LISA SMITH-BATCHEN ATTEMPTS FOUR BADWATER ULTRAMARATHONS BACK-TO-BACK

Posted on June 19, 2014 by talkultra

LISA SMITH-BATCHEN ATTEMPTS FOUR BADWATER ULTRAMARATHONS BACK- TO- BACK TO BENEFIT CLEAN WATER FOR ORPHANS IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES

I have just had the pleasure to interview Lisa Smith-Batchen, a 53-year old ultrarunner and elite endurance athlete. She is the adoptive mother of two little girls, Annie and Gabby. They are the light and her motivation. Her husband, Jay, is her strength. She lives in a working class mountain community in Victor, Idaho. Together, they own a small running store and fitness center called Dreamchasers Outdoor Adventures. In many ways, Lisa and her family lead a perfectly ordinary life, but running has allowed Lisa the opportunity to do some extraordinary things and see some extraordinary places.

I am completely blown away by what may well be one of the most inspiring interviews we will ever have on Talk Ultra.

To put this in perspective, Lisa, in just 2-weeks time will run Badwater 135 4-times back-to-back and summit Mt Whitney twice.

Be inspired! I am.

Press Release: ©http://www.badwater4goodwater.com

Lisa Smith-Batchen, owner of Dreamchasers,, will try to become the first female ultramarathoner in the world to cross the famed Badwater Ultramarathon course four times back-to-back. The traditional Badwater Ultramarathon is 135 miles. In addition to running the grueling 135 course four times back-to-back, Lisa will also summit Mt. Whitney twice. Lisa’s epic quest is to raise awareness and donations for the “Bad Water 4 Good Water” project through her Dreamchaser Foundation non-profit.

Lisa, considered one of the world’s foremost endurance athletes, has previously completed the official Badwater Ultramarathon nine times in her illustrious career and has won the race twice. Smith-Batchen’s back-to-back ultramarathons, plus the two Mr. Whitney summits, will turn her quest into a 584 mile journey.

The Badwater Ultramarathon is considered “the world’s toughest foot race,” a course starting at 282 feet below sea level in the Badwater Basin in California’s Death Valley National Park, ending at the 8,360 feet Mt. Whitney Portals. Lisa will then continue to summit Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the Continental United Sates at 14,876 feet, on two separate occasions during the expedition. Smith-Batchen will start on July 1st when the weather conditions are most extreme and temperatures often climb to 130 degrees.

While this undoubtedly is the most monumental challenge Lisa has undertaken to date, she is also known in running circles throughout the world for her 2010 “Running Hope through America,” when she completed a 2,500 mile run through America, running 50 miles in all 50 US states, in two months raising money for orphans in the U.S. and around the world. Lisa is asked by many how she garners the strength to undertake such challenges and her response is always the same, quoting Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

The donations raised thru Lisa’s Badwater challenge are earmarked specifically for the “Badwater 4 Good Water” project. According to the (WHO) World Health Organization, currently a billion people lack access to safe drinking water and 2.6 billion lack access to basic sanitation. The WHO also reports that the contaminated and infectious agents, the bacteria that causes diarrhea, account for 4.1% of the global disease burden killing 1.8 million children a year. “Access to clean water is a basic human right and we all need to help; there is no contribution too small, even a $1 donation makes a difference,” said Smith-Batchen.

Lisa is the owner of Dreamchasers which promotes and organizes running events and running retreats in the Teton Range and around the world. Races include the Marathon Des Sables, Jackson Hole Marathon, Yellowstone-Teton Endurance Runs and the Tucson Marathon Events. Additionally, she provides on-line coaching for runners of all levels.

www.Badwater4GoodWater.com

www.DreamchaserEvents.com.

For details on sponsoring the run, please contact Lisa: lisa@dreamchaserevents.com

Lisa Smith-Batchen results ©wikipedia

Competed in 9 Badwater Ultramarathons (Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA): Was the 1st woman twice – 1997 (3rd overall) & 1998 (4th overall).
2 Marathon des Sables Ultramarathons (Moroccan Sahara): 1999 First and only American female to win the event in its 18 year history.
2008 Rocky Racoon 50 Mile: 10:16
2008 Florida Keys 50 Mile: 9 hours
2008 306 Miles: 1st person to ever run from Las Vegas to Mt. Whitney. Raised $590,000 for AIDS Orphans Rising.
2008 Badwater 135 Mile Ultramarathon for the 9th time.
2008 Ironman AZ
2007 Desert Springs 50 mile: 14th Female. 12:08:39
2007 Ironman AZ: 12:54:30.
2006 Completing the Badwater double has been one of the greatest highlights of my athletic carrier but also as wife, mother, coach and mentor. The gifts that God shared and showed me along the way are the greatest for me to this day!
2006 Grasslands 50 mile: 1st Female. 8:40:30.
2005 Bishop 50k: 2nd Female. 6:04:25.
2004 Squaw Peak 50: 12:46.
2003 Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Finisher: 1st Female; 7th Overall.
2003 Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run: 4th Female. 30:39:43.
2003 Western States 100: 19th Female; 133rd Overall. 26:30:54.
2003 Vermont 100: 23rd Female; 144th Overall. 24:15:15.
2003 Squaw Peak 50: Won the husband and wife award. 11:17.
2002 Old Dominion Memorial (VA): 1st Female; 4th Overall. PR: 20:34:30.
2002 Leadville Trail 100. 10th Female; 74th Overall. 26:56:58.
2002 Umstead 50 (NC): 1st Female.
2002 HURT 100k: 34:53:00.
2001 JFK 50. 128th Overall, 10th Female; 128th Overall. 8:52:27
2000 GNC National Championship (Pittsburgh) 100k, 1st Team; 1st 30-39; 7th Female. PR: 9:50
1999 Team USA World 100K Championship (France).
1998 Long Island 50 Mile Endurance Run: 1st Female; 2nd Overall. 6:42
1997 Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race (India): 2nd Female. 18:50:03
2 Vermont 100s: PR: 1997. 2nd Female; 12th Overall. 18:26
1997 Old Dominion Endurance Run (VA): 2nd Female; 8th Overall. 19:07:52
5 Hawaiian Ironman Championships: PR: 10:33:27
World Duathlon Championship
3 Eco-Challenge Multi-Sport Adventure Races
2 Raid Galoises Multi-Sport Adventure Races
2 ESPN X-Games Multi-Sport Adventure Races
1 Four Winds Multi-Sport Adventure Race
35 Ultramarathons (50 miles or more): Including: Western States 100, Leadville Trail 100, Wasatch 100, Vermont 100, HURT 100K, Rocky Raccoon 100, Squaw Peak 50. • 100 Mile PR: 18:26 / 50 Mile PR: 6:42 • Over 90 Marathons PR: 2:48:52. Half marathon PR: 1:23. 10k PR: 36:01.

