Mount to Coast athlete and French ultra-runner Matthis Granet has set a new world record for total elevation gain over 48 hours, achieving an extraordinary 24,759 metres of ascent during a continuous challenge held near his home in the French Alps.
The challenge began at 16:13 local time on 22 May 2026, and concluded exactly 48 hours later on 24 May. Granet surpassed the previous benchmark of 24,052 metres, set by Paul Henri Romestin in March 2022. The attempt followed official world record protocols and is currently pending final ratification.
What started as a solo effort quickly transformed into a remarkable community movement. Throughout the two days and nights, local runners continuously joined Granet on the climb, accompanying him up and down the hill in scenes reminiscent of 'Forrest Gump in the mountains’. Even during the night, supporters arrived to encourage him and share parts of the effort alongside him.
The challenge took place on a local route just three kilometres from his home, with each lap featuring 69 metres of elevation gain. The format reflected Granet’s commitment to promoting a more sustainable and accessible vision of ultra running by proving that world-class endurance challenges can happen close to home.
Despite the success, the challenge was far from straightforward. Extremely warm conditions created digestive problems for him during the first half of the attempt, putting the record in doubt early on. Granet later admitted he was unsure whether he would be able to continue at the required pace. Over the entire 48-hour challenge, he slept for just 45 minutes.
“The first half of the challenge didn’t follow my plan and I wasn’t sure that I could make it,” said Granet after completing the effort. “Luckily things went better on the second day thanks to all the support that the local runners and my crew gave to me. It’s not my record; it’s a record for the whole team.”
Granet, a 28-year-old trail runner based in the Alps, has built a reputation for combining ambitious endurance projects with charitable initiatives. Following the completion of the UTMB in memory of his late mother, he developed a long-term mission to pursue 40 ultra-endurance goals over 20 years while supporting meaningful causes through fundraising and awareness campaigns.
This latest challenge was organised in support of the Williams Syndrome Association France, with the aim of raising both funds and awareness through performance.
“We are very happy and proud of Matthis, who is an inspiration to ultra runners,” said Sheng Li, EU Business Director at Mount to Coast. “He has redefined ultra running and demonstrated a way to approach the sport in a more sustainable and community-focused way.”
The achievement marks another milestone for Mount to Coast’s growing presence in the global ultra-running community and reinforces the brand’s commitment to supporting athletes who are pushing the boundaries of endurance sport.
