The 2025 Sicoob Mons Ultra Trail will be remembered not only for its champions, but for an extraordinary achievement behind the scenes: zero serious rescue incidents across all race distances. The credit belongs to a dedicated race support crew of more than 150 people, affectionately known as the Faces of Mons, whose commitment and expertise formed the backbone of the event.

Long before the first athlete reached the start line, these crew members were already working—marking trails, setting aid stations, preparing logistics, and coordinating safety teams across the vast, technical terrain of Nova Trento. Their presence was constant: on remote ridges, deep in forest sections, at creek crossings, and in bustling aid zones where their energy lifted exhausted athletes.

Many team members were locals: students, teachers, firefighters, farmers, and lifelong trail enthusiasts. Others travelled from neighbouring regions, drawn by the reputation of the One Hundred series and the pride of supporting Brazil’s premier ultra event.

Their work went far beyond handing out water or directing traffic. They monitored athlete well-being, communicated constantly with medical staff, provided real-time GPS and environmental updates, and executed a proactive safety plan that proved flawless.

Athletes spoke repeatedly about the crew’s warmth and professionalism. Whether offering a bilingual pep talk, a perfectly timed refill, or a reassuring nod in the dark of night, the Faces of Mons created the safe and uplifting environment that allowed every athlete to push toward their limits.

The zero-rescue statistic is a testament to them: a rare, remarkable achievement in a race of this distance and difficulty.

“They are the heart of this event,” said Race Director Danilo Pinheiro. “Without them, there is no One Hundred Mons Final. They are the quiet heroes of every finish line.”

Their dedication turned a world-class race into an unforgettable community triumph.

In a race where every second counts, Martin Perrier proved that sometimes the smartest move is to stop briefly before surging to glory.

 

Martin arrived at the penultimate aid station first, fully aware he held a comfortable 20-minute lead over Damian Watson. But instead of pushing on, he made a bold, unconventional decision that showed exactly why he’s one of the sport’s sharpest minds. Martin settled inside the aid station tent and took a 15-minute power nap, a calculated recharge to sharpen his focus and fuel his final push.

 

When Damian arrived, Martin woke, stood up, and immediately switched back into race mode. What followed was a display of champion instinct: he launched out of the aid station with renewed speed and intent, extending his lead and leaving his rival with no chance to respond.

 

That final stretch to the finish showcased Martin at his absolute best — steady, composed, and tactically brilliant. His victory in the 200M wasn’t just a result of physical endurance; it was the product of elite race intelligence and a willingness to trust his body and instincts.

In a sport defined by grit and grind, Martin’s power-nap gamble will go down as one of the most memorable strategic moves of the season. A true champion’s mentality: strong enough to run, confident enough to rest, and smart enough to know exactly when to do both.

Italian trail legend Francesca Canepa entered the 200 mile Championship with something no one else had: more than two decades of elite racing experience, one in snowboarding and 15 years in running.

So while younger athletes surged through the early kilometres, Francesca played the long game: conserving energy, managing heat, and reading the course like a strategist plotting a checkmate.

Her early pacing was deliberate, bordering on conservative. But for those who know Francesca’s racing style, it was a warning sign that she was exactly where she needed to be.

As night fell and the race entered its decisive phase, the field began to splinter. By the 130 km mark, Francesca had moved into striking distance, her cadence smooth and her posture unbroken. Instead of chasing aggressively, she stuck to the plan and just flowed through the miles following her own pace, focused on feeling comfortable and happy.

 

Around km 260 she caught Jodie Stutt and decided to share the lead at least for a while because 200 miles all alone are so long and also because women often empower themselves together.

But then, with just 6 km remaining, Francesca decided to better honor the race and herself as well, and launched a calculated surge that stunned spectators and competitors alike. On a rugged climb known for breaking spirits, she found another gear with calm efficiency and never looked back. The final kilometres were the fastest of her entire second half of the race.

Crossing the finish line in 59:40:02, Francesca Canepa claimed the women’s 200 mile World Championship title, reaffirming her place among the sport’s greats. It was not just a victory of strength, but of intellect, patience, and mastery.

Her finish drew some of the loudest cheers of the week, and her performance became the defining veteran storyline of the Grand Final.

Francesca’s message afterward captured her approach perfectly:"Ultras are not won in the first kilometres. They’re won when everyone else thinks the race is over. Experience teaches you when to wait—and when to fly."

