Path operating media group Freetrail have introduced the winners of the Path Runner of the Yr (TROY), and the epic champions weren’t actually a shock: Individuals Courtney Dauwalter and Jim Walmsley, each winners of the 2023 version of UTMB.
TROY is a world award supposed to acknowledge professional athletes inside the sport by rating their performances through the 2023 racing season. “It’s our hope that TROY will grow to be an annual capstone, celebrating the yr in competitors,” Freetrail mentioned once they created TROY in 2022.
Historically, contests like this one have been country-based, so Freetrail is taking a step towards inclusivity by making the competitors worldwide. “TROY is an extension of Freetrail’s mission to raise the profile of the skilled athletes in our sport whereas serving to informal observers and most people really feel related to their tales – hopefully creating diehard followers within the course of,” Freetrail shares on its web site.
Enjoyable coincidence: Courtney and Jim each have six of the highest 20 path performances of all time of their respective fields as ranked by ITRA rating. You’ll be able to see the general information right here underneath “Rating > Annual finest…” when you’re an ITRA member.https://t.co/DpBa57qPod
— Travis Loncar (@tbloncar) January 11, 2024
We had some stellar Canadian athletes on the listing, together with Ailsa MacDonald of Cochrane, Alta., Edmonton’s Priscilla Forgie, Chilliwack’s Ihor Verys and Montreal’s Marianne Hogan. Individuals took the lead, nonetheless, after outstanding performances in 2023.
Courtney Dauwalter
Ultrarunner and coach Corinne Malcolm says within the Freetrail announcement that “we live within the Courtney Period and we aren’t mad about it.” The path and ultrarunning group witnessed a historic chapter in 2023 as Dauwalter conquered the elusive triple crown of 100-mile races (Western States 100, Hardrock 100 and UTMB 171K) turning into the primary particular person to win all three in a single season.
Malcolm captures the essence of Dauwalter’s outstanding journey in 2023 when she says, “We’ve reached peak Courtney.” Earlier than the triple was even an concept, Dauwalter kicked off her season with wins (setting new course data) at Bandera 100K, Transgrancanaria 128K basic, and a record-breaking efficiency at Western States 100 (WSER).
Three issues extremely beast Courtney Dauwalter can train all runners
Dauwalter’s 2023 season unfolded as a unprecedented narrative of triumphs. Followers watched in awe when she ran to victory at WSER, breaking Canadian Ellie Greenwood‘s long-standing report by 77 minutes, and three weeks later, dominated the Hardrock 100, setting one more course report.
The sudden revelation of Dauwalter’s pursuit of the triple crown at UTMB provides a surreal dimension to her already illustrious season. “Whereas she would go on to convincingly win her third world-class 100-mile of the season, finishing a triple that can probably by no means occur ever once more, she would additionally present us she was human, gritting via the ultimate 50 km of the course… Leaving us completely speechless within the course of,” Malcolm writes.
Jim Walmsley
Walmsley is a beloved fixture within the path group, recognized for his immense expertise and devoted work ethic. Followers have adopted the evolution of his ultrarunning profession. Walsmsley’s journey is considered one of steady progress, from three consecutive wins at WSER to a strategic transfer to Arêches, France, to be taught from the likes of Francois D’Haene methods to conquer UTMB.
“Similar to for a lot of of his mountain colleagues, that may additionally imply coming into the primary spring race of the season off of largely ski health,” Malcolm says. “To qualify for the UTMB Finals Jim ran, received, and set the course report on the Istria by UTMB 100-mile race—within the course of profitable his first 100-mile race that wasn’t WSER.”
Whereas briefly sidelined with an ankle damage, Walmsley’s willpower prevailed as he clinched victory at Path La Frison Roche and, in the end, UTMB. Followers watched a nail-biting race, with some doubts as as to if Walmsley would finest compatriot Zach Miller, however “a swap flipped at Champex Lac,” and Walmsley secured his win in underneath 20 hours. Jim’s subsequent triumph at Good Côte d’Azur by UTMB 100K not solely cements his legacy but in addition earned him a golden ticket to WSER 2024, leaving the ultrarunning group in keen anticipation.
Ultimate standings
Girls
(1) Courtney Dauwalter
(2) Katie Schide
(3) Sophia Laukli
(4) Toni McCann
(5) Grayson Murphy
(6) Judith Wyder
(7) Claire Bannwarth
(8) Leah Yingling
(9) Ruth Croft
(10) Blandine L’hirondel
Males
(1) Jim Walmsley
(2) Rémi Bonnet
(3) Zach Miller
(4) Tom Evans
(5) Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz
(6) Jonathan Albon
(7) Germain Grangier
(8) Stian Angermund
(9) Tyler Inexperienced
(10) Anthony Costales
