Skyrunning UK inaugural Peaks SkyRace August 3rd

Posted on July 31, 2014 by talkultra

The inaugural Peaks SkyRace takes place this coming weekend, August 3rd, launching the first ‘Sky’ distance race in the Skyrunner® National Series UK.

‘This course combines altitude with technical terrain and some superb views; a combination which should please the most discerning athlete,’ Craig explained, ‘a personal highlight on the course without a doubt is Ramshaw Rocks, it’s beautiful and rugged.’

Covering a distance of 29.7-miles, with a total elevation gain and loss of 2012m, the Peaks SkyRace is expected to be a real test that combines tough technical running with the addition of pace, for those who wish to push the envelope.

Skyrunning UK Sponsored by

Based on an old Peak District Challenge called the ‘Five Trigs Round’ for which there is no fixed course, just the requirement to visit five specific trig points. The route takes in some of the best of the White Peak District as well as including the highlights of the traditional round.

©mickkenyon.com

‘The Peaks may not have the raw elevation of the Lakes or Snowdonia, but it has rugged technical terrain,’ said Richard Weremiuk, race director.

‘It has been a priority from day one to ensure that Skyrunning UK provides courses of varying length, difficulty, elevation and terrain on some of the most iconic trails and areas of the UK.’ said Skyrunning UK Director, Ian Corless.

Put the date in your diary, August 3rd 2014 and we look forward to seeing you all for the UK’s very first Peaks SkyRace.

Event website HERE

Skyrunning UK sponsor ROCKTAPE will be available at the event offering advice and taping. In addition, Raidlight UK will have a selection of apparel and accessories.

Marmot 24 (2014) by Ourea Events – This weekend, 2nd/3rd August

Posted on July 30, 2014 by talkultra

Marmot24 is the UK’s first 24-hour mountain marathon. The event combines the very best of British mountain running and navigation into an exciting and challenging non-stop format.

Join us for a weekend of unforgettable adventure on the 2nd & 3rd August 2014.

Three options are available: 6, 12 or 24-hours. All the competitors finish at 12 noon Sunday in an exciting and dramatic finale to a memorable weekend of racing.

‘Completing a mountain marathon and conquering the navigational challenge should not be underestimated… but it should not be feared either, as successfully navigating and running in the mountains is a hugely satisfying experience and gives a real sense of confidence. A steady and careful approach will usually see even novice navigators around their course safely.’

The Event Centre location for Marmot24™ is close to Guardhouse in the Lake District National Park. Guardhouse is close to Threlkeld and just minutes off the A66.

The competition area stretches 360 degrees from the Event Centre and includes approximately 300 square kilometers. To the north are the remote Northern Fells guarded by the imposing flanks of Blencathra. To the south Clough Head marks the start of the Dodd’s ridge running towards Helvellyn and ultimately Ambleside. The terrain is perfect for a mountain marathon with laser fast ridges and valleys linking areas of complex contour features. There is also a great network of footpaths and tracks but competitors will need to balance easy running on these, with more direct routes between checkpoints. This area of mountains can be very challenging with steep mountains, cliffs, marshland, fast flowing rivers and energy sapping tussocks. Bad weather can happen year round and the nature of the mountains can change very quickly from benign to dangerous.

Ourea Events want competitors to travel as light as possible, to maximize their enjoyment of running in the mountains, without compromising their safety. Therefore, as Marmot24™ is a summer mountain marathon, the organization team does not require competitors to carry a tent, sleeping bag or stove. However, each pair is required to carry a 2-person bothy bag (emergency shelter) and an additional warm layer such as insulated jacket. All team members must also carry a personal survival bag.

With the 24-hour race starting at high noon Saturday, the 12-hour race starting at midnight Saturday and the 6-hour race starting at 0600 on the Sunday morning, everyone will finish at 12 noon on the Sunday in an exciting and dramatic finale to a memorable weekend of racing.

Race director, Shane Ohly, an experienced and fierce competitor himself is extremely excited at the prospect of the racing. To the best of my knowledge, the strongest looking teams are from France and Spain. There are a few other foreign teams but I don’t know too much about them yet. No obviously strong British teams, which is a shame… but there is still time for them to enter as entry closes July 31^st.’

Ones to watch:

Spain

Aurelio Antonio Olivar and Angel Garcia

Aurelio was the 2013 European Rogaine Champion.

Angel won the Spanish national adventure racing championships in 2013

Aguilera and Marc Raflos

Mònica has won the World Adventure Race Champs, the Marathon de Sables, Trangrancanaria, Transvulcania and many more. Marc has been the Spanish national orienteering champion three times.

