Jim Walmsley
"Don't be afraid to do what's never been done before - to block out naysayers and embrace the believers."
Jim Walmsley is an athlete who needs no introduction. The 33-year-old ultra-distance athlete from Phoenix, Arizona achieved a lifelong ambition in winning the UTMB® in 2023. The dedicated US athlete moved to Arêches, France with his wife, Jess Brazeau, in May 2022 to help prepare for the UTMB. The lifechanging move paid off as Jim came out on top at the fifth attempt, becoming the first-ever US Male to win the event, achieving a course record in the process.
Jim is also a 3-time winner of the prestigious Western States 100 Mile and holds the course record time. Jim holds the world best for the 50 mile distance, a time he set when running 100k at the HOKA Project Carbon X event in 2019. In 2021 he set the second-fastest 100k ever at the same event.
Jim's HOKA picks
-
"It's got the EVA foam, very traditional feel. (Used) when my feet need a bit of a break from some carbon fibre plates, and kind of a tried and true HOKA." -
-
Jim Walmsley Top Tips
- Try different distances and different surfaces.
- Do warm up, but don't overdo stretching. I've probably tweaked more things than fixed before a race.
- Do be resilient, control what you can, brush off what you can't. Stay positive and always plan to finish.
- Do dream big, have your gioals, plan for the best and prepare for the worst. Adjust as necessary and stay positive and don't forget to smile.
Bring on 2024
Regaining the Western States 100 crown is top of the agenda for Jim in 2024. Jim is a three-time winner of the race (2018, 2019, 2021) and course record holder.
