The hardest race I've ever attempted! Training for UTMB 170k. Best trail running in Chamonix, France

[@michaeleaton6249]

Well done Ben for proving them wrong! I was in a wheelchair 4 years ago and my doctors said I wouldn’t be able to walk properly again. I lost 6 stone and I’m currently training for my first (London!) Marathon. We can do everything we put our mind to. You got this!!

[@BenParkes]

Lovely to hear Michael. Wishing you all the very best for your first London 🙌 that’s amazing. With hard work we can achieve so much! Kudos to you my friend 😀

[@michaeleaton6249]

@@BenParkes cheers mate! :-)

[@craighammond5918]

I can already imagine your emotion at the start (and defo the finish) for this race. This is going to be great to follow, we are all behind you Ben!

[@JeffPelletier]

This is getting me stoked! Hope to meet you both in Chamonix.

[@FilmMyRun]

We should have a KZbinr coffee morning! Hope Georgia is going well.

[@MajaNoer]

I'm so excited for you two running UTMB! I hope it is amazing! Can't wait for the videos to come!

[@dehamtona]

Let Sarah know that switching out the inner sole of the Altra Mont Blancs may help - the one that comes with it is too built up and the back. Put a riviera/torin inner sole in and you should get better heel lock

[@markthomasson5077]

I just use mine without. Still really comfy, and snugs down better, gives more control on the downs…they aren’t the best for tricky ter

[@Chrisblottphoto]

I enjoyed that and particularly love that Sarah really can’t be arsed with the whole video thing. Good luck guys.

[@WJ-qw8wl]

So excited for the two of you UTMB wow ! Sorry Ben but it's an ultra so for me Sarah wins ! 😁

[@BenParkes]

I think the same!

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

Nice training loop. Never get tired of seeing those trails. Keep enjoying and getting stronger!!

[@2spoons]

Good for you Sarah, love the dry bag, awesome organisation ..... .. And to both of you Awesome 👏 👏 Chamonix UTMB 170k

[@alanleong1709]

Awesome Ben. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video and insight on the terrain.

[@davidtarbuck4166]

I’ve done the CCC and it was beautiful apart from the 20 hours of drizzle enjoy the big dance

[@sublimity59]

Great to see you are back on the trails 😀

[@eagerunner1]

That’s one hell of training run. Good luck with UTMB!! Great video.

[@zacmunroe5534]

Went to Chamonix on a whim in 2016 while staying in Geneva for a few months. I absolutely fell in love with the town. I’d love to go back and run the marathon at least at some point. Can’t wait to watch your training journey!

[@clairhardywynn5620]

Massive congratulations for proving everyone wrong Ben - see what hard work and determination can do !! simply Stunning scenery - if u want a gorgeous run in the UK Iv just done LadyBower Trail Marathon in the Derwent /Hope Vally in the Peak District it was absolutely stunning so worth checking out if u haven’t been there already - congratulations again on ur recovery and good luck to you both for you UTBM training :) x

[@nizam_mr]

gonna be exiting journey. im about to try my 1st trail race, a utmb Qualifiers in Jeju this Oct. It may take some time for me to even try to qualify for OCC UTMB, but i hope one day i'll make it :)

[@adamgengenbach8183]

This is awesome! I can't wait to follow your UTMB training!

[@richardbrown1573]

Epic scenery! ❤. All the best to you both for your UTMB training 🙌

[@joaoguerreiro7375]

Awesome footage!!! You two will crush it! Enjoy it,

[@runfrankfurt]

Very entertaining video and beautiful views of the trails and mountains. 👌

[@jh230377]

Unbelievable. Great on you both. 👍

[@gary7542]

Great to see you guys back on your travels and thanks for taking us with you 👌👌👌

[@robwilliams9965]

Really interested in seeing your training for UTMB, I've been reading Adharanand Finn's book; Rise of the ultra runners and the whole ethos around ultra-distance running is captivating!

[@AndrewPawley11]

That's a lovely looking run though. Fabulous scenery. Green with envy.

[@darrenhall5783]

Can’t wait to see your review of the 4s, have run a couple of 50k trail events in the Pegasus 3s and though not very grippy I did find them comfortable. Keep up the great content. Take care and stay safe.

[@richardantrobus7186]

See you on the start line! So excited to be doing it this year although I'm not out there till the start of August

[@chosenscv]

Right on, man! Hope to meet you in August! Love your energy and content!