France

Christophe Bosseaux, Vincent Becam

A strong team with both runners having represented France at the European Rogaining Champs.

Scoring

All checkpoints will have the same score value, which is 10.

Competitors arriving back late will be penalized as follows:

Up to 5 minutes late = lose 1 point per minute / part minute.
Between 6 and 15 minutes late = lose 5 points per minute / part minute.
Between 16 and 29 minutes late = lose 10 points per minute / part minute.
Over 30 minutes late = loose all points!

More information and last minute entries HERE

Montane Lakeland 100 & 50 2014 race images

Posted on July 28, 2014 by talkultra

What an incredible weekend of racing in the stunning English Lakes. The Montane UTLD 100 and 50 mile races certainly have become two of ‘the’ must do events on the 2014 calendar. With the long term continued sponsorship of UK brand, Montane. The event has grown from very humble beginnings as an alternative to UTMB to an outright ‘must-do’ for any enthusiastic ultra runner.

Although run on the same course, the 100 and 50 events are two very different beasts. Both races are point-to-point. The 100 starts in Coniston and does a circular route around the northern lakes dropping back down from Pooley Bridge towards Windermere and then heads around Windemere Lake via Ambleside taking in the Langdale Valley and then a push over Tilberthwaite concludes what is unanimously called a ‘brutal’ event.

Not surprisingly, the ’50’ starts pretty much halfway around the 100 route, in Dalemain and is run over the exact same course as the latter half of the 100 event.

Sun and the Lakes can be a rare commodity but participants in both events had plenty of relentless heat to partner them over every step. Even during the first night, temperatures were ridiculously balmy with nothing more than a short sleeved shirt required. The second night however did throw a curve ball for 100 runners entering another night on the trails or for 50 runners finishing after 2100 hours. The heavens opened with some biblical rain… I guess for some it was a welcome cool down and refresher from the oppressive heat.

Marco Consani (21:14:52) was very much a dominant force in the 100 event. Over the early stages Marco had close competition and ran side-by-side with eventual 2nd place, Charlie Sharpe. However, when Marco took over the lead he never looked back. Climbing out of Howtown with the start of a new day he had a 30-minute lead which he continued to extend all the way to the line finishing almost 90-minutes ahead of Sharpe in 2nd (22:47:56). Lee Knight finished 3rd, 23:21:48 after pushing relentlessly for the duration of the event.

In the ladies race, Beth Pascall proved to be a revelation. Having never run longer than 60-miles before, this lady started at the front of the race and at Buttermere one wondered if she would pull off something quite special. However, experienced ultra runner and Montane athlete, Debbie Martin Consani (yes, Marco’s wife) slowly pulled back the gap and extended the lead away from Beth. Apart from a rough patch at Mardale Head, Debbie never looked in doubt of winning the race but Beth really was charging and at the line it was 25:28:33 to 25:48:36. Impressive. Nicky Taylor was 3rd lady in 29:37:08.

One thing must be said, the Lakeland 100 is a tough event. Even contemplating the start and the race deserves respect. Each and every runner who toed the line achieved a great deal. For those who finished, they have memories and experiences to take to the grave. For those who didn’t finish, they will be back… the UTLD100 get a hold like no other race.

The Lakeland 50 was a British Championship event and as such competition was higher than normal. The men’s race had Lakeland 100 winner and Montane athletes, Stuart Mills and Iznik and Spine Challenger winner, Marcus Scotney. In addition, we had Danny Kendall who just this year placed top-5 at the Marathon des Sables. Add to the mix, Kim Collison, and Lee Kemp a fast race was always on the cards. Fast it was… maybe too fast! Starting at 1130am, the heat of the day was already pushing down and when Danny Kendall says ‘it’s too hot!’ then you know it’s hot… In the early stages, a small group formed but it was Collinson who eventually snapped the elastic. Scotney came from behind and charged into 2nd place and then behind, Kendall and Mills had a tough battle for 3rd. At the line, Collinson finished in 7:48:01, Scotney 2nd in 8:06:42 and Kendall 3rd in 8:13:39.

