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TrailRunAdvisor Presents the Crystal Peak Prize

Celebrating Trail Running's Top Athletes of 2024 🏆

Trail running continues to conquer hearts and mountains, and 2024 has been an impressive year for the sport. TrailRunAdvisor is proud to present the Crystal Peak Prize, an award honoring the best trail running athletes of the year.

✨ Key Data

Categories:

The awards were divided into two exciting categories:

-Short/Medium distances and Skyrunning: Up to marathon.
-Long and Ultra Distances: Beyond the marathon.

Awards:
🏅 Awards were given to the Best Male and Female Athlete in each category.

Voting Panel:

A select group of trail running experts and organizations from around the world chose the winners:

TrailRunning channel
Trail Territory
American Trail Running Association
Tejas Trail
Destination Trail
Swiss Alps
A côté de mes pommes
Jogging International
Editions Mons
Belgium Running
Asia Trail Master
Ultra X
TB Press
Tempo
Lusa
Sterrato Gang
Sport di Montagna
Trail Chasers
Paraty by UTMB
Project Trail Running
World Trail Races
Skyrunning Federation Bulgaria

Voting Period:

📅 From December 1 to December 14, 2024

🏆 Winners: Long and Ultra Distances

Male Category:

🥇 Vincent Bouillard – His tenacity and skill in extreme terrain put him at the top.
🥈 Ludovic Pommeret – A legend who continues to set the standard in endurance racing.
🥉 Jim Walmsley – The American runner continues to make his mark in the ultra trails.

Women’s Category:

🥇 Courtney Dauwalter – Considered one of the best ultramarathoners of all time.
🥈 Katie Schide – Her consistency and style positioned her as a strong contender.
🥉 Jasmin Paris – A runner whose determination inspires the trail community.

🏆 Winners: Short/Medium Distances and Skyrunning

Male Category:

🥇 Kilian Jornet – The undisputed king of skyrunning reaffirms his dominance in 2024.
🥈 Elhoussine Elhazzaoui – His speed and precision led him to second place.
🥉 Patrick Kipngeno – A promise that continues to excel at altitude.

Women’s Category:

🥇 Judith Wyder – Her talent and passion shone brightly this year.
🥈 Joyce Njeru – A name that resonates strongly in the short distance circuits.
🥉 Anaëlle Bondoux – A revelation in the world of skyrunning.

Give it up for the Best Athletes of the Year! 🎉

2024 left us with epic moments and unforgettable races. We congratulate the winners and all the finalists who with their efforts have elevated this sport to new heights.

Who will be the next to reach the summit of success in 2025? The race is on!

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