Update: Damian Hall (UK) finished in a superb 4th place in the classic 330k ultramarathon race at Tor des Geants® and Paul Tierney an excellent joint-6th in the 450k Tor des Glaciers race. 

Damian completed the 330k course through the formidable Italian Alps mountains in 72 hours 04 mins. His time was a massive personal best, 16 hours faster than in 2022 when he placed 12th.

The 330k race was won by Italian Franco Colle in a new record time of 66hrs 39mins. He was followed by Romain Olivier (France) in 69hrs 49mins and Galen Reynolds (Canada) in 71hrs 22mins.

The race for third place had been tight, with Damian, Galen and Gianluca Galeati (Italy) all in the mix. Gianluca eventually finished 5th in 72:16, meaning the trio were separated by less than an hour at the finish in Courmayeur.

Speaking on the race livestream afterwards, Damian said: “This was more satisfying than last year. I performed better, and didn’t get lost!”

Asked if he endured sleep-deprived hallucinations, he added: “Yes, and last night I think I forgot who I was!”

Fellow INOV8 ambassador Paul crossed the 450k finish line in joint-6th place alongside French runner Christin-Benoit Julien, whom he'd been running with for large parts of the race. They both recorded a time of 135hrs 22mins. This was 1 hour quicker than Paul ran in 2022 when he finished 4th.

The 450k Tor des Glaciers was won by Raichon Sebastien (France) in 114hrs 29mins.

Tor des Geants® is widely regarded as one of the toughest ultramarathon events in the world. Set amidst the formidable Italian Alps, runners tackle one of four races – 30k, 130k, 330k or 450k.

The classic 330k (205 miles) Tor des Geants® course was first run in 2010 and has achieved cult status amongst hardened endurance athletes keen to test themselves in challenging mountain terrain.

The route includes a mammoth 24,000m of ascent (almost 3 x Mount Everest) and covers lots of high-altitude ground in the stunning Valle d’Aosta. Runners are crewed by family or friends, who meet them at the seven life bases located along the course. The race is so tough that many don’t make it to the finish line in Courmayeur.

INOV8 ambassador Damian Hall ran the 330k race for the first time in 2022, placing 12th in a time of 88hrs 04mins. He had looked set to finish in the top-10 before taking an accidental trail detour on the last day. The 2023 Spine Race winner returns to Tor des Geants® this year determined to put things right.

INOV8 team-mate Paul Tierney is also returning to the event and, like last year, will again do battle with the 450k (279 mile) course, called Tor des Glaciers. This epic route crosses high alpine ridges that are far away from the usual trekking trails and touches remote ancient glaciers. It ramps up a staggering 32,000m of ascent and runners have a 190-hour time limit to complete it.

In 2022, Paul rose to the challenge to finish in a brilliant 4th place in a time of 136hrs 23mins. He has previously completed the 330k course three times, in 2017, 2018 and 2021.

Ahead of the 2023 edition of Tor des Geants® we grabbed an insight into the preparations and ambitions of both runners in the following Q&As.

A RETURN TO TOR DES GEANTS®! WHY?

I ruddy loved it last year, but also think I can do better. It’s just such a beautiful route, four days of continuous mountain scenery and all the premium hallucinations you could ever wish for.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE 2022 RACE THAT WILL HELP YOU IN 2023?

That cows eat the course markings, so keep checking you’re on the right route.

WHAT’S ONE KEY THING YOU’LL DO DIFFERENT THIS TIME AROUND?

I hope to manage the dreaded sleep monsters better, by being more pre-emptive. Mastering 200-milers is an ongoing, sometimes messy, experiment.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THE RACE?

Just to give my best possible performance. And stay on course.

HOW HAVE YOU TAILORED YOUR TRAINING AND PREPARATIONS?

I’ve been happy with my training volume, vert (vertical gain) and B races. However, a lot of TDG happens at altitude, where performance can decline by up to 20%. The Wiltshire Alps don’t offer much help there, so I’ve spent many hours in a sauna and an altitude tent.

