CurraNZ team preview: All eyes on UTMB in Chamonix

As the ultra-running community gears up for the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) World Series Final 2024, which kicks off on August 26, we at CurraNZ are thrilled to support an elite team of ultra-marathoners who will be racing for top honours.

This year's CurraNZ team lineup includes Simon Cochrane, Caitlin Fielder, Hayden Hawks, Scotty Hawker, Meryl Cooper, and Christian Meier, each bringing their unique strengths and determination to the challenging trails of Mont Blanc.

With some 'dark horses' and established stars of the endurance world heading there in immense form, we're set for fireworks from our squad.

Caitlin Fielder: Eyeing Glory in the OCC 

Caitlin Fielder, known for her resilience and tactical racing, will be taking on the 56km OCC (Orsières-Champex-Chamonix) race.

Fourth female in this race last year, February’s Tarawera 50km Champion and recent European performances and podium finishes in shorter ultra-distances make her a strong contender for a top finish once again in the OCC.

Scotty Hawker: Documentary Star Returning Strong for the 'big one' 

Scotty Hawker, a seasoned ultra-runner, returns to Chamonix on a mission. Known for his remarkable third-place UTMB finish in 2019 and second in the 2021 CCC, this year marks ten years since he first lined up at the iconic event.

Scotty has proven his mettle on the world's toughest trails. His experience and mental fortitude and extra gears he’s discovered on CurraNZ will be crucial as he navigates the gruelling 171 km course of the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc – his seventh time racing at UTMB.

Watch Scotty’s fantastic documentary showcasing his lead-up to the 2024 UTMB. 

Read the Scotty Hawker story here

David Haundschmidt - 8 weeks, 8 races, including OCC at UTMB

David's not your average athlete. The emergency doctor from New Zealand packs in the racing when he ventures abroad and has a huge 8-week, 8-race campaign in Europe planned, with the 56km OCC smack in the middle.

Last year he competed at UTMB with a still-healing hamstring injury which prevented him from running any descents.

Miraculously, in the following weeks he won double gold - first at the 2023 Xterra European Trail Champs in Italy and then the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra 8 days later.

David’s game plan to manage so much competition is simple - double dose on the purple power pills for incredible recovery - and keep turning up. 

Simon Cochrane - Ultraman World Champion takes on UTMB

Simon Cochrane is an endurance sport beast who mainly competes in long-distance triathlon, last year smashing the Ultraman World Championship course record in Hawaii after dominating the series lead-up. Ultraman is the ‘Ultra’ big brother of Ironman, involving 515km of running, swimming and cycling over three days.

Simon has been dabbling in other endurance events like Back Yard Ultras and comes to Europe a dark horse with a huge endurance engine for the 100 mile race around Mt Blanc.  

Hayden Hawks: Renewing Rivalries in the CCC

Hayden Hawks, a leading force to be reckoned with in the ultra-running world, is set to compete in the CCC (Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix), a race he won in 2017 and set a course record.

Hayden's impressive track record in high-profile races, including his sensational third at Western States, puts him amongst the favourites for the podium. 19 wins and four places from 32 races since 2019 showcases our Utah man’s incredible consistency at the top level.

He will be going all out to podium again this year.

Meryl Cooper: Chasing Excellence in the TDS

Meryl Cooper, a leading UK ultra-runner who has represented GB at Championship level, will be competing in the 145km TDS (Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie).

Meryl's strength lies in her ability to maintain a steady pace over long distances, and her seventh out of a field of 240 women at Transgrancanaria in February was a great season start.

EUROPE

Christian Meier: Debut winner in 2023 - get set for more fireworks!

Christian Meier, a former professional cyclist turned ultra-runner set the sport on fire when winning TDS on his first attempt last year, just a few months after discovering CurraNZ.

His background as a Domestique on the European Cycling Tour has equipped him with exceptional endurance and a strategic mindset, which he has successfully transferred to ultra-running. Christian's transition has been impressive, and his performance in the CCC will be closely watched as he continues to prove a force in the ultra-running community.

We are proud to support these exceptional athletes and look forward to cheering them on as they conquer the trails of Mont Blanc. Stay tuned for updates across our social platforms and join us in celebrating their achievements at one of the most prestigious events in the ultra-running calendar.