Ludovic Pommeret: Experience as a Legacy

From his humble beginnings on the trails of Maurienne to his victories in the world's biggest ultras, Ludovic Pommeret has carved out a unique path: that of a consistent, patient, and deeply passionate runner.

He has won almost everything — but above all, it is his longevity and humility that inspire a new generation of trail runners today. A conversation with an athlete who doesn't chase the spotlight, but whose journey lights the way for many.

A Path Marked by Perseverance

Before winning UTMB, the Diagonale des Fous, or the Hardrock 100, Ludovic followed a path much more winding than his resume might suggest. His first ultra race? A drop in blood pressure and a DNF.

“It was in 2000, La Fort'iche in Maurienne. I had signed up in the walker division… and I dropped out.”

This scenario repeated itself more than once. In 2004 and again in 2005, he started UTMB without making it back to Chamonix. It wasn't until 2009 that Ludo finally finished a 100km race: CCC.

That same year, he stood on the second step of the podium at the Diagonale des Fous, a race that would change his relationship with ultras. “That was a turning point," he said. "I saw what my body could endure. Even when I felt terrible, my body surprised me.”

"Hardrock Startline" - Compressport x COROS, by Simon Dugué

Since then, his career has taken off. Wins at UTMB 2016, Diagonale 2021, Hardrock 2024 and 2025, just to name a few. Ludo has become one of the most consistent runners in the sport. His strength: a patient, almost silent race strategy, before moving up to the front.

“My best race memory was the UTMB in 2016," Ludo recalls. "I was around 50th place in Les Chapieux (km 52), and I climbed all the way to victory. The emotions were indescribable. It also defined my style: start behind, then come back.”

This very distinctive style — built on patience and quiet comebacks — has become his true signature over the years. It even inspired a capsule collection called Stay Behind, created with his partner Compressport. A way to celebrate his unique approach to racing: stay calm, hold back, and surge at the right moment.

His two wins at Hardrock, however, played out differently: leading from the early kilometers, with a steadier approach. This year, Hardrock was a more peaceful race, lived with the joy of sharing the adventure with loved ones.

A Patient Journey in a Changing Landscape

Today's trail running scene has little in common with that of the 2000s. More structured, more demanding, more exposed; the sport has evolved, and so has Ludovic. Never one to follow trends consciously, his personal journey has naturally aligned with the sport's transformation.

“There's real professionalization now. Partners are investing more, which allows runners to commit more fully.”

He himself has reduced his professional activity over the past two years, devoting more time to training. A significant shift that reflects a changing discipline: more structure, more planning, more rigor around training, but also recovery, nutrition, and mental preparation.

Compressport x COROS, by SImon Dugué

Another change: Ludovic now focuses exclusively on ultras. While he used to race shorter formats (with the French national team, for instance) he gradually transitioned to very long distances, requiring increasingly heavy training weeks and long hours in the mountains.

Each winter, he complements his training with long ski mountaineering sessions, which he sees as essential to his physical… and mental balance. That part has never changed!

“At the end of every season, trail or ski, I burn out. Practicing both sports lets me mix it up and keep the motivation alive.”

And what about data? Ludo uses it, but in his own way. He's not the type to run with his eyes glued to his watch. He uses COROS data, but with perspective. He's not interested in controlling every session, but in observing long-term trends, subtle signals, and overall evolution.

“I don't check my heart rate during effort, and I don't even know my zones. But I do analyze my data in the long term and after races.”

What he follows most closely are the Base Fitness and Training Load curves available in the COROS app, which allow him to visualize his overall fitness, spot build-up periods, dips… and better manage his training blocks.

“I like seeing the progression. I like seeing things move in the right direction.”

He also uses the Health Reports provided by COROS, especially during altitude training camps, like in the lead-up to Hardrock. These indicators — oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate variability — give him additional insights into recovery and adaptation to the environment.

“Where there's a will, there's a way”

Over time, Ludovic has become more than a runner: he's become a reference. And without ever forcing the role, he's naturally taken on the role of mentor. To the young athletes on his team. To his daughter, Léa. Through the book he just wrote. His journey inspires. His voice matters.

Island Lake on the Hardrock 100 course - Compressport x COROS, by Simon Dugué

When asked what he'd like to pass on to those just starting out, he doesn't hesitate: perseverance.

“I want them to understand that you can make a lot of mistakes, fail, and still succeed. That was my case. I dropped out of all my early ultras.”

Ludo is convinced: it's not ease that shapes an athlete, but the ability to come back. Again. And again.

He also encourages others to progress step by step — even if, he admits with a smile, he didn't always follow that advice himself.

“I started directly with ultras. It's not what I recommend. But what drew me in back then was the seemingly impossible challenge.”

And maybe that's the spirit he embodies: don't skip steps… but never lose the desire.

Quickfire Answers

Best advice ever received?

“Respect everyone, fear no one.”

A mantra his coach regularly reminds him of. For Ludo, it's a call to remain humble, while believing in your chances, no matter the competition.

A memorable story?

“If I'd received the message, I might have stopped…”

During UTMB 2016, Ludovic was around 50th place in Les Chapieux (km 52). His coach was considering having him drop out to save himself for Worlds, and sent a message to his wife, Céline. But with no signal… she never got it.

The result: Ludo continued… and won the race.

A value to pass on?

“You have to dare to fail. You learn more from failure than from victory.”

Ludovic knows what he's talking about. Before raising his arms at the world's biggest races, he racked up DNFs.

But he kept coming back. Every time. And that's what he tells those just starting out: success doesn't always come on the first try. But it comes to those who keep going.