Monthly Archives: May 2017

Ultra Skymarathon Madeira #USM 2017 Preview – Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series

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The 2017 Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series and the 2017 Vertical Kilometer® World Circuit progresses with two stunning races on the island of Madeira this coming weekend.

The SVK – Santana Vertical Kilometer® 

The SVK (Santana Vertical Kilometer® ) covers a course 4.8km in length and a total vertical gain of 1003m and follows on from the most recent VK at Zegama-Aizkorri just last weekend where Stian Angermund-Vik and Laura Orgue took top honours.

The SVK takes place within the Madeira Natural Park, inside protected ecosystems areas that are part of the Natura 2000 Network – an ecological network that has the objective to contribute for ensuring biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora in the European Union. Starting near the Vale da Lapa at an altitude of about 780m, in the heart of the Laurissilva forest, a Natural World Heritage Site of Mankind, the course covers 4.8km. Participants can experience the amazing views of Madeira Island and feel nature at its most beautiful. The final part of the route consists of a very technical and demanding climb that culminates in an emblematic point called Encumeada Alta (1785m), in the central mountain, from where you can enjoy superb panoramic landscapes on the highest peaks of the island.

A total of 78 runners will take on this tough course with Saul Antonio Padua Rodriguez heading up the race. Other runners to watch are Ferran Teixido, Ekatarina Mityaeva, Anna Frost and more.

Runners depart at 1-minute intervals

The USM – Ultra Skymarathon Madeira® 

The main event of the weekend is the USM (Ultra Skymarathon Madeira®) – a technical mountain race that consists of steep slopes and trails covering a distance of 55km and 4000m of vertical gain.

Comprised of passages which require technical climbing expertise of grade 2, stunning mountain scenery, mountains, sea cliff landscape plus the addition of an up river boulder hopping scramble; yes, the Ultra SkyMarathon Madeira is a unique race – It is no ordinary race and one that combines mixed elements in a wonderful natural playground.

“This place is incredible. The diversity of nature, the amount of vertical that you get immediately from the sea is breath-taking. The colour of the water is like nothing I have ever seen. I have stopped so many times to say “wow”! The organisers and community runners have made me feel at home already. I don’t want to ever leave…” – Anna Frost

The ladies race will have a tough battle with last years 2nd and 3rd place ladies, Hillary Allen and Anna Frost.

Add to the mix Elisabet Bertran Mesanes, Ekaterina Mityaeva, Eva Maria Moreda, Katarina Lovrantova and Laura Pratt Merino.

 

In the mens race it’s wide open, the hot favourite may well be 2016 Skyrunner World series Extreme Champion Jonathan Albon who will love the technical nature of the Madeira course. However, Italy’s Franco Colle will be tough competition along with Pere Aurell Bove, Dmityr Mityaeva, Nuno Silva, Roger Vinas and Xavier Teixido.

A full line-up of the start list can be viewed here.

Cristofer Clemente (6:00:28) and Gemma Arenas (6:59:51) took top honours in 2016, who will stand atop the podium in 2017?

The Madeira Ultra SkyMarathon®, now in its fourth year, embodies the sea-to sky concept that personifies Skyrunning.

******

The “2017 Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series”

The 2017 Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series features 22 races in 11 countries and will reward the champions in the various categories a € 60,000 end of season prize purse.

The Chinese company Migu Run, the creator and owner of an advanced online and offline exercise and health management platform, has been announced as the new long-term title sponsor of the Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series beginning in 2017.

The Series is structured in three categories, Sky Classic, Sky Extreme and Sky Ultra, counting 22 races in 11 countries stretching from April to October.

Note for 2017 the ‘new’

VERTICAL KILOMETER® WORLD CIRCUIT HERE

The rapidly expanding appeal of climbing 1,000 metres sky-high has prompted the creation of this circuit to showcase some of the best races across the world – for starters, sixteen races in eight countries.

The circuit is a Skyrunner® World Series spin-off, launching with double the number of races. They include the world’s shortest and fastest races, the first and only triple VK, some 20-year-old classics and some exciting new ones. With the aim of expanding in the future, the number of races may be increased throughout the season.

Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ 2017 – Day 5

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The 2017 Berghaus Dragons Back Race concluded today in Llandeilo – five days of epic mountain racing over. By epic, we mean E P I C!

For those looking for one of the toughest races in the world, Wales and the Dragons Back Race is a perfect starting place. 223 runners toed the line in Conwy, just over 100 finished – yes, 50% of the field didn’t make the journey from the north to the south.

For the first two days the race was very much about 2015 champion Jim Mann dominating the race, for the ladies, Sabrina Varjee also built a very clear lead over her main rivals – Carol Morgan and Caroline McIlroy.

However, on day 3 it was all change for Mann. The 90-minute margin he had built over days 1 and 2 was wiped a way with two navigational errors and a charging Marcus Scotney. On day 4, the heat came and Mann used his 0730 start to press the pace and apply pressure. Scotney had a lead of almost 30-minutes, surely it was too much for Mann to pull back? Well yes, but he came close. The final days race was going to be brutal.

But the ladies race spiced up on day 4 with Verjee suffering in the heat and Carol Morgan having a great day – like the men’s race, it was all to fight for on the last day!

Morning in day 5 camp was one of mixed emotions, the end was in sight but a tough day was ahead and to add to the pressure, forecasts were predicting a scorching 30deg high.

The majority of the field started early at 0600 but all eyes were on the 0800 ‘chase’ starts. Scotney and Verjee would start on the stroke of 0800 and then 2nd placed runners, Mann and Morgan would depart as per their time deficits to the leader. The same applied for 3rd placed lady, McIlroy. Quite simply, the first man or woman across the line would be the 2017 Berghaus Dragons Back winner.

Scotney had complained the previous night of a sore knee and had contemplated not starting day 5, however, on reflection, he decided it was better to fight and run with a chance of victory in comparison to leaving questions unanswered. He was flying, the terrain suited him and allowed him to stretch his legs. By CP2, Scotney was pulling away from Mann and Verjee and Morgan were equally matched with McIlroy losing time.

More good running to CP3 and then the climb to CP4 and the run along the high ground with the impressive Llyn Y Fan Fact to the right saw Scotney extend his lead. When Mann arrived at CP5 he was over 30-minutes back and barring Scotney having any problems, the race was his for the taking. Mann no doubt paying a price for a tough first 3-days and a hard chasing 4th day.

Scotney crossed the line in 6:12:09 1st and Mann came in much later (7:43:40) having eased off the gas knowing that his place for 2nd was secure. Neil Talbott who had started later than the 1st and 2nd placed runners had a long day chasing all in front of him, his 3rd place secure in 7:31:04 placing 2nd on the stage.

In the ladies’ race, Verjee although in the lead to CP5 was struggling with the heat, the fatigue of 4-days of tough racing and being chased by Morgan and McIlroy. She looked agitated, stressed and not her normal self. By contrast, Morgan at CP5 was relaxed and when asked how she felt, “I feel great – fantastic!”

The possible threat of a blazing run from McIlroy didn’t happen and the race was now between Verjee and Morgan.

Morgan hunted Verjee down and by CP6 had caught and passed her. It was all about putting her head down and pushing on. Victory was hers in 7:57:16 and with it, the title of Ladies 2017 Berghaus Dragons Back champion.

Verjee and McIlroy made it to the line, 2nd and 3rd places in 8:52:04 and 9:30:54 respectively. Like Mann, Verjee’s final thoughts maybe ones of disappointment with questions of what might have been…

It’s been a tough race for all concerned but when you race over 5-days with the highs and lows that this type of race can throw at you, it’s about how the runner manages all aspects of the race and not just one day. The 2017 edition will go down in history as one of the most compelling, particularly in the final 2-days.

Attention will now turn to 2019 and the next edition of the race but as Ourea Events rightly say, don’t forget it’s the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2018 for those who need their fix!

