"Mountains show no prejudice": Black Trail Runners achieves unprecedented growth, attracting a crowd of enthusiasts to compete in the grueling UTMB finals

In the challenging world of ultra-trail running, the United Kingdom-based organization Black Trail Runners (BTR) made a significant impact at this year's UTMB finals. The organisation, which champions the representation and inclusion of people of black heritage in trail running, set a record for the number of participants in the event.

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, co-founder of BTR, was one of the trailblazers at this year's finals. However, her journey came to an end at the Le Chapieux checkpoint, located at the 80-mile mark, as she missed the cutoff time. Despite this setback, Pace-Humphreys' experiences during the event, including encounters with supportive fellow runners, helped her cope with "the ultra blues."

Pace-Humphreys' peers, including Juliette Denny and Serena Broadway, competed in the 100k CCC race during UTMB. Meanwhile, Grace Natoli, Angela Tomusange, and Nethliee Smith represented BTR in the challenging ETC race.

The conditions during this year's UTMB finals were particularly challenging, with wet and freezing weather causing a last-minute safety diversion and slowing runners down. Despite these adversities, the spirit of camaraderie among the participants remained strong.

Pace-Humphreys' inspiring performance at UTMB has sparked interest in trail running among her followers. She has received an overwhelming number of messages expressing interest and admiration for the work BTR is doing.

The UTMB finals is a 100-mile lap around Mont Blanc, a gruelling test of endurance and resilience. Pace-Humphreys, who competed in the UTMB finals for the first time this year, believes there will be a significant increase in BTR members at the event next year, due to the inspiring showing this year.

Pace-Humphreys' journey to promoting diversity in trail running began six years ago when she noticed the lack of representation of women of colour at a race. In 2020, she, along with Sonny Peart and Phil Young, launched BTR as a registered charity.

Pace-Humphreys is uncertain if she'll return next year to compete, but plans to return at some point to finish the 100-mile loop. She believes that UTMB organizers are relying on the work done by BTR to improve diversity, without providing significant support.

Serena Broadway, another BTR member, found this year's UTMB experience different from her 2022 OCC race, feeling less isolated. Rebecca Devereux, a vet, also participated in the 50k OCC race, which was rerouted due to thunderstorms.

As the trail running community continues to grow, the work of organisations like BTR is more important than ever. By promoting inclusion and representation, they are breaking down barriers and inspiring a new generation of trail runners.