Transvulcania La Palma 2014 – video

Posted on June 17, 2014 by talkultra

Transvulcania La Palma 2014 is now available to view for International viewers

Film by Dreamteam Television

Montane JAWS 10 Ultra Distance Race Pack Review

Posted on June 17, 2014 by talkultra

Montane know a thing or two about lightweight. Arguably, they are one of the first companies truly to push the boundaries of going light to the mountains with single layer clothing. For over 18-years, Montane have developed and tweaked ideas and recently they have moved into trail and mountain running. It was a natural progression. Involvement on the Lakeland 100 and 50-mile races has progressed to sponsorship of The Spine and the Yukon Arctic Ultra amongst others. Involvement in these races and the development of a trail running team is an invaluable process for a brand that are looking to push boundaries and we as consumers benefit from this explorative work. Let’s face it the Minimus Jacket and Pants have become almost essential items for anyone requiring light, functional fully waterproof outer layers for demanding sports. So, I was excited to see Montane’s new packs in late 2013 and even happier to get hold of samples to test in 2014.

In summary, Montane have developed 3 new run packs and 1 waist belt. The packs are as follows:

Fang 5

Jaws 10

Dragon 20

and as the name would suggest each have a capacity of 5, 10 and 20 liters. The waist best, Bite 1, is a stretch trail running belt that holds one bottle and has a small waterproof pocket for essential items.

The packs have many of the same features and for the purpose of a review I have the Jaws 10, which sits nicely in the middle of the range and ultimately, if you were only going to purchase 1-pack for many running scenarios, this pack would offer the most options excluding any OMM type of event.

Montane say, ‘The Jaws 10 is the world’s most weather resistant ultra distance trail running pack. Designed for mountain trails in wet or changeable conditions, it uses RAPTOR Hydroseal waterproof fabric and fully taped seams to help protect kit from the elements. Through its stretch body fit, the new MONTANE® Freelight Chassis provides an even weight balance whilst trail running and keeps the weight away from the lower back allowing for nimble agility. With a super lightweight 10 liter storage capacity, two specially adapted MONTANE® water bottles and a bladder compartment, the Jaws 10 is perfect for ultra distance race events or long trail days.’

On first look, the Jaws 10 conforms to many of the ‘new’ packs on the market. It has a ‘vest’-fitting fitting scenario that fits and hugs the body like a piece of clothing. We could argue all day about which company first invented this system and to be honest, I don’t know than answer. For many though, Salomon rightly or wrongly get the recognition and I am not going to argue, The S-Lab vest was a key moment that changed how run packs are designed. Montane are following the trend but with a difference.

The Pack

At first glance, you notice the bottles on the shoulder straps and then you take a second look and contemplate the fastening system. They look like they are held by 2-elastic bungees. They are but the bottle has a specially developed clip (not dissimilar to a pen) that hooks into a specially reinforced pocket on the shoulder straps. This system is actually quite ingenious and really is thinking out of the box.

Below the left hand bottle is a small open-ended stretch mesh pocket for small essentials that are required while running. On the opposite side is a larger mesh pocket added on top of a zipper pocket. The zipper pocket would be ideal for valuable items such as phone, gps, money or small camera. Above these pockets is a series of elasticated loops that would hold a bladder feed tube if this was your preferred drink method.

A whistle is attached to the front of the pack on a small cord and the pack is fastened with an adjustable chest stretch that hooks onto reinforced loops. Lower down the pack a large/ wide adjustable stretch Velcro holds the pack close to ones body.

On the rear the pack splits into 3.

The zip on the left allows access to the bladder pocket (bladder not supplied) which would offer additional storage should you wish to just use bottles.

The right zip is sealed and taped and offers a large waterproof pocket.

On the face of the pack is a zipped mesh pocket for smaller items.

On the lower section of the pack is an elasticated adjustable cord for attaching poles and the pack has an external draw cord should you wish to compress the pack. On the right hand side is a hole to allow the bladder pipe to exit and run around the pack, under the arm to the front of the pack.

On the side are two large stretch mesh panels that allow the pack to conform to your body and adjust with movement.

The pack in use

The Jaws 10 comes in 2-sizes*: S/M and M/L. I was literally the borderline measurement and received a M/L from Montane.

*For our SS15 season, Montane have introduced new chest sizes for the Jaws 10 and Fang 5 – they both now come in S/M and M/L.. Chest measurements of the wearer respectively are: 76-97 cm (S/M) and 97-112 cm (M/L).

The pack didn’t feel too large but I was adjusting to the tightest fitting. So, it would be interesting to try the S/M and see if I noticed any difference in fit. On the body, the Jaws 10 fits snuggly just as all vest products should. Under the arms I didn’t feel too compressed and the lightweight and stretchy mesh in this area allowed the pack to adjust and conform to my body movement. I can’t help but think that Montane missed a trick in this area! The stretch panels under the arms are large and may well have provided another storage option by adding an open top mesh pocket on each side. It would have been perfect for bars, gels, hat, gloves and so on.

Adjusting the pack to the body is done via the sternum strap, it can be moved up and down.

An elasticated belt that sits just below the rib cage provides the main adjustment. It’s interesting to see a brand using this method as most manufacturers have now moved away from this. Adjustment was easy and secure and the elastic does allow for fine tune adjustment and expansion while wearing. As stated, the Jaws 10 fits like clothing, however, the added pressure this elasticated belt provides may not be to everyone’s liking?

