Ultra Running Review of the Year 2013

Posted on December 19, 2013 by talkultra

What an amazing time to be involved in the sport of ultra running! The once niche minority sport has exploded to greater heights and distances in 2013. No longer is a long beard and ‘Buff’ a pre requisite of ultra running (unless you’re Rob Krar). Clean cut, young, fast is the new ‘ultra runner’ mixing it up with the old guard.

Just think back to this time last year, had you heard of Zach Miller (not the Zach Miller, but, the Zach Miller; confused?), Michele Yates, Rob Krar, Magdalena Boulet and Xavier Thevenard.

Racing and the opportunity to race has also increased to the extent that it is now possible to race pretty much week in and week out for 12-months of the year. Of course, this brings pluses and minuses, certainly from an elite level, runners need to be far more savvy and race clever. You can no longer race month on month and expect to win. Races now have much higher quality fields and the pace is going up. The growth of Skyrunning has been instrumental in enticing a world audience to test runners of all abilities on tough, technical and high-terrain and the feedback has been incredible. UTWT have launched a series of races above the 100-km distance and in doing so have created a ‘trail’ circuit that offers multiple terrain in multiple locations all over the world. It will be interesting to see how the inaugural year goes when 2014 comes around.

So, what are the highlights of 2013?

Ultra Runner of the Year – Men and ladies

Lets start with Rob Krar. I interviewed Rob just after his incredible ‘FKT’ in the Grand Canyon early in 2013 when he put the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim record at another level. At the time we discussed Western States, he was intimidated by the ‘Super Bowl’ of ultra and his first 100-miler. “I’ll give it a shot and see what happens”. Well, if you hadn’t noticed Rob pre WSER you did afterwards. Your not supposed to run WSER and get 2^nd overall in your first attempt. UROC, Ultra Race of Champions was the final of the Skyrunner Ultra World Series and for some reason they had bestowed upon themselves the title, ‘The Ultra Running World Championship’. Mmmmm well, it certainly had a quality field but ‘World Championship’? I don’t think so. In the end it came down to a head-to-head between Dakota Jones and Rob Krar. Dakota looked as though he had it sewn up but on the final descent, Rob unleashed a pace that Dakota went on to say was ‘just crazy’. Rob took the win and a pattern was forming. We were all a little surprised to see Rob’s name on the start list for JFK50, primarily with TNF50 in San Francisco just two weeks later. As it happened, Rob dropped at around the 41-mile mark and went on to say that it was either ‘a great training run for TNF50 or the worst decision he had made in a while.’ It was a great training run! Rob ran a super calm, collected and mature race in San Francisco and when he took the front in the last fifth of the race he released a pace that was just incredible. Without doubt my ultra runner of the year!

Kilian Jornet and the Matterhorn ©iancorless.com

Of course, you can’t talk about male ultra runner and not mention Kilian Jornet. Kilian is a phenomenon. He is the star of our sport. Once again he was crowned Skyrunner World Ultra Series Champion with wins at Transvulcania and Ice Trail Tarentaise. In addition to this, Kilian was also champion of the ‘Sky’ series with 4 wins; Zegama, Mont-Blanc, Matterhorn Ultraks and Limone Extreme. Add this a couple VK’s, a win at Canazei Sky race for the European Championships and a win at Trans D’Havet for the ‘Ultra’ Skyrunning European Championships and you would say the deal is done! But wait-a-minute, we haven’t mentioned his records for his ‘Summits’ project. A stunning new FKT for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc-Chamonix but arguably THE highlight of the year was his Matterhorn Summit. It was a sublime and surreal performance that put going to the mountains light on another level. It was without doubt my ‘moment’ of the year. You can read my ‘Matterhorn Summits Interview’ with Kilian here. Kilian is the most complete athlete I know.

Michele Yates – iancorless.com ©bradclayton

Michele Yates hadn’t run an ultra before 2013. Who would have thought that Ms Figure Colorado 2008 would be such an awesome talent? Well her history shows that she is a 2x Olympic Trials Marathon Competitor, she has 9 marathon wins and PB of 2:38:37. To say Michele burst on the ultra scene would be an underestimation. Her win at Indiana Trail 100 (17:35:18) almost went unnoticed but then taking top spot and the $10,000 prize at Run Rabbit Run suddenly made every one stop, look around and take notice. Placing 3^rd at UROC was another sign that Michele was no one trick pony but just like Rob Krar, Michele sealed a quality 2013 with a win at TNF50. She started that race from the front and never relinquished the lead until the line. Is Michele female ultra runner of the year? Well, I would have said yes. That is until the weekend of Dec 13^th/ 14^th. (Listen to interview with Michele on the Christmas show of Talk Ultra, Ep51 out Dec 27^th)
Pam Smith victorious at Western States turned up at the Desert Solstice track meet run by Aravaipa Running and not only took out the win for 12-hours on the track but set a new female record for 100-miles, 14:11:26. Take your pick, Michele or Pam; it’s a tough call.

