Jeff Browning Suffers Heart Attack During UTMB TDS Race in France

American ultrarunner Jeff Browning suffered a heart attack during the TDS race at UTMB Mont-Blanc in Chamonix, France, on Monday night, August 24, 2026. He was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital where he remains under medical care, according to a family statement posted on his Instagram account.

Browning, 55, was approximately 129 kilometers into the 145-kilometer (90-mile) course when he needed immediate medical attention. The TDS race starts in Courmayeur, Italy, crosses several mountain passes, and finishes in Chamonix, with a total elevation gain of 9,305 meters and a maximum allowed time of nearly 45 hours.

The Browning family statement said, "He received immediate medical treatment from the race and emergency medical teams before being airlifted to the hospital, where he remains under medical care." The family also thanked the medical crews and supporters who have sent messages.

Earlier reports indicated Browning had a fall during the race, breaking his glasses and experiencing blurry vision. Vespa Power Products shared a message from UltraAspire’s CEO, Bryce Thatcher, suggesting Browning was defibrillated at an aid station after the incident. "Jeff is in a coma after having what is believed to be a heart attack around mile 80 of the TDS Race," the message said. The fall might have caused a brain bleed, potentially triggering the cardiac event, though details remain uncertain.

Jeff Browning, nicknamed "Bronco Billy," is a highly accomplished ultrarunner with nearly 200 ultramarathon finishes and more than 40 wins. His notable achievements include winning the Hardrock 100 in 2018 and finishing second at the Cocodona 250 in 2024. Despite advancing age, he has remained competitive and active in the ultrarunning community.

Earlier in 2026, Browning completed the Western States 100 in 18:03:38 and the Cocodona 250 in just over 70 hours, ranking 38th and 15th respectively. He is recognized as one of North America's top ultrarunners and is listed in the 55-59 age category at UTMB.

Cardiac emergencies during endurance races have seen improved survival rates due to widespread CPR training and defibrillator availability, according to a study published in JAMA. However, mountain ultras like UTMB pose greater challenges due to remote terrain and limited immediate medical access, requiring helicopter evacuation in severe cases like Browning’s.

The TDS race continues as scheduled, with the main UTMB event set to start Friday evening in Chamonix.