  1. Marcus Scotney 37:58:37
  2. Jim Mann 39:38:14
  3. Neil Talbott 41:54:33

 

  1. Carol Morgan 48:41:17
  2. Sabrina Verjee 49:29:42
  3. Caroline McIlroy 50:23:47

Results HERE

Read day 1 report here

Read day 2 report here

Read day 3 report here

Read day 4 report here

All images will be at iancorless.photoshelter.com post race

Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ 2017 – Day 4

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Mann on fire… reeling after navigational errors, giving away a ridiculous amount of time and losing his first place, today Jim Mann left camp at 0730 with just one purpose, ‘make them chase and make them chase hard!’

Mann set off at a ridiculous pace and despite a day of sun and high temperatures (25-degrees) he pushed and pushed breaking splits for his 2015 winning time. On the rolling terrain he rarely walked, constantly switching from running to fast, hands-on-knees hiking. He crossed the line for the 71km’s in 7:03:26. The question was, what would Marcus Scotney do?

The rolling terrain suited Scotney today allowing him to use his running prowess to stretch his legs and hopefully protect his lead on Mann in second. At all times he looked relaxed and focused. However, after the midway point, it was becoming clear that Mann, really was on fire. Scotney pushed to the line and crossed in 7:21:26.

Mann had almost done the impossible in clawing back his first place… wow!

Scotney’s 31:46:28 to Mann’s 31:54:34 now means that the last day of the 2017 Berghaus Dragons Back Race is going to be epic!

Or should I say, IT WAS going to be epic.

Post race, it transpired that Mann once again made a navigation error – he missed a ‘mandatory’ route.

The ‘officials’ have checked the route Mann took and have compared times and splits in comparison to race leader Scotney. It transpires that this section and route was actually slower than the mandatory route and that no advantage was gained. However, the officials have issued Mann with a ‘strike’ – he now has two! Should he get a strike on the last day he will be disqualified from the race. The whole situation was discussed with Scotney and no time penalty will be given.

Scotney however has gained a knee injury in stage 4 and it now looks unlikely he will be able to race the fifth day of the race, he has said he would like a ‘Dragon’ and should he start the last day it will be to complete!

Drama in Wales!

For the ladies, Sabrina Verjee had a tough day battling heat and dehydration and crossed the line in 9:51:25. Whereas Carol Morgan had a game changing day crossing the line in 9:14:18 – this eradicated much of the time gap Verjee had built up over the first three days, moved her up into 2nd place and leaves her just minutes from a potential 2017 victory.

Adding to the ladies mix is Caroline McIlroy who crossed the line in 9:24:09. She has spent much of the week in second place and now she is in third after Morgan’s impressive run. With just fifteen minutes between the top three ladies, the last day is going to be a tough one!

Verjee will start at 0800 on the last day and then Morgan and McIlroy will start with the time differences to first – the first lady of these three on the day 5 finish line will be the 2017 champion!

On a final note, 133 people started day 4 of the race – a 50% drop out rate.

  1. Marcus Scotney 31:46:28
  2. Jim Mann 31:54:34
  3. Neil Talbott 34:23:29

 

  1. Sabrina Verjee 40:37:38
  2. Carol Morgan 40:44:31
  3. Caroline McIlroy 40:52:53

Results HERE

Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ 2017 – Day 3

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A day of drama in Wales as 2015 champion and 2017 race leader Jim Mann, makes a navigational error and not only loses his strong and convincing lead, but also gives away an additional 30-minutes… needless to say, on the finish line he was less than pleased with his navigational prowess.

The day started at 0600 as much of the field started early to maximise the time available to be back in camp before the 2300 cut-off. Forecast was for clear skies and sun and a tough day.

The first control at Pau Craig had a 2-hour guide and many were finding the early climb to just under 700m a challenge. For the lead ladies, Sabrina Verjee and Carol Morgan arrived together – Caroline McIlroy having started earlier. The men arrived in dribs and drabs – Marcus Scotney getting an early start and then the other main contenders arriving closer together, Neil Talbot  first, then Jez Bragg and then finally Jim Mann who appeared to be flying on the tough/ steep terrain.