The ladies race had Lakeland 50 course record holder, Tracy Dean racing against the female Lakeland 100 course record holder, Lizzie Wraith. For sure, it was an exciting head-to-head. However, add to the mix Jo Meek and a real battle was always going to unfold. Meek as expected pushed ahead of Wraith and Dean and never looked back. Running with 100% conviction, Meek dominated the race and never for a moment looked under threat. Dean unfortunately dropped due to illness leaving the door open for Wraith to take 2nd place and Bonnie Van Wilgenberg ran a controlled and impressive race for 3rd. Meeks run was so impressive that she placed 6th overall in a time of 8:43:14. Wraith ran 9:18:22 and Wilgenberg completed the top-3 in 9:31:05.

Full Lakeland 100 results are HERE

Full Lakeland 50 results are HERE

The Lakeland 100 and 50 are sponsored by Montane

all race images are available at iancorless.photoshelter.com

: Marc Laithwaite at Lakeland 100/ 50 2014

: Bonnie Van Wilkenberg at Lakeland 50

Giir di Mont 2014 results – It’s Kilian and Emelie!

Posted on July 28, 2014 by talkultra

Kilian Jornet at the Dolomites SkyRace 2014

Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg top the podium at the 22^nd edition of Giir di Mont in Italy.

Kilian Jornet set a new course record 3h12’36 once again placing Ionut Zinca in 2^nd place ahead of Salomon teammate, Thor Ludvigsen.

Emelie Forsberg just one week after placing 2^nd to Laura Orgue in Canazei topped the podium ahead of Skyrunning legend, Emanuela Brizio and Silvia Rampazzo.

Fulfilling pre race expectations, Spain and Sweden did not disappoint with respective winners, Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg dominating the 900 strong 2014 edition and the 22^nd running of the iconic, Giir di Mont.

Kilian Jornet placed 1^st, 8’43 ahead of the Romanian Ionut Zinca and 9’08” on the Norwegian Thor Ludvigsen. Setting another course record, if any confirmation was needed, Kilian Jornet is at the forefront of trail, mountain and Skyrunning. His incredible career goes from strength-to-strength. The last 2-weeks in particular have seen the Catalan dominate and set a new course record at Hardrock 100, just days later place the top-10 in the Canazei VK. With minimal recovery, Kilian then raced and won the Dolomites SkyRace and now and incredible victory and course record at Giir di Mont. He is unstoppable!

Emelie Forsberg at the Dolomites SkyRace 2014

Emelie Forsberg like Kilian is also pushing herself with a busy race schedule. Triumphant at Ice Trail Tarentaise, Emelie just 7-days ago placed 2^nd at the Dolomites SkyRace and now victory at Giir di Mont. Emanuela Brizio placed 2nd 6’31 behind the Swede and Silvia Rampazzo was 10’12 back.

The Giir di Mont course id 32km’s long and has 2400m of vertical. Pat of the Italian Skyrunning National Series, the race has long been one of the iconic Skyrunning races and is on many a runners bucket list.

Results HERE

MALE

1 Kilian Jornet Salomon 3:12:36

2 Ionut Zinca Valetudo Skyrunning Italy 3:21:19

3 Thor Ludvigsen Salomon 3:21:44

4 Fabio Bazzana Salomon 3:22:26

5 Zaid Ait Malek Buff Pro Team 3:24:32

FEMALE

1 Emelie Forsberg Salomon 4:06:25

2 Emanuela Brizio Valetudo Skyrunning Italy 4:12:56

3 Rampazzo Silvia Valetudo Skyrunning Italy 4:16:37

4 Deborah Benedetti AS Premana 4:33:22

5 Teocharis Dimitra Team Aldo Moro Paluzza Dynafit 4:34:21

Episode 66 – Krar, Enman, Forbes, McGregor

Posted on July 25, 2014 by talkultra

This is episode 66 of Talk Ultra and on this weeks show e catch up with Rob Krar after his incredible Western States. Kasie Enman is on the comeback trail after her 2nd child and we chat after a stellar 2nd place at Speedgoat 50k. Scott Forbes just this last weekend won Race to the Stones in the UK… a great result but Scott has an incredible story. In Talk Training we talk nutrition with Renee McGregor. The News, a Blog, Smile and Miles with Emelie Forsberg, Up and Coming Races and Pocket Rocket is back… Stevie Kremer.

