Three-time Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB champion Ruth Croft has etched her name into trail running history, becoming the first Kiwi to win the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), the crown jewel of the global trail running calendar.

Croft completed the gruelling 174km course in 22:56:23, overcoming tough overnight conditions and a fiercely competitive field to claim the women’s title.

Her victory also marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to win all three UTMB World Series Finals: OCC (2018, 2019), CCC (2015), and now UTMB.

The 36-year-old from Greymouth executed a bold and more aggressive race strategy than the one that saw her finish second in the UTMB last year, staying close to three-time champion Courtney Dauwalter (USA) in the early stages before taking the lead after the 100km mark at Champex-Lac.

From there, Croft never looked back, steadily extending her lead and crossing the finish line in Chamonix over 32 minutes ahead of France’s Camille Bruyas. Germany’s Katharina Hartmuth rounded out the podium in third.

Ruth Croft has now won all UTMB World Series Finals races - UTMB (2025), CCC (2015), OCC (2019, 2018). Photo / UTMB

“This has been 10 years in the making,” said Croft at the finish. “I knew I had to start aggressively this year. Last year I was too conservative. I owe a huge thanks to my coach Scott Johnston – this win is as much his as it is mine.”

Croft’s triumph came in a race marred by extreme weather, including hailstorms and freezing temperatures that forced organizers to reroute the course.

Her resilience was shaped in part by a tough DNF at Transvulcania earlier this year due to hypothermia – an experience she credits with helping her manage the harsh conditions in the Alps.

Ruth Croft becomes the first Kiwi to win the iconic Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). Photo / UTMB

Croft’s win also capped a remarkable day for her coach, Scott Johnston, who also guided Britain’s Tom Evans to victory in the men’s race.

UTMB 2025 results – Elite Women

1. Ruth Croft (NZL) – 22:56:23
2. Camille Bruyas (FRA) – 23:28:48
3. Katharina Hartmuth (GER) – 24:16:39
4. Anna Carlsson (SWE) – 24:39:42
5. Maëlle Deruaz (FRA) – 24:43:02