Marco de Gasperi – Sierre Zinal

Posted on August 11, 2012 by talkultra

Marco, 11th August 2012 in the mountains above Zinal.

It’s the day before Sierre Zinal and I caught up with Skyrunning legend, Marco de Gasperi.

Marco, now 35 years old started running in the mountains very young. He participated in his first Sky Race when 15/16 years old.

You can listen to his thoughts HERE

Or via Talk Ultra HERE

*Please note this is recorded ‘live’ in Zinal so sound quality may be affected by external sources.

Marco de Gasperi stretching his legs before Sierre Zinal 2012

Marco de Gasperi – a brief history

PLACE OF BIRTH: Bormio (So)

MAIN CATEGORY PLACINGS VICTORIES AND JUNIORS
1995-1996: Victory in World Cup racing teams in the mountains
1995: Class 7 ° C. World Mountain Running EDINBURGH (SCO)
1996: Class 3 ° C. Italian cross-country corporate SALSOMAGGIORE (Pr)
1996: Class 1 ° C. Italian mountain running after 3 races
1996: Class 1 ° C. World Mountain Running Telfes (Aut)

INDIVIDUAL WINS WORLD CUP
1997: C. World mountain running MALE ‘SVATANOVICE (CZE)
1999: C. World Mountain Running KINABALU PARK (MAS)
2001: C. World mountain running ARTA SPA (ITA)
2003: C. World Mountain Running Girdwood, Alaska (USA)
2007: C. World Mountain Running OVRONNAZ (SUI)
WIN World Cup team: 11
1997-1998-1999-2000-2001-2002-2003-2004-2007-2008-2011

WIN the European Cup team: 12
1997 -1998 – 1999 – 2001 -2002 -2003 -2004 – 2005 – 2007 -2008 – 2009-2010

Main results of European Mountain Running Championships:
Gold: 2004 Korbielow (POL)
Silver: 2002 Madeira (POR), 2007 Cauterez (FRA), 2009 Telfes (AUT)
Bronze: 1998 Sestriere (Turin), 2005 Heiligenblut (AUT), 2008 Zell am Harmersbach (GER), 2010 Separeva Banya (BUL)

PLACINGS Italian Mountain Running Championships:
Individual (after 3 races): Gold: 2002, 2003, 2004
Silver: 1999, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011
Bronze: 1997.2000, 2001, 2006, 2008
A relay: Gold: 2001 – ’02-’03-’04-’05-’07-’08-’09 – ’10

MAJOR VICTORIES IN INTERNATIONAL
Race LJUBIJANA Šmarna Gora (SLO) 1999, 2000
Snowdon Race LLAMBERIS (WAL) 2001
International WMRA Grand Prix (6 races) 2001
Strassenlauf Ferleiten Grossglockner (AUT) 2003
Mount Kinabalu Climbathon KINABALU PARK (MAS) 2003, 2010 (2h33’56 “Record)
Hochfelln Berglauf BERGEN (GER) 2006, 2008
Sierre – Zinal Zinal (SUI) 2008, 2011
Interlaken Jungfrau Marathon (SUI) 2010
Skyrunning European Championship Valmalenco-Valposchiavo (Ita – Sui) 2007 2h32’02 “Record

VICTORIES IN Vertical Kilometer:
VAL D’Isère (FRA) FILA Vertical Kilometer, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 (34’51 “Record)
VAIL (USA) 1999 FILA Vertical Kilometer
Cervinia (AO) FILA Vertical Kilometer 1998
ANDORRA Vertical Kilometer Sky Games 2006
CHIAVENNA (So) Chiavenna – Lagunch 2008 (Time 31’42 ‘.9), 2009
ARLES SUR THUR (FRA) Vertical World Series 2011
ANBOTO (SPA) Anboto Vertical Kilometer 2011

VERTICAL RACES:
MILAN – Pirelli Skyscraper Vertical Sprint 1, 2007, 2009 (Time 3’41 “)
TAIPEI (TWN) – TAIPEI Up Run 1, (2007-2010) 2nd (2008,2009,2011) (Time 11’09 “)
SAN PAULO (BRA) – NESTLE ‘Corrida Vertical Building 1, 2010 (Time 3’34 “)
NEW YORK (USA) Empire State Building Run Up 2 ° 2009 (10’21 “)
LONDON (GBR) THE GARKIN 2 ° 2010

Jury of Appeal ?