NEWS

HARDROCK 100 results iRunFar

·      Kilian Jornet – 22:41:33
·      Julien Chorier – 25:07:56
·      Adam Campbell – 25:56:46
·      Jeff Browning  – 26:58:59
·      Scott Jaime – 27:46:14

·      Darcy Piceu – 29:49:58
·      Betsy Kalmeyer – 37:57:22
·      Betsy Nye – 42:22
·      Tina Ure – 42:45
·      Suzanne Lewis – 42:55

SPEEDGOAT 50K

·      Sage Canaday – 5:12:30
·      Paul Hamilton – 5:31:15
·      Alex Nichols – 5:33:30
·      Rickey Gates – 5:46:36
·      Mike Wolfe – 5:53:17

·      Anna Frost – 6:42:00
·      Kasie Enman – 6:43:48
·      Ellie Greenwood – 6:53:04
·      Hillary Allen – 7:03:57
·      Kerrie Bruxvoort – 7:12:41

INTERVIEW with KASIE ENMAN

Skyrunning Ice Trail Tarentaise

Francois D’Haene 7:38
Fabian Antonilos 7:56
Tom Owens 8:02
Emelie Forsberg 9:25
Allessandra Carlini 9:42
Maud Gobert 9:42+

Skyrunning Dolomites SkyRace
Kilian Jornet 2:03:50
Ionut Zinca 2:05:20
Tadei Pivk 2:05:21
Manuel Merillas 2:07:29
Alexis Sevennec 2:07:54·
Laura Orgue 2:26:17
Emelie Forsberg 2:27:40
Maite Maiora 2:31:58
Christel Dewalle 2:35:53
Magdalena Kozielska 2:36:23

DODO TRAIL

·      Ricky Lightfoot 5:19:21 new CR
·      Jean Pierre Grondin 5:55:30
·      Jeannick Boyer 6:02:54

·      Landie Greyling 6:49:10
·      Estelle Carret 6:51:55
·      Andrea Clemons 8:37:35
BLOG

Dakota Jones has ab excellent write up on Hardrock 100 on iRunFar – http://www.irunfar.com/2014/07/falling-off-edges-hardrock-2014.html

INTERVIEW

ROB KRAR produced the 2nd fastest run ever at the 2014 Western States. We caught up with him just a few days after the race for a chat.

SMILES and MILES with EMELIE FORSBERG

TALK TRAINING with Renee McGregor lead nutritionist

INTERVIEW

SIMON FORBES won the Race to the Stones in the UK which is impressive. However, he has a fascinating back story.

UP & COMING RACES

Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Bush Capital 60 km Ultra | 63 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website
Queensland
Flinders Tour – 50 km | 50 kilometers | July 27, 2014 | website

Austria
Dirndltal Extrem Ultramarathon | 111 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website
Pitztal-Gletscher Trail Maniak 95K | 95 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website

Belgium
Flanders
100 km Dodentocht® | 100 kilometers | August 08, 2014 | website

Canada
Alberta
Canadian Death Race | 125 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website

Quebec
Trans Gaspesia | 260 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website

Finland
Lapland
NUTS Midnight Sun Trail Ultra 125 km | 125 kilometers | July 25, 2014 | website
NUTS Midnight Sun Trail Ultra 55K | 55 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website

France
Haute-Corse
Via Romana – 62 km | 62 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website
Haute-Savoie
Trail du Tour des Fiz | 61 kilometers | July 27, 2014 | website
Isère
Défi de l’Oisans | 200 kilometers | July 27, 2014 | website
Trail de L’Etendard | 65 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website
Jura
Tour du Lac de Vouglans | 71 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Loiret
L’Orleans-Océan | 410 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Savoie
Courchevel X Trail 54 km | 54 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website
La 6000D | 65 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
TCT 50 | 50 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website
TCT 73 | 73 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website
Ultra 6000D | 110 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website

Germany
Bavaria
Chiemgauer 100 k Mountain Ultra Run | 100 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Chiemgauer 100 mi Mountain Ultra Run | 100 miles | July 26, 2014 | website
Brandenburg
Berliner MauerwegNachtlauf | 62 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Lower Saxony
Süntel-Trail 50K | 50 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website

Guadeloupe
Rèd Mammel | 50 kilometers | July 25, 2014 | website
Ultra Transkarukera | 120 kilometers | July 25, 2014 | website

Italy
Aosta Valley
Monte Rosa Walser Ultra Trail | 50 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website
Piedmont
Terra Acqua Cielo Wild Trail | 50 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website

Sicily
Etna Trail | 64 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website

Veneto
Trans d’Havet Ultra | 80 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website

Latvia
Cēsis ECO Trail 80 km | 80 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website

Madagascar
Isalo Raid – Grand Raid | 80 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website

Mauritius
Trail des 7 Couleurs | 120 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website

Mongolia
Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 100K | 100 kilometers | August 06, 2014 | website