The key USP of this pack are the bottles and the way they fasten. It’s a little like putting a pen in your shirt pocket… the specially designed bottles have a clip that slips into a reinforced pocket on each shoulder strap and the bottle is then held in place with a top and bottom bungee cord.

In use, the bottles never came loose which I have to say was a surprise! The design really is quite clever and moving bottles and then replacing them on the go is a breeze. Again, much easier than I expected!

However, for me the bottles have far too much bounce when running. Not only do they move up and down but left to right. With each bottle full I felt a little like one of the ladies from Baywatch (heavy chested) running along the beach and wearing no bra! I did get used to the bounce over repeated runs, however, for me it’s not something I could tolerate. I must stress here that I personally have never been a fan of bottles on shoulder straps, particularly when they are allowed to move around. The recent invention of soft flasks and mesh pockets have addressed this issue and eradicated bounce. In my opinion, it’s a far more preferable way to hold liquid in this area of the body. I can’t speak for the ladies, but I don’t see how this pack could be comfortable for the female anatomy, especially when one considers the placement of the bottles in relation to a ladies chest? (We will come back to you on this with a female viewpoint)

The zippered pocket below the right bottle is ideal for a valuable item such as phone, gps, money or iPod and has room for several items.

The mesh pocket attached here is great for gels, bars or similar but it ‘s not the ‘Tardis’ so you will be restricted.

On the opposite side is another mesh pocket, however, this is smaller than the right hand side and only really for small items such as salt tabs, shot blocks or similar.

I preferred the feel of the pack with a bladder and the rooting system works well bringing the feed pipe out of the lower right hand side of the rear pack and rooting it under the arm while securing it in elastic loops. You can then place the feed nozzle at your preferred heights for feeding hassle free. Of course, you can use a bladder with bottles that would potentially provide you with 3-4lts of liquid storage, a real plus in some self-sufficient events. But, if you don’t use the bottles you are left with two wasted spaces on the shoulder straps and elastic bungee hanging loose!

The waterproof compartment on the rear will fit ‘mandatory kit’ for most events and I include UTMB or Lakeland 100 if you pack smartly. The main issue is that the pocket is just an open pocket with no compartments, so, fill it up and off you go. Should you need something it will be a case of rummaging around and finding it or potentially lifting everything out one-by-one until you find what you need. It’s a pay off! One compartment will be less weight than several compartments, so, you pay your money and make your choice. The waterproof compartment and zip is a real plus. I poured water over it, submerged the pack and used it in rain and it did not leak. The zips also have a ‘garage’ to add security and sealing, The outer rear mesh pocket is ideal for small things and it does expand, The bladder pocket adds additional storage should you need it. For most people, if you are planning doing a one-day race or a 100-mile event, this pack will provide a great lightweight option. In addition the Jaws 10 has bungee cords for poles and a compression bungee to tighten the pack should it be required.

Conclusions

The Jaws 10 really fits well and is extremely comfortable (for men) providing you like the adjustable elastic chassis. It’s a light breathable product that functions extremely well on the trail when racing or training. The bottles are an ingenious idea, work well but bounce around too much for me! Storage is good (but not great) and the addition of a waterproof pocket is a unique addition but may very well over engineer something that can be solved with a plastic bag? Using a bladder is easy and very comfortable and the separate pocket allows for on the go filling and replacing. Storage pockets are adequate but are less capacious than like for like products. The Jaws 10 has many great features and pluses but I firmly believe that a few tweaks would make what is a good pack a much better pack. For example, the addition of ‘dump’ pockets under the arms would increase storage for the essentials we all need when running long events.

Pros

Lightweight
Breathable
Adjustable
Waterproof compartment
Will take bladder and bottles
Bladder compartment can be used for storage
Will hold poles
Unique bottles that are easy to use
Two size options

Cons

Bottles have too much bounce
On the go storage is minimal
Montane only bottles so I suggest you purchase spares
Not convinced how practical for ladies?

*****

Tech Specs provided by Montane

CONSTRUCTION

Main body fabric constructed from super lightweight RAPTOR Hydroseal waterproof fabric that has a PU inner coating and a silicone outer face
MONTANE^® Freelight Chassis constructed from lightweight CONTACT Flyte Mesh that is fast drying and highly breathable
Fully taped internal seams in the main pack compartment
Bound seams on the chassis give stronger, neater edges
YKK semi-auto zips that lock shut and are rustle free
All zip openings feature zip garages to help prevent weather ingress

MONTANE^® FREELIGHT CHASSIS

Technically tailored ergonomic MONTANE^® Freelight Chassis vest designed for body hugging load carrying comfort during movement over long distances and whilst running
Front stretch Velcro lower body adjustment enables chassis to grip the body whilst running
Chassis elastication also allows the user’s rib cage to expand freely for unrestricted breathing during exertion
Low profile sternum stretch adjustment with adjustable hook and multiple attachment points
2 x MONTANE^® customized water bottles with unique easy clip to harness for rapid hydration
Water bottle is anti-roll, curved to fit to chest / torso
Right hand front zipped storage pocket with stretch mesh
Lower right and left hand front sleeve pockets with stretch mesh
Upper left hand chest gear loop on shoulder straps
Trekking pole attachment point with low profile ‘penny cordlock’ adjustment that is easy to access whilst on the move
Removable whistle accessory for mountain and race safety

MAIN COMPARTMENT

Two way YKK Aqua Guard^® MONTANE^® semi-auto main body zip that has been laser cut and bonded into opening
External pocket with stretch mesh panel
External drawcord provides rear pack compression and additional storage with low profile ‘penny cordlock’ adjustment
Hydration bladder pocket behind rear back panel with stretch loops for hydration tube on chassis

Top lightweight hang loop

Colours:

Black / Blue spark zips / Blue spark trims

Blue spark / Kiwi zips / Kiwi trims

Weight: 281.5g / 9.9oz

Size: S/M and M/L

Fit: Active Mountain

Activities: Fast Alpine / Mountain Walking / Alpine Running / Mountain Marathon / Trail Running

RRP: £85.00

Montane products are available to view HERE

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Steve Birkinshaw attempts the 511km – ‘The Wainwrights’

Posted on June 16, 2014 by talkultra

Steve Birkinshaw, winner of The Dragon’s Back and countless other events is currently attempting, ‘The Wainwrights.’

