Czech runner dies in Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc race
A Czech runner died this week along one of the most difficult ultramarathon courses in the world, the French-hosted Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.
The race’s director, Isabelle Poletti, confirmed the fatal accident on Wednesday.
"Last night at 12:25 a.m., the UTMB Mont-Blanc race committee was informed that the TDS runner had a serious accident on the descent of the Passeur de Pralognan. I confirm that he is Czech runner and out of respect for his family, we will preserve his name… Despite all the care given to him, the runner succumbed to his injuries.”
Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and crosses borders in France, Italy and Switzerland.
The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc follows that peak along a 90 mile path and has an altitude gain of 30,000 feet.
Every year, 1,600 runners take part in the race.
It was cancelled last year due to the global health crisis.