[@runbyron]

Ben, Sarah has the best smile. Good training for UTMB 👍

[@martinscofield7477]

Nice video! I’ve done and finished UTMB 3 times and it’s great! I wish I was back this year! It’s not actually that hard, Ben. I’m sure you’ll both finish it. As a vegan I had no real problems with the food. Just always try to be happy and enjoy every moment!

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Martin!!

[@ivylovesrunning]

I am happy your able to achieve something that was forecasted as impossible.

[@louistuba]

I was there just 2 days ago to kick off the trail running season! What a beautiful place! My wife and I are now hell bent on getting a small flat there.

[@BenParkes]

I think that's everyones dream!

[@ngaretabagnall4257]

Go Sarah!

[@goddesskore]

Travel + training = FTW!!

[@charlottebuckland1453]

Loving the scenery! Gosh I am wishing you both so much luck! I am in awe of you both doing this , I wish I was brave to do it but will stick to running on the flat!! 😁

[@runningwithdr.andrewdpt9177]

Great training run!! It looks beautiful there with great trails. Thanks for sharing!!

[@deanpower3079]

Awesome work both of you hoping one day to race in chamonix building a nice base up currently 😀 SiS gels and bananas with peanut butter working well for me lol

[@russamehta]

Legends! Both of you

[@cherries4life387]

If you ever get the chance, all the trails I ran in British Columbia last summer/Autumn were stunning. I'm from the UK though but was there for a while. We've got great trails in the UK though like Snowdonia, Peak and Lake District. I'm doing UTS 50 as build up for CCC this year, so hopefully see you out there!

[@cherries4life387]

@@anubisspecial1611 exactly!

[@alexandrechibane6838]

Great video!! See you in August on the startline. From a Frenchie😉

[@djlambden2226]

Great video Ben and Sarah I love the Epix gen 2

[@harrietr6712]

so inspiring!

[@uk74racing]

Wow, good luck with the challenge guys!! It looks like your injury Ben has thrown up things you might not have had a go at with the cycling and trail running. Both are excellent for improving road running, so win win 😀 My training isn’t as impressive. Got the Barmouth 10k booked for July 9th and run across the famous bridge, then a dash back to Hereford that same day for the Hereford sprint triathlon on the Sunday 😂 Look forward to watching more of your training vids soon 💪👊

[@bikeinmotion]

Hi Ben. The date based bar they had at TDS last year was pretty ok. I'm struggling with eating solids later in the race so I'll bring a lot of Sponser and Maurten powder with me on my TDS attemp this year. I just finished the Hochkönigman in Austria (85k/5.250m) and was feeling good with lots of sponser-competition, maurten and the ISO drink they offered (plus 2 redbull)

[@BenParkes]

Thank you. I'll see if they will have a date bar for 2022. Well done in Austria!!

[@JamesSmith-iz3pl]

Mate, I hope you realise how fortunate you are to have a girl that shares your passion. Thanks for the vid. Love your honesty and enthusiasm. Looking forward to the next few months tracking your progress. Ever made it to Oz? Let me recommend the Mac Monsters Larapinta Trail Race at Alice Springs. I just did the 25k option but there is 65k, 128k and 231k (which like UTMB is about 1.5 - 2 days of effort). Technically very demanding, scenery stunning in a different way to the Alps and don't forget the snake bite compression bandages! Would be awesome for you and Sarah to join us.

[@BenParkes]

Yeah.. it’s the snake bite bandages that kinda puts us off!! Haha.. we will make it to Aus again very soon I’m sure!

[@sark255]

Thx for like usually nice vlog. I am using mountain fuel, the best for me for all my ultra. Every 30km drinking mountain fuel recovery drink. And chia mountain fuel gel every 15km and it work for me, plus extreme energy fuel in on flask all the time. See you on UTMB start line and hope few days before in Chamonix

[@BenParkes]

Thank you!! Yes, come say hello in Chamonix before the race. Good luck to you!

[@herbststurmxo]

Starting this year there’s now also an experience trail for beginners!

[@RunningOtaku]

Wow- good luck in this epic race! I’m a road/track/XC runner training for my first ultra- 40 miles through the Colorado Rocky Mountains to Aspen. We’ll be spending lots of time at 12,000 feet altitude. Like you, I’m learning to get 5-6 hour runs and lots of climbing every week. It’s a totally different sport than road racing, isn’t it?