But wait a minute, what about Emelie Forsberg. Emelie arrived on the run scene in 2012 and instantly had success, continually placing top-3 with Anna Frost and Nuria Picas. However the break through moment came ironically this time last year, she won TNF50 in San Francisco. This seemed to change everything, Emelie arrived at Transvulcania in May 2013 and won, she followed this up with a win in Zegama, Canazei, Ice Trail Tarentaise, Matterhorn Ultraks, UROC and then went on to run her first 100-miler at the super tough Diagonale de Fous (Raid de la Reunion) and place 2^nd. Do you want to vote against Emelie?

Performances of the Year

Rory Bosio blasted around the TNFUTMB course and in the process not only obliterated the female record but placed 7^th overall. Her performance was nothing short of miraculous.
Jon Olson set a new American record for 100-miles on the track and then just as the year came to a close, Zach Bitter broke the record with an 11:47:21 but maybe even more important, Zach set a new World Record for 12-hours (101.66 miles) beating a Yiannis Kouros record. That does not happen very often! (Zach Bitter will be in the Christmas episode of Talk Ultra, Ep 51 out Dec 27th here)
I have already mention Kilian and the Matterhorn but it was so good I am mentioning it twice!
Timothy Olson went back to Western States and won again. You can win a race once but going back and doing it again is always a true sign of a champion.
Seb Chaigneau took a win and CR at Hardrock 100.
Nickademus Hollon became the youngest person ever to not only complete Barkley but also win it. You can listen to his interview on Talk Ultra here.

Julien Chorier Ronda dels Cims ©iancorless.com

Julien Chorier produced a sublime and calculated performance at the super tough Ronda dels Cims. It was a joy and a pleasure to watch someone control and dominate a race from the front and look good all the way.
Sage Canaday, jeez I missed him out and he definitely deserves a mention for Bandera, Tarawera, Transvulcania (3rd), Lake Sonoma and Speedgoat 50k.

Francesca Canepa once again had an incredible year with a great performance at Ronda dels Cims but arguably a repeat win at Tor des Geants places her well and truly at the top on ‘endurance’ lady of the year!
Iker Karrera nailed Tor des Geants.
Ricky Lightfoot went over to South Africa and raced at The Otter and not only won but put the course record at a new level, in addition he won the IAU World Title in Wales.

Xavier Thevenard took everyone, including himself, by surprise at TNFUTMB with a controlled and impressive performance against some top competition.

Jez Bragg completed the Te Araroa in New Zealand. An incredible journey from the northern tip of New Zealand all the way down to the southern tip. Listen here.
David Johnston completed the Iditarod trail Invitational in 4 days 19 hours 13 mins.Crazy fast.
Ian Sharman and Nick Clark went head-to-head in the Grand Slam of Ultra Running and produced possibly the most exciting competition of 2013. The pair of them produced incredibly consistent performances and showed us all that it is possible to race four 100-milers back-to-back. They didn’t only ‘complete’ but they competed. They both won a race and were never out of the front rankings. Ian Sharman ultimately had the icing on the cake with the overall fastest time and a new Grand Slam record. Respect! Interview with Ian Sharman here.
Paul Giblin at the West Highland Way race. 15:07 and good beating of Terry Conway’s previous CR.

Stevie Kremer Limone Extreme ©iancorless.com

Stevie Kremer doesn’t do ultras but she is a darn fine trail and mountain runner and what ‘Pocket Rocket’ achieved in 2013 is nothing short of miraculous. Can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store.
Ed Catmur has continued to knock out some great 100-mile performances on the GB scene with wins at North Downs Way and the Winter 100.
Lizzie Wraith new female CR for the Lakeland 100 in the UK.
William Sichel keeps running and running crazy distances and setting new records.
Jonas Buud didn’t win Comrades in 2013 but he ran one of the best paced races I’ve ever witnessed. He was way back in the late 30’s and slowly moved up to 3rd. Wow! Notable mention to Brit ladies, Joanna Zakrezewski and Holly Rush who placed top-10.