After more than 200 brutal miles and over two days of continuous running, Eduardo and Thiago delivered one of the most unforgettable moments of the Grand Final — not for a podium place, but for ninth and tenth, making their showdown even more compelling.

 

What began as two athletes grinding through the final stretch became a powerful display of camaraderie and competitive fire. For hours they ran side-by-side, pushing each other through exhaustion, isolation, and the mental strain that only multi-day racing can inflict. Their shared pace and mutual respect built a bond that carried them to the final kilometre.

But as they entered the last corner, everything changed.

 

Eduardo stumbled and fell, hitting the ground in a heartbreaking moment after so many kilometres of strength and resilience. Thiago instinctively surged forward, securing the advantage just seconds before they reached the finishing chute.

 

What followed was a 400m all-out sprint, two athletes emptying what little remained in their bodies. Thiago crossed just ahead, taking ninth, with Eduardo charging in right behind him, a finish that drew cheers not because it decided a victory, but because it captured the pure essence of endurance sport: respect, grit, and the thin line between triumph and heartbreak.

 

Over two days of racing, they had become each other’s pacer, rival, and support system. Their final sprint wasn’t about beating one another, it was about finishing together, even if separated by a single dramatic moment.

 

A finish for the ages. A story that proves you don’t need to win the race to win the crowd.

Nicaragua’s legendary volcanic trail race will make its World Championship debut on Isla de Ometepe in March 2026.

The One Hundred® Group is proud to announce that Ultra Fuego y Agua, Nicaragua’s most iconic trail race, will officially join the One Hundred® Endurance Trail World Championship series.

Held annually on Isla de Ometepe, a breathtaking island in Lake Nicaragua formed by the twin volcanoes Volcán Concepción and Volcán Maderas, Ultra Fuego y Agua is one of Central America’s longest-running and most challenging trail events. Since its establishment in 2008, the race has attracted both international and local athletes drawn by its dramatic volcanic landscapes, raw natural beauty, and uncompromising terrain. The 2026 edition will take place from 6-8 March 2026.

Renowned for its extreme endurance demands, Ultra Fuego y Agua perfectly complements the One Hundred® Endurance Trail World Championship. Courses feature steep volcanic ascents and descents, dense forest, sandy beaches, technical single-track, dirt roads, and deep mud, creating a uniquely demanding race environment that tests physical strength, mental resilience, and adaptability.

The event’s flagship challenge is the 100K Ultra, featuring approximately 6,000 metres of elevation gain, starting at 3:00am on Saturday, 7 March 2026. The race programme also includes the Vertical K challenge running up Volcán Concepción, 14K and 28K trail races, a 50K Ultra with two ascents of Volcán Maderas, and a Kids Race, making it a true festival of trail running for all levels.

Ultra Fuego y Agua embodies the spirit of adventure and community that defines world-class endurance trail racing. The event is owned and directed by Thomas Blanc, an experienced event organiser and accomplished ultra trail runner and obstacle racer, whose firsthand understanding of endurance sport shapes every aspect of the race. Leading a seasoned team of staff and volunteers, Thomas ensures meticulous planning, athlete safety, and on-course support, with rugged courses that are GPS-mapped, marked with reflectors, and marshalled at key points, preserving the event’s raw and authentic character.

Thomas Blanc, CEO of Ultra Fuego y Agua:

“It is a true honour for Ultra Fuego y Agua to join the One Hundred® World Championship Series. This race was born on a raw volcanic island, built by a community of passionate runners, and shaped by years of pushing limits in one of the most demanding environments on Earth. We are proud to showcase Isla de Ometepe and its volcanoes to the world, and excited to welcome athletes who are ready to experience trail running in its purest, most authentic form.”

João de Saldanha, CEO of One Hundred® Group, said: “Fuego y Agua is a true test of endurance, set on one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in the world. Its authenticity, history, and extreme challenge make it a perfect addition to the One Hundred® Endurance Trail World Championship, and we’re proud to welcome it into the Alliance Series.”

For more information, visit Ultra Fuego y Agua’s website at www.fuegoyagua.com or the registration page here.

About One Hundred®

One Hundred® is the world’s first structured ultra endurance trail world championship, bringing together the most iconic 100 km, 100-mile, and 200-mile races across continents. With a digital-first ecosystem, elite-level production, and a community-driven ethos, One Hundred® is redefining how athletes, fans, and destinations experience trail running on the world stage.

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