[@TheOldUltraRunner]

Enjoyed the beautiful scenery. I could not get the heel locked down on the Mont Blancs. The heel kept slipping and I returned them even though I liked the shoe otherwise. I have friends that like them.🤷

[@BenParkes]

We tried to return Sarah's shoe.. but the shop said no returns! French law apparently.. only wanted to change them for something else.. but was told tough luck!

[@TheOldUltraRunner]

@@BenParkes, bummer!!!

[@MihaliWheeler]

Great video. Love the landscape

[@partyboy007tiger]

Great video. Hope I bump into you both on the Lakeland 55k in July 👍

[@BenParkes]

See you there Chris!

[@as585]

Veloforte chews are king for nutrition - no preservatives and all whole food ingredients. Also after watching Jim Walmsleys Hoka/Wahoo video yesterday, my money is on him if he completes the race.

[@BenParkes]

Yes, would love to see Jim win too!

[@jasonhawen3272]

Cool cats for food and Moody for coffee.... nowhere better in Chamonix

[@ThatRunningGuy]

170K 🤯

[@aiga1458]

Amazing, you two!!! But if you travel around now, who's looking after Kiki, and where is she?

[@BenParkes]

She’s at my mums house on holiday too!

[@markstraffon1198]

My wife met me 40miles into my ultra with potatoes 🥔 and it was the best thing I could of had!!

[@jimduyck]

Can confirm hail bigger in Oklahoma and mountains bigger in the Alps. 😂

[@bilaltahir9978]

Hi Ben wishing you all the best. How is the Soar ultra 4.0 jacket? Is it durable enough to wear a pack over it? And is comfortable next to skin? Also how waterproof is it?

[@samuelluxa6897]

Beauty. Roughly what percentage of walk run do you think it will be Ben?

[@BenParkes]

Probably 50/50 if it all goes well! Run, power hike.

[@SubtleForces]

I am wondering how both of you will do and compare to Jeff Pelletier

[@jamezday]

how did you enter Ben, did you use racing stones or qualify as elite, or get in through lottery? I'd love to give this a go but looks like you have to run a UTMB event to get the racing stones now

[@BenParkes]

It’s all changed now. I qualified in 2019 by running enough races to get points to enter for the 2020 edition. And that’s been postponed to 2021 and then to 2022. It’s a lot more complex now!

[@EverythingWasGreat]

Nike pegasus trail 2 is the best long run easy terrain shoes I've had. Tried the 3 and they have changed alot. Wondering how the 4 is?

[@BenParkes]

review out tomorrow (Sunday) evening!

[@SamStow]

Awesome, so motivating! I'm racing CCC this year, cool to see those trails! Too far to go from Oz for a training run 🙄 Re: nutrition I mentioned before that I personally use Infinit nutrition, it's a powder mix that contains a lot of carbs, I get around 75g/hr and don't eat anything. You can't get it in Europe that I know of but there's probably something similar? I've done 2 100k races on it successfully as well as several 50k, and pretty sure it's vegan friendly. So even if you can't but infinit you could definitely get the ingredients and mix something up yourself. It's my go to nutrition strategy for ultras. Any way good luck with the training and hope Sarah gets on top of the Altra issue, haven't picked my CCC shoe yet but it will be an Altra!

[@BenParkes]

I think Sarah will retire those shoes after this run. But she normally runs in Altras, so will probably have a pair on for the race.. just not the Mont Blancs. Good luck in CCC and thank you for the Infinit nutrition tips!

[@alessandrorossi3268]

A race like that is not a running contest, but an eating contest. Luckily I am better at eating than at running.

[@JonBagge]

Beautiful place. See any marmots? I always look for them in the alps, they are lovely creatures.

[@BenParkes]

I didn't know they were around! I've seen a few goat tyre creatures.. can't remember their proper name!

[@JonBagge]

@@BenParkes Tons of them in the alps, but they are kind of shy. They're usually at 2000-3000m on hillsides with a mix of grass and stone. But if you're coming running at them fast they might be hiding!

[@paulfulbrook8220]

Awesome video guys! My goal is to do UTMB for my 50th birthday, absolutely love trails up there. If you need an extra crew person, let me know! (also...I think Sarah is going to pip you to the post...)

[@BenParkes]

Thanks Paul. So do I!