*IMPORTANT UPDATE

Friday, 20 June 2014

New Wainwright Record for Steve Birkinshaw

Steve Birkinshaw sets a new record of 6 days and 13 hours (almost exactly) for the 518km Wainwright round of 214 Lake District summits. He runs into Keswick town centre with his posse of about 100 support runners with a jubilant crowd of supporters cheer him on. ©http://stevebirkinshaw-wainwright2014.blogspot.co.uk

Starting on June 14^th, Steve will attempt to cover all 214 tops on foot in one complete circuit. The journey is estimated at 511-km’s with a total elevation gain of 36,000m +/-.

The Wainwrights are named after Alfred Wainwright (1907-1991) who became famous for his books known as ‘Wainwright Guides’ that illustrated the Lakeland Fells in 7-volumes. They are the standard reference work for the 214 fells of the English Lake District.

Wainwright was born in Lancashire and started his passion for the Lake District at the age of 23-years. Work on his pictoral guides started in 1952 and the project took 13-years to complete. Apparently, Wainwright would create 1-page per evening.

Between 2005-2009 all the guides were updated to acknowledge changes within the fells. One key change was the inclusion of photography on the covers to replace the original drawings by Wainwright.

The Wainwrights

214 fells which range in height from 985ft to 3120ft. There are over 500 summits above 1,000ft in the Lake District, 171 of them are above 2,000ft. These higher fells have been categorised as Hewitts and Nuttalls, some of them, together with lower fells, are classed as Marilyns; which list they appear in depends on their prominence, i.e. relative height. These lists are subject to change as re-surveying takes place. The list of Wainwrights is a definitive one and can never alter as it not dependent on the above criteria. It is not clear why Wainwright chose these fells for inclusion in his guides but it is probable that he just liked the appearance of them when viewed from the valleys. ©wainwrightroutes.co.uk

The current record by fell running legend, Joss Naylor stands at 7-days and 1-hour and 25-minutes.

Steve says on his website, ‘Hopefully I can get close to or beat this time, but there are so many things that can go wrong over this sort of distance that I have no idea what will happen and how fast I can go. All I can do is have a go and see how long it takes.’

This run will also be for charity. Steve’s says, ‘this is because my younger sister, Hilary, was diagnosed with MS about 10 years ago. It is hard seeing someone who has always been physically active having to be pushed round in a wheelchair, but Hilary is always positive when you see her and currently the condition seems to be fairly stable.’

Donate HERE

The Attempt

Steve provides a a great overview and talk through in this You Tube clip:

Follow Steve LIVE HERE

Route Map available HERE
Timing chart for all 214-tops HERE
Timings for CP’s HERE

Who is Steve Birkinshaw?

Steve Birkinshaw – Veteran Mountain Runner

Steve is a veteran mountain runner who has been participating in outdoor events since a very young age and is entering the Dragon’s Back race as a Berghaus sponsored athlete.  Steve balances a work and family life with competing at an elite level in some of the toughest races in the running calendar.  Here are just some of Steve’s successes:

• 7 times winner of KIMM/OMM elite

• Winner of elite at the following mountain marathons: Saunders, Mourne, Lowe Alpine, Rab and Arctic

• Winner Lakeland 100 (UTLD) – 105 mile trail race

• 2 times winner British Adventure Racing Champs

• 7th World Adventure Racing Champs

• Winner Hebridean Challenge

• British 35+ Orienteering Champion

• British Night Orienteering Champion

• Bob Graham Round (17:09) 6th fastest

• Charlie Ramsay round (21:02) 6th fastest -fastest solo round

• Paddy Buckley round (20:27) 5th fastest

• Adidas Terrex Adventure Race winner

Content ©Berghaus

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inov-8 Race Ultra Vest 2015 – sneak preview

Posted on June 13, 2014 by talkultra

Time flies and as the saying goes, ‘Its stops for nobody!’

This definitely applies to running shoes, apparel and accessories. Twelve months ago I received my first prototype of the inov-8 Race Ultra Vest. It was quite a moment, I remember thinking at the time, wow, this pack does everything I need and more.

After months of testing, I went on to review the vest and gave the product a glowing review. Arguably the best review I have ever given any pack.

‘This new product from UK company; inov-8 may very well be the next key moment in pack design stripping away complication and providing a pack that would almost make a perfect accessory for Batman.’

I didn’t stop…

‘This product fits like a glove! I have yet to find anyone who has put this product and on not found it immediately comfortable. It just fits, pure and simple.’

And I finished off with…

‘I can’t tell you how many packs I have purchased over the years in the search for the ‘perfect’ pack. Just when I think I have found one, I find a reason not to be 100% convinced. I’d have to say that finally, in the inov-8 Race Ultra Vest I have found a product that ticks every box and makes me feel 100% confident in my choice and decision.’

My review was backed up with demand. inov-8 were inundated with pre orders, sold out stock and a series of awards that confirmed my review.

You can read that original review HERE

inov-8 awards HERE

‘100% confident!’ That is one bold statement and nearly12-months on I look back and think I was correct (at the time). I had 100% confidence in the pack and my review.

To my surprise, earlier this year at an inov-8 athlete retreat in the English Lakes I was provided a glimpse of what the future would hold for inov-8. I was blown away. New apparel that will push boundaries, a new Race Ultra 290 shoe (review HERE) and a series of new packs.

Mmmm, I was 100% confident of the 2014 Race Ultra Vest which technically would mean that the Race Ultra Vest couldn’t be improved on. I was wrong! The team at inov-8 and in particular, Matt Brown, have taken what was/ is a superb design and taken it up a level and then a little bit more.

I can’t give away too much at the moment other than many of those little niggles that was aired on forums and on my website are gone. The new packs, and I use the plural will provide everyone a pack customisable and workable for any race distance, feeding scenario and importantly, carrying scenario.

I’m still testing, looking at different configurations and feeding information back along with inov-8 team athletes. Rest assured, when this new range of products are released in 2015 they are going to be a head turner, just as the 2014 Race Vest was.

I will be looking to post a full review with images in September. This will allow me at least 3-months testing which I consider to be appropriate in finding out what does and does not work.

