Some runners win races. Others leave a mark on the sport. In the past year, Katie Schide has done both—breaking records on two of the most iconic and unforgiving ultramarathon courses in the world: UTMB and the Hardrock 100.
Her performances in both races were not only dominant—they redefined what women can achieve in the highest tiers of mountain ultrarunning. Without the media hype that often surrounds bigger names, Katie let her running speak for itself. And what it said was loud and clear: she’s one of the best in the world.
Breaking Records in Chamonix: UTMB 2024
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is the crown jewel of trail ultrarunning—106 miles through the Alps with over 10,000 metres of climbing. The course is brutal, beautiful, and legendary.
In 2024, Katie Schide returned to the race after a win in 2022—and this time, she didn’t just defend her title. She crushed the course in 22 hours, 9 minutes, and 31 seconds, setting a new women’s course record.
She pushed hard from the start, stayed strong through the endless elevation, and never faded. Her time beat the previous record set by Courtney Dauwalter—long considered the greatest female ultrarunner of all time.
This wasn’t just a personal best. It was a reshaping of what elite-level female performance looks like on the world’s toughest trail.
Then She Took on Hardrock—and Made History Again
Just months after UTMB, Katie set her sights on the Hardrock 100, one of the hardest ultra races in the U.S., based in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.
The Hardrock course is raw and remote, with altitudes reaching 4,000 metres, river crossings, boulder scrambles, and unpredictable weather. Finishing it is an achievement. Winning it is elite. Setting a record on it is rare.
Katie finished in 25 hours, 50 minutes, and 23 seconds—the fastest female time ever on the course. She became the first woman to break the 26-hour barrier on Hardrock, rewriting another record that had stood for years.
To hold both UTMB and Hardrock records in the same season is virtually unheard of.
More Than a Racer
What sets Katie apart isn’t just her finishing times—it’s her approach. A geologist by training and an American based in France, Katie lives simply and trains hard. She runs in the mountains because she loves them. And she races not for fame, but for the joy of the challenge.
She’s not loud on social media. She doesn’t need to be. Her results—and her calm, focused presence—speak volumes.
A New Standard
In a sport often dominated by big names and big sponsorships, Katie Schide is forging her own path. She has now outpaced some of the most iconic female ultrarunners on two of the most prestigious courses in the world.
Her success isn’t just about speed—it’s about consistency, strategy, and deep respect for the terrain. In many ways, she’s leading a new generation of runners who approach racing with humility, thoughtfulness, and intent.
Why It Matters
Katie’s performances matter not just because of the records, but because of the mindset behind them. She’s proof that success can come from quiet confidence, dedication, and love of the sport itself.
For any runner—beginner or elite—her story offers a reminder that trail running rewards patience, presence, and persistence.
Interested in Trail Running?
If Katie’s story inspired you, check out our [Trail Race Events] or explore our [Training Section] for tips on starting your own mountain-running journey.