From Tully to Mont Blanc Max McDonald Trains For Ultra Trail Race

Max McDonald, 27, has been training for the CCC by UTMB, a world-renowned ultra-trail race where he will run across the Mont Blanc massif. Photo supplied

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Tully local Max McDonald is set to represent the region on the world stage when he tackles the prestigious CCC by UTMB, an iconic ultra-trail race that takes runners across the spectacular Mont Blanc massif.

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Runners start in Courmayeur, Italy, through Champex, Switzerland to Chamonix, France where they cross the finish line. Competitors will run just over 100km with an estimated elevation gain of 6,000 metres.  

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“it’s the Olympics for trail running,” said Max.

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Max, who lives in Tully has had the perfect training ground in the form of Mount Tyson; a rainforest covered peak spanning 2km with an elevation gain of 650 metres.  

“It’s a steep, technical track with mosquitoes, leeches and horse flies!” Max enthuses.  

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“Tully is a harsh environment - it can be humid and hot and can be really wet as well [but] it has its strong points [from] a running perspective.”

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Max’s qualifying race held by Ultra -Trail Australia was in the Blue Mountains, Sydney where he ran 100KM in 12 hours 13 mins.  

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In just under eight weeks Max will head over to Europe to compete in this grueling event and he’s set his sights on another sub 13 hour time.  

The trail takes athletes through some extraordinary vistas where racers will face harsh terrains, steep inclines and changeable weather conditions.  

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“As an athlete, over the years you learn to talk yourself through things, when things get hard in life you talk to yourself, and it gets better,” shared Max.  

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“With running I’m not nervous, I know the steps to get through it, it’s a challenge I’m ready for.”

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The CCC by UTMB race takes place on August 28th 2026, and is documented via online streaming services. You can also follow Max’s journey via Instagram: maxmc_

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