Capell
Pau Capell is a Spanish trail and ultra-distance runner from Sant Boi de Llobregat, near Barcelona. He rose to global prominence in 2019 when he won the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in 20 hours, 19 minutes and 7 seconds, becoming the first non-French winner of the race since Kilian Jornet in 2011. Capell originally aspired to be a professional footballer, but a serious knee injury in 2012 ended that career. His doctor recommended trail running as rehabilitation, and within seven years he had claimed the biggest prize in ultra-trail running.\n\nCapell built his reputation on the European trail circuit with four consecutive victories at Transgrancanaria (2017 to 2020) and wins at the Eiger Ultra Trail (2018) and Mozart 100 (2019). His aggressive front-running style at UTMB, where he led from start to finish without company for much of the race, demonstrated an unusually bold tactical approach for a 171-kilometre event. He also won the Patagonia Run 100 Miler in both 2019 and 2022.\n\nBeyond competition, Capell attempted a solo "Breaking 20" project on the UTMB course in 2020, aiming to finish in under 20 hours. Although he missed the target, he completed the effort in approximately 21 hours and 17 minutes, setting a fastest known time for the route at that point. He remains one of the most accomplished Spanish trail runners of his generation.