Portugal
Ultra-Trail Nocturno da Lagoa de Óbidos | 50 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website

Réunion
Trail du Grand Ouest | 60 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website

Romania
VLC Ultra TrailRun Petrimanu 56 | 56 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website

Russia
Elbrus Mountain Race | 105 kilometers | August 01, 2014 | website

Serbia
Tara Challenge | 61 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website
Tara Ultramarathon | 115 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website

Spain
Andalusia
Subida Granada Pico Veleta | 50 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website
Aragon
Calcenada – 104 km | 104 kilometers | August 01, 2014 | website
Gran Trail Aneto-Posets | 109 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Vuelta al Aneto | 58 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Castile and León
Gredos Infinite Run – 120 km | 120 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Tilenus Xtreme Ultra Trail 105 KM | 105 kilometers | July 25, 2014 | website
Tilenus Xtreme Ultra Trail 60 KM | 60 kilometers | July 25, 2014 | website

Catalonia
BUFF® Epic Trail Aigüestortes | 100 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website
Cadí Ultra Trail | 80 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Ultra Catllaràs | 55 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Principality of Asturias
Ultra Trail DesafíOSOmiedo | 86 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website

Sweden
Tierra Arctic Ultra | 120 kilometers | August 08, 2014 | website

Switzerland
Grisons
Swiss Alpine Marathon K78 | 78 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website

Thailand
Bangkok Ultra Trail Festival – 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website

Turkey
DASK ADAM Anatolian Mountain marathon – Long Course | 75 kilometers | August 07, 2014 | website
DASK ADAM Anatolian Mountain marathon – Medium Course | 60 kilometers | August 07, 2014 | website

United Kingdom
Cumbria
The Montane Lakeland 50 | 50 miles | July 26, 2014 | website
East Riding of Yorkshire
The Montane Lakeland 100 | 100 miles | July 25, 2014 | website
England
Round the Rock | 48 miles | August 02, 2014 | website
Round the Rock Ultra Marathon | 48 miles | August 02, 2014 | website
Hampshire
Oxfam Trailwalker GB (South) | 100 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Kent
The 50 Mile Challenge | 52 miles | July 28, 2014 | website
North Yorkshire
Oxfam Trailtrekker GB (North) – 100 km | 100 kilometers | July 31, 2014 | website
Oxfam Trailtrekker GB (North) – 65 km | 65 kilometers | July 31, 2014 | website
Stirling
Devil o’ the Highlands Footrace | 43 miles | August 02, 2014 | website

USA
Alaska
Resurrection Pass 100 Mile Ultra Trail | 100 miles | August 08, 2014 | website
Arizona
Vertigo 63K Night Trail Run | 63 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
California
Angeles Crest 100 mile endurance run | 100 miles | August 02, 2014 | website
Salt Point 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website
San Francisco 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | August 02, 2014 | website
San Francisco 50 Mile Endurance Run | 50 miles | August 02, 2014 | website
San Francisco 52.4 Ultramarathon | 52 kilometers | July 27, 2014 | website
Skyline 50K | 50 kilometers | August 03, 2014 | website
Colorado
Grand Mesa 100M | 100 miles | July 26, 2014 | website
Grand Mesa 37.5M | 60 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Grand Mesa 50M | 50 miles | July 26, 2014 | website
Mountain Ultra | 220 kilometers | August 01, 2014 | website
Mount Werner Classic – 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Ouray 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | August 02, 2014 | website
Ragnar Relay Colorado | 200 miles | August 08, 2014 | website
Wild West Relay | 200 miles | August 01, 2014 | website
Idaho
Standhope 60K | 60 kilometers | August 08, 2014 | website
Wild Idaho 50K Enrudance Run | 50 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Wild Idaho 50M Enrudance Run | 50 miles | July 26, 2014 | website
Maryland
Catoctin 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Minnesota
Minnesota Voyageur Trail 50 Mile Run | 50 miles | July 26, 2014 | website
Mississippi
Big Butts 100K | 100 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Big Butts 50K | 50 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Montana
HURL Elkhorn 50 K Ultramarathon | 50 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website
HURL Elkhorn 50 Mile Ultramarathon | 50 miles | August 02, 2014 | website
Nevada
Ruby Mountain Relay | 184 miles | August 08, 2014 | website
North Carolina
Mattamuskeet Death March | 100 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Ohio
Burning River 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | August 02, 2014 | website
Oregon
Siskiyou Out Back Trail Run 50K | 50 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Siskiyou Out Back Trail Run 50M | 50 miles | July 26, 2014 | website
Pennsylvania
Viaduct Trail 100 Mile Ultramarathon | 100 miles | July 27, 2014 | website
Viaduct Trail 150 Mile Ultramarathon | 150 miles | July 26, 2014 | website
Viaduct Trail 50 Mile Ultramarathon | 50 miles | July 27, 2014 | website
South Carolina
Landsford Canal 50 K | 50 kilometers | July 26, 2014 | website
Vermont
Moosalamoo Ultra – 36 M | 36 miles | August 02, 2014 | website
Virginia
Dahlgren Heritage Rail Trail 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website
Washington
Grand Ridge 50K Trail Run (August) | 50 kilometers | August 02, 2014 | website
White River 50 Mile Trail Run | 50 miles | July 26, 2014 | website