Myndd Moel followed at 683m and a series of false peaks before dropping down to the first road crossing at Llanllwyda.

The ladies were running strong holding their respective places with Verjee and Morgan running together. Morgan no doubt looking to open up a gap on McIlroy – the duo were only 30+ seconds apart on general classification.

At Cadair Idris, Mann made his error – he navigated south off the course. Unfortunately he ran for many km’s before navigating back north only to go off course again and lose more time and distance.

Scotney, who loves to run, started to extend his lead and claw back the 90-minutes of Mann’s lead.

It was the end of the day when the damage was really starting to come clear. Scotney arrived at Pumlumon Fawr (the last control) looking strong, relaxed and focussed. He said, ‘I feel good!’ )n hearing the news that Mann had gone off course, he no doubt found some new gusto for the final downhill run to the line on good fast terrain. He crossed the line in 7:54:33.

When Mann finally arrived, he was a long way back and pushing hard. Of course it can be a little confusing as the duo did not start at the same time. Crossing the line in 9:30:43 – the true extent of the damage was finally confirmed, Scotney had taken the overall lead by approx 26-minutes, 24:25:02 to Mann’s 24:51:08 elapsed time.

Neil Talbott, Jez Bragg and Ken Sutor once again had strong and consistent days finishing 9:31:55, 9:36:35 and 9:34:30 respectively.

Sabrina Verjee and Carol Morgan pretty much shadowed each other for most of the day. In the latter stages Verjee looked hot and bothered with her effort in the strong hot sun – she crossed the line in 11:01:05 and retained the overall lead in 30:46 :13 elapsed.

Morgan finished in 11:07:46 with an elapsed time of 31:30:13 but the ladies story was all about McIlroy who finished in 11:06:52 and therefore consolidating her lead for 2nd with an elapsed time of 31:28:44.

Results HERE

Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ 2017 – Day 2

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A calm morning and thick clag shrouded the runners as they departed Nantgwynant between 0600 and 0900 this morning – slower runners starting early and fast runners starting later.

At Cnicht (the first summit of the day) the weather started to clear around 1000 and then blue skies and glorious sunshine stayed with the runners throughout the day – on higher ground whips of cloud came in but it was a glorious day in Wales.

Descending and climbing from Cnicht, Moelyn Mawr was the next control and Jim Mann was slowly but surely reeling all the competitors in, having started last – the fox, he was chasing the rabbits.

Crossing the A496 road, Sabrina Verjee and Mann were taking a grip of the race, following on their day 1 performances with a confirmation they are in great shape.

Marcus Scotney, Neil Talbot and Jez Bragg were putting up a battle but Mann was just on fire. At the final summit, Diffwys, Mann descended like it was the beginning of the day, he ran fast and smooth and at the finish line he set the fastest time of the day – elapsed 15:20:25. However, Scotney who had started earlier was the first to cross the line, his elapsed time16:30:29. Neil Talbot 16:46:40 is holding off Jez Bragg in 4th.

For the ladies, Carol Morgan and Caroline McIlroy put up a battle to Verjee and this resulted in McIlroy gaining time on Morgan, 20:21:52 to 20:22:27. The battle for 2nd lady is now very close with just 35-seconds between them – Verjee by contrast extended her lead, her elapsed time 19:45:08.

Results HERE

Image galleries will be uploaded to iancorless.photoshelter.com post race

Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ 2017 – Day 1

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Jim Mann, the 2015 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ Champion, today set out his stall with a strong and dominant performance that left all the other runners following in his wake as he dominated the tough, challenging and yes, intimidating day 1 of this race.

For the ladies, Sabrina Verjee also produced a strong performance despite pre-race concerns that a recurring calf injury may surface and scupper her plans.

The day started at 0700 at the impressive Conwy Castle to music and a male voice choir. The early climb to Conwy mountain saw everyone close together but a pattern was starting to form with Jim Mann, Marcus Scotney, Jez Bragg, Neil Talbot and Nickademus Hollon. Sabrina Verjee and Carol Morgan similarly set the pace for the ladies.

