry into this years race.
Is this your first time doing an event at UTMB? Ran Western States in 2022 which was amazing. Great atmosphere at a historic race. Have run at UTA on and off since the second year (North Face 100 days!).
Tell us about your training and preparation. Have only been managing about 50k a week. Went up the Blue Mountains for some solitary reps and Prey’s to Lockleys reps to get some vert in though.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? La Sportiva Prodigio Pro which were perfect for UTA Miler
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Mix of skratch labs drink mix and energy chews. Will have to partake in some aid station food of regional cheeses and cold meats.

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Mark Mathieson Interview – UTMBIndex: 557

Which event are you doing? OCC
What is your bib number? TBD
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTA 50, Guzzler100, Tarawera 50
What first drew you to UTMB? The outdoors
Tell us about your training and preparation. Training is consistent but plagued with old man and business balance issues.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Hoka Mafete X
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Maurten and Precision Hydration
Anything else we should know?! As a Performance Psychologist specialising in nature based mental health for over 30 years I can say with some confidence that just getting outside and moving is the answer. (You can read more about Marks work on Rundais here)

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Alec Campbell Interview – UTMBIndex: 401

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 2555
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTA
What first drew you to UTMB? In 2020 my friends dad did the UTA 100 and I thought that was awesome and then just got addicted to it and I found out about UTMB and I instantly said I have to do that race.
What are you most excited for? I have done UTA 100 x 3, UTAMiler and loved every second of it and I’m so excited for the atmosphere and the views at UTMB.
Tell us about your training and preparation. Hills, so many hills. been doing repeats of stock yard spur.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Hoka mafate x and Hoka mafate 4
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Endura
Anything else we should know?! I’m so excited!

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Kelly Roberts Interview – UTMBIndex: 394

Which event are you doing? CCC
What is your bib number? 5203
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTK Kosi
What first drew you to UTMB? The absolute incredible experience and achievement
First time?! What are you most excited for? Yes first time! I can’t wait to just run through the incredible scenery that awaits and the atmosphere that I have heard comes with the race.
Tell us about your training and preparation. A lot of laps of Walsh’s Pyramid in Cairns. – repeat after repeat after repeat.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? The North Face Vectiv Pro 3
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Precision Fuel and Hydration
Anything else we should know?! I just can’t wait!!! It’s going to be epic!!!!

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Dainen Pearce Interview – UTMBIndex: 383

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 2603
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTK Kosi
What first drew you to UTMB? Seeking the next challenge/holy grail and to see how much my body & mind can take. When ever I travel I see if there’s a marathon close by in any part of the world and it’s led me to here.
First time?! What are you most excited for? I have to a few I think, I’ve done around 15 ultras and can’t remember what ones have been linked to UTMB. I’m excited about the crowd participation, the views and experience of it all. I’ve had some great experiences trail running but nothing has come close to this especially for myself as an average runner when it comes to times etc
Tell us about your training and preparation. January through to April I was just getting my body ready as I had so many niggles. Doing 4km a sesh max at the start to 15km by end of April.
Knocked off events – 100km, 42km & 21km events 3 weeks in a row in May. June & July I got a 42km and 2 Half Marathons in. August I haven’t done much. Every big event I’ve gone into I’ve had some type of injury holding me back. So just want to make sure I’m good to go at the start line. I’m going to need all 40+ hours so I want to go in as fresh as I can
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Hoka challenger ATR 7
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Chocolate, snakes and chips
Anything else we should know?! It’s either my 29th or 30th Marathon/Ultra. I’m just your normal ultra runner so I’m proof that if your committed then things like this you can experience.

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Marcus Angwin Interview – UTMBIndex: 394

Which event are you doing? CCC
What is your bib number? 4909
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTA
What first drew you to UTMB? The vibe!
Frist time?! What are you most excited for? Previously DNF’d UTMB, super excited to be back to use those learnings to finish CCC
Tell us about your training and preparation. Very, lots of vert
What is your shoe of choice for race day? La Sportiva Prodigio Pro
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Precision

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Hannah McInnes Interview – UTMBIndex: 444

Which event are you doing? CCC
What is your bib number? 4875
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTK Kosi, UTA, Tarawera 100
What first drew you to UTMB? Ultra athletes I would follow. Has been a bucket list race for years. The scenes are just out of this world!
First time?! What are you most excited for? This is my first major race. Excited to experience the beautiful scenery and meet some exceptional people along the way – as I do every race.
Tell us about your training and preparation. Consistency, recovery and nutrition. Nothing crazy. Hills certainly do pay the bills and dividends eventually but recovery and being consistent is even more key in my opinion. I try not to take things too seriously and never want to fall out of love with all the reasons why I started running in the first place! Not getting injured is always goal 1. Finishing my races is always goal 2.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Norda 001.
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Infinit Nutrition Carb water. Maurten solid 160 bars (natural). Baked potatoes! (Always) Tiny teddies. Naak food on course.
Anything else we should know?! I used to sprint and only started dabbling in longer distances about 4 years ago. If you told me I would be doing ultramarathons now and loving it, I wouldn’t have believed you. Fun fact – I carry a photo of my dad with me in my running vest every race, since he passed away. He keeps me centred and company wherever I run.

