A Brazilian athlete died overnight during the Mont Blanc Ultra Trail’s earliest test, the Petite Trotte à Leon (PTL), after a fall near the Plan Glacier bunker. Organizers confirmed the fatality occurred before 01:30 in the early morning while the team was preparing for the next leg of the course [Organizers’ statement]. A rescue helicopter arrived at the scene but could only verify the athlete’s death, according to the same briefing.
The PTL marks the opening race of the Mont-Blanc Ultra Trail week. It covers roughly 300 kilometers and tests teams of two or three with a cumulative ascent around 25,000 meters. Despite the tragedy, organizers emphasized that each team may decide whether to continue the adventure, underscoring the event’s emphasis on safety and autonomy within the competition’s demanding format [Event briefing].
Runners began leaving the Chamonix district at 8:00 a.m. Monday, with teams having until the following Sunday to reach the finish line. Meanwhile, the main competition—an ultra course of about 171 kilometers—resumes on Friday, also starting from Chamonix, providing a parallel challenge for solo and crewed entrants alike [Race schedule].
In the past, the Mont Blanc Ultra Trail has seen other serious accidents, including a fatal incident involving a 35-year-old Czech runner in the prior edition. This reminder of the race’s extreme nature has intensified discussions among participants and organizers about safety protocols, course management, and the support systems available to crews and athletes in the field [Historical note].
Event officials reiterated that safety remains the top priority, with ongoing reviews of route conditions, weather advisories, and rescue readiness. The incident has sparked conversations about risk assessment for high-altitude ultramarathons and the importance of adherence to marked routes, emergency procedures, and timely communication with support teams [Official update].