Ultra runner Damian Hall continued his preparations for next month’s big Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) with a win at the Jurassic Coast 40 Miler.
The INOV8 ambassador clocked a time of 5hrs 57mins to take victory ahead of Ashley Scott (6hrs 24mins) and Sam Pattison (6hrs 56mins) in the event staged on England’s South West Coast Path.
Damian, who two months ago set an incredible new record time for the 185-mile Wainwright’s Coast to Coast (39hrs 18mins) said: “This was one of two training races for UTMB. It felt so much fun to be back racing again, at the relaxed, low-key Votwo Jurassic Coast 40 Miler.
“There was some cracking scenery, especially around rocky Portland and the steep coastal hills near the end. Strong local runner Ashley Scott kept me company for 20 miles and I was relieved to finish about 27 minutes ahead of him. I managed to headbutt a tree, but thankfully crossed the finish line without a comedy lean like I did on the Coast to Coast.”
The 45-year-old had hoped to go to the Alps early to train the 170km UTMB – the world’s biggest trail running race – which takes place in the mountains around Mont Blanc on August 27th – but current travel rules make it too difficult for him.
So instead he’s continuing to train hard near his Wiltshire home and in the hills of Snowdonia. Damian will also race a 30-mile event in the Mendips in early August. The climate emergency-conscious runner will catch trains to Chamonix in late August rather than fly.
Dad-of-two Damian has completed the UTMB four times, with his best finish being 5th place in 2018 (22hrs 35mins). That was the same year that fellow INOV8 ambassador Hallvard Schjolberg, from Norway, finished 4th (22hrs 06mins). The two veterans will both be on the start line again in Chamonix this year.
Damian, who also finished the UTMB in 2015 (29th), 2016 (19th) and 2017 (12th), is set to use the TERRAULTRA G 270 shoes and RACE ULTRA PRO 5 VEST at this year’s big Alpine showdown. He used both at the Jurassic Coast 40 Miler too.
Photo Credit: Votwo Events & Adventure