More information to follow…

*****

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Episode 63 – Spinks, Williams, Meek, TAA

Posted on June 13, 2014 by talkultra

Episode 63 of Talk Ultra – We have a great interview with Queen of the Fells, Nicky Spinks. An in-depth interview with Morgan Williams all about the Bob Graham Round and we speak to Greg Felll from The African Attachment about what it’s like producing iconic ‘trail’ films such as Travailen w/ Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel, Wandering Fever and the Salomon running series of films. We also catch up with Jo Kelsey (Meek) on that incredible 5th place at Comrades Marathon and in Talk Training, we speak with Richard Fluck, the UK’s expert on kidneys and the effects of NSAID’s. The News, a Blog, Up & Coming races and Speedgoat Karl Meltzer is back from the wilderness….

NEWS

COMRADES

Results from comrades.com

1	31020	Bongmusa Mthembu	RSA	Nedbank Running Club KZN		5:28:34
2	45047	Ludwick Mamabolo	RSA	Nedbank Running Club GN		5:33:14	+ 4:41
3	18289	Gift Kelehe	RSA	Samancor Chrome Marathon Club LP		5:34:39	+ 6:06
4	55925	Stephen Muzhingi	ZIM	TOYOTA AC		5:35:18	+ 6:45
5	29889	Rufus Photo	RSA	Pietersburg Road Runners		5:35:30	+ 6:57
6	27026	Mncedisi Mkhize	RSA	Maxed Elite – KZN		5:36:06	+ 7:33
7	13892	Jonas Buud	SWE	Nedbank Running Club International	M40	5:38:17	+ 9:44
8	51249	Manoko William Mokwalakwala	RSA	–		5:39:29	+ 10:56
9	43769	Prodigal Khumalo	ZIM	Maxed Elite International		5:39:36	+ 11:03
10	28424	Latudi Makofane	RSA	Samancor Chrome Marathon Club LP		5:40:41	+ 12:08

1	13938	Eleanor Greenwood	GBR	Nedbank International	6:18:15
2	19987	Elena Nurgalieva	RUS	TOYOTA ATHLETICS	6:23:18	+ 5:04
3	19988	Olesya Nurgalieva	RUS	TOYOTA ATHLETIC CLUB	6:24:51	+ 6:36
4	19177	Irina Antropova	RUS	Nedbank Running Club	6:34:08	+ 15:53
5	10410	Jo Meek	GBR	Toyota Athletic Club	6:47:02	+ 28:48
6	24381	Caroline Wostmann	RSA	Nedbank Running Club GN	6:51:43	+ 33:29
7	32475	Zola Budd Pieterse	RSA	Hooters A.C	6:55:55	+ 37:40
8	20702	Frida Sodermark	SWE	Nedbank Running Club	6:57:33	+ 39:19
9	32448	Martinique Potgieter	RSA	Pietersburg Road Runners	7:00:46	+ 42:32
10	52266	Julanie Basson	RSA	Toyota AC CG	7:02:50	+ 44:35

INTERVIEW

We have an interview with 5th placed lady at Comrades – JO MEEK

ULTRABALATON 212km

Ivan Cudin 18:30:12
Lojze Primozic19:12:06
Boris Ivanovic19:39:56

Matene Varju Edit 23:41:11
Drusko Zsofia 25:11:59
Laurence Suisse Brunet 25:13:47

ENDURANCLIFE CLASSIC QUARTER

Duncan Oakes 6:58:18

Justin Nicholas 7:08:30

Clare Prosser 7:14:05

James Poole 7:24:27

2nd lady Jayne Angilley 9:02:18

3rd lady Becky Shuttleworth 9:03:37

Give a mention for Ultra D-Day Trail – https://iancorless.org/2014/06/10/ultra-d-day-trail-100-miles/

Contribute to Talk Ultra – https://iancorless.org/2014/06/10/contribute-to-talk-ultra-podcast/

BLOG

NICK CLARK gives us an insight into his training for WSER – http://irunmountains.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/four-weeks-ending-june-1.html

INTERVIEW

NICKY SPINKS completes the Ramsey Round in a new CR and adds to an impressive list of other ‘Rounds’ records. Hear about this amazing lady…

MELTZER MOMENT with Speedgoat

INTERVIEW

MORGAN WILLIAMS discusses the Bob Graham Round

TALK TRAINING with Dr Richard Fluck we discuss NSAID’s (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and sport.

DR. Richard Fluck, Consultant Physician, Derby City General Hospital, Clinical Director Renal Services and Service Director of Medicine.

Richard went to Trinity Hall, Cambridge and the London Hospital Medical College, London University

He has developed all aspects of nephrology within Derby looking at service delivery, planning, education, teaching, training and research. In his role as Service Director, his major projects have included Emergency Care Reform (Project Lead, Trustwide), EWTD (Directorate) and undergraduate teaching programme (Strategy document for Directorate)

Prior to Derby he was honorary senior registrar and lecturer to the medical unit and the renal unit, within the Royals NHS trust and Queen Mary Westfield College, London.

He divided his time between the medical unit, covering acute general medicine, with interests in diabetes and metabolic disease, and the department of nephrology.

In the last 18 months Richard has been elected onto the Renal Association, and sits on the Clinical Advisory Board. He has designed and led an audit of vascular access in all renal units in the United Kingdom.

He has been a programme chair for the British Renal Society’s Annual Conference in 2005 and 2006 and is involved in the production of Criteria for Success.

His renal research interests included the myopathy of renal failure and disorders of cellular calcium control in uraemia,

Richard has published extensively.