Posted on August 10, 2012 by talkultra

Events that arose in the recent Speedgoat 50k seem to have opened a can of worms! Is racing and applying race rules so difficult?

Let’s face it, in the ultra world on a course of say 100 miles, how will it ever be possible to ensure a runner abides by the rules?

At Speedgoat 50k confusion arose over the difference between ‘trail’ racing rules for the US and Skyrunning rules. Had RD Karl Meltzer stipulated a race rule pre race that corners ‘must not be cut’ then I guess we would have clearly had a DQ for Kilian. Under the circumstances Karl made, in my opinion, the best decision possible. End of story! Moving forward RD’s will learn from this and ensure that rules are clear before a race begins.

Taken from The Examiner
For this year’s 57th running of the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon to be held the weekend of August 18-19, the Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc., board of directors has announced that a three-member jury of appeals will be in place to review and handle any race day issues affecting runners to include visible course cutting, unsportsmanlike conduct, and the awarding of prizes and prize money.

“Even though rules and regulations at the Pikes Peak events are very specific, there is always a chance that runners misinterpret them. We want to provide a forum whereby any course infractions can be reviewed and considered thoughtfully and thoroughly before a runner is disqualified from the event,” said Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc., President Ron Ilgen.

Although the inclusion of a jury of appeals is not groundbreaking, for instance the World Mountain Running Championships includes in their regulations a requirement that a jury of appeals be appointed, the majority of mountain and trail running events do not have an appointed jury.

USA Track & Field (USATF), the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States, has several published documents regarding meet personnel, referees, and jury of appeals for events they administer or sanction. Although mountain and trail running falls under the umbrella of long distance running, many of the events staged in the U.S. are not sanctioned by USATF and therefore operate with their own rules, regulations, or guidelines.

As more prize money is introduced into trail and mountain running events, there is more at stake than just a finisher medal.

As Ilgen states, “With athletes vying for a share of an increased prize purse this year, (it was announced last month that $54,000 is up for grabs at Pikes Peak), we want to insure that rules are adhered to and everyone in the race is competing on a level playing field.”

Just a few weeks ago, the Speedgoat 50K had an issue with a top runner reported to have cut the course. Without a jury in place, race director Karl Meltzer had to make a tough decision affecting the outcome of the race and the awarding of prize money. It was a ‘live and learn’ experience and something Meltzer doesn’t want to repeat in the future. He agreed that a referee in place at the event would have made the decision a lot easier.

Some of the items that could be addressed by the jury of appeals at the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon include visible course cutting – either noticed by race officials who will be stationed throughout the course, or by other athletes in the race. This constitutes grounds for disqualification. Issues on marathon day related to an athlete hampering another athlete’s progress on race day related to an uphill runner not yielding to the faster downhill runner – possible grounds for disqualification. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and is possible grounds for disqualification. Runners may take aid at specified aid stations, or take aid from supporters along the trail, or carry their own aid. However, taking oxygen prior to the completion of the race (even if medically necessary), is grounds for disqualification.

The Pikes Peak festivities kick off Thursday, August 16, at 1:00 p.m. with a press conference and reception for media and athletes. This event is open to the public and will be held at Manitou Springs City Hall. On Friday, August 17, the expo and packet pickup opens in Memorial Park in Manitou Springs at 9:00 a.m.

The Pikes Peak Ascent start time for the first wave of runners is 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, with the second wave heading up the mountain at 7:30 a.m.. The culminating event, the Pikes Peak Marathon, will start at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 19. Follow the Pikes Peak races as they unfold on Twitter @runpikespeak.

Sierre Zinal

Posted on August 9, 2012 by talkultra

Marco De Gasperi will be at the start line of Sunday’s Course de Sierre Zinal again, defending last year’s win. Without sparring partner Kilian Jornet the race still has plenty of competition coming from Britain’s Tom Owens, Spaniards Luis Alberto Hernando and Tofol Castanyer as well as Portugal’s Cesar Costa, second last year, together with a host of super-strong contenders from various countries.

After several months layoff for health reasons, De Gasperi will again take up the challenge – minus Jornet who is training at altitude in the US for the Pikes Peak Marathon, next on the World Series calendar. De Gasperi’s time last year, 2h30’18” was just 98 seconds short of Jonathan Wyatt’s long standing record set in 2003.

