Local ultra-runner Charlotte Fisher has secured 3rd place at the gruelling ultra-trail Snowdonia (UTS) 100-mile race.
Her podium place has earned Charlotte elite athlete entry to the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) – often referred to as the hardest 100 mile race in Europe.
Completing the brutal course — known for its technical terrain, over 10,000 meters (33,000 feet) of elevation gain, and unrelenting climbs – Charlotte battled not only the punishing trail and soaring temperatures but also extreme physical distress, managing to finish strong on the podium despite being unable to take on food or fuel for the latter half of the race.
The result marks a comeback from the same race just a year ago, where Charlotte – then recovering from a serious illness that required hospitalisation just 10 days before the event – struggled to finish. Last year’s run raised funds for Mountbatten Hospice in memory of her aunt Jane.
This year, Charlotte completed the course 13 hours faster than her 2024 time. She also placed ahead of last year’s female winning time, in a much more competitive field.
Charlotte’s journey into the world of ultrarunning began 2 years ago in February 2023 when she signed up for the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge and took it on with zero running background in memory of her late aunt Jane. She won this event and since then, her rise in the sport has been meteoric – a progression culminating in a coveted athlete slot for UTMB – often referred to as the “Olympics of trail running.”
Charlotte said:
“This one means more than just a podium spot. It’s a testament to grit, growth, and the power of second chances… believing in myself and never giving up.”
“I’m often asked if I’d do UTMB, and if I was collecting my stones for the lottery, and my reply has always been ‘It’s a dream race, but I’ll only do UTMB when I get athlete entry’, and somehow I’ve spoken my dreams into existence.“
“I may have been in hell, but it looked like heaven. I’m still in shock and beyond grateful.”
