The Canaries really are becoming a hub for great running. We have already had Transgrancanaria of Gran Canaria and most recently, Transvulcania La Palma on La Palma. This weekend it was the turn of Lanzarote and the Haria Extreme.
Haria is a small un-spoilt village on this beautiful volcanic island. Close to the iconic Mirador Del Rio it is jewel in the Lanzarote crown. White washed buildings are covered in beautiful flowers; doors and window shutters are pastel colored wood weathered by the winds that continually blow from Morocco. Apart from a weekly market and the occasional tourist bus that stops, allowing tourists an opportunity for a meal or souvenir shop; it does not see much action. That is until the Haria Extreme comes to town!
An influx of runners, supporters and of course race staff means that this sleepy Canaria town becomes a highlight for a weekend. What impresses me is the scale that races are put on… not just a few barriers, a make shift finish tape and a dodgy PA system; no! They go to town. They put on event that feels like a world championship. Inflatable gantries, posters all over the island, branded press cars and of course, a local population turns out to embrace the party.
Now in its third year, the race has gained a reputation as a tough race. A distance of just over 32km can often be snubbed by an ‘ultra’ audience but mark my words, this is no easy day out!
Three races are offered, each providing a challenge that allows it to become an inclusive event; a 10km, 22.5km and the main event, the Ruta Copa De Espana at 32.5km.
Haria Extreme Stats:
It is a race that the Spanish and Canaria people have embraced. Participation outside Spain has been limited, however, that is due to change for 2014.
The Contenders
The Haria Extreme is part of the Spanish Cup and therefore offers points towards an overall classification. It therefore becomes a race to do… lining up for the 2013 edition the race had no other than man-of-the-moment, Luis Alberto Hernando who placed second behind Kilian Jornet at Transvulcania La Palma and then repeated the result at Zegama-Aizkorri. At Zegama, Luis was just twelve seconds behind Kilian.
Zaid Ait Malek also raced at Zegama and just missed the podium. Boosted by this great run he would also be expecting great things at Haria. David Lopez Castan, Yeray Duran, Carlos Garcia, Zigor Iturrieta and Ivan Ortiz would also add some spice to the front of the field.
The ladies race had two main front contenders, Nuria Dominguez and Maite Maiora. Maite in particular, also has just raced at Zegama-Aizkorri and like Zaid just missed the podium producing an outstanding run. Montse Martinez, Eva Moreda, Leire Agirrezabala Ezcurdia, Esther Fernandez and Fernanda Maciel amongst others would also race.
The Race
Departing from Haria at 0800 on the dot the early pace was pushed by Zaid Ait Malek for the men and Maite Maiora for the ladies
Starting at 300m and dropping to sea level, the first test would come at around the 8km mark when the runners entered Malpais de las Leguas, an area of technical volcanic lava and harsh shrubbery.
Zaid Ait Malek and Luis Alberto Hernando were neck and neck through this section, they matched each other’s steps and Zaid would occasionally jump showing his enthusiasm for the trail.
When the ladies arrived, Maite was still pushing the pace but just behind Nuria Dominguez, Eva Moreda, Leire Agirrezabala Ezcurdia and Fernanda Maciel followed. It was anybody’s race.
At 15km the runners were at sea level, Luis Alberto and Zaid confirmed a dominant stranglehold over the men but the ladies race was still wide open! Maite had a lead over Nuria but it would only take a mistake or a surge of energy for this to change.
At Mirador Del Rio, 21km in the race and an altitude of 450m, Luis Alberto Hernando had opened a gap. It was only one minute though over a comfortable looking Zaid Ait Malek. Dani Tristany was now in third and also looking strong but a stream of men pursued. It was most definitely going to be a fight for the line.
The ladies race had little change but ahead was a tough descent, Camino de los Gracioseros, at approximately 2km long it was a quad bursting and ankle-twisting nightmare of hardened volcanic razor blades. You wouldn’t want to fall here!
Luis Alberto now had the lead and although the gap was comfortable, it would not allow for any errors or mishaps. Climbing on the spectacular, Camino de los Pescadores, Luis had hands on knees as he powered hi way up the gradient. He occasionally would grab the rope in the middle of the trail to help pull him up the tough, steep and technical gradient. It was beautiful to watch as he moved from hike, jog and run in a seamless movement. In the distance we had a panoramic view of the trail, the sea and distant islands. Spectacular.