Hernando, heading the World Series ranking, could possibly be feeling the strain of a very successful and intensive season’s racing, including the recent SkyGames® combined title. Owens, ranked third, fresh from his second place at Giir di Mont, may find the race a little short for his liking, while Castanyer, Giir di Mont winner, will no doubt prefer the 31 km distance – which boasts 2,200m elevation gain.

Aiming for a podium place will also be twenty-two-year-old new entry Mattheo Jacquemoud from France together with fellow countrymen Michel Rabat, Eric Clavery, and Yann Curien, Joe Gray and John Tribbia from America, Italy’s Nicola Golinelli, Saul-Antonio Padua from Columbia, following in his father’s footsteps Dimitris Theodorakakos, Greece, Britons Joe Symonds (brother of Andy) and Robbie Simpson…

2011Winner Oihana Kortazar

In the robust women’s field it looks like Spain and France will dominate the podium with Oihana Koratazar, last year’s winner and reigning World Series champion looking for a repeat performance. Her time last year was 3h11’24” – still far from the incredible record of 2h54’26” set in 2008 by Czech Anna Pichrtova. More podium promises include Nuria Picas, recent SkyGames^®champion, Blanca Maria Serrano (currently ranked second) and Nuria Dominquez.

The French ladies’ line-up counts Aline Camboulives, second last year ,Celine Lafaye, third, past skyrunning world champion Corinne Favre and Maud Gobert. Others to look out for are Russia’s Zhanna Vokueva,currently ranked third, and Italy’s new skyrunning star Silvia Serafini.

1,279 runners from 15 countries are entered, including runners from ISF Skyrunning Associations from countries as diverse as South Africa to Hong Kong, Greece and Poland together with Japan’s Dai Matsumoto who is competing in the World Series races.

The 31 km course with a total 2,200m elevation gain is favoured by runners from many different backgrounds and offers a unique panorama of five 4,000 mountains – unquestionably one of the most spectacular on the Skyrunner® World Series calendar.

Follow the race on Facebook or on Twitter

The Arc’teryx Advantage

Posted on August 8, 2012 by talkultra

The Arc’teryx advantage

Published in RUN247

Wednesday 8th August 2012

Arcteryxs | TalkUltra | Ian Corless

TalkUltra’s Ian Corless reports back from the Arc’teryx Media Camp in the Pyrenees, and explains why Arc’teryx’s North American manufacturing facility gives them the edge when it comes to incorporating athlete feedback into their designs

The Arc’teryx advantage

About Arc’teryx

Mention the word Arc’teryx to any outdoor lover and you will typically get a one word answer that is drawn out as though the word is made of too many letters; N I C E !
And they would be correct. Arc’teryx make nice kit. Just like Stellar Artois, it is reassuringly expensive.

The first big question is the name… explanation please! Named for ARCHAEOPTERYX LITHOGRAPHICA, the first reptile to develop the feather for flight, freeing itself from the constraints of the horizontal world.

Arc’teryx achieves an advantage with its products by merging un-rivaled designs with the highest quality and highest performing materials. They use innovation and unique assembling techniques to make durable products that perform in the intended environment for the intended sport. The Endorphin range is the epitome of this ethos.

I was very fortunate to be invited to the Pyrenees in July for a ‘media camp’ to review and test the new Endorphin running range for 2013. This media camp was arranged in conjunction with Skyrunning and the Skygames of which Arc’teryx are a partner and as such they had several Arc’teryx sponsored athletes taking part, Adam Campbell, Murray Strain and Nicola Gollinelli to name just a few who participated in the events.

The media camp assembled journalists from Italy, France, UK, Germany, Spain and Sweden and we all congregated after a lengthy transfer from Barcelona in Ribagossa. Nestled in a mountain hotel we spent a superb three days learning about the Arc’teryx brand, running in the mountains testing the Endorphin range and of course we had some wonderful relaxation time with great food and great company.

The Arc’teryx advantage

Photos: Departing for VerticalK. Arc’teryx athlete Adam Campbell

The Arc’teryx advantage

Arc’teryx have an advantage! They are one of only a few major outdoor industry outerwear brands to have its own domestic North American manufacturing facility. This allows them to readily develop proprietary manufacturing processes, enabling them to efficiently create superior features that other manufacturers simply cannot build. They are able to design a product one day, manufacture it the next day and then by the third day the product is being tested out on the trail or in the mountains. It is this level of immediate feedback that enables Arc’teryx to select the right fabrics, construction and weight to ensure that not only the garment performs to the best of it’s ability but importantly, so that you perform to the best of your ability! It’s a synergy of design, fabric, manufacturing and performance.