Surprises of the Year

Rob Krar – Just one word sums up the bearded warrior ‘Krarnage’.
Zach Miller – no, not Zach Miller, but Zach Miller. Zach rocked up at JFK50, nobody knew him and he didn’t know anyone else. He took over the lead when Rob Krar dropped at mile 41. Not only did he win but also he set the 3^rd fastest time ever. Interview with Zach here.
Xavier Thevenard – TNFUTMB was going to be won by Anton Krupicka, Miguel Heras, Julien Chorier, Seb Chaigneau or Mike Foote. Somebody should have told them all about CCC winner, Xavier.
Michele Yates – wow, what a first year in the ultra world.

Who and what to watch out for in 2014

Cameron Clayton has found his feet, 2013 had some mixed performances but when everything aligns he races with the best. His Transvulcania, UROC and TNF50 performances without doubt elevates him to ‘hot’ for 2014.

Luis Alberto Hernando Haria Extreme ©iancorless.com

Luis Alberto Hernando pushed Kilian close at Transvulcania, Zegama, finished joint first at Trans D’havet and won at Cavalls del Vent. In 2014 he plans to race TNFUTMB, now that will be interesting.
Magdalena Boulet had an ultra debut at TNF50 and placed 2^nd. This sub 2:30 marathon runner may turn a few heads in 2014.
Brit, Stuart Air may raise a few eyebrows in 2014. He had a solid Ronda dels Cims, Ice Trail Tarentaise and Tor des Geants and for 2014 he has a Hardrock 100 slot!
Hardrock 100 had it’s draw and suddenly much of the WSER ‘lottery’ chat shifted focus to the field up at Silverton. The 2014 race is a classic in the making with Kilian Jornet, Sebastian Chaigneau, Julien Chorier, Joe Grant and more. Excited? Just a little.
The Skyrunning World Championships take place in Chamonix with runners from all over the world coming to race VK, SKY and ULTRA in one of the endurance capitals of the world.
Beards – the jury is out. Are beards fast or slow? Rob Krar, Timmy Olson and ‘Clarky’ are certainly great advocates for hairy running but Kilian, Cameron, Sage provide a strong counter argument. What are your thoughts?

And finally…

A review of any year is going to be personal. Without doubt we will all have our own highlights and favourite moments, so, I would love to read your thoughts.

Please use the form below.

On a personal note, 2013 was an incredible year, I feel blessed with all the opportunities I have had. To witness many of the moments I write about is a great pleasure. Of course, it’s nothing without you folks reading, looking at my photographs or listening to my podcast.

A very BIG thank you from me.

Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2014 awaits us all…

LINKS:

Photography from 2013 races HERE

IMAGES book HERE

Calendar HERE

Podcasts HERE

Anna Frost, Nick Clark & Michael Wardian join the line up for the 2014, The Coastal Challenge, Costa Rica

Posted on November 1, 2013 by talkultra

The words are still ringing true in my ears, ‘the tenth edition of The Coastal Challenge is going to be special, very special indeed’.

Just two months ago we announced that Philipp Reiter and Julia Bottger (both Salomon) would join Jo Meek (2^nd lady at the 2013 Marathon des Sables) and 2013 ladies TCC winner, Gemma Slaughter in the line up of the 2014 TCC. Today we go one step further…

Anna Frost (Salomon), Michael Wardian (The North Face) and Nick Clark (Pearl Izumi) have confirmed participation in the 2014 edition of the race making it one of the most competitive multi day races on the calendar for 2014. Rodrigo Carazo, race director for the TCC confirmed that it is a ‘dream come true’ to have such a quality field at the race.

‘I have raced in Costa Rica before doing The North Face Endurance Challenge Costa Rica in 2013 and I was lucky enough to have won it and I love racing in heat and humidity, makes me feel like home as Washington, DC gets sweltering in the summer months. I just try and stay small and move fast…’ Mike Wardian

The warmth of Costa Rica, blue skies, varied terrain; it’s a wonderful way to start a new year. The multi day format of the TCC allows all involved an incredible challenge.

Frosty (Anna Frost) when I spoke to her was really excited at the challenges that would lie ahead. ‘Costa Rica is exotic to me. A place I have never been but it intrigues me with images of its beautiful coast lines, native bush that seems a little bit like home (NZ) to me and the bright clear blue sea that is so luring. So when I heard there was a stage race that covers this coastline I wanted to know more.’