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Jamie Sangster Interview – UTMBIndex: 524

Which event are you doing? CCC
What is your bib number? 4126
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTA once having a crack and UTA and UTK multiple times having more of a fun day out supporting friends and not fussed on the outcome except getting them across the line.
What first drew you to UTMB? Hearing that it was the toughest event for some of the most savage individuals in this sport. The energy of the countries and the uncertainty of not knowing what it would take to get there. Just an everyday human doing uncommon things.
First time?! What are you most excited for? Yes its my first time here for the UTMB. Im most excited for the ups and downs of it all. Knowing that shit hits the fan always and you get to decide how far it goes in what direction. This is why I love ultra. Each mountain is only in preparation for the next.
Tell us about your training and preparation. I have had a very short preparation of only 8ish weeks as life outside of training has been wild and I have had a lot to navigate with minimal time. I also would say I was very confident in my base. I would say I have a very uncommon approach to training the mind and body which I believe prepares you for anything. I approach training from the perspective of always working with the nervous system and not just the KM or hours on paper.
Using principles that work with you not just following the most common protocols that the elite say work.
So think my approach is integrative of Strength training in ways heal your joints
Running that builds your sport specificity
Breathwork that works with the nervous system to be as optimal and responsive as possible.
Recovery methods including but not limited to compression, contrasting and variations of movement.
Developmental training for the inner workings of the mind and making sure they do not become separate from everything else.
No one thing is more important than the other. They simply need to work in sync.
Mind, body and breath connection. I am not an athlete by any means nor a runner. I just have fun finding my own edges and guiding others to do the same through my own learnings.
What is your shoe of choice for race day? LA SPORTIVA PRODIGIO PRO
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Rhise Electrolytes and Tailwind Carbs and Precision Gels as they all have them in easy to go sachets.
Anything else we should know?! Let’s have some fun 😁

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Nat Gow Interview – UTMBIndex: 443

Which event are you doing? OCC
What is your bib number? 7251
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTK Kosi, UTA 50, Surf Coast Century 50, GSER
What first drew you to UTMB? Location, atmosphere, the challenge
First time?! What are you most excited for? First Time, I’m most excited to run down the chute and through the arch. I also can’t wait to soak up the race week, watch amazing performances and support .
Tell us about your training and preparation. Training- it’s been a 4 month build up from about 50km per week to about 90kms a week . Long runs of 40-45km towards the end , one which included a climb of Mount Riddell and StLeonard. Weekly hill reps sessions of course. Also downhill with long descents and technical descents . The last two weeks before taper I was feeling ready but also ready for taper and a break !
What is your shoe of choice for race day? La Sportiva
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Bix carb/ electrolytes , maurten gels, skratch chews. I also always have potatoes, vegimite sandwiches, and salt and vinegar chips .
Anything else we should know?! Up until 3 years ago I hated running, I meet a wonderful group (Dandenong Trail Runners) and have never looked back. The support in the trail running community is something very special

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Mark Storey Interview – UTMBIndex: 416

Which event are you doing? UTMB
What is your bib number? 2495
What is your Instagram handle? Instagram
What is the link to your Strava? Strava
What race(s) did you do to qualify? UTK Kosi – I only had 3 stones!
What first drew you to UTMB? 3 countries in one day. The landscapes. The enormity of the event.
First time?! What are you most excited for? CCC in 2023. Not my best race but stoked to get it done. It’s a pretty amazing feeling running through the town to the finish 😀
Tell us about your training and preparation. Based around a shiftwork lifestyle so long runs on days off and shorter runs after a 12-hr shift! or on my lunch break. Mostly road running in Summer followed by some increased mileage this winter on the trails. I’ve juggled footy as well – I might miss finals
What is your shoe of choice for race day? Was the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 but I’ve been liking the Genesis more lately so might go with that.
What is your nutrition of choice for race day? Waffles, gels, maple syrup, oats pre race usually. Rice and soup usually help during.
Anything else we should know?! Hope the other Aussies go well! 🇦🇺🦘

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