Chamonix in the French Alps is a real mecca for ultra-distance runners who come together for a week to celebrate the ultra-distance community and culture, as well as run up, down and through some of the most spectacular scenery that Europe has to offer. Well done James Local, who runs and trains locally and completed the OCC (Osieres to Chamonix) 61k ultra race. With almost 3500 metres of climbing, it is a real challenge and takes athletes up and over two mountain passes. Temperatures were favourable for all the runners this year with records being broken across the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc (UTMB) weekend. James completed the OCC in 7 hours 41 minutes and 36 seconds, bringing him home 172nd overall and 13th in his age group.

For anyone interested, James can be seen reaching various checkpoints through the race on the UTMB website. James family enjoyed crossing the finishing line in Chamonix, footage which shows why this event is on so many runners’ bucket lists.