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How Dorian Louvet Unexpectedly Conquered the Brutal UTMB

Koh-Lanta star Dorian Louvet successfully finished his very first Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in under 25 hours despite physical struggles.

WhyThisBuzz DeskSep 2, 20262 min read
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Dorian Louvet is no stranger to extreme physical tests. Fresh off setting a remarkable world record in 2025 by running the world's seven major marathons in a single year, the Koh-Lanta All Stars candidate has just conquered a completely different kind of beast: the grueling Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB).

What Happened on the Trail

The iconic mountain endurance race covers a punishing 174 kilometers with roughly 9,700 meters of positive elevation gain. For his debut in trail running, Louvet adopted a cautious strategy. After pacing conservatively through the early stages, he found himself sitting in 249th place at the 63-kilometer mark.

As the hours ticked by, brutal fatigue and unexpected digestive issues set in. Despite the physical toll, his support team kept spirits high along the route, documenting moments of raw emotion and exhaustion on social media as he pushed through the grueling Alpine terrain.

Crossing the Finish Line in Style

Louvet ultimately crossed the finish line in Chamonix with a stellar time of 24 hours, 48 minutes, and 2 seconds, securing an impressive 101st place overall.

Reflecting on the achievement on social media, the runner shared his excitement:

"I dreamed of this finish line... And once again, it is above everything you can imagine. These moments are meant to be lived far more than they are told."

His performance drew praise from prominent public figures, including former Miss France titleholders Marine Lorphelin—who cheered him on live at the finish line—and Amandine Petit, who celebrated his resilience online.

A Historic French Showing

Louvet's successful debut added to an incredible weekend for French endurance athletes at the event. Blandine L'Hirondel claimed the women's title with a brilliant time of 21 hours and 54 minutes, while compatriot Baptiste Chassagne secured second place in the men's division behind American winner Ben Dhiman, who clocked a record-shattering 18 hours and 16 minutes.