Carnedd Gwenllian, Carnedd Llewelyn and Carnedd Dafydd followed and the field started to spread out as Mann upped the pace – ahead of his 2015 times!

The climb of Tryfan was a significant marker in the race and Mann and Varjee arrived first in the male and female categories. Scotney followed Mann but was not looking his comfortable self.

Climbing up and over Tryfan and then Glyder Fach the descent to Pen-Y-Pass was the next key marker. After crossing the road the long, steady and at times technical climb took runners to the exposed ridge of Crib Goch. Here man took a slight lower line in the final sections and mixed a control at the start of the ridge… there was some confusion as a map instruction did cause for a question mark. Most certainly it was a mistake by Mann but not intentional. It was decided post race by the judges he would receive a 15-minute time penalty.

On the ridge Mann extended his lead ahead of Neil Talbot who had now moved into 2nd and Marcus Scotney. The summit of Snowdon followed and then the run in to the finish at Nantgwynant. Mann was 1st in 7:27 (this includes the 15-min penalty), Talbot was 2nd 7:54 and Scotney 3rd in 8:14.

For the ladies, Verjee continued to the lead the ladies and although she moved a little slower over the exposed ridge of Crib Goch, she extended her lead on the final run in crossing the line in 9:27. Morgan took a lower line on Grib Goch to avoid the strong winds and in the process held off Caroline McIlroy – their times 9:46 and 10:07 respectively.

All results HERE

Image galleries will be available on iancorless.photoshelter.com post race

Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ 2017 – Registration in Conwy

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Jim Mann 2015 Champion

223 runners have arrived and registered in Conwy ahead of the 2017 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race™ starting at 0700 on Monday May 22nd.

Ahead an incredible, tough and challenging journey that will test each and every runner. Following the mountainous spine of Wales from north to south. This incredible 5-day journey is 315 kilometres long with 15,500 metres of ascent across wild, trackless, remote and mountainous terrain. It is the toughest 5-day mountain race in the world.

Read the race preview here

But who are the runners who plan to tame the Dragon?

Meet the 223

“And all will know that 223 will give their last breath to beat it! Runners! Ready your breakfast and … Give thanks, men and women! To Ourea events, and the brave 223!”

 

Episode 135 – Eoin Keith and Tim Freriks

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Episode 135 of Talk Ultra brings you two interviews. Eoin Keith talks about running a FKT across Ireland and Tim Freriks talks about bursting onto the world stage with victory at Transvulcania Ultramarathon.
It’s a short show this week folks due to extensive travel and workload. However, we have a couple of great interviews and stories for you.
Back to normal for episode 136!
Read about the 2017 Transvulcania HERE and VK HERE
UP & COMING RACES

Argentina

170x4D | 170 kilometers | May 24, 2017 | website
50K | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
80KX2D | 80 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website

Australia

New South Wales

The North Face 100 Australia | 100 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
The North Face 50 Australia | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Queensland

Victoria

Ultra Marathon 60K | 60 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website

Austria

Über Drüber UltraMarathon | 63 kilometers | May 25, 2017 | website

Belgium

Wallonia

Trail des Doux Dingues | 60 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Trail des Vallées du Chevalier – 62 km | 62 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Trails des Fous Fourieux | 105 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Bhutan

The Last Secret | 200 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website

Canada

Alberta

50K Ultra | 50 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website
Blackfoot Ultra 100KM | 100 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Blackfoot Ultra 50 Km | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Blackfoot Ultra 50 Miler | 50 miles | May 27, 2017 | website
Confederation 150K Relay | 150 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website
Confederation 150K Solo | 150 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

British Columbia

50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Ontario

100 Mile | 100 miles | May 27, 2017 | website
200 Mile | 200 miles | May 25, 2017 | website
50K | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
50 Mile | 50 miles | May 27, 2017 | website

Chile

Atacama Xtreme 100 Miles | 100 miles | May 19, 2017 | website
Atacama Xtreme 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 19, 2017 | website
Atacama Xtreme 50 Miles | 50 miles | May 19, 2017 | website

