The INOV8 team are returning to Chamonix for the 2025 edition of the world’s most famous ultra-trail running event.

They’ll join thousands of endurance runners in tackling iconic races under the shadow of Europe’s most iconic mountain, Mont Blanc.

A total of eight races will be staged across the weekend, ranging in distance from 15km to 300km.

The centrepiece, as always, will be the 176km race that starts and finishes in Chamonix, France, and passes through both Italy and Switzerland on a route that fully circumnavigates Mont Blanc. Runners will rack up a mighty 10,000m of elevation gain in the process.

Amongst those set to take to the start line are INOV8 athletes Yannick Noël, Andy Fìor-Berry and Magali Mellon.

Yannick placed 10th in last year’s race, after brilliantly working his way through the field in a gritty showing of strength and tactical nous.

His time of 21:45:18 was almost two hours quicker than when he placed 12th in 2021. It begs the question… what can he achieve this year? We’ll soon find out.

Now 38 years old, Yannick works full-time as a pastry chef based in his home village of Les Deux Alpes – a ski mountain resort at 1,650m. Check out the new film we recently made about a day in the life of Yannick.

“The race around Mont Blanc is the number one, the one everyone wants to succeed in,” said Yannick. 

“There is a high level of competition, the route is epic with big climbs, long downhills and over rough terrain, so you must train hard. But I don’t fear it, as I prepare myself well for this race.

“I have always enjoyed being challenged, even in other sports, since I was young. I want to win, to compete, even if I lose or someone passes me. But I like the battle, when it is physically hard.

“I can live without victory, but I will do everything to win.”

Andy Fìor-Berry – a former winner of the Lakeland 100 and holder of the Lake District 24-Hour Fell Record – has done his preparation in the high, rugged mountains of Scotland. 

After winning the shortened Ultra Tour Monte Rosa in 2024 and clocking 13:35 for the fourth fastest Bob Graham Round in history in May this year, Andy heads to Chamonix in good form and looking to break into the world elite.

Andy said: "I'm ready to race. I have the support team in place to kick me when needed and I'm looking forward to when my race begins on the climb out of Courmayeur.

"Trail running, and especially ultra distance trail running, is all about discovery. I'm looking forward to what I learn on the biggest stage of all."

Magali Mellon is another ultra-trail runner in good form. The French athlete was the women’s winner of the 100km Maxi-Race in May. She may not receive the pre-race attention of other top female athletes at the event, but that will suit her. We can’t wait to see Magali in action on the Mont Blanc trails.

Magali Mellon is another ultra-trail runner in good form. The French athlete was the women’s winner of the 100km Maxi-Race in May. She may not receive the pre-race attention of other top female athletes at the event, but that will suit her. We can’t wait to see Magali in action on the Mont Blanc trails.

Overall, the sharp end of the 176km elite field is once again stacked, with the likes of Jim Walmsley, Tom Evans and Jon Albon for the men, and Courtney Dauwalter, Abby Hall and Ruth Croft for the women. 

But the field is way deeper than just six runners. There is so much talent and experience throughout the elite starting list, that this could prove one of the most enthralling races in its 22-year history.

*Join our Chamonix Shakeout Run with Run 4 Adventure - Wednesday August 27 at 8:30am. Secure your place.

*Visit our village booth in Chamonix from Monday - Friday.

THE INOV8 TEAM IN CHAMONIX

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