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW IT, HOW DO YOU SUM UP HOW TOUGH THIS RACE IS?

The stats tell half the story. Although it says 330k, the race is about 355k/220 miles, with 26,000m/86,000ft of uphill. The 35 miles from Donnas to Gressoney has 18,000ft (5,486m) of vert, about the same as Lakeland 100 or Western States, and that’s just one of the seven stages. So, it gets quite hurty and you also get very tired and sleepy. The altitude can make you feel a bit off too.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

Refugio Coda (2,252m), with views right down Italy. And just being out all night in the mountains.

WHAT ARE YOU LEAST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

I got used to the Italian ‘tea’ by the end (still tastes better than coffee). So, it’s the hallucinations. It was mostly inflatables last time. You know, sharks, penguins, Michelin Man, and so on. I’m hoping for an upgrade.

WHAT’S YOUR SHOE OF CHOICE AND WHY?

TRAILFLY ULTRA G 280. The TRAILFLY G 270 V2 are still my overall favourites (and back-up shoes for this race) but having a little bit more protection gives me more confidence on loose, rocky terrain at times.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’LL PUT IN YOUR PACK AND WHY?

I have two items from my children to remind me of my why.

WHAT THREE WORDS WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE HOW YOU’RE FEELING?

Excited, foolhardy, amnesiac.

AND FINALLY, WHO’LL BE CREWING YOU AND WHAT INSTRUCTIONS ARE THEY UNDER?!

The increasingly legendary Ajay Hanspal. Please DO NOT put any coffee in my tea.

A RETURN TO TOR DES GEANTS®! WHY?

Because I have a short memory. I swore during last year’s race I wouldn’t come back but 48hrs after finishing I was thinking about the mistakes I made and the time I lost. So here we go again.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE 2022 RACE THAT WILL HELP YOU IN 2023?

I think just being familiar with the route immediately improves your ability to execute a better race. No amount of studying the maps really prepares you for how things look and feel on the ground. Last year I remembered feeling quite nervous about certain parts of the course but that won't be a problem this time round.

WHAT’S ONE KEY THING YOU’LL DO DIFFERENT THIS TIME AROUND?

I’ll hopefully be more efficient in the checkpoints.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THE RACE?

I’d love to go a bit quicker than last year. If that means being closer to the front, great. But I think there’ll be more competition this time.

HOW HAVE YOU TAILORED YOUR TRAINING AND PREPARATIONS?

I've been a little more careful not to do too many bigger runs. I want to feel fresh starting the race and, at the end of the day, it’s as much a mental challenge as it is physical.

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW IT, HOW DO YOU SUM UP HOW TOUGH THIS RACE IS?

It is a really tough challenge for a number of reasons – altitude, temperature changes, rough ground and long steep climbs and descents – but there are upsides too. The scenery is amazing, the volunteers are unbelievably enthusiastic and helpful, and you get very well fed too.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

Polenta and mince gravy.

WHAT ARE YOU LEAST LOOKING FORWARD TO?

I'm not that keen on the first few hours of the race as you try to work out how you’re feeling. Once a few hours have passed things settle down. I'm just looking forward to being on my way now.

WHAT’S YOUR SHOE OF CHOICE AND WHY?

I'll be using the TRAILFLY G 270 V2 again. For me it’s perfect for the terrain with its mix of grip, cushioning and comfort.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU’LL PUT IN YOUR PACK AND WHY?

Probably my food. I get pretty hungry on this race.

WHAT THREE WORDS WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE HOW YOU’RE FEELING?

Nervous, excited, happy.

AND FINALLY, WHO’LL BE CREWING YOU AND WHAT INSTRUCTIONS ARE THEY UNDER?!

My partner Sarah will be in charge. She knows me and what I'll be like, so the plan is to kick me out of checkpoints once I’ve done what I need to do. But I'm hoping that my friends from the valley, Tchande and Mara, might be able to pop up somewhere too. And Stephanie Case has said she might come out at some point as she is supporting other runners on the race.