The 2024 Mountain Ultra is now over! A tight-knit group of intrepid runners gave it their all in a remote corner of Krygyzstan’s Tian Shan Mountain range, tackling immense climbs, technical descent and stunning high mountain valleys.

The week began in picturesque Alpine meadows, with runners following rivers and roads for the initial few miles. This gentle start gave way to the surreal Red Rock Valley, where the terrain became rugged and otherworldly, with towering red cliffs creating a dramatic backdrop.

Under blue skies in a deeply carved glacial valley our runners embarked on stage two. The crew initially navigated fast-flowing rivers, which soon gave way to the first significant mountains of the race, and with a lung-busting climb to match. Locals refer to these majestic peaks as celestial, and it’s easy to see why—with their imposing presence and untouched summits, they dominate the horizon.

Day Three was marked by harsh weather and mountain thunderstorms as the runners navigated rope bridges to exit the initial valley, setting the tone for a day filled with technical challenges. The first significant obstacle was a sharp ascent through dense pine forests, which then opened up to reveal stunning electric-blue glacial lakes. The 1,500m climb demanded a mix of light technical scrambling and steady trekking, testing the runners’ endurance and agility. As the runners ascended, they were rewarded with views of Ala-Köl Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. This serene yet daunting body of water, fed directly by a glacier, guided the runners towards the highest point of the stage at 3,907m.

Throughout the course of Stage Four the runners encountered three major high passes. Each pass presented its own unique challenges, with steep ascents and descents on technical terrain demanding both physical stamina and mental fortitude. Every step made on the rough terrain required careful consideration, and with burning lungs and light heads, the challenge was dramatically increased, the thin mountain air affected all.

The final stage saw the runners travel into stunning rolling hills little explored by the western world. With a clear view of the mountains of Kazakhstan to the north they entered a territory only populated by the occasional local shepherd. Endless wildflower valleys, raging rivers and snow capped peaks surrounded them for most of the day.

Reinhold Hugo wins the Men’s Mountain Ultra!  Storming across the line today with a total time of 36 hours 21 minutes, Reinhold cemented a solid victory in the 2024 Mountain Ultra. With a podium on every stage, and consistently speedy performances across the board Reinhold deservedly took home the Mountain crown.

Veronique Lievin wins the Women’s Mountain Ultra!  What a spectacular race from Veronique Lievin, who won the 2024 Mountain Ultra Women’s Race. Veronique crossed the line in a brilliantly quick 44 hours and 42 minutes in total. With five stage wins on the bounce, it was never going to be anyone else. With consistently quick performances and a positive attitude, the miles looked easy. She became the second-ever female finisher of the Mountain Ultra.

Frode Lein took second place in the 2024 Mountain Ultra, with multiple podium finishes and a stage win Frode put in an excellent performance, finishing in 38 hours and 15 minutes.

Behind Frode came Rory Warnock, in 39 hours and 20 minutes to round out the podium, and Thomas Evans took an excellent fourth place with a time of 41 hours and 31 minutes.

Graeme Murdoch made it in fifth! Graeme crossed the line in 44 hours and 18 minutes after a raft of consistent performances throughout the week! Graeme was consistent in and around the lead pack, taking the hills in his stride.

Wolfgang Schöenegger became the fourth Global Race Series finisher! Wolfgang finished the Mountain Ultra in 52 hours and 35 minutes, completing his global race series campaign. Wolfgang has previously completed the Beyond the Ultimate Ice Ultra, Jungle Ultra and Desert Ultra.

Katie Baker took second place in the 2024 Mountain Ultra Women’s race, finishing in 54 hours and 46 minutes. A consistent run that saw multiple podium finishes, well done Katie! 

Robin Moore took third place in the Women’s race, rounding out the podium in 60 hours and 33 minutes. 

Robin finished just ahead of fourth placed Dawn Cassey (60 hours and 46 minutes) and fifth placed Katrina Wright (61 hours and 17 minutes).

Peter Smith, Gary Chapman, William Dobbie, and Harry Edmonds also made it into camp. What a spectacular race from these gents, taking on the miles in a strung out mid pack, supporting and racing one another through the toughest of the Tian Shan’s offerings.

Also coming across the line this evening is the last of our male runners, Matthew Von Ertfelda and Brian Bell, who crossed the line together and finished with 57 hours 17 minutes and 57 hours 41 minutes respectively.

A special shout out should also go to Nora Holford, who retired from the race on Stage Four. Nora fell and hurt her wrist, but continued the half-marathon back to camp where she subsequently found out she’d broken her wrist! What incredible grit and determination from her. Eddin Avraham also gave up his first place on Stage Four to run the race with the back markers, showing amazing camaraderie.

You can see the full results by checking the table down below!

Feeling inspired? Enter the 2025 Mountain Ultra by clicking here.

We’d also like to extend a huge thanks to our media, medical and local Kyrgyz team, without whom the race could not operate. Thank you!