Who Are the Top Male Ultra Runners of 2025?

Last Updated on September 21, 2025 by Amanda Bowden

Top Male Ultrarunners of 2025: Who’s Leading the Pack?

Historic wins, breakout performances, and legends proving they’re still at the top.

If you want to know who the very best ultrarunners are in any given year, the results usually tell the story. And 2025 has already given us plenty of drama.

From the snowy trails of Chamonix to the heat of California’s canyons, this year’s biggest races have shown us who’s at the top of the men’s field right now. Some of the sport’s biggest names have proven once again why they’re legends. But 2025 has also brought breakthrough wins from athletes who might just become the stars of the future.

In this post, we’ll look at the standout male ultrarunners of 2025 — not just by reputation, but by what they’ve actually done on the trails this year. From Tom Evans’ history-making UTMB victory to Caleb Olson’s lightning-fast Western States 100, these are the men setting the pace in ultrarunning right now.

UTMB 2025: Tom Evans Leads the Way

If one race defines an ultrarunner’s year, it’s the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). The 171 km loop through France, Italy, and Switzerland is the crown jewel of trail running — and the race everyone wants to win.

In 2025, that honour went to Tom Evans, who became the first British man ever to win UTMB. He crossed the finish line in Chamonix in 19:18:58, a time that secured his place among the sport’s greats. Conditions were especially tough this year, with cold, wet weather making the mountain passes even more challenging, which makes Evans’ victory all the more impressive.

The podium was rounded out by Ben Dhiman in second and Josh Wade in third — both remarkable performances that showed just how deep the men’s field has become. For British ultrarunning in particular, having Evans and Wade both in the top three was a big moment.

Evans’ win wasn’t just about speed. It was about composure, strategy, and handling the brutal conditions when others faltered. That combination is exactly what makes him one of the standout ultrarunners of 2025.

Western States 100: Caleb Olson’s Breakthrough

If UTMB is the pinnacle of European ultrarunning, then the Western States Endurance Run holds that same status in the United States. The 100-mile route from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California, is famous for its heat, canyons, and history — and winning here cements a runner’s reputation.

In 2025, the spotlight fell on Caleb Olson, who stormed to victory in 14:11:25. That’s one of the fastest times ever recorded at Western States, and it announced Olson as a serious force in the sport.

The race itself was fiercely contested. Chris Myers claimed second, proving his consistency across tough American ultras, while none other than Kilian Jornet took third. Seeing Jornet on the podium at Western States — a race he doesn’t often target — added extra weight to Olson’s achievement.

Olson’s win wasn’t just about the numbers on the clock. It showed his ability to handle the intense heat, the relentless climbs, and the psychological grind that defines Western States. For many, this was his “breakthrough race,” and it has put him firmly among the names to watch in 2025 and beyond.

Jim Walmsley and the European Campaign

No list of top male ultrarunners in 2025 would be complete without Jim Walmsley. The American has been one of the sport’s biggest names for nearly a decade, and he’s still finding ways to add to his legacy.

This year, Walmsley showed his class at the Chianti Ultra Trail (120 km) in Italy, where he outpaced both Kilian Jornet and Vincent Bouillard to take the win. The course — a mix of rolling hills, vineyards, and sharp climbs — might not be as iconic as UTMB or Western States, but the field was stacked, and Walmsley proved once again that when he’s on form, he’s incredibly hard to beat.

What stands out about Walmsley in 2025 is his continued commitment to racing in Europe. After relocating to France a few years ago to focus on UTMB, he’s embraced the European style of racing — long climbs, technical descents, and unpredictable conditions — and is still performing at the highest level.

Even in a year when he didn’t win UTMB, Walmsley’s ability to dominate big European races keeps him firmly among the sport’s elite. He’s not just a one-race runner — he’s a consistent threat, wherever he lines up.

Other Notable Performances in 2025

While UTMB, Western States, and Chianti Ultra Trail grabbed the biggest headlines, plenty of other men made their mark in 2025.

Francesco Puppi turned heads at the CCC (Courmayeur–Champex–Chamonix), running a superb race to take the win in 10:06. Better known for shorter trail and mountain distances, Puppi’s performance showed that he can step up to longer ultras and still compete with the very best.

Kilian Jornet, meanwhile, proved that even when he’s not at the very top, he’s still a force to be reckoned with. His third place at Western States was a reminder that the ultrarunning legend isn’t done yet, and that he can adapt his talents to very different styles of racing.

Then there’s Josh Wade, who claimed third at UTMB behind Tom Evans and Ben Dhiman. For Wade, this podium finish was a career-defining moment and an indication that he’s one of the rising British stars to watch.

These results highlight just how deep and competitive the men’s field is right now. It’s not just about one or two dominant names — 2025 is proving to be a year where a wide range of athletes are capable of breaking through and winning on the world stage.

What Makes These Runners the Best?

When you look at the results from 2025, it’s clear that the men at the top share a few key qualities. It’s not just about being able to run fast — it’s about being able to run smart, adapt, and endure.

Consistency is perhaps the biggest factor. The top men don’t just show up once a year and deliver — they string together big results across multiple races and conditions. Tom Evans backing up his past successes with a UTMB win, or Jim Walmsley continuing to dominate European trails, are perfect examples.

Then there’s the ability to adapt to challenges. Whether it’s the snowy climbs of Mont Blanc, the scorching canyons of California, or the muddy vineyards of Chianti, these runners can adjust their pacing, nutrition, and mindset to whatever the course throws at them.

Resilience and recovery also set them apart. Caleb Olson’s breakthrough at Western States wasn’t just a display of speed — it was about staying strong through the toughest sections, when most others falter.

Finally, these athletes are innovators. From experimenting with training approaches to fine-tuning nutrition, they’re always searching for the next edge. That curiosity and willingness to evolve is a big reason they remain ahead of the pack.

Put all of that together, and you get the men who define ultrarunning in 2025.

Conclusion

The men’s ultrarunning scene in 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. From Tom Evans’ historic UTMB win to Caleb Olson’s lightning-fast. Western States victory, the year has already given us unforgettable performances. Add in Jim Walmsley’s dominance in Europe, Francesco Puppi’s CCC breakthrough, and the continued presence of legends like Kilian Jornet, and it’s clear the sport is thriving.

What makes this season so exciting is the mix of established icons and fresh faces. We’ve got legends proving they’re still at the top, and new names forcing their way into the conversation. The men’s field has never been deeper, and that means more unpredictable, thrilling races for fans to enjoy.

If you’ve read this far, you may also be interested in reading Who Are the Top Female Ultra Runners of 2025?.