Mountain King X UTMB 2024

This year’s UTMB was destined to be a race for the ages—a battle that would be etched into the annals of ultra-running history. With the world still buzzing from last year’s electrifying showdown, all eyes were on the legendary Jim Walmsley, who had set the trail ablaze with his victory in the UTMB 100M. The question on everyone’s mind: Could Walmsley once again conquer the unforgiving Alps and secure back-to-back victories in the crown jewel of ultra-endurance racing?

But this year’s UTMB wasn’t just about Walmsley. The week was a proving ground for Mountain King athletes, who stormed the rugged trails with unyielding determination. Among them, one name stood out—Alban Benson. As the clock struck 23:50 in Courmayeur, the starting gun fired for the TDS, a monstrous 148-kilometer race with a soul-crushing 9,600 meters of elevation gain. The stage was set for an epic confrontation, and Alban was ready to make his mark.

From the very first step, Alban Benson charged into the night, his eyes blazing with the fierce intensity of a warrior on a mission. The mountains, steep and treacherous, tested every ounce of his strength, but Alban held his ground. He didn’t just run—he dominated, surging ahead and maintaining a relentless pace that left his competitors in awe. This was no ordinary race; it was a statement, a declaration of his place among the greatest runners of our time.

As dawn broke over the jagged peaks, Alban continued his assault on the course, his every move calculated and precise. And then, as if summoned by the mountain gods themselves, Alban crossed the finish line, securing an astounding 2nd place. His name was not just written but carved into the UTMB record books—a testament to his extraordinary talent and unbreakable spirit.

But Alban’s triumph wasn’t just the result of sheer willpower. His secret weapon? The Mountain King Skyrunner Ultras—the lightest, fastest, and most indomitable poles ever created. These poles were not mere accessories; they were an extension of his body, propelling him forward with unmatched speed and power. With every thrust, Alban seemed to defy gravity, gliding up the unforgiving passes as if the mountains themselves bowed before him.

Alban Benson’s performance at the TDS was more than just a race—it was a legend in the making. His incredible run, fueled by the unparalleled strength of his Mountain King Skyrunner Ultras, will be remembered as one of the most dramatic and inspiring feats in ultra-running history. This is the story of a man who didn’t just run the UTMB—he conquered it.


As the week barreled towards its climax, the world's attention fixated on the grand spectacle—the UTMB 100M, the crown jewel of ultra-trail running. This was the race that had the entire globe holding its breath. Among the elite athletes ready to take on this monumental challenge were Mountain King’s finest—Arthur Jouyeux Bouillon from Team ON Trailrunning and Steven Le Hyaric. Armed with their race editions of the Mountain King TrailBlaze Skyrunner Ultras, they were prepared to face the Alps with the strongest, lightest poles ever crafted. These weren’t just poles; they were masterpieces of engineering, designed to conquer the world’s most grueling terrain.

The UTMB 100M wasn’t just a race—it was a battlefield, and fans were ready for an epic showdown. From the very first steps, Arthur Jouyeux Bouillon charged into the fray with relentless energy. As he blazed through St. Gervais, the crowd felt the ground tremble beneath their feet, knowing they were witnessing something extraordinary. Arthur was a man possessed, his eyes fixed on the path ahead as he stormed towards the legendary Notre-Dame de la Gorge, a place where dreams are forged in the fires of endurance.

The Gorge—infamous, unyielding, and echoing with the cheers of thousands—was a cauldron of pure, raw energy. As Arthur approached, the atmosphere exploded into pandemonium. Fans roared, their voices merging into a thunderous wall of sound that reverberated through the mountains. Through this electrifying chaos, Arthur emerged, a figure of pure determination, his blue Skyrunners flashing like lightning bolts against the rugged backdrop.

The moment Arthur powered through the Gorge became the stuff of legend. With his Skyrunners propelling him forward, he seemed to defy gravity, slicing through the air with a grace and power that left the crowd in awe. This was more than just a race—it was a spectacle, a moment where sport transcended its boundaries and became something truly monumental.

The sight of Arthur, soaring through the heart of the Gorge, his every stride captured in photos and videos that would be admired and replayed countless times, became an iconic image of the UTMB. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of trail running—where human will, cutting-edge technology, and the untamed beauty of nature collided to create something unforgettable. The UTMB 100M wasn’t just a race for the history books; it was a dramatic saga, with Arthur Jouyeux Bouillon leading the charge into immortality.

The UTMB is a race that spares no one—a relentless test of endurance that demands everything from those who dare to face it. Arthur Jouyeux Bouillon embodied this spirit with his triumphant performance, pushing beyond the limits of what seemed possible. As he approached the final brutal climb up to La Flégère, Arthur found himself in sixth place, yet there was no mistaking the energy in the air—he was a fan favorite.

With every step, the crowd swelled, their cheers growing louder, a surge of support that propelled him forward. The weight of his country’s hopes rested on his shoulders, but Arthur transformed it into fuel, driving himself onward with unstoppable determination. As he crested the climb and began his descent towards Chamonix, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Arthur wasn’t just running; he was charging towards destiny, and the world watched in awe as he made his final push in a race that leaves no room for the faint of heart.


All Mountain King athletes used the Skyrunner ultras; the lightest, fastest and strongest race carbon poles available. The poles manufactures, designed and tested in England have been dinged to ensure that each athlete is able to perform to their best without having to worry about the quality of their equipment. With each pole manufacture in Mountain King own factory in England, we are able maintain, tweak, improve, adapt the poles to be the best and lightest in the world.