Frosty has raced over multiple days before, in early 2013 she participated in Chile and as we chat, she is currently in Nepal at the Manasulu Trail. One of the best female runners out there she is also a threat to many of the men she races as she proved with her stunning victory at the 2012 Transvulcania La Palma.

‘Stage racing is so fun. You are really going somewhere and you get to see so much along the way. The camps between stages are wonderful for spending time with new and old friends. It is really a challenge to get up each morning with aches and pains and stiffness from the days before but you know the whole team feels like that too so you just get moving and really enjoy the day.’

Michael Wardian is equally no stranger to multiple day racing. He is the highest ever placed American at the Marathon des Sables securing 3^rd overall at the 2010 edition. He is also a prolific racer, he has been a 50km champion three times, he has held multiple world records, raced the 135-mile Badwater Ultra Marathon in Death Valley and by contrast ran 2:21 at the US Olympic Trials in Houston, 2012.

‘I definitely enjoy the challenges of multi-day races as there are a lot of factors to account for besides just running and that intrigues me and inspires me. I think of all the things I learned in my previous outings at multi day races; to be as light as possible and balance your energy expenditure throughout the race but also, and this is a little contrarian, but to push more than you think possible because it is possible to recover quicker than you think. I also, take care of the small things because over a week of racing they can make all the difference.’

The Coastal Challenge is not self sufficient, it’s about covering distances in an efficient manner and as fast as possible but at the end of the day, your food is prepared and you can sleep and relax in your own tent, does that mean we can expect some fast running?

‘I actually have only done one multi-day without having to carry a kit, the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage race in India and without the responsibility to carry all you gear for the week, I expect the pace to be wicked fast and I am looking forward to pushing it.’

Michael will not have his own way at TCC, for sure Philipp Reiter will also be keen to push the pace but 2013 Grand Slam participant, Nick Clark will be joining the party in Costa Rica and if anyone knows how to run hard over multiple days, it’s him! In 2013, ‘Clarky’ raced Ian Sharman over four 100-mile races in 12-weeks. It was an incredible battle and one that made everyone in the ultra world turn around with open mouths. Not only did Sharman and Clarky beat the previous best accumulative time but they both each had victories and in the end it came down to the wire for the overall title. A title, which Sharman just won.

I asked Clarky about Costa Rica and how he will adapt for the heat and humidity for the 10^th edition of the TCC?

‘I actually haven’t been to Costa Rica before. Last year I raced in Nicaragua at the Fuego y Agua 100k. Nonetheless, I’m sure conditions will be much the same. Coming from mid-winter in Colorado, the transition to 95+ degree heat and high humidity in Central America is very tough, but I felt like I handled it decently last year. January and February have always been base-building months for me as I prepare for goal races in the summer, so I definitely won’t be sharp, but any time I toe a start line I have my race face on. That will be the case in Costa Rica for sure, especially as it looks like there will be good competition to race against.’

You have a reputation for being one of the best 100-mile runners out there, but what about multi day racing, is that something you have done before?

‘I’ve never done a multi stage race before, so I’m excited to work through some new race dynamics and strategies. I have also never been to Costa Rica, so I’m really looking forward to the vacation aspect too, especially as I’m planning on bringing out the whole family.’

That is a great aspect of the TCC race. It’s possible to bring families and the team are able to provide logistics and entertainment outside of the racing. It’s a fantastic selling point. As a runner you can fulfill your passions and desires but not at the expense of family time.

On a final note, I asked Clarky and Frosty what plans lie ahead for 2014. TCC is in February, so, a full year awaits!

‘Firstly, fingers crossed my body is healthy! And then I have so many things I want to achieve. I really want to race Hardrock 100 so I need to qualify with a 100-miler. I haven’t decided which one yet but maybe Wasatch. The new Buffalo Stampede Sky Run, Transvulcania, Mt Blanc 80km are all on my list, it’s very exciting!’

Frosty has a passion to run but her running is so much more. It’s about experiences, making friends and spending quality time, something that she is convinced she will find in Costa Rica.

Clarky loves to race and race hard, having consistently been close to winning at the iconic Western States, I wondered if that would become a primary target for 2014, after alI, he wouldn’t have three 100’s to follow it?