[@paulfulbrook8220]

@@BenParkes No offence meant brother, You both have your more natural distances..and both absolutely lovely people 👍

[@BenParkes]

@@paulfulbrook8220 thank you Paul! 😀

[@paulfulbrook8220]

@@BenParkes I’m serious about crewing for you by the way 👍

[@cakej1]

Peg trail 4s? Nice...

[@Funmance]

I'm looking to go to Chamonix soon from the UK, what's the best way of getting there?

[@BenParkes]

We drove.. which is possible in a day from SE Uk. Having 2 drivers makes it much better. Most people fly to Geneva and get a rental car, or one of the many private transfer buses that run. It's quite simple. I you stay in central Chamonix then you don't really need a car once you're here.

[@Funmance]

@@BenParkes that's great, thanks!

[@gabornyers7091]

Come on! The UK has much tougher terrain than those manicured ones in the Alps! Just ask Sarah about the UTS50 last year;)) Great Video anyway! Good luck for the race and wish you guys an injury free build up for the Race!!

[@BenParkes]

With my dodgy ankle I need the manicured alpine trails!! UTS is too tough haha..

[@MsTrailerGuy]

Could you pls share any gpx files for routes as I am going there soon!

[@BenParkes]

Everything is on strava!

[@colmobrien8904]

Hi best of luck, will ye run together or just go separate at your own pace?

[@BenParkes]

We'll do our own thing.. who knows what will happen later on. We might end up running together!

[@colmobrien8904]

Hi again, not really a running question but myself and my wife are planning to go to chaminaux next year, is the town affordable for stuff like food, accommodation, cable cars etc? Can't wait to run some of those trails

[@balliettt]

Sorry if I missed this but how did you qualify for UTMB? Through the lottery or as an elite runner?

[@BenParkes]

Me.. elite!! haha.. no chance in trails. I ran the qualifying races in 2019.. got in the ballot in 2020, postponed to 2022 and here we are!

[@balliettt]

Thanks for the response. Good luck with your training. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

[@JJjon13]

is it Garmin watch?

[@BenParkes]

Garmin Epix

[@pezdacandyboi]

What camera is that? Very clear!

[@BenParkes]

Mostly GoPro hero 10 .. supplemented with iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini

[@chrismorgan510]

Ben what do you have attached to you iPhone when filming there?

[@BenParkes]

I’m filming on my GoPro .. I’m just holding my iPhone in the same hand. No idea why!

[@danielallen6033]

What was your belt you were wearing Ben

[@BenParkes]

It's a naked band. The link is in the description!

[@danielallen6033]

@@BenParkes my bad dude. Must have missed that one

[@waiwai3180]

I guess Sarah wins. Have a 10 boules ice cream after the race.

[@alexdolcet3305]

This year they add the 15k 1000 elevation gain tho

[@rgweaver]

Would love to hear more about the mental toughness required to complete such a long race. Especially Sarah: 36 hours for Arc of Attrition and chasing cutoffs for seemingly the last third of the race!

[@richt3993]

REALLY interested to know how Sarah found the Altra MBs! I ordered them, tried them on and sent them straight back! Heel lock in was so back even when tying up those thin laces which then hurt the top of my foot

[@BenParkes]

Will be in the next video!!

[@debbieglen2800]

marmalade sandwiches

[@ivanjeremija9180]

Is Sarah's last name "Here" ?

[@414peps]

Hey! What about everyones youtube favourite Sage Canaday? 😁

[@BenParkes]

It's never been a great race for Sage.. but wish him well of course.! We'll film some content with him and Sandi before the race!!

[@leighshakespeare7041]

Sorry Ben Sarah will win.

[@BenParkes]

I know she will!! :-)

[@neilmurray549]

👍👌

[@_-Adam-_]

Ben! You ought to switch poles with Sarah. Gotta treat your lady right, ya know?

[@BenParkes]

Well it is her Birthday coming up!

[@Eddie-Spaghetti]

I only know of this race because of Courtney Dauwalter what an incredible athlete she is. Good luck you two with your attempt 👍👍👍

[@tobyk8125]

aiguille = eh-gwee :-)

[@Eddie-Spaghetti]

You mentioned the women finish the course in 24 hours yet Courtney last year done it in 22 hours just saying…..

[@BenParkes]

Sorry about that.. thought I said 23-24, but yeah.. Courtney was 22:30 I think. Sorry!