UTMB week is here. From homegrown UK talent Tom Evans to Kiwi legend Ruth Croft, Team SunGod is out in force in Chamonix this week. As thousands of trail runners from around the globe descend on the world's mountain sports mecca, Chamonix, it can be hard to know who to watch out for. So, to make life easier, we've picked out a few of the best Team SunGod athletes taking on UTMB races this year, so you know exactly who to keep an eye out for on the trails.
1. Ruth Croft
After being forced to drop out just before last year's race due to illness, Kiwi Ultrarunner Ruth is back with a vengeance.
"I've been really enjoying this year. Last year wasn't the smoothest, so this year has gone a lot better. My body has been able to absorb the training, which has really helped - I think when that physical training is going well, the mental aspect takes care of itself. So yeah - I've definitely been enjoying it. I think you have to be, because 170km is a long way, and if you don't enjoy the training - which is the bulk of it - then you're in for a long race!
Obviously last year, I was supposed to be doing UTMB and I got sick the week before, so I didn't even make the start line. Last year I also struggled with some health issues earlier in the year which meant I had to dial back my training - this year, in New Zealand I was able to put in a real good base building block and I've been able to build from there. And I think half the job with UTMB is just getting on the start line, happy, healthy and not overtrained.
I feel that I've been able to find that balance this year, and I'm really looking forward to having a fun day out there - as much as you can over 170km! I'm really just looking forward to doing my thing and seeing how it all unfolds."
Ruth's 3 kit essentials:
"My SunGod Classics³ - it's meant to be super hot out there, so I'll definitely be wearing them!"
"A waterproof jacket with sealed seams. You always want one of those, even when it looks like it's going to be sunny."
"My iPod Shuffle, which is still alive and going well - amazingly!"
And finally - Ruth's 3 tips for levelling up your running:
Find Your Community: "There are heaps of trail running communities all around the world, so find your people. They can often act as good guides to you, especially if you're new in the scene."
Get Good at Eating. "Ultrarunning is just an eating competition in disguise, and so really focus on that, especially if you want to step it up to 100 miles - it's really important to get your eating dialled."
Always apply anti-chafe - "Unless you want a spicy shower!"
2. Tom Evans
After coming third in 2022 and a DNF in 2023, Tom is hungrier than ever to take the crown this year.
Last year, SunGod athlete Tom claimed victory in the Western States, and had his eyes on the double. However, things didn't go his way, and he didn't finish the race. "I was definitely brought down to earth and realized what a hundred-mile race in the mountains can do because it will chew you up and spit you out", Tom says.
Known for his precise and dedicated approach, Tom's running style is summed up in his mantra: Endure + Compete. "No matter the challenge, we are all one tribe. We must endure the tough times and compete to become the best versions of ourselves."
In 2024, Tom is back and facing up to one of the biggest races of his life. Tom will be putting his mantra into practice at the UTMB, where he will race in his custom Tom Evans Signature Series Ultras™ . "I've spent countless hours trying and testing out different options, and the 8KO® lenses in the SunGod Ultras™ are unlike anything else I've tried."
3. Hayden Hawkes
American ultrarunner Hayden is on fire this season, winning Black Canyon and KAT100, and coming 3rd at Western States. He's now back and ready to reclaim his title in the CCC.
Hayden is no stranger to the Chamonix trails, after taking the 100km CCC win back in 2017 with a new course record. His CCC win was the match that ignited his running career, placing him firmly on the scene as one of America's most exciting ultrarunners. Now, 7 years later, Hayden is back and more motivated than ever to reclaim his title.
Hayden's road to the 2024 CCC hasn't been smooth, with knee injuries impacting his training and racing since. However, now Hayden is back with a stronger gameplan than ever. After coming back from injury and surgery, Hayden won the Black Canyon 100k in February, placed 3rd in Western States, and has been out in Chamonix for the last 7 weeks, immersing himself in everything Chamonix has to offer. It's been an incredible season for Hayden so far, and he puts that down to his health, as he has got stronger and stronger since his injury.
"When I'm healthy, I'm one of the best in the world, if not the best. I know what I'm capable of when I'm healthy. Just let me be healthy, and I can show you what I'm capable of. That's how I feel about this whole season: I feel so confident because I'm healthy and strong, and I'm having so much fun - and I'm excited because I can actually do things without being in pain all the time. And that makes such a big difference."
Podium-topping athletes armed with award-winning eyewear.
The UTMB is the pinnacle of ultrarunning for a reason. The terrain is gruelling, the weather is extreme and the competition is tough. Good luck to all of Team SunGod who are competing at this year's races - we're behind you every step of the way.
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