Jeff Browning fundraiser after UTMB heart

American ultrarunner Jeff Browning suffered a heart attack during the TDS race at UTMB in Chamonix, France, on Wednesday. The 55-year-old was 129 kilometres into the 145-km race when he required medical attention and was airlifted to hospital.

Friends of the Browning family launched a GoFundMe campaign on Thursday with the family's blessing. The fundraiser reported that Browning had regained consciousness, was alert, and that funds would help cover initial rehabilitation costs and support his family.

Recovery and financial need

Browning's doctors are optimistic about his recovery, but he will need to remain in France for weeks before being cleared to travel home. He underwent an emergency procedure where three stents were inserted to open blocked arteries. The family has asked for privacy but will provide updates.

Upon regaining consciousness, one of Browning's first concerns was how he would care for his family, as he is their primary financial provider. His sponsor, KEEN, has covered some initial costs, but significant expenses remain because the emergency happened outside the U.S. with limited insurance coverage.

These expenses include lodging in France during recovery, transportation home, and ongoing U.S. medical and rehabilitation costs. Regular living expenses are also a concern as Browning will be unable to work. To help, friends launched the GoFundMe with a $250,000 goal.

After its first day, the campaign raised more than $160,000 from over 1,000 donations. The largest single donation was $10,000.

An ultrarunning icon

Known as "Bronco Billy," Jeff Browning has been one of ultrarunning's most consistent performers for two decades. He has finished nearly 200 ultras and won more than 40.

In 2018, at age 47, he won the Hardrock 100 in 26:20:22. Moving into his 50s, he continued competing at the highest level. In 2024, at age 52, he finished second at the Cocodona 250. While podium finishes have been fewer recently, he remains an active community member through coaching, course marking, pacing, and racing.

The fundraiser organizers described his broad impact. "Jeff has spent years encouraging, supporting and inspiring other people," they wrote. "He has pulled runners through difficult miles, helped others believe they were capable of more and shown up with kindness when it mattered most."

Close friends Jonathan Van Dyke, George Plomarity (his longtime crew chief), and Kevin Walker (an athlete Browning coaches) created the fundraiser with Jenn Browning's involvement. The Brownings are the direct beneficiaries of all funds raised.

Heading into UTMB, Browning had indicated on Instagram that he had always wanted to run the TDS event.