‘I plan on running Western States again in June, Hardrock 100 if I get in through the lottery, and then the Steamboat 100 in the fall. Other than that, I’ll be looking to take on a couple of FKT (Fastest Known Times) adventure routes in the mountains.’

The stage is set for the 2014 edition of the race. It will, without doubt be the most spectacular edition of the race and possibly the fastest. It’s not too late to get a last minute entry before the prices go up.

Steve Diederich, the UK agent for The Coastal Challenge has made several places available to coincide with this announcement. In addition, a 5% discount will be offered to the first five applicants.

Steve had this to say, ‘The TCC in 2014 is a vintage race in the making. Joining an exclusive club of iconic multi-day ultras, the excitement of what the 10^th edition has in store really is something that we all can’t wait to see unfold’

Race dates: 2nd to 9th February 2014

If you would like to attend the 2014 event and take advantage of a 5% discount, please use the contact box below.

The Coastal Challenge website HERE

IMAGES FROM THE 2013 EDITION ARE AVAILABLE HERE

Episode 44 – Sharman, Hollon, Clark, Clayton

Posted on September 19, 2013 by talkultra

Episode 44 of Talk Ultra and on this weeks show we have a long distance theme. We have an interview with Nickademus Hollon who just recently placed 7^th overall at Tor des Geants. We also have an in-depth chat with Ian Sharman about his incredible summer running the Grand Slam. We also speak to Nick Clark in his regular Grand Slam slot, Clarky’s Corner. We speak to Brit, Emma Clayton about her silver medal in the WMRA worlds in Poland. The news, Talk Training, a blog, up and coming races and of course, Speedgoat Karl.

00:09:56 NEWS

Run Rabbit Run

Jason Schlarb 17:15:20
Karl Meltzer 18:32:07
Jeff Browning 18:52:00
Josh Arthur
Timothy Olson

Michele Yates 20:16:54
Nikki Kimball 20:59:13
Rhonda Claridge 21:45:05
Becky Wheeler
Pam Smith

Wasatch 100

Nick Clark 20:24:26
Ian Sharman 21:01:30
Rod Bien 22:01:58

00:15:08 INTERVIEW Ian Sharman Grand Slam Interview

Sarah Evan McCloskey 24:31:19
Andrea Martinez 26:21:17
Paulette J Zilmer 27:15:02

Tor des Geants

Iker Karrera 70:04:15
Oscar Perez 70:29:41
Franco Colle 72:05:23

Francesca Canepa 88:12:17
Nerea Martinez 91:01:42
Emanuela Tonetti 94:45:59

Jungfrau Marathon

Men:

1. Geoffrey Gikuni Ndungu 2:50:28

2. Petro Mamo 2:52:49

3. Viktor Röthlin 2:53:21

4. Robert Krupicka 3:00:48

5. Hosea Tuei 3:02:12

Ladies:

1. Andrea Mayr 3:20:20

2. Aline Camboulives 3:25:08

3. Martina Strähl 3:25:23

4. Sabine Reiner 3:25:59

5. Stevie Kremer 3:27:09

The North Face Endurance Challenge (Wisconsin) 50mile and 50K

Nicholas Wied emailed in… The 50 Mile

Men

1. Tyler Sigl (Green Bay, WI) 5:38:49;

2. Brian Condon (Madison, WI) 5:55:43;

3. Adam Condit 6:08:38.

This is crazy because Ian Sharman set the CR last year at 5:55.

This is Tyler’s 1st ultra, he is a 2:15 marathon guy who works a full time job and trains on the side. He lowered Ian’s record by almost 20 minutes, INSANE!

Another note, Brian Condon running his 3rd ultra and 2nd 50 miler (he also took 2nd behind David Riddle at Ice Age 50) ran the same time as Ian’s CR.

50mile women

1.Molly Culver 7:51:12;

2.Wendy Lilly 8:20:03;

3. Holly Fearing 8:32:42.

50K Men

1.Andy Nesheim 4:01, 2. Brian Udovich 4:08, 3. Andrew Hollatz 4:14.

50K Women

1. Lorena Campos (Chile) 4:21, 2. rin Seffrood 4:38, 3. Bri Famera 4:40.

Kilian & Emelie – rescued

UROC preview

On a final note, in the Sun Newspaper (not that I read the Sun) a snippet said, “Rab Lee from Bowness and pal, Mark Howlett set a new World Record for running 68.2 miles – three legged, non stop in 24 hours at the Glenmore24 – BONKERS

 01:30:10 BLOGS

Kilian Jornet – http://www.kilianjornet.cat/en/blog

“This is a warning that the mountain is a hard and dangerous place, even when precautions are taken. One must be humble in the mountains, because a high price can be paid for our failures, especially when travelling light. We must accept and be aware of the risks that we are prepared to take individually and with the people who accompany us, depending on our physical and technical skill and also our experience.”