CLOSE

3:51:35

Tromsø SkyRace 2014 – Join Kilian and Emelie

Posted on July 24, 2014 by talkultra

Imagine it… who would you most like to design a Skyrunning course? I for one would say, Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg. I’d then pinch myself and say, ‘nah, that will never happen. For sure they have the passion but they just won’t have the time!’

How wrong could I be!

Mark the date in your diary, September 6th 2014. The inaugural Tromsø SKYRACE will take place.

‘We wanted to start small and grow the event’ Emelie said in a recent interview. ‘Starting at sea level, the route will climb up three peaks on an out and back course – Tromsdalstinden (1238m), Hamerokken (1404m) and then Tromsdalstinden again but via a different route.’

Tromsdalstinden: 1238m Sálašoaivi or Sálaščohkka, is an iconic summit visible from Tromsø. The trail to climb the summit is not really technical, with a first part on grass hills and then a rocky large ridge. The downhill is on a steeper rocky trail before easy zig zags trail to the hut. The views from the summit, with Tromsø city and the fjords on the north and Hamperokken and Lyngen on the south made this mountain one of the most gorgeous landscapes of the area.

Hamperokken: 1404m Gáranasčohkka, is the highest mountain peak on the mainland peninsula west of the Ullsfjorden. The trail to climb the mountain starts around sea level and climbs to 1000m on a easy grass and rock slope to the first summit of the ridge, then it follows a 5 kilometers rocky ridge with some easy technical passages that can require to put the hands (mostly if it’s wet or raining!) Last 50m to the summit are a short scrambling to the top. The downhill is on a loose rock steep couloir until reach the valley. The summit designs a long ridge culminated by a thin characteristic aiguille. Being on the center of Ullsfjorden, the views of Lyngen on the east and all the Tromsø mountains around gives us a big wilderness feeling.

Racing over the classic distance of 42km’s, the course will have an elevation gain of 4300m. Grassy mountains, rocky ridges; Kilian clicked through images on his phone and showed me some of the more technical sections. ‘It’s a beautiful route’ he says, ‘it has some technical ridge running and the most amazing views. Emelie and I have run over this area many times and we knew we just had to have a race here!’

It’s very different organising a race to running one but Emelie assured me, ‘we have a great team in place. You know, we are already race directors as we put on a Skimo race in Lyngen (north Norway) during the winter. However, if possible, both Kilian and myself will run the Tromso Skyrace; I will do the shorter race and Kilian will run the longer event.’

With just 100-places available, other elites runners will hopefully take part but that is not a priority. The dynamic duo want to encourage, promote and endorse running to a community of runners who may well have not attempted or completed such an event before. It’s about giving something back to the sport and I for one know only too well that the 100-places available will be gone in a flash…

Dakota Jones for example has just been announced as a participant in the first race.

Tromso is an island located within the Arctic Circle and in September the Northern Lights will illuminate the sky. Imagine it; rugged mountains, beautiful fjords and a race second to none with an epic backdrop.

Emelie can’t contain her excitement as we speak, ‘It’s going to be so special and super exciting!’ Kilian concurs, ‘It will be an epic race and one that will grow. We love Skyrunning and the Tromso Skyrace will echo all that is good in a Skyrunning race.’

I joke with Emelie, ‘I assume the aid stations may well be the best in any race I have witnessed?’

Laughing Emelie replies, ‘For sure, the aid stations will be great but cinnamon buns and Yogi Tea will welcome every runner as they cross the line.’