INTERVIEW

Greg Fell of The African Attachment talks to us about producing incredible films that we all have come to love and enjoy… TAA are the creators of many Salomon films and the recent Travailen documenting Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel’s ‘Drak Traverse’ – https://iancorless.org/2014/05/30/travailen-film-review-ryan-sandes-and-ryno-griesels-drak-traverse/

UP & COMING RACES

Austria

100km Wien | 100 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

50km Wien | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

ESPA-Mountain-Marathon | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

ESPA-Ötscher-Ultra-Marathon | 70 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Mozart 100 | 100 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Mozart 100 – 54 km | 54 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Bolivia

Ultra BOLIVIA Race | 170 kilometers | June 23, 2014 | website

Bulgaria

Vitosha 100km Mountain Super Trail | 100 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Canada

Alberta

Fast Trax 100K Road Ultra | 100 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Fast Trax 100K Trail Ultra | 100 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Fast Trax 50K Road Ultra | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Fast Trax 50k Trail Ultra | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Fast Trax 50M Road Ultra | 50 miles | June 14, 2014 | website

Fast Trax 50M Trail Ultra | 50 miles | June 14, 2014 | website

Ontario

Niagara Ultra 50 Km | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Croatia

Velebit Ultra Trail 100 km | 100 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Czech Republic

Krakonosova Stovka 100 km | 100 kilometers | June 20, 2014 | website

France

Alpes-Maritimes

Grand Défi Vésubien | 67 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

La Grande Courasse | 61 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Neander-Trail | 50 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Trail de la Vésubie | 63 kilometers | June 22, 2014 | website

Aube

Team Trail Intermarché | 180 kilometers | June 27, 2014 | website

Cantal

Ultra-Trail Puy Mary Aurillac | 105 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Drôme

Les Drayes du Vercors 60 km | 60 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Hautes-Alpes

Trans Écrins | 80 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Haute-Savoie

80km du Mont-Blanc | 80 kilometers | June 27, 2014 | website

AravisTrail – 52 km | 52 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

AravisTrail – 70 km | 70 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

L’esprit Angolon | 60 kilometers | June 22, 2014 | website

Hautes-Pyrénées

Aneto trail de la Haute – Bigorre | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Ille-et-Vilaine

La MiL’KiL | 1000 kilometers | June 15, 2014 | website

Lozère

Aubrac Circus Trail | 55 kilometers | June 22, 2014 | website

Manche

Défi des Barjos | 57 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Défi des Grands Barjos | 102 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

La Barjo | 87 kilometers | June 15, 2014 | website

Raid de l’Archange | 270 kilometers | June 15, 2014 | website

Germany

Bavaria

Chiemsee-Ultramarathon Juni | 108 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Salomon Zugspitz Ultratrail – Supertrail | 60 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Salomon Zugspitz Ultratrail – SuperTrail XL | 79 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Salomon Zugspitz Ultratrail – Ultratrail | 100 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Hesse

Rhön-Weser-Challenge | 190 kilometers | June 20, 2014 | website

WiBoLT | 320 kilometers | June 18, 2014 | website

Rhineland-Palatinate

Eifel Ultramarathon | 51 kilometers | June 15, 2014 | website

Ireland

Connacht

Forest Marathon – 100 km | 100 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Forest Marathon – 50 km | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Leinster

Celtic 6 Day Stage Race 125K | 125 kilometers | June 23, 2014 | website

Celtic 6 Day Stage Race 250K | 250 kilometers | June 23, 2014 | website

Italy

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Magraid | 100 kilometers | June 13, 2014 | website

Piedmont

Grand Raid International du Cro-Magnon | 130 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Trail del Marguareis | 80 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Puglia

Ultramaratona del Gargano | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol

Pasubio 100 | 100 miles | June 14, 2014 | website

Tuscany

Malandrino XL | 83 kilometers | June 15, 2014 | website

Trail del Malandrino | 70 kilometers | June 15, 2014 | website

Veneto

Lavaredo Ultra Trail | 118 kilometers | June 27, 2014 | website

Netherlands

Gelderland

53 km Veluwezoom Trail | 53 kilometers | June 22, 2014 | website

Norway

UltraBirken | 55 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Portugal

Caminhos do Tejo | 146 kilometers | June 13, 2014 | website

Romania

Transylvania Trail Crossing 2-Day Stage Race | 100 kilometers | June 27, 2014 | website

Serbia

100 km Run Palic | 100 kilometers | June 15, 2014 | website

Slovakia

Štefánik Trail | 140 kilometers | June 13, 2014 | website

Spain

Basque Country

Hiru Haundiak | 100 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Madrid

Gran Trail Peñalara | 110 kilometers | June 27, 2014 | website

Gran Trail Peñalara 60km | 60 kilometers | June 27, 2014 | website

Sweden

Lapland Ultra | 100 kilometers | June 27, 2014 | website

Switzerland

Berne

100km run Biel | 100 kilometers | June 13, 2014 | website

Neuchâtel

Trail de l’Absinthe | 75 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

United Kingdom

Cumbria

The Wall Ultramarathon – Challenger | 69 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

The Wall Ultramarathon – Expert | 69 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

The Wall Ultramarathon – Relay | 69 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Three Rings of Shap | 100 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

East Dunbartonshire

West Highland Way race | 153 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

East Sussex

50 Mile Overnight Run | 50 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

South Downs Way 100 | 100 miles | June 14, 2014 | website

Isle of Wight

XNRG Round The Island Isle Of Wight Multi Stage Ultra | 70 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

Sheffield

Ultra Tour of the Peak District | 60 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

USA

Arizona

Adrenaline 65K Night Run | 65 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

California

Burton Creek Trail Run 50K | 50 kilometers | June 22, 2014 | website

Harding Hustle 50K | 50 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Rodeo Valley Trail Run Spring 50K | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

San Lorenzo River Trail Run 50 km | 50 kilometers | June 22, 2014 | website

Colorado

Gunnison 100k Endurance Run | 100 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

San Juan Solstice 50 Mile Run | 50 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

Maryland

Mason-Dixon Trail Longest Day 100K Challenge | 100 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Massachusetts

Vegan Power 50K | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Montana

Waterton Glacier Relay | 100 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

New Mexico

Angel Fire Endurance 100 Mile Run | 100 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

Angel Fire Endurance 50K Run | 50 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Angel Fire Endurance 50 Mile Run | 50 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

Ohio

Mohican Trail 100M Trail Run | 100 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

Mohican Trail 50M Trail Run | 50 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

Oregon

Mary’s Peak 50K Trail Running Race | 50 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Pennsylvania

Laurel Highlands Ultra’s 50 K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Laurel Highlands Ultra’s 77 Mile Trail Run | 77 miles | June 14, 2014 | website

