The PTL® (Petite Trotte à Léon) is no ordinary race. As one of the most demanding events on the UTMB® circuit, it pushes participants well beyond their limits. This year, two runners braved the 300 km of alpine trails, the 25,000 meters of positive vertical drop, and the sometimes extreme conditions together to experience an extraordinary adventure. We were lucky enough to meet one of them, Joel Juht, who tells us, with passion and emotion, about the highlights of this unique event: from the solidarity that carried them through to the physical and mental challenges they had to overcome.
Why did you decide to do the PTL® together, and how did the idea come about?
I first met Hugo in 2022 at the Lapland Yukon Arctic Ultra extreme race, where we finished the 500 km course together. That extreme race marked the beginning of our friendship. Thanks to our good relationship, Victor found me from across the world and without knowing where we were going, I accepted his invitation and said: “Yes, let’s go."
Is PTL® a race you've always wanted to do? What great races have you already done?
I had always thought about doing a UTMB race at some point, but I never expected to participate in the PTL. For me, adventure is what matters, so I prepare for one major challenge each year and then choose a new one. My first-ever race was the 2017 Marathon des Sables 32, for which I prepared for three months and it went really well. Unlike many others, I hated running, and that first race was a unique challenge for me to see if I could start liking something I disliked—and I did, I fell in love with it. Since then, new challenges followed:
- 2024: UTMB® PTL® 300 km Finisher
- 2023: Fire &Ice Ultra 250 km, Winner (Iceland)
- 2022: Lapland Arctic Ultra Finisher 500 km (expedition format)
- 2021: 360 km Winter Extreme Challenge in Estonia (expedition format)
- 2020: Rovaniemi150 Lapland Ultra, 3rd place (expedition format)
- 2019: Yukon Arctic Ultra 700 km (expedition format)
- 2018: 130 km charity tun in Estonia
- 2017: Marathon des Sables®
What was the worst moment of the race?
The hardest part for us was when we got lost, and none of the tracking systems,navigation, or GPS were working. We went in the wrong direction, even after confirming beforehand that we were on the right path. In reality, we were 5 km off-course and had to climb back up the mountain, adding 1,800 meters of ascent that we didn’t need to do. We were lost, exhausted, and a bit frustrated,wondering if we would make it to the checkpoint on time. Luckily, we somehow did. In addition, when we reached Italy, I got food poisoning, which meant I didn’t get enough sleep because I had to keep going to the bathroom.
What was the best part of the race?
The best part of the race was being able to participate in such an event with Victor. The experience, the emotions—just wow. Coming from Estonia, where the highest mountain is 317.4 meters, you can imagine how challenging this race can be for someone from a place with no real mountains. I was in shock for three days in Chamonix, realising the reality of what I was about to do.
Was there any moment you thought you had to give up or didn’t think you would finish?
On the second or third night, I thought, "What have I gotten myself into?" I saw some competitors turning back halfway down the mountain because they were probably scared. At first, I didn’t understand why, but when I found myself face-to-face with a rock wall, I realized why they turned back.In this race, you have to be fully present in every sense
How did you train for such a race?
Since I’m from Estonia, where the terrain is flat, my preparation for mountain ultras is a bit challenging. My preparation period usually lasts about a year, during which I train six times a week with a coach, following a plan tailored to the race. For this race, I did two gym sessions per week focused on leg strength and ran up and down the ski jumping hill twice a week to simulate the uphill and downhill running needed for the Alps. When I ran for two hours on the skihill at home, I gained about 600 meters of elevation, compared to the Alps where you can get 1,000 meters in an hour and 10 minutes. I also did light recovery runs twice a week.
What were your essentials in your kit list and is there anything you didn’t have that next time you wish you had taken with you?
My gear was great and everything worked well. Maybe I should’ve taken stronger trekking poles because mine broke, but everything else worked perfectly.
How did the Raidlight products help during the race. You wore the Made in France Ultralight24L pack was this large enough for everything you took?
Since 2017, I’ve been a big fan of Raidlight products. I don’t say this just for promotion—they look cool and are high quality, which every athlete needs for such races. The 24L pack was fantastic, especially because of the side tightening mechanism that stabilizes the bag to prevent bouncing. All the essentials fit well, but maybe I would consider an external holder for the helmet next time.
How did it feel arriving at Chamonix and reaching that famous finish line?
Arriving in Chamonix was fantastic—an incomparable feeling. The place is special because of the community and supportive people. I think it’s one of those places I’ll always love, and I will definitely return there with my family.
How much sleep did you guys have, and how did you decide when to sleep and where etc
We listened to our bodies and rested, ate, and moved accordingly. In total, we slept 4.5 hours over the week and despite such little sleep, we felt good.
Do you need a good level of alpin climb training for the race, or are you not scared of heights?
It was my first time in the mountains, and I had never been to the Alps before. However, in Estonia, we have adventure parks and I’ve climbed with my 5-year-old child. I also learned some climbing techniques on YouTube! Luckily, I don’t have a fear of heights—I did skydiving 15 years ago
Best Raidlight products you had with you during the race and why?
The backpack was definitely one, but also the extreme series jacket, which I could pull over my bag without having to take it off to stay warm.
What have you got planned next?
I really want to achieve my big dream, which is to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days in 2025 and film a street dance video on all seven continents in the same period. In 2027, my goal is to run the Great Himalayan Race.
Did anything surprise you about the race that you did not expect?
One surprise was that I didn’t realize I would have to climb without safety gear at the highest point!
Click here to watch the film of their adventure
