They promised a battle between ultra royalty, and Chianti Ultra Trail in Italy delivered. On Saturday, American star Jim Walmsley put on a masterclass, cruising to victory just two weeks after his comeback win at Mesquite Canyon 50K—and proving he’s back to dominate the 2025 trail racing season.
In what was arguably the most competitive men’s field in years, Walmsley faced off against two other UTMB champions: Spain’s legendary Kilian Jornet (a four-time UTMB winner) and France’s rising force Vincent Bouillard, the 2024 champion of UTMB. For the first 24 km, the trio ran shoulder to shoulder, teasing fans. But as the Tuscan skies opened and the mud thickened, Walmsley quietly slipped into his own gear—and nobody could follow.
By Monteluco at 51 km, he’d carved out a three-minute lead. By the 87 km mark, he was nearly half an hour ahead. Finishing in 9:59:48, Walmsley looked every bit the defending Western States champion he is—and once again proved that even muddy chaos can’t slow him down.
Jornet, fresh off welcoming his third child just a week prior, battled both the clock and an apparent TFL issue. Bouillard wasn’t making it easy. The two men exchanged surges over the final stretch, but Jornet summoned his signature grit to pull away in the last kilometer. He crossed in 10:27:27, just 30 seconds clear of Bouillard—and hustled off to catch a 3 p.m. taxi to the airport, a man on both family and running missions.
Top Men
Jim Walmsley (U.S.)—9:59:48
Kilian Jornet (Spain)—10:27:27
Vincent Bouillard (France)—10:27:57
Aubin Ferrari (France)—11:16:11
Lambert Santelli (France)—11:36:57
Pascall powers through for women’s win
The women’s race saw its own fierce duel. Early leader Fabiola Conti set the pace, but by halfway, it was the U.K.’s Fiona Pascall and Finland’s at the front. Antila clung on until 74km, but Pascall found another gear. Despite slick, muddy climbs she pulled away and never looked back. Pascall broke the tape in 12:34:59, with Antila 20 minutes behind and last year’s champ, Spain’s Azara Garcia De Los Salmones, in third.
Post-race, Pascall told media the course was “relentless but awesome,” and Antila’s grin said it all when asked if she’d accept her Western States Golden Ticket: “Absolutely!”
Top women
Fiona Pascall (U.K.)—12:34:59
gJohanna Antila (Finland)—12:53:22
Azara Garcia De Los Salmones (Spain)—13:12:31
Abby Hall (U.S.)—13:31:25
Stephanie Howe (U.S.)—13:34:56
All eyes on Western States
The Chianti Ultra Trail wasn’t just about podiums. Golden tickets for the 2025 Western States were on the line—and they’ve now landed in the hands of Jornet, Bouillard and Antila. With Walmsley already on the start list as the defending champ, the stage is set for an epic showdown in California.
