Viswabharath Allamsetti

 From Guntur to the Alps: Viswabharath Allamsetti Completes the Iconic Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)

Guntur/Chamonix, Sept 5 — In a proud moment for the Telugu and Indian endurance sports community, Viswabharath Allamsetti, originally from Arundhathi Nagar, Guntur, has successfully completed the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) — one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons, held in the French Alps.

Representing a small group of Indian-origin runners who qualify for UTMB each year, Viswabharath’s achievement is being celebrated across India and abroad as an inspiration to aspiring runners.

An Ordinary Beginning, An Extraordinary Journey

Viswabharath is the son of the late Madhusudhan Rao and Sujataha Allamsetti. He currently resides in France with his wife Sireesha and two children, Bhavika and Mahaan, while working as a support engineer in an IT company.

His running journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown. What started as a simple fitness habit with colleagues soon transformed into a passion. From half-marathons to full marathons and then to the rugged world of trail running, he steadily pushed his limits.

By 2024, he had completed a 110-km UTMB World Series qualifying race, securing a rare entry into the prestigious UTMB Finals 2025.

The UTMB: World’s Toughest Trail Race

The UTMB is regarded as the “crown jewel” of global trail running. Covering 176.5 km through France, Italy, and Switzerland, it involves a punishing 10,000 meters of elevation gain around Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s tallest peak.

The 2025 edition began on August 29 at 5:45 PM from Chamonix. Runners faced harsh conditions — sub-zero temperatures, continuous rain, and snow above 2,500 meters during the very first night. Many elite athletes dropped out due to exhaustion and cold.

A Grit-Fueled Finish

At the 81-km mark, Viswabharath experienced severe leg discomfort that could have forced him to quit. Instead, he chose resilience. Managing pain, fatigue, and sleep deprivation, he pressed forward with sheer mental strength.

After 44 hours of relentless running, he crossed the finish line and earned the official UTMB finisher’s medal.

A Moment of Pride for India and the Telugu Community

With very few runners from India making it to the UTMB each year, his success is being celebrated in runner forums, Indian diaspora circles in Europe, and fitness communities across Andhra Pradesh.

Messages of support are pouring in on social media, where his story is being hailed as a symbol of quiet determination and global aspiration.

Looking Ahead

When asked about his future goals, Viswabharath expressed his wish to inspire more Indian runners to dream big in the world of trail running.

“Trail ultras are a battle of body and mind. We may start with our legs, but we always finish with our head. I aimed for a faster time, but the real win at UTMB is crossing the finish line.”

He added:

“You don’t have to start big. But if you stay consistent, you’ll surprise yourself.”