Details:

ENTER HERE

ENTRY OPENS 27th JULY at 19OO (Norway time)

Tromso, Norway
69° North
Skyrace 42km-4300m
Miniskyrace 19km-1600m

An ECO RACE – We are lucky to run in such wild nature, and for this we need to take care to keep this area wild and clean. When we run, we will keep need this in mind. We will try our best to keep the route clean. We will mark the course with biodegradable tape, just in case some is blown away by the wind or by any accident left behind. Aid stations will only be by huts and road crossings and will use reusable glasses. We will not have any paper publications, to protect the forests.

Race Website – HERE

Facebook – HERE

Montane ready to tackle the Lakeland 100 and 50 2014

Posted on July 24, 2014 by talkultra

This weekend will see the famous MONTANE^® Lakeland 100 / 50 ultra distance races take place. With over 1,100 entrants and a strong, competitive field, this year’s race is certain to raise pulses – not just amongst the runners.

The epic ML100 race starts from the John Ruskin School in Coniston on Friday 25 July, while the shorter, speedier ML50 sets off from Dalemain on Saturday 26 July. The 50-mile event this year is a British Athletics Ultra Trail Championship event and will without doubt see some fast racing from the top ladies and top men. Will course records be broken?

Several Team Montane members will be participating and hopes are high for spots on the podium. Stepping up to the endurance ML100 will be Debbie Martin-Consani and Steven Major. Both have tackled the event before, however, as veterans of the course will readily admit, prior experience doesn’t necessarily make it any easier.

Debbie is an experienced ultra distance runner with various podium finishes under her belt, amongst which finishing 1st in the 145 mile Grand Union Canal Race in both the ladies and overall categories. She has also been selected to run for Team GB for the International Association of Ultrarunners. In 2013’s ML100, Debbie finished with a very respectable time of 26:02:00 in the ladies category, second only to Lizzie Wraith, who smashed the course record by just over 4 hrs 30 mins.

Steven took up running originally to fundraise for his son’s football team. His first race was a 5 mile local fun run: “I found the run quite difficult, not having done enough training, but even so I got round in one piece and thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie between other fun runners and organisers. After experiencing this, I thought ‘I want to run it again’”. Since that first 5 mile run, Steven has run longer, more difficult trail races. This will be his third ML100.

The ML50, although it uses the second half of the ML100 course, is a completely different event. Competitors are more tightly bunched together and competition is generally fiercer as the race distance is shorter. Whereas ML100 participants take on average 30 hours to complete the course (the record stands at 19:50:37), the ML50 racers cross the finish line on average after 16 hours. The current course record is 07:39:26.

Team Montane members Marcus Scotney, Tony Holland and Stuart Mills are raring to compete and there will be fireworks aplenty! All three have competed in either the ML100 or ML50 before – Stuart has previously focused on the ML100, Tony has experience of competing in both distances and Marcus has participated in the ML50.

Marcus began running in 1994 and took on his first ultra marathon in 2008. He has run trail, fell and road races and now concentrates on trail. A high achiever, Marcus has numerous race wins to his name, most recently a stunning victory in the 130km Iznik Ultra in Turkey. He returns to the ML50 after having to pull out of 2013’s race: “DNF’d at 28miles suffered with chest pain was like running up hill whilst running down down hill & breathing through a straw”.

Tony was propelled into the world of running in 2010 after being inspired by his son, who has Down’s Syndrome and regularly fundraises for the Northumberland Down’s Syndrome Support Group & Disability Activity through his running. Initially a means of fundraising for Tony, it has transformed his life. He is a regular on the trail running race circuit and last year set up his own specialist running store, http://www.ultra-runner.com/. In 2012, Tony took on the ML100, but was forced to withdraw at checkpoint 9 of 14. In 2013 he was back to tackle the ML50 and completed the course in a time of 12:18:49. This year he will be on the start line once again for the ML50.

Finally, after winning the 2013 & 2010 ML100, legendary runner Stuart Mills will try his hand at the ML50. He joined his local running club at the age of 14 and began training in earnest in 1978. He ran his first marathon in Rotorua, New Zealand aged 17. Stuart’s wealth of experience has led him to a set of core race tactics: “Run as fast as I can, while I can!”

But whether all or none of our fantastic Team Montane runners cross the finish line, one thing’s for sure – this year’s race will be electric.

For further information on the Montane Lakeland 100 / 50, click here

Marmot24™ and Marmot Dark Mountains™ get Petzl sponsorship

Posted on July 22, 2014 by talkultra

Lyon Equipment, the distributors of Petzl in the UK and Ireland, has today announced a wide-ranging new sponsorship deal with Ourea Events. The agreement will see Petzl, the Worlds leading headlamp brand, becoming an event partner for both Marmot24™ and Marmot Dark Mountains™.