Adam Campbell explained in detail how he had specific demands for the Ultra Trail Mt Fuji in which he placed second overall. A tough 100-mile run that had very specific equipment requirements.

Adam needed a lightweight race pack that could hold mandatory equipment and allow him to hydrate easily while on the move. He needed a lightweight waterproof jacket with hood and over trousers. All these items were manufactured to Adam’s exacting needs, all within one week. It is this on site facility of design, manufacture and immediate testing that allows these new innovations to transfer down to us, the consumer.

Working in conjunction with textile manufacturers, Arc’teryx are able to select and develop the highest performing and most durable materials that are specific to the demands of the sport in which the garment will be worn. It’s about finding that balance between weight, breathability, waterproofness and durability.

GORE-TEX® Pro Shell
WINDSTOPPER®
Coreloft™ & Thermatek™ Insulation
Fortius™ & Polartec® Softshell
Phasic™ base layer fabrics
MAPP Merino Wool
420ACT™ AC² pack materials
Watertight™ zippers

Engineered to meet the needs of the most demanding athlete. Activity-specific patterning ensures complete freedom of movement, and each product is critically scrutinized and detailed for the intended end use.

e3D patterning for enhanced range-of-motion
Snowsports specific outerwear features
Hoods with quick, one-hand adjustment
Tri-Dex glove patterning
Packs with articulated & breathable components

All these elements combine to ensure that Arc’teryx maintain an advantage over its competition. The synergy may make the products a little more expensive but believe me, when you see the difference; it is a price worth paying!

The Arc’teryx advantage

Photos: The author Ian Corless and the group at the top of the VerticalK

Testing in the Pyrenees

I can’t think of a better way to test a product than to put the stuff on and go and run it. Luckily the Arc’teryx staff very kindly provided all of us with the opportunity to run (walk) the VerticalK course as used in the Skygames. If you are new to Skyrunning and the races that they have, the VerticalK goes up 1000m with a typical gradient of some 30+% so effectively you cover a distance of around 3.5km and ascend 1000m. They are tough to do, particularly if you race them!

We congregated in the car park and with the help of Arc’teryx athletes as guides, we started on our way. A promise of a sumptuous picnic and cold drinks on our return was surely just a ploy to get us up the mountain…

Like a flock of canaries we took flight. Our citrus Motus SS shirts made us look like a professional team out on a training camp. Unfortunately the reality was quite different. No sooner had we crossed the main road, gone up a small alleyway, that the climb started. The laughter and chat soon subsided as, one by one, everyone started to power walk.

Steep climbing and rutted technical trail underfoot made the 1000m ascent good fun. We had great company, beautiful weather, stunning views and incredible scenery. Overhead birds soared. Giant birds, eagle like in groups of 3’s and 4’s. It was incredible.

In our own time we each made our ascent to the imaginary finish line. Several of us ascended higher to get a panoramic vista of the whole mountain range, it was an incredible view.

The 1000 m drop back down to the car park offered a different test. Not a demand on aerobic ability and fitness, but a test of technique, nerve and confidence. As promised, cold drinks and a picnic awaited!

Endorphin by Arc’teryx

Posted on August 8, 2012 by talkultra

The new Arc’teryx Endorphin range

Published in RUN247

Wednesday 8th August 2012

Product review: Arc’teryx Incendo Jacket, Incendo Vest, Motus SS, Incendo Short, Accelero Cap and Aerios 7L Backpackstrong

Accelero Cap

I always wear a hat or visor when running. Without wishing to add to much detail… I sweat and I tend to sweat quite considerably. A good head product stops all that salty liquid running into the eyes and causing irritation. I typically have a preference for a Visor and I have to say that the Arv’teryx ‘Neutro‘ Visor is the best on the market for me. For testing purposes though I was using the Accelero Cap.

The cap is short brimmed and highly breathable with mesh side panels. It has the all important comfortable sweat band that caused no irritation and at the rear it has an adjustable stretch closure with a quick release buckle. Considering I was using this hat in the mountains with 30 deg temperature and I was running up a 30% incline I found the hat incredibly comfortable and cool, even with the heat absorbing black colour.