Zaid was close but not so close that he would offer Luis Alberto any problems. He climbed with a beaming smile… Zaid loved the difficulty that lay ahead of him. Third place was now Carlos Garcia, previous podium contender; Dani Tristany had gone off course and was now making up ground.
Nuria and Maite were now neck and neck matching each other’s blows. They didn’t use the rope available, both decided to keep low and almost crawl up the gradient. Behind, Eva Maria Moreda pulled on the rope like her life depended on it. Right arm and then left arm she moved each leg with each arm movement and forced herself to the summit.
The summit of Gallo at just over 540m now presented the most technical descent of the day. The men’s race remained unchanged with Luis Alberto Hernando arriving first in a new course record time of 02:34:17. Zaid Ait Malek arrived three minutes later in 02:37:16 and the final podium place was awarded to Carlos Garcia Exposito in 02:40:35.
Nuria Dominguez finally broke the hold of Maite Maiora but only just, she crossed the line in 03:06:21, just thirty four seconds clear. Eva Moreda Gabaldon arrived just one minute ten seconds later and in doing so completed a very competitive podium for the top three places.
Summary
Lanzarote offered a perfect and technical playground for all to enjoy; runner or spectator, The variety of views, terrain, sunshine and excellent crowned support and organization certainly makes this a race ‘to do’ for the future. Every time I cross a race of my bucket list, I replace it with another, however, in the case of Haria Extreme, I may need to promote it and move it up a few places to nearer the top.
VIEW A FULL SET OF RACE IMAGES HERE
Links:
What an incredible day… the Haria Extreme needs to be seen to be believed. An absolutely awesome experience of trails, lava, rocks, sea, beaches and rope… yes, rope!
Here is a story of the day told in images.
It’s the buzz I love. The hustle, the excitement, the sense of anticipation. A quiet village comes to life as it is invaded by runners, supporters and associated race staff. But underneath the buzz, Life goes on. Locals meet for coffee, children play and beers are drunk.
The natural beauty of a town is maintained underneath. White washed walls contrast against weathered wood. Cigarettes are smoked as a means of escape from daily chores and weathered faces are softened by a flower.
The tick of the clock is not stopped or paused as photographers and journalists document the circus. Come Monday, it will all be over… the influx will be gone and again the villagers will be able to hear the church bell, the birds in the trees and the rattle of a cup on a saucer.
Fernanda Maciel (The North Face) has an impressive running cv. She loves long distance… really long. She set a record for running the Santiago de Compostela in just 10 days.
She has a very busy run schedule ahead. In May she lined up at Transvulcania La Palma in the hope that she would have a great race. Unfortunately, she fell over and had to stop. The fall caused some issues to her back and shoulders but she now feels much better.
Haria Extreme at 35km’s is probably too short for Fernanda, however, it will allow her a great opportunity to push the pace and obtains as she says, ‘some speed work’.
Following Haria Extreme she races at Lavaredo, the Skyrunning European Championships and then TNFUTMB. Later in the year (November) she will also go to the Everest Trail Race. A busy year indeed!
Links:
Fernanda Maciel website HERE
The North Face HERE
Haria Extreme HERE
Photographs pre race:
Luis Alberto Hernando speaks to Ian ahead of Haria Extreme (translation by Celeste). He discusses his race at Transvulcania, his head-to-head race with Kilian Jornet at Zegama, his expectations at Haria Extreme and what races are in the future.
Luis Alberto is without doubt in excellent form at the moment. The 2012 winner of Haria Etreme, will he break his own course record in 2013?
Interview:
YouTube link HERE
Luis Alberto Hernando (Adidas) is in incredible form at the moment. Transvulcania La Palma in May was his first ultra and he excelled in what was an incredible field. At the finish line he was second to an in-form Klian Jornet.
Weeks later, he once again pushed Kilian Jornet to the finish line at Zegama. This time it was oh so close…. just twelve seconds!
This weekend he will toe the line at Haria Extreme in Lanzarote. Last year he was triumphant over Tofol Castanyer. His time of 2:24:28 is the current course record and I wouldn’t be surprised on his current form if he may well beat this. He is certainly motivated.
When I asked him about Transvulcania, he replied, “It was my first ultra and all in preparation for my attempt at TNFUTMB in 2014”.
Very exciting to hear that Luis Alberto will move to the 100 mile distance. When I asked him about his next race, he confirmed, “I will race Kilian and very competitive field at Mont Blanc Marathon at the end of June. Kilian is the master but I hope to push him like I did in Zegama”.