01:31:14 15 MIN OF FAME with Brit Emma Clayton

01:43:09 TALK TRAINING – Marc Laithwaite

02:07:22 INTERVIEW

This week’s interview is with Nickademus Hollon. Nick is not your normal runner… he seeks out the tough and the extreme. We interviewed Nick earlier this year when he became the youngest and one of only 14 people to finish the Barkley. Just recently, he took on the Tor des Geants in Italy.

03:04:05 MELTZER MOMENT

Good –

Bad –

and Ugly –

03:09:15 SMILESandMILES with Emelie Forsberg – smilesandmiles@yahoo.com

03:34:42 CLARKY’S CORNER – discusses Wasatch and his summer on the trails going head-to-head with Ian Sharman

03:51:48 Up & Coming RACES for the next two weeks

Australia

South Australia

Yurrebilla Trail 56km Ultra | 56 kilometers | September 22, 2013 | website

Austria

Wörthersee Trail-Maniac 57 K | 57 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Brazil

Jungle Marathon Brazil – 100 km | 100 kilometers | October 03, 2013 | website

Jungle Marathon Brazil – 240 km | 242 kilometers | October 03, 2013 | website

Canada

British Columbia

50K Cody Claim Run | 50 kilometers | September 29, 2013 | website

Frosty Mountain Ultra Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Great Lake Walk and Ultramarathon | 56 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Ontario

Sears Great Canadian Run – Toronto | 141 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Chile

Patagonian International Marathon – 63K | 63 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

France

Aveyron

100 km de Millau | 100 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

Haute-Loire

Le Grand Trail du Saint Jacques | 66 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

Haute-Savoie

Trail des Aiguilles Rouges | 50 kilometers | September 29, 2013 | website

Ille-et-Vilaine

100 km de la Vallée du Semnon | 100 kilometers | September 22, 2013 | website

50 km de la Vallée du Semnon | 50 kilometers | September 22, 2013 | website

Loir-et-Cher

Ultrail de Beauval | 65 kilometers | September 29, 2013 | website

Lot

Figeac – St-Cirq-Lapopie – Conques : du 20 au 24 septembre 2013 | 208 kilometers | September 20, 2013 | website

Nord

La Contrebandière | 65 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

Seine-et-Marne

Impérial Trail – 64 km | 64 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Germany

Baden-Württemberg

KuSuH Trail 100 | 100 miles | September 28, 2013 | website

Bavaria

Allgäuer Volksbank Voralpenmarathon – 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 22, 2013 | website

Churfranken Trailrun | 73 kilometers | September 22, 2013 | website

Lower Saxony

Volkslauf ” Gesund beginnt im Mund” – 52.8 km | 52 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

North Rhine-Westphalia

50 km von Hitdorf | 50 kilometers | October 03, 2013 | website

Rhineland-Palatinate

Dorint-RUN50 | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2013 | website

Greece

Spartathlon | 245 kilometers | September 27, 2013 | website

Italy

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Magredi Mountain Trail 100 Mile | 100 miles | October 04, 2013 | website

Piedmont

Trail di Oulx – 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 22, 2013 | website

Veneto

Lupatotissima 100km | 100 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Japan

Akita Nairiku 100km Marathon | 100 kilometers | September 22, 2013 | website

Akita Nairiku 50km Marathon | 50 kilometers | September 22, 2013 | website

Kenya

Amazing Maasai Ultra | 75 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

Morocco

UltraTrail Atlas Toubkal | 105 kilometers | October 03, 2013 | website

Norway

Nordmarka Ultra Challenge | 82 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

Singapore

Craze Ultra 100 miles | 100 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Craze Ultra 101 km | 101 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Craze Ultra 78 km | 78 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

South Africa

Bonitas City2City Marathon – 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 29, 2013 | website

Spain

Catalonia

Ultra Cavalls del Vent | 100 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Madrid

100 km Madrid-Segovia | 100 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

50 km Madrid Trail | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Turkey

Lycian Way Ultramarathon | 250 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