Motus SS T Shirt

The Motus SScrew neck shirt was probably the greatest revelation of all the test kit provided. We all think a shirt is a shirt and the differences between products are minimal but believe me, the Motus is a world apart. Using Phasic SL fabric this performance orientated lightweight (97g for M) running top has bi-component construction and all important flat locked seems to remove any potential irritation.

Light to wear it has a trim fit and is designed to quickly remove moisture from the skin. Running up steep gradients with a Backpack certainly helps generate some heat. I was impressed 100% at the ability of the Phasic SL fabric to not only remain comfortable when my sweat rate increased but also how quickly it dried. All in all this is a very impressive shirt and the addition of reflective strips to aid visibility this is one shirt that I will be using again and again for future runs.A streamlined, trim fitting zipper vest is a popular addition to any runners wardrobe. It provides that all important protection for the chest in cooler temperatures but also allows for the arms to be free and therefore controls temperature regulation.

Incendo Vest

This Incendo Vest is made of ultra-lightweight (95g) Luminara fabric which is 100% nylon. To the rear of the product is a 100% polyester mesh back that allows internal heat to escape from the body. It has a side (reverse) stow pocket (the vest will stow inside this) and reflective blades to increase visibly. The most important aspects of a product like this are lightweight, small pack size and ease of use. The Incendo Vest does all these things perfectly and is a great addition to any runners ‘essential’ kit list.

Incendo Jacket

The Incendo Jacket uses the same fabric as the Incendo Vest but has some obvious significant differences. It has no mesh rear panel but mesh panels under the arms to provide temperature control. Obviously designed for cooler temperatures and/ or early morning/ late evening runs. It has reflective strips to increase visibility and at 119g is super light. At the top of the summit in testing it provided perfect protection from the wind and importantly it will reflect light rain. It has a trim fit and therefore when running it did not flap or move around in the wind.

It is a product that is designed to ‘fit’ the body and in doing so I suggest that you make sure that you get the correct fit. I personally found the jacket and the vest sized a little large, so, if you are around a 38″ to 40″ chest I would recommend a ‘small’. Like the Incendo Vest it has a small pocket and the jacket will stow into it. Inside the zippered pocket is a media pocket with MP3 cord passage. In use it is a pleasure to wear. Once on you don’t even know you are wearing it. Perfect. When running or racing this jacket offers the perfect combination of wight, size and practicality.

Obviously should you anticipate ‘harsh’ conditions then this jacket may very well be too ‘light’ and I would recommend the Visio FL Jacket. For 2013 the Incendo will also have the option of a ‘hood’. This product will be called Incendo Hoody.

Aerios 7L Backpack

A Backpack is an all important essential item to any trail, mountain or ultra runner. Because of the variables we encounter when out running the need to carry ‘essential’ items, food and water mean that a practical and comfortable pack is essential. Now if you are like me, I am sure you will have spent a fortune on constantly trying to find that ‘perfect pack’. We have so many variables to consider and I personally find that no ‘one’ pack does all jobs well.

The Aerios 7L (also 10L available) weighs in at 400g and comes in either black or blue. It has two internal pockets, one for a bladder and the other pocket is a small zippered type with a key holder that could hold a wallet, phone or both. It is a simple pack that can hold a surprisingly large amount of kit. In the test case I had a buff, gloves, head torch, Incendo Jacket, Incendo Vest and 2 collapsable poles inside and I still had plenty of room for additional kit. On the outside is a drawstring elastic cord with a ‘garage’ to stow excess cord. This elastic is ideal for adding a jacket such as the ‘Gore Tex’ Visio FL. It has an elastic waist belt with a ‘quick release’ adjustable buckle and if required the waist belt can be removed from the pack completely with two fasteners. On the chest it has an adjustable chest strap that can be placed in one of four positions depending on your body shape and desired fit. In use it is really comfortable to wear and has minimal bounce.

The rear of the pack has ‘Aeroform’ mesh that provides a stable support and minimal heat retention. At the bottom of the pack on either side are two small expandable mesh pockets that are easy to reach without removing the pack and can easily hold several gels or food. At 7L it has a particular use and for me I personally would like the addition of pockets on either the shoulder straps or waist belt. This would provide more options for food and or other essentials such as mobile phone or GPS.

