The 2021 UTMB was an exciting race — with multiple-time champions in Courtney Dauwalter (post-race interview) and François D’haene (post-race interview), a new course record by Dauwalter in the women’s race, and plenty of drama and DNFs. It was also a perfect day for running and spectating as participants made their way around Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland in the 171.5-kilometer (106.5-mile) event. Enjoy this photo gallery of the competition and ambiance of the 2021 UTMB.
![2021 UTMB - glacier and paraglider](https://irunfar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-UTMB-glacier-and-paraglider.jpg)
The Chamonix valley is host to UTMB and offers outdoor recreation of all kinds, making it a uniquely world-class destination.
![2021 UTMB - Maite Maiora at Les Contamines](https://irunfar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-UTMB-Maite-Maiora-at-Les-Contamines.jpg)
Maite Maiora charges out of Les Contimines aid station respecting COVID-19 protocols — a major race regulation that was necessary for all.
![2021 UTMB - Francois Dhaene and Dmitry Mityaev at Les Contamines](https://irunfar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-UTMB-Francois-Dhaene-and-Dmitry-Mityaev-at-Les-Contamines.jpg)
François D’haene (left) and Dmitry Mityaev gaze upward into approaching darkness at Les Contamines aid station on Friday evening.
![2021 UTMB - view from Aiguille du Midi cable car](https://irunfar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-UTMB-view-from-Aiguille-du-Midi-cable-car.jpg)
Runners circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif during the UTMB. The access to beautiful views on foot is only rivaled by Chamonix’s multiple trams and trains — leading to views like this from a platform on the Aiguille du Midi.
![2021 UTMB - Tour du Mont Blanc sign](https://irunfar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-UTMB-Tour-du-Mont-Blanc-sign.jpg)
A crowd stands in the street, waiting through the night, near the La Fouly aid station. The well marked Tour du Mont Blanc trail is a popular route that trekkers often take a week to 10 days to hike. In the UTMB, the top runners do it in under 24 hours.
![2021 UTMB - Ho Chung Wong at La Fouly](https://irunfar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-UTMB-Ho-Chung-Wong-at-La-Fouly.jpg)
Ho Chung Wong takes camera time in stride. An ever-present fixture on the course next to elite runners, camera crews help broadcast the race live around the world.
![2021 UTMB - champion Francois Dhaene](https://irunfar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-UTMB-champion-Francois-Dhaene-1.jpg)
The always composed François D’haene shares a rare glimpse of fatigue seconds after crossing the finish line to win UTMB for the fourth time on Saturday, August 28.