Rachel Carson Trail Challenge | 34 miles | June 21, 2014 | website

South Carolina

Bad Marsh 50K Night Ultra | 50 kilometers | June 21, 2014 | website

Tennessee

Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race | 60 miles | June 13, 2014 | website

Utah

Bryce Canyon 100 Mile | 100 miles | June 14, 2014 | website

Bryce Canyon 50K | 50 kilometers | June 14, 2014 | website

Bryce Canyon 50 Mile | 50 miles | June 14, 2014 | website

Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back | 192 miles | June 27, 2014 | website

Washington

Rattlesnake Ridge Run 50K | 50 kilometers | June 22, 2014 | website

Wyoming

Bighorn Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | June 20, 2014 | website

Bighorn Trail 50K Endurance Run | 50 kilometers | June 20, 2014 | website

Bighorn Trail 50 Mile Endurance Run | 50 miles | June 20, 2014 | website

CLOSE

Links:

ITunes http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk-ultra/id497318073

Libsyn – feed://talkultra.libsyn.com/rss

Website – talkultra.com

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Kilian Jornet sets new record in Alaska

Posted on June 13, 2014 by talkultra

Breaking news from Alaska and the Summits of my Life team is that Kilian Jornet has set a new record in Alaska. A time of 11-hours and 40-minutes (tbc)

Nº6

2014: AMERICAN SUMMITS

Mount McKinley, United States. 6.186 m

Denali is a symbol of exploration and adventure and we’ll be delving into the icy lands of Alaska to climb its frozen walls.

News from Alaska is sparse and we will update you as soon as we have any news. Kilian and the team are well and will return to Europe in the coming days.

Summits of my Life posted on Facebook:

Great news from Alaska!! Kilian has set a new record on the McKinley!! Huuuuge congrats Kilian!!!! The team is still out there for a few more days so there are no confirmed details. We’ll get you the full story as soon as they are back! Congrats again, Kilian, you are amazing!!

The previous record was set by Edward Warren HERE

Overview:

Ed Warren
Date: 21 May – 01 June 2013
Location: Denali National Park, Alaska

Overview:
On May 31st, 2013 Warren set the speed ascent and round-trip records on Denali. Climbing via the West Buttress, he ascended in 12 hours and 29 minutes and completed the round-trip effort in 16 hours and 46 minutes. In doing so, he beat the previous records which Chad Kellogg set in 2003.

Kilian’s time beats the record by just over 5-hours, however, we do need confirmation of the official time.

Mount McKinley, [native name Denali (Koyukon Athabaskan for “The High One”, Dghelaayce’e in Ahtna)] is the highest mountain peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,237 feet (6,168 m) above sea level. At some 18,000 feet (5,500 m), the base-to-peak rise is considered the largest of any mountain situated entirely above sea level.^[6] Measured by topographic prominence, it is the third most prominentpeak after Mount Everest and Aconcagua. Located in the Alaska Range in the interior of US state of Alaska, McKinley is the centerpiece of Denali National Park and Preserve.

The first European to document sighting the mountain was George Vancouver in 1794. In 1903, James Wickersham recorded the first attempt at climbing McKinley, which was unsuccessful. In 1906, Frederick Cook claimed the first ascent, which was later proven to be false. The first verifiable ascent to McKinley’s summit was achieved on June 7, 1913 by climbers Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum, who went by the South Summit. In 1951, Bradford Washburn pioneered the West Buttress route, considered to be the safest and easiest route and therefore the most popular currently in use.^[7]

Follow Kilian Jornet HERE

Follow Summits of my Life HERE

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inov-8 – Race Ultra™ 290 – Shoe Review

Posted on June 12, 2014 by talkultra

inov-8 release their first ever ultra running shoe and we were lucky enough to get hold of a test pair 3-months ago, albeit in a UK8. That ruled myself out of any run testing but Niandi Carmont stepped up to the mark and gave the new Race Ultra™ 290’s a beating in the build up to Comrades. Here are her thoughts.

The Race Ultra™ 290’s is a first for UK shoe manufacturer, inov-8 but definitely not the last based on my testing of them. I picked up these shoes in the middle of March, so, I have had them for exactly 3-months; a perfect test period for any shoe!

In preparation for the 2014 Comrades I was reluctant to do all my training on road. Funny really, I used to be a ‘roadie.’ However, like so many others, after finding trail I have been reluctant to go back to the hard stuff… Road running was going to require a lot of motivation so I decided to alternate between trail and road just to get the miles in and to keep my motivation going. The Race Ultra™ 290’s proved to be the perfect shoe when mixing things up.

Usually it takes me a while to get used to new shoe models never mind new brands. I was a little anxious this time as this was my first experience of inov-8 footwear. I was pleasantly surprised – I required no adaptation or transition. The shoe has a slipper-like feel and is a perfect compromise in terms of cushioning and weight (290g/UK8). The gusseted tongue is padded, holds the foot firm and the thin laces pull tight, stay tight and provide reassuring security to my foot irrespective of the conditions. The toe box is wide, spacious and certainly has room for swelling feet should the need arise from multiple hours of running. Toe protection comes from a reinforced area that actually extends all the way around the shoe.

Prone to foot injuries I need cushioning but usually find it hard to get a trail shoe that is able to offer:

Cushioning.
Lightweight.
Good grip.

The Race Ultra™ 290 ticks all these boxes. Yes I know you can get lighter shoes. Yes I know you can get more cushioning and yes I know I can get a shoe with more grip. The secret of the Race Ultra™ 290 is that it has averaged all these elements and comes up with a great all round package. So much so, that I would say if you were looking for one shoe to do all things, you wouldn’t go wrong with a pair of these!

Injected with EVA, the footbed is 6mm with 10mm at the front and 18mm at the rear offering a heel to toe drop of 8mm. Inov-8 as a brand have pioneered the transition to a lower drop shoes for 11-years and the Race Ultra™ 290 may well provide ultra-runners seeking to transition say from 12/13mm drop shoes towards a more minimalist drop a perfect opportunity. Equally, if you run in 6/4/3 or zero drop shoes, the 8mm may well provide you with a more ‘relaxed’ day on the trails. After all, this is the purpose of the Race Ultra™ 290. It’s all about making hours on trail and/ or road more pleasurable and less tiresome but this depends on your own run style and preferences. For me 8mm sits very well for longer runs. The flatter outsole ensures a stable ride without the loss of proprioception and as the hour’s pass and fatigue sets in, the 8mm drop and added cushioning are welcome.