Both races involve lots of nocturnal action and Petzl, with it highly innovative headlamp range, makes a logical partner for these events. Marmot24™ consists of 24-hours non-stop mountain marathon racing and the inaugural race takes place at the beginning of August in the Lake District. Marmot Dark Mountains™ is firmly established as one of the most serious and challenging mountain races in the UK, with dusk to dawn racing in January each year. Both events require competitors to navigate, race and remain safe in the mountains at night.

In addition to become an event partner for these two prestigious races, Petzl will also become a supporting sponsor for the Dragon’s Back Race™, Berghaus Trail Chase™, Great Lakeland 3Day™, Cape Wrath Ultra™ and the Rab Mountain Marathon™. This wide ranging new sponsorship will strongly associated Petzl with many of the leading mountain running events in the UK for the next three years.

Shane Ohly, Managing Director of Ourea Events said, “Petzl products are superb and their headlamps are a natural companions to our events, which often challenge product and people in equal measure!”

Image ©iancorless.com - Marmot Dark Mountains

He continued, “I fondly remember my first Petzl Zoom headtorch in the early 1990’s and don’t think I have been without a Petzl headtorch of some kind since then. With such a wide and innovative range of headlamps there is definitely an appropriate Petzl product for all our competitors at all our different events”. I am looking forward to working with Lyon Equipment and Petzl”.

Martin Bergerud, Brand Manager for Petzl at Lyon Equipment added, “We are genuinely excited to be linked to and working with Ourea Events as Event Partners on the Marmot 24 and Marmot Dark Mountain Marathon and as supporting sponsors to all their other current and future iconic events that they organise. They deliver eye exciting yet challenging events where having dependable and practical product designed for the task are key, an ideal playground for Petzl”.

For more than 30 years Petzl has led the way in as an innovator in the research, design and manufacture of quality headlamps. From humble beginnings, when Fernand Petzl fashioned the first helmet-mounted light for caving, headlamps were refined over time, until he created the ‘Zoom’ model, which, with its rotating bezel as a switch and focus adjuster, became a seminal outdoor product well into the 21st century. At the same time, international praise grew for all of Petzl’s climbing and mountaineering equipment.

Petzl now provides a comprehensive range of hands-free lighting for many outdoor activities from alpinism to fishing and night-running to canyoning. Utilising the very best LED and battery technology you can choose from the iconic TIKKA range the proven MYO RXP, illuminate a tree from 120 with the ULTRA, have the security of the back up of an E+LITE in your rucksack or delve into the future with the latest REACTIVE LIGHTING featured torches such as the TIKKA R+ and the revolutionary NAO.

For further Information about:

Ourea Events, visit www.OureaEvents.com or contact Shane Ohly on 07771516962 or ShaneOhly@OureaEvents.com

Petzl and Lyon Equipment, visit www.lyon.co.uk/outdoor/ or contact Martin Bergerud on 015396 26338 ormartinb@lyon.co.uk

Please note – Press release provided by Ourea Events

Dolomites SkyRace 2014 – RACE IMAGES

Gallery

Posted on July 20, 2014 by talkultra

This gallery contains 128 photos.

Dolomites SkyRace 2014 – Results and initial images

Posted on July 20, 2014 by talkultra

Kilian Jornet (Salomon) has done the unthinkable… just 7-days after winning and setting a new course record at the legendary Hardrock 100 in America, the Catalan has won the Dolomites SkyRace.

It’s impossible to convey or express the ability that Kilian Jornet harnesses within his slender frame. The word, ‘Legend’ is used a great deal in our sport but in Kilian Jornet we have someone that not only deserves the title but almost re-defines it.

Kilian Jornet 2:03:50
Ionut Zinca 2:05:20
Tadei Pivk 2:05:21
Manuel Merillas 2:07:29
Alexis Sevennec 2:07:54

Laura Orgue (Salomon) produced an incredible weekend doube, winning the VK on Friday and the SkyRace on Sunday. The incredible uphill machine opened up a huge gap on the ascent to Piz Boe and held off a charging Emelie Forsberg who moved up from 4th, some 7-minutes back at the summit to just over a minute at the line. Incredible racing!

Laura Orgue 2:26:17
Emelie Forsberg 2:27:40
Maite Maiora 2:31:58
Christel Dewalle 2:35:53
Anna Kozielska 2:36:23

Full Results to view HERE

RACE IMAGES HERE