Haria Extreme is 35km mountain race on the island of Lanzarote. The race will start at 0800 Local time (same as GMT) and you will be able to follow updates on Twitter and Facebook.
Stats:
Links:
Images pre race of Luis Alberto Hernando:
Episode 37 of Talk Ultra: Rob Krar talks to us about his running history, hiw incredible Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim run and what his expectations are for Western States. Holly Rush talks marathon running and Comrades. Ellie Greenwood makes a guest appearance for Talk Training and provides an insight into running injuries. Nick Clark joins us for a reguar slot as he attempts the ‘Grand Slam’ of ultra running. We have the news, a year in the life of, and we find out: You know you are an ultra runner when… ?
I started running as a fun runner when I was at University but didn’t start formally training until 2005 when I met my coach and now husband martin rush. I had a break through run at London Marathon improving my time by 10 minutes. Since then I have run over 20 marathons all over the world and been lucky enough to represent Great Britain and England 6 times, something that I never dreamt I would do as a non-exercising beer swilling student. I wouldn’t say i am the most talented or natural runner but I think I have plenty of endurance and just love the feeling that running and training gives me. In between training I work full time doing sports massage and working in my local deli. I have been struggling with a painful hamstring for over 2 years now and after 2 failed injections I am now backing off my training to receive intensive treatment for 2 months so that I might be able to run pain free again. Fingers crossed!.As well as talking about all things running I will most probably ramble on about my two other passions – food and my training partner Mr Mole (the dog).
Following on from the great success of ‘You know you are an ultra runner when… ?’ we have part deux!
‘You know you are having a bad ultra when… ?’
Again, some really funny comments. Thank you all so much for the input and feedback.
Richard Hurdle Whats a bad ultra???
David Reese You did get a good-night’s sleep the previous night before and you don’t get in the pre-race bowel movement.
Carl Wibberley When every piece of kit you have on is irritating you at 10k. Holly Rush You hope you trip on a curb and knock yourself out so you dont have to keep feeling the pain… Tripp Furman You forgot sport glide. Andy Ellis The medic tells you your shoe is bleeding… Seamus Foy The RD tells you he was about to send out a search party. Remember that Josh Josh Katzman? Good thing it was 10k loops! Richard Lendon When you vomit up everything you’ve ingested over the last 2 hours. Talk Ultra My fave of all time is from an Ironman (one of the very early ones) when a participant post race said, “You know you are having a bad day when the morning papers have the results of a race that you are still running in!”
Lorna Downes There’s a bad ultra?
Carter Swampy When you walk into the aid station and the volunteers say “oh shit, you’d better sit down”
Steve Blythe The pain stops.
Tim Steele The volunteers are packing up the aid station as you are limping towards it.
Malcolm Cox You fill in the entry form!
Jim Tinnion or you decide not to look at your feet because there are some things it’s better not to know.
Ewan Dunlop You visit the same aid station twice.
John Hitchen When you DNS.
Jeremy Spainhour When your trekking pole becomes your crutch (screw you, ITBS!).
Terence Lim Abrasion starts at 10k mark.
John Fitz You DNF.
Larry Roberts When you think if I walk a little slower I will get forcibly pulled from the race and can say you didnt quit.
Jim Tinnion when your stomach contents keep overtaking you.
Brent Colwell When you throw up 5 miles into a 100 mile run because you’ve been sick all week.
Dave West You abort at 125K, it’s only just past 1/2 way and you’re frightened to sit down because you don’t know where your support team will stop but you do know you won’t be able to get back up to find them.
Francis Pardo You think about retiring but the only way out you know is through the race course.
Shelb Snod When you break both of your handhelds, twice.
Ultrarunner Moorsman You think your in hospital with an IV Drip attached to your arm……..then realise its not an hallucination.
Jeremy Clark When you are stung on the heel in the first mile.
Steven Stewart You forget what day it is.
Endurance Fitnessuk Your laces in your huaraches snap within the first 10 paces, after you had a conversation with yourself stating “Yep, these are good for another 50 easy.”
Alan Johnson Half way through, The pizza arrives 30 mins late at pick up point and they added extra spicy peppers free of charge!
Henry Bickerstaff When the battery on your gamin dies before the first aid station.
Rob Bateman you cant find a secluded wall to go behind.
Russell Webster You wish you were just doing a marathon.
UTMB copyright Ian Corless
IAN CORLESS 