The ASICS Trail Team is taking the ultra trail running world by storm at this year’s UTMB races. Led by the incredible performances of Tom Evans and Ben Duffus, the team is pushing their bodies and minds to new heights in pursuit of victory.
For those unfamiliar with the UTMB races, they are considered some of the most challenging and prestigious ultra trail running events in the world. The main race, the UTMB, is a grueling 171-kilometer journey through the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, with a whopping 10,000 meters of elevation gain. It attracts elite athletes from around the globe, all vying for the coveted title of UTMB champion.
This year, the ASICS Trail Team is making its presence known on the UTMB course. Leading the pack is Tom Evans, a former British Army captain turned ultra runner. Evans burst onto the ultra trail running scene in 2018 when he placed third in the UTMB, despite it being his first 100-mile race. Since then, he has become a force to be reckoned with, consistently placing in the top 10 in major races around the world.
In this year’s UTMB, Evans has his sights set on the top spot. He has been training relentlessly and has his mind and body in peak condition. In a recent interview, Evans shared his excitement for this year’s race, saying, “I’ve been dreaming of winning the UTMB since I first ran it in 2018. I’ve put in the work, and I’m ready to give it my all on race day.”
Joining Evans on the ASICS Trail Team is Australian runner Ben Duffus. Duffus is no stranger to the ultra trail running scene, with numerous top finishes in races across Australia and Asia. This year, he is making his UTMB debut, and he is determined to make his mark.
Duffus brings a unique perspective to the team, as he is also a qualified physiotherapist. He understands the importance of taking care of both the body and mind in order to perform at the highest level. Duffus has been working closely with the ASICS Trail Team’s head coach, Benoit Nave, to fine-tune his training and preparation for the race.
Nave, a former professional trail runner himself, knows what it takes to succeed in the UTMB. He has been working with the ASICS Trail Team for the past three years, helping them to develop a holistic approach to training and racing. This includes focusing on proper nutrition, recovery, and mental strength, in addition to physical conditioning.
The ASICS Trail Team’s dedication to the mind-body connection is evident in their performance at this year’s UTMB. In the TDS race, a 145-kilometer event that takes place alongside the UTMB, team member Audrey Tanguy secured a podium finish for ASICS, coming in second place overall and first in her age category.
But the team’s success goes beyond podium finishes. They have also been actively involved in giving back to the community. In partnership with the UTMB organization, the ASICS Trail Team has been participating in trail cleanups and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment while enjoying the sport they love.
The ASICS Trail Team’s commitment to excellence and community is a true reflection of the brand’s core values. ASICS, which stands for “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” or “a healthy soul in a healthy body,” is known for its focus on creating products that help athletes achieve their best, both physically and mentally.
As the UTMB races continue, the ASICS Trail Team will continue to push themselves to new heights. They will face the grueling terrain, unpredictable weather, and intense competition with determination and a positive mindset. And regardless of the outcome, they will do so with grace and sportsmanship, representing ASICS and the trail running community with pride.
So let’s all cheer on the ASICS Trail Team as they strive for greatness at this year’s UTMB races. Let their performances inspire us to push ourselves to new heights, both on and off the trails. Good luck to Tom Evans, Ben Duffus, and the entire ASICS Trail Team – we believe in you!
