Nathalie Mauclair places 3rd at the 2014 UTMB!

Since we often refer to the UTMB® as the great race, we can also say the same about this year's frontrunners who established themselves as veritable thoroughbreds. Beyond pure performance, the event offered an amazing atmosphere from start to finish among organizers and volunteers, between runners and those supporting them. An overwhelmingly successful 2014 edition all around!

Nighttime descent from Col du Bonhomme Pass towards Les Chapieux.

2014 UTMB®, impressive podium finishes!

In both the men's and the women's categories podium finishers for this 2014 ran unbelievably fast times. François D'HAENE set a new course record, winning in 20:11:44, besting two Spaniards, Tofol CASTANER BERNAT and Iker KARRERA ARANBURU, who tied for second place. American Jason SCHLARB finished third.
For the women, American Rory BOSIO won for the second year in a row, finishing 01:31:09 ahead of Spaniard Núria PICAS and 02:24:15 ahead of Frenchwoman Nathalie MAUCLAIR.

Petzl and the UTMB®: headlamp assistance at the Les Chapieux aid station

Petzl, official UTMB® partner, works hard to allow runners to navigate through the night in the best possible conditions. As with each and every year, Petzl provides headlamp assistance at key points along the UTMB® course, and for the other races as well. Our team offers runners the opportunity to replace batteries that have died or malfunctioned. Beyond this "good deed", a phrase coined by nighttime runners at the headlamp assistance booth, passers-through expressed their morale in many different ways. Last night, at the Les Chapieux Aid station, the atmosphere was upbeat and festive… A musical interlude here, a fleeting dance with Particia there, and even an improvised pole repair. Welcome to the UTMB ®! Congratulations to everyone who participated!!

Headlamp assistance at the Les Chapieux aid station

Interview with Nathalie Mauclair

Nathalie Mauclair granted us an interview at the Petzl booth on Thursday, August 28, 2014, prior to the start of the UTMB®

How did you prepare for the UTMB®?
"I didn't change anything in my physical training plan. However, this year, whether for the UTMB® or other races, I prepared myself mentally through sophrology. This mental training program is based on visualization: visualizing yourself starting, visualizing yourself finishing, which is important. I have a lot of energy, and it helped me to focus this energy in the right place."

What are the key factors you have to deal with and manage during an ultramarathon?
"I am always most concerned about how easily I will digest food and how long my muscles will hold out. Every race is different. You have to learn to handle the various challenges. I am now able to plan for any potential stomach problems. Muscle wise, when everything comes together, I just put it in gear and hold on tight."

Your husband and kids come with you to every race. What's it like enjoying trail running as a family?
"Trail running has indeed become a focal point for our family. There are highs and lows, just like a race I suppose. But it has also opened us up to new experiences and brought us closer together. My family comes with me to races and when I recon a course. Sometimes they drop me off at one point and pick me up at another. Other times my son comes with me on his mountain bike, especially during recovery sessions. We always take the time as a family to discover the regions and the countries where races take place. We have been able to travel back and forth all over France. Trail running has also allowed us to visit Japan, the United States, the Canary Islands, and Reunion to name a few."

What headlamp do you use for the UTMB®?
"I usually use the NAO headlamp with the battery belt since I don't like having too much weight on my head. It is an extraordinary headlamp with unparalleled lighting power. However, this time around I'd like to test the new TIKKA RXP, which is also equipped with REACTIVE LIGHTING technology. For an ultra, I'm always looking to shave off a few grams where I can. My decision to use the TIKKA RXP is primarily for weight savings without having to sacrifice too much in terms of lighting performance."

How do you program your headlamp?
"I let my husband program my headlamp! He's the computer expert."

What is your fondest night-race memory?
"I love running at sunset and sunrise, two vital moments of the day. But one of my most memorable nighttime experiences was during the 2011 RAID IN FRANCE. Guillaume, Alex, Raph, and I were canoeing down the Drôme River. I was poorly equipped this time around and navigating through the night was difficult. Yet it was simply amazing every time we approached a village! When night falls, you get the impression that everything shrinks. Light gave us hope at our slowed-down pace."