Denmark

Midtjylland

Nordisk eXtrem maraton X50 | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Nordisk eXtrem maraton X70 | 70 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Finland

Oulu

NUTS Karhunkierros Trail Ultra – 160 km | 160 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website
NUTS Karhunkierros Trail Ultra – 53 km | 53 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
NUTS Karhunkierros Trail Ultra – 80 km | 80 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

France

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Trail de Haute Provence – Ultra | 72 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Ardèche

205,5 km | 205 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website
Ua-60 duo | 60 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Ua-60 solo | 60 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Ardennes

100 km | 100 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Aude

Challenge Cathare | 95 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Bouches-du-Rhône

Half – ultimate race | 64 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website
Ultimate Race | 131 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website
Ultimate Race Relais | 131 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website

Cantal

La Pastourelle – Le Grand Cirque | 53 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Dordogne

Le relais du perigord sur 105 km (45+60) | 105 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Ultra trail du perigord 105 km | 105 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Haute-Savoie

Technica Maxi Race | 85 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website
XL Race | 87 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Hautes-Pyrénées

62 km | 62 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website

Haut-Rhin

Trail des Marcaires | 52 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website

Hérault

Hérault Trail | 73 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Ultra Draille | 120 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Manche

Trail de l’Archange | 55 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Nord

100 km de Steenwerck | 100 kilometers | May 24, 2017 | website

Pas-de-Calais

105 km | 105 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
50 km | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Puy-de-Dôme

Trail experience Chaîne des Puys | 75 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website

Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Euskal Trails – Ultra Trail | 130 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website
Trail des Villages | 80 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website
Trail Gourmand | 50 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website

Saône-et-Loire

Trails des Vignes | 300 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Ultra Trail de Côte-d’Or | 105 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Savoie

Grand Raid 73 | 73 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Seine-Maritime

60 km | 60 kilometers | May 25, 2017 | website
60 km Relais | 60 kilometers | May 25, 2017 | website

Tarn-et-Garonne

52 km | 52 kilometers | May 25, 2017 | website

Vendée

100 km de Vendée | 100 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Vosges

55 km | 55 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website

Yonne

61 km | 61 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website
Oxfam Trailwalker France | 100 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Bödefelder Hollenlauf 101 KM | 101 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Bödefelder Hollenlauf 67 KM | 67 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Rhineland-Palatinate

Saar-Hunsrück-Supertrail | 128 kilometers | May 26, 2017 | website
Westerwaldlauf 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 25, 2017 | website

Schleswig-Holstein

Steinburg – Ultra – Marathon 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 25, 2017 | website

Thuringia

GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf Super Marathon | 72 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Hungary

Ultrabalaton | 212 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Ireland

Munster

The Irish Trail 60 km | 60 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
The Irish Trail 85 km | 85 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Italy

Emilia-Romagna

Nove Colli Running | 202 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Trail Alta Val Nure 60 km | 60 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website

Liguria

Gran Trail Rensen | 62 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website

Piedmont

Trail del Monte Soglio – Gir Lung | 63 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Sardinia

Asinara Ultra Trail 80K | 80 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Tuscany

100km del Passatore | 100 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Veneto

Alpago EcoMarathon | 50 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website
Gran Raid delle Prealpi Trevigiane | 72 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Japan

100 km | 100 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website
71 km | 71 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website

Morocco

3 étapes | 77 kilometers | May 19, 2017 | website

Nepal

Mount Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon | 60 kilometers | May 29, 2017 | website

Norway

80 km | 80 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Lofoten Ultra-Trail | 100 miles | June 02, 2017 | website

Philippines

Hardcore Hundred Miles | 100 miles | May 19, 2017 | website

Portugal

100 km | 100 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
60 km | 60 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Blue Island Trail – Ultra Trail | 70 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Réunion

Semi Transrun | 75 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website
Ultra | 140 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Romania

100 km | 100 kilometers | June 02, 2017 | website
Fundu Moldovei 3-day staged 115km ultra | 115 kilometers | June 02, 2017 | website
Fundu Moldovei Ultra Romania | 115 kilometers | June 02, 2017 | website
Transylvania 100k | 100 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Transylvania 50k | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Ultramaraton 52,75 km | 52 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Russia

