Julien Veysseyre has made history by becoming the first amputee athlete to finish the UTMB, one of the world's most demanding ultra-trail races. The French runner, who has a tibial amputation, completed the course in the 2026 edition of the event, according to 20 Minutes.
The achievement, reported by multiple French outlets including L'Équipe and France 3 Régions, marks a world first for the race. Veysseyre, who hails from the Puy-de-Dôme region in Auvergne, crossed the finish line after tackling the grueling circuit, which winds through the Alps and is known for its extreme elevation gain and technical terrain.
The UTMB, or Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, is widely considered one of the most challenging endurance events in the sport. Competitors cover roughly 170 kilometers with more than 10,000 meters of vertical climbing, often running through the night and in changing weather conditions. Veysseyre's completion of the course as a tibial amputee has been hailed as a landmark moment for para-athletics in trail running.
According to Le Dauphiné Libéré, no amputee runner had previously managed to finish the race, making Veysseyre's effort a historic breakthrough. The runner's performance has drawn attention not only for its athletic merit but also for what it signals about the possibilities for disabled athletes in ultra-endurance sports.
What to watch next: Whether Veysseyre's feat prompts race organizers to introduce a formal para-athlete category at the UTMB in future editions.
