The year 2017 remains a pivotal chapter in the history of ultrarunning, marked by legendary performances, intense rivalries, and the continued globalization of the sport. For enthusiasts and runners looking back at this specific year, 2017 offered some of the most competitive fields ever assembled, particularly at iconic races like the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc and the Western States 100. Understanding these results provides valuable context for how the sport has evolved in terms of speed, strategy, and international participation. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the major ultramarathon events from 2017, highlighting the winners, record-breaking moments, and where to find detailed statistical archives.
Major Races and Winners of 2017
In 2017, the ultramarathon circuit saw a mix of seasoned veterans defending their titles and new faces making their mark on the international stage. The following races represent the most significant events of the year and the athletes who stood on the podium.
The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run
Western States is the oldest 100-mile trail race in the world, and the 2017 edition was defined by challenging weather conditions, including a significant snowpack in the high country followed by intense heat in the canyons. Despite these obstacles, the race saw incredible performances. Ryan Sandes of South Africa took the men’s title with a time of 16:19:37, becoming the first South African to win the prestigious event. On the women’s side, Cat Bradley pulled off an impressive victory, finishing in 19:31:30. Her win was considered a breakthrough moment in her career, showcasing the depth of talent in the women’s field.
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)
The 2017 UTMB is often referred to by fans as the “Race of the Century.” The men’s field featured a showdown between the world’s top ultrarunners, including Kilian Jornet, François D’Haene, and Jim Walmsley. In a grueling battle through the Alps, François D’Haene emerged victorious, setting a then-course record of 19:01:32. Kilian Jornet followed in second place, less than 15 minutes behind. In the women’s race, Núria Picas of Spain secured a hard-fought victory with a time of 25:46:43, narrowly beating Andrea Huser in a finish that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Hardrock 100
The Hardrock 100 in Colorado is known for its extreme elevation and rugged terrain. The 2017 race provided one of the most memorable stories of the year when Kilian Jornet dislocated his shoulder early in the race. Despite the injury, he continued for over 80 miles with his arm in a makeshift sling, eventually winning the race in 24:32:20. On the women’s side, Caroline Chaverot of France dominated the field, finishing in 28:31:50 and placing high in the overall standings, further cementing her status as one of the best mountain runners in the world.
The Barkley Marathons: A Rare Finisher
The Barkley Marathons is widely considered the most difficult ultramarathon in existence, designed to result in no finishers. However, 2017 was a special year for the event. John Kelly became the 15th person in history to complete all five loops of the course within the 60-hour time limit. His finish was a testament to extreme endurance and navigation skills. The 2017 race also featured a heartbreaking moment for Gary Robbins, who reached the finish line just six minutes after the cutoff but from the wrong direction, disqualifying his effort and highlighting the brutal nature of the event.
Notable Results from the 2017 Comrades Marathon
The Comrades Marathon in South Africa is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon, attracting thousands of participants each year. The 2017 edition was an “up” run, starting in Durban and ending in Pietermaritzburg. Bongmusa Mthembu won the men’s race for the second time with a commanding performance of 5:35:34. In the women’s race, American runner Camille Herron led from start to finish, winning in 6:27:35. Her victory was significant as she became one of the few international runners to conquer the prestigious South African race in such dominant fashion.
How to Access Detailed 2017 Race Statistics
If you are looking for specific results for a local race or a deep dive into the splits of a professional athlete from 2017, several online databases maintain exhaustive records. These tools are essential for runners who want to compare their times or research the history of a specific event.
- DUV Ultra Marathon Statistics: This is the most comprehensive global database for ultramarathon results. You can search by year, race name, or athlete to find finishing times, rankings, and historical data.
- UltraSignup: Primarily used in North America, this platform hosts results for thousands of trail and ultra events. It is an excellent resource for checking 2017 results for regional races.
- ITRA (International Trail Running Association): The ITRA website provides performance indexes and race results for trail events worldwide, offering a look at how 2017 performances impacted global rankings.
Key Trends and Shifts in 2017
Looking back at the 2017 season, several trends emerged that continue to influence the sport today. One of the most notable was the increased professionalization of ultrarunning. More athletes were competing full-time, leading to faster course times and more scientific approaches to training and recovery. Additionally, 2017 saw a surge in the popularity of “Fastest Known Times” (FKTs) outside of organized racing. Athletes began seeking out iconic trails and mountain ranges to set speed records, a trend that grew alongside the traditional race calendar. Nutrition also saw a shift, with more runners moving toward personalized fueling strategies and fat-adaptation techniques to manage the long hours on the trail.
Summary of 2017 Performance Benchmarks
To give you a quick reference, here are some of the standout winning times from major 2017 events:
- Western States 100 (Men): Ryan Sandes — 16:19:37
- Western States 100 (Women): Cat Bradley — 19:31:30
- UTMB (Men): François D’Haene — 19:01:32
- UTMB (Women): Núria Picas — 25:46:43
- Comrades Marathon (Men): Bongmusa Mthembu — 5:35:34
- Comrades Marathon (Women): Camille Herron — 6:27:35
- JFK 50 Mile (Men): Eric Senseman — 5:48:36
- JFK 50 Mile (Women): Emily Harrison — 6:27:43
Conclusion
The 2017 ultramarathon season was a landmark year that showcased the incredible resilience of the human spirit. From Kilian Jornet’s one-armed victory at Hardrock to the high-stakes duel at UTMB, the year provided endless inspiration for the running community. By reviewing these results, runners can gain a better understanding of the benchmarks required to compete at the highest levels and appreciate the history of the trails they run today. If you are interested in learning more about how to prepare for your own ultramarathon or want to explore more recent race results, be sure to check out our other guides on training and race day preparation.