Incendo Shorts

Incendo Shorts are one of the best that I have worn. Made from two fabrics called ‘Invigor’ and Viente both of which are Polyester. They fit and hold shape perfectly. They weigh 132g for a medium and have a relaxed fit. An internal liner provides excellent comfort and no irritation. A drawstring waist allows for precise adjustment and at the rear a small mesh vent panel allows for heat to escape. It has two pockets, a hip stash pocket and hip zippered security pocket. In use they are extremely comfortable and allow for plenty of movement with no discomfort. Running or walking up steep gradients in the Pyrenees allowed my legs to move through a whole series of positions with no restraint applied by the fabric or the cut of the short. The waist band was just the right size and like all Arc’teryx products the attention to detail was second to no other make them ideal for a short or long run on road or trail. The addition of reflective strips to increase visibility make them a perfect choice.

I would like to thank Arc’teryx for the opportunity to travel to the Pyrenees and test the products. My reviews are independent, open and transparent.

Waldo 100k

Posted on August 7, 2012 by talkultra

Oregon Ultrarunning Stars Olson, Koerner to Headline Waldo 100K RaceWomen’s field includes Joelle Vaught and Denise Bourassa

Race Day Aug. 18, 2012

WILLAMETTE PASS, Ore. — Western States 100 champion and Montrail Ultra Cup winner Timothy Olson and Hardrock 100 winner Hal Koerner top the start list for Oregon’s premier ultramarathon,Waldo 100K.

They will be joined by Waldo women’s course record holder Joelle Vaught and 2011 second place finisher and Montrail Ultra Cup champion Denise Bourassa, along with some of the nation’s finest ultrarunners. The demanding 62-mile race takes place on mostly single-track trails southeast of Eugene, Ore.

“We’re fortunate to have deep fields on the men’s and women’s sides of the race,” said Craig Thornley, Waldo race director and Western States 100 assistant race director. “However it goes down, we can guarantee there will be some exciting competition.”

The excitement of the race is ratcheted up a notch by the fact that Waldo, once again, kicks off the Montrail Ultra Cup race series, and the top two male and female finishers will earn automatic entry spots into the 2013 Western States 100. Top finishers will earn cash prizes thanks to event sponsor Sunsweet Growers. The first place male and female finishers will each earn $500.

Top talent on the men’s side includes Joe Uhan, winner of the 2011 McKenzie River 50k, and 2012 McDonald Forest 50k winner Nick Triolo. 2011 Rocky Raccoon 100 mile champion Ian Sharman will also be competing, along with 2011 Forest Park 50k winner Yassine Diboun and young gun Jacob Rydman, who was third at this year’s American River 50 mile race.

On the women’s side, Ray Miller 50k winner Jen Benna will be in the mix, along with Mountain Masochist 50 mile champion Alison Bryant. Blackhills 100k winner Helen Lavin and Capitol Peak 55k champ Kathleen Egan are both on the start list.

About Waldo 100k

Founded in 2002, Waldo 100k is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization supporting the Willamette Pass Ski Patrol. The challenging mountainous race takes runners over three major climbs of more than 2,000 feet each for a total of 11,000 feet of elevation gain and an equal amount of loss. Sponsored by Sunsweet Growersand Mountain Hardwear, Waldo 100k is funded in part with room tax funds from the city of Oakridge/Westfir Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is part of the Oregon Trail Series and the Montrail Ultra Cup. For more information, go to waldo100k.org.

Hoka One One news

Posted on August 7, 2012 by talkultra

I have just spent a day with Mark and Steve who are the distributors of Hoka One One in the UK. Always great to catch up with these guys and look at what is coming up from the land of Hoka. In this case, 2013.

The big news; TWO NEW SHOES!

A stripped down trail shoe called RAPA NUI COMP is the first highlight. It has all the benefits of the Hoka One One range such as the rocker profile and bucket seat but this shoe has ‘less’ cushioning to give more ‘feel’ under the foot. In contrast to conventional trail shoes this new shoe still offers great cushioning but NOT to the extent of the Stinson Evo or Mafate 2.

On the trail now you have three choices: Mafate 2 for the rough tough and muddy stuff, Stinson Evo for a more refined trail shoe with less grip and a more streamlined feel than the Mafate 2 and of course now, the Rapa Nui Comp which is an out and out trail racing shoe for hard trail.

Following the ‘stripped down’ feel is a NEW road shoe, the KAILUA COMP.