United Kingdom

England

Atlantic Coast 3-Day Challenge | 78 miles | October 04, 2013 | website

Cotswold Way Century 100mi | 102 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Hardmoors 60 | 60 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

High Peak 40 Mile Challenge | 40 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

London to Brighton Run | 56 miles | September 22, 2013 | website

XNRG Toad Challenge 2013 | 90 miles | September 20, 2013 | website

Northern Ireland

Causeway Coast Ultra Marathon | 39 miles | September 28, 2013 | website

USA

Alaska

Equinox Ultra Marathon 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Arizona

Mogollon Monster 100 | 106 miles | September 28, 2013 | website

California

Coastal 50K | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Ragnar Relay Napa Valley | 186 miles | September 20, 2013 | website

Sierra Nevada 100K | 100 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Sierra Nevada Double Marathon | 52 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Tahoe 50 | 50 miles | September 29, 2013 | website

Tahoe 72 | 72 miles | September 29, 2013 | website

Colorado

Devil Mountain 50K | 50 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

Devil Mountain 50 Mile Ultra | 50 miles | September 28, 2013 | website

The Bear Chase Race 50K Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 29, 2013 | website

The Bear Chase Race 50 Mile Trail Race | 50 miles | September 29, 2013 | website

Georgia

Georgia Jewel 100 Mile Run | 100 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Georgia Jewel 35 Mile Run | 35 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Georgia Jewel 50 Mile Run | 50 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

The North Face Endurance Challenge-Georgia 50K | 50 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

The North Face Endurance Challenge-Georgia Gore-Tex® 50 Mile | 50 miles | September 28, 2013 | website

Idaho

Priest Lake 50K Ultra Marathon | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Kansas

FlatRock 50K | 50 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

Maryland

Ragnar Relay Washington D.C. | 200 miles | October 04, 2013 | website

Massachusetts

Hancock Shalker Village 50 Mile Race | 50 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Michigan

Dances With Dirt – Hell (50km) | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Dances With Dirt – Hell (50mi) | 50 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

DWD Hell 50K | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

DWD Hell 50M | 50 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

New Jersey

The Mountain Madness 50K | 50 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

New York

Chautauqua Ultras 50K | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Chautauqua Ultras 50 Mi | 50 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Ragnar Relay Adirondacks | 210 miles | September 28, 2013 | website

Virgil Crest 100 Mile Ultra | 100 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Virgil Crest 50 Mile Ultra | 50 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Ohio

Hocking Hills Indian 60K Run | 60 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Oregon

Flagline 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 22, 2013 | website

Pennsylvania

Trails 4 Tails Ultra Run | 40 miles | September 21, 2013 | website

Utah

Bear 100 | 100 miles | September 27, 2013 | website

Grand to Grand Ultra | 160 miles | September 22, 2013 | website

Zion-Bryce Traverse | 85 miles | September 28, 2013 | website

Vermont

Vermont 50 Ultra Run | 50 miles | September 29, 2013 | website

Virginia

GrindStone 100 | 101 miles | October 04, 2013 | website

Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions 100K | 100 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

Uber Rock 50K Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

Washington

Cle Elum Ridge 50K | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Middle Fork 50K | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2013 | website

Wyoming

Sundance 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 28, 2013 | website

CLOSE

03:59:20

Links:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkultra/Episode_44_-_Sharman_Hollon_Clark_Clayton.mp3
ITunes http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk-ultra/id497318073
Libsyn – feed://talkultra.libsyn.com/rss
Website – talkultra.com

Episode 18 Talk Ultra

Posted on September 21, 2012 by talkultra

Episode 18 of Talk Ultra is available and as you can see from the image above it is a really top show!

Karl Meltzer joins me once again to co present the show. We speak about his outstanding win at Run Rabbit Run and what it’s like winning 33 100 mile ultras and taking home $11k for a days running.

Comeback man Mike Morton tells me how he missed the Badwater 135 record by 75 seconds and he also talks about setting a new US benchmark for the 24 hour.

Prof Tim Noakes in many respects needs no introduction. It is nearly 30 years ago that he wrote ‘The Lore of Running’ and maybe with new addition to the nutrition section it still today the perfect reference book. He has a new book called ‘Waterlogged’ with new theories on hydration for sport.

I also get to talk to Dean Karnazes. Love him or hate him (unjustified in my opinion) he is maybe one person who has encouraged and is possibly responsible for the boom in ultra running. I maybe ask him one or two awkward questions and we discus whats next…