Transitioning from road to trail is not an issue as obviously this shoe has been designed specifically for this purpose. It’s without doubt an all round shoe that excels on hard pack trail events that may include road and rocky sections. Tested on dry sun baked French trail that incorporated a mixture of hard clay, stones and rocks the Ultra 290 excelled, in softer / grassy sections the ‘Tri Endurance’ compound provided confidence. Should the trail become very boggy and/or muddy, grip is compromised. This is to be expected in a shoe that is trying to be all things in one package. However, if these sections are short and provide a very small percentage of your run (say 10-20%) this is a compromise worth making for the comfort and security the shoe will provide for the remainder of your run.

On UK trail it proved to be a good all-weather shoe offering good grip for a multitude of conditions. Door-to-Trail is a term that is being used quite considerably at the moment and I do feel that the Race Ultra™ 290 fits well in this bracket.

A nice little non-negligible feature for the runner with smelly feet is the patented X-STATIC® foot bed, ensuring that the bacteria feeding on sweat will be kept at bay! I’ve had these shoes for a while, they have been through mud, wet and grass and I guarantee they are completely odourless!

The shoe also has the option to take custom Race Ultra™ Gaiters (available separately). They clip onto inov-8’s unique on-the-shoe attachment system. This is very cool. The shoe has attachment points built in and thus allows the gaiter to be added or removed as required with minimum fuss. I don’t use gaiters very often, however, having tried these I think I will use them more. They stopped mud and stones entering the shoe from the top and to be honest, once on, I didn’t even know I was using them. I can see this feature being added to more shoes in the inov-8 range. Should you wish to use the gaiter with other shoes, a fastener is supplied to make this possible.

A feature I would have liked is a more trail-friendly lacing system that offers a place to secure or store excess lace when the shoes are tied. It’s a minor quibble and may very well have been an omission as this would be redundant if the gaiter was worn.

In conclusion, inov-8’s new Race Ultra™ 290 shoe will be a hit. I am sure of it. If you are already an inov-8 user this may well be your new ‘go to’ shoe for your daily runs when an ‘all rounder’ is just what you need. If you are new to ultra running and only want one shoe, this will be perfect place to start. I really can’t find any negatives about this shoe other than the obvious…. If it’s really muddy you won’t have enough grip but that isn’t a criticism of the shoe, it’s more about having the wrong shoe for the job.

Check out inov-8 HERE

Shoe will be available from July 2014

Niandi Carmont – Niandi is South African born, a former resident of Paris, she now lives in the UK. A runner for over 20-years; Niandi has completed Comrades Marathon 13-times, Washie 100 2-times and has finished well over 100 marathons and ultras all over the world. Currently residing in the UK, Niandi splits her work life between the UK and France.

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Dragon’s Back Race™ 2015 gets support from YHA

Posted on June 12, 2014 by talkultra

Organisers of the legendary Dragon’s Back Race™ have today announced that YHA (England and Wales) will be supporting the event in 2015.

The race follows the mountainous spine of Wales, from Conwy Castle in the north to Carreg Cennen Castle in the south. The race is an incredible 5-day journey across wild, trackless, remote and mountainous terrain and is widely acknowledged as one of the hardest mountain races in the World.

Race Director Shane Ohly said, “At the last Dragon’s Back Race in 2012 the event volunteers and many of the competitors stayed at the YHA Conwy before the race and we received a fantastic, warm welcome from the staff, despite staging an impromptu takeover. In 2015, the YHA Conwy will be our official headquarters in the days before the event with all our event personnel staying there. We will also have the competitor registration, kit check and briefing there. It is a great venue and we look forward to returning in June 2015.”

Joe Lynch the Sales and Marketing Director for the YHA continued, “We are delighted to be supporting the Dragon’s Back Race™ and proud that the team have chosen YHA Conwy as their base for this fantastic event. With over 136 hostels throughout England and Wales, YHA strives to create opportunities for everyone to enjoy our great countryside. Not everyone chooses to run 300km with 17,000m of ascent in five days, but everyone staying with YHA can be assured of the essentials for any trip; A warm welcome, excellent hospitality, great food and unbeatable value for money. We wish all of the Dragon’s Back Race™ competitors every success and look forward to welcoming you to YHA Conwy.”

The original Dragon’s Back Race™ happened in September 1992 and was famously won by Martin Stone and Helene Whitaker (nee Diamantides) who together beat an array of the World’s best mountain and ultra runners. This was the first time in the history of mountain running that a woman had beat the best men and it happened at arguably the Worlds toughest race.

Steve Birkinshaw. Winner of the 2012 Dragon's Back Race™. © Jon Brooke

Ever since, the Dragon’s Back Race™ was whispered about with a mix of awe and trepidation and with the help of books like Richard Askwith’s ‘Feet In the Clouds’, its reputation had reached legendary status with most fell, mountain and ultra runners by September 2012 when the second Dragon’s Back Race™ happened.

The 2012 race was a huge success with a multi award winning, feature length documentary (Review HERE) capturing the brutal pleasure of the race. British mountain running legend Steve Birkinshaw won and incredibly, Helene Whitaker returned after twenty years to finish fourth overall.

Entries for the 2015 Dragon’s Back Race are now open but close on the 8th September 2014.

Key Event Information
Website: www.DragonsBackRace.com
Date: 22nd – 26th June 2015

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Transvulcania La Palma – Catch up videos

Posted on June 12, 2014 by talkultra

Dreamteam Television have worked on Transvulcania La Palma for the last 3-years producing some great quality films allowing us to experience, one again… this iconic race on the island of La Palma.

The 2014 edition of the race won by Luis Alberto Hernando and Anna Frost will be screened on British TV on CH4 – 15th June at 06:40 and +1 TV.

If you missed out on 2013 and 2013 films, here is an opportunity to watch them.

Dreamteam Television archive all recordings so that you are able to watch past editions of many races HERE

Future broadcast dates are available HERE

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