The shoe shown here is currently a prototype and will change slightly for 2013. Basically the ‘glossy’ effect on the toe box and tongue will go and be replaced with a ‘matt’ finish. As with the Rapa Nui Comp this is a stripped down Hoka One One with rocker profile and bucket seat but with a little less cushioning to provide an increased feel for the road. This will be a great shoe for marathon or below. Again, Hoka One One will now have three shoes for road. Bondi B is a great long distance road or even hard trail shoe, the Stinson Evo Tarmac is a long distance racing shoe (see below) and the new Kailua Comp offers a lighter weight and lower profile shoe for the out and out road racer.

Finally, available now! is the NEW Stinson Evo Tarmac

The Stinson Evo Tarmac is an evolution of the Stinson Evo Trail shoe but with a road sole. It is a fast shoe for distance road running. As with the Evo it comes with two insoles and two lacing options; speed lacing or conventional. The shoe offers a more precise fit over the Bondi B and is a little narrower in the toe box. Availability in the UK will be very limited with just 50 pairs until delivery of 2013 sock expected March.

You can purchase or order Hoka One One here

Turkey Style

Posted on August 4, 2012 by talkultra

Running Fitness September 2012 – Turkey Style

Fancy an ultra race with a cultural feel? Look no further than Turkey’s Iznik Ultra.

Steeped in history, Iznik, formerly known as Nicea, is in the province of Bursa some two and a half hours from Istanbul. It is a quiet place situated on a beautiful lake. Founded in 4BC by the Macedonian King Antigonous 1 Monopthalmus, it has a rich past and has been an important centre since the Roman Byzantine times….

Tempted?

Read on…

Please note. The Iznik Ultra has new distances for 2013. They are as follows:

130km, 75km, 42km and 10km

Race Information is available in FRENCH here

The Iznik Ultra will take place on the 20th April 2013.

Race information is available on the race website HERE

You can download this article HERE

If you would like to speak to somebody in the UK and discuss a race travel/ travel package please fill in this form:

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Sandes in the Canyon

Posted on August 1, 2012 by talkultra

Ryan Sandes has just set a new record for the Fish River Canyon in Namibia.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Ryan had to abandon his Fish River Canyon Trail Run record attempt in 2011 due to heavy rains. The record for the 85km trail run was originally set on the 13^th of July 1990 by South Africans Ronnie Muhl and Bruce Matthews – both seasoned Comrades runners – in a time of 11hrs 42min. It was then beaten by 3 Namibian locals Russell Paschke, Charlie du Toit and Coenraad Pool on the 16^th of August 2003 in a time of 10hrs 54min.

Not liking to be beaten, Ryan decided he would have another go at the record in August 2012.

Charlie du Toit is quoted as saying “This canyon is not for the faint hearted and an attempt to run it should not be taken light heartedly”.

Ryan had this to say:

“I know this challenge is going to extremely tough, especially coming off the back of my running the Western States 100miler in the USA at the end of June, but I can’t wait to get back into the canyon. The record attempt will be filmed by the African Attachment / Wandering Fever so I will keep everyone posted on where and when you can watch it,”

The Fish River Hiking Trail starts at Hobas and ends 85 kilometres (53 mi) further south at Ai Ais. The trail has no facilities and hikers usually fast pack through in 3 to 5 days. Ryan completed the trail in an impressive time just sneaking under 7 hours with a time of 6:57.

Due to flash floods and high summer temperatures which frequently exceed 45°C, the hike is only open in winter. The season starts 1 May and ends 15 September (winter time in the Southern Hemisphere).

Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon is located in the south of Namibia. It is the second largest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa, as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. It features a gigantic ravine, in total about 100 miles (160 km) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 metres deep.

The Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia. It cuts deep into the plateau which is today dry, stony and sparsely covered with hardy drought-resistant plants. The river usually floods in late summer; the rest of the year it becomes a chain of long narrow pools. At the lower end of the Fish River Canyon, the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais is situated.

Upstream the river runs through horizontal dolomite strata. These strata formed part of the canyon about 650 million years ago when plate movement cracked the earth, the first process in the formation of the Fish River Canyon.

Lower down, a granite complex system is exposed to form a characteristic river bed that results in forms like Fingerspitze. In this area, a fault runs north-south, which accounts for the gorge-like channel and the presence of hot sulphurous springs.

You can read more about Ryan here

You may like to listen to Talk Ultra and our interview with Ryan here

The African Attachment who have documented Ryan’s career and are making a film about him can be checked out here

Information on the Fish River Canyon is available here