Master | 56 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Ultimate 100 miles | 100 miles | May 27, 2017 | website
Ultra | 100 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Serbia

108 km | 108 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
57 km | 57 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Spain

Balearic Islands

Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls | 185 kilometers | May 19, 2017 | website
Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls Costa Nord | 100 kilometers | May 19, 2017 | website
Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls Costa Sud | 85 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Galicia

80 km | 80 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Sweden

Boras Ultra Marathon – 100 miles | 100 miles | May 27, 2017 | website
Boras Ultra Marathon – 87 km | 87 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Taiwan

50 km of Wild Pig | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Turkey

Artvin Ultra Trail | 94 kilometers | June 02, 2017 | website

Ukraine

Burning Heads 50K | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

United Kingdom

Birmingham

Grand Union Canal Race | 145 miles | May 27, 2017 | website

County Borough of Conwy

Dragon’s Back | 200 miles | May 22, 2017 | website

Cumbria

Keswick Mountain Festival Ultra Trail Marathon | 50 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website
Old County Tops Fell Race | 37 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

Devon

Forces March | 131 miles | May 24, 2017 | website

East Sussex

Weald Challenge 50 km Ultra Trail | 50 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website

Greater London

First Half Challenge | 56 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
London 2 Brighton Challenge | 100 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Shropshire

Apocalypse 100 | 100 miles | May 20, 2017 | website
Apocalypse 50 | 50 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

Somerset

Westcountry Ultra 100 Miler | 100 miles | May 20, 2017 | website
Westcountry Ultra Flat 50 miler | 50 miles | May 20, 2017 | website
Westcountry Ultra Hilly 50 miler | 50 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

Worcestershire

Severn Challenge | 214 miles | May 25, 2017 | website
Severn Path Ultra | 58 miles | May 27, 2017 | website
Severn Plod Ultra | 45 miles | May 26, 2017 | website
Severn Way Ultra | 58 miles | May 28, 2017 | website

United States Minor Outlying Islands

100K Flying Solo | 100 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
100K Relay | 100 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

USA

Alabama

Rockin Choccolocco 50K | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Arizona

Adrenaline 65K Night Run | 65 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Grand Canyon 100 Mile | 100 miles | May 27, 2017 | website
Grand Canyon 50K | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Grand Canyon 50 Mile | 50 miles | May 27, 2017 | website

California

100 Miler | 100 miles | May 19, 2017 | website
60 Miler | 60 miles | May 20, 2017 | website
Ohlone Wilderness 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website
San Francisco 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | May 20, 2017 | website
San Francisco 50 Mile Endurance Run | 50 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

Connecticut

Trail 2 Trail Series Kettletown Park 50K | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Florida

Keys 100 Mile | 100 miles | May 20, 2017 | website
Keys 50K Race | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Keys 50 Mile Race | 50 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

Georgia

Cruel Jewel 100 | 100 miles | May 19, 2017 | website
Cruel Jewel 50 Mile Race | 50 miles | May 19, 2017 | website

Maine

Pineland Farms 50K Trail | 50 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website
Pineland Farms 50 Mile Trail | 50 miles | May 28, 2017 | website

Massachusetts

Big Bear 50K | 50 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website

Minnesota

Spring Superior Trail 50 k | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
We Walk! 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

Missouri

Berryman 50 Miles | 50 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

Nebraska

191 miles | 191 miles | May 20, 2017 | website
191 miles Relay | 191 miles | May 20, 2017 | website
G.O.A.T.z Gravel Classic 60k | 60 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
GOATz Gravel Classic 60K | 60 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Nevada

Silver State 50K | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Silver State 50-Miler | 50 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

New Hampshire

Manchester 2 Monadnock Ultramarathon | 55 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

New Jersey

Mayapple 100K Trail Run | 100 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Mayapple 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website

New Mexico

Jemez Mountain Trail Runs 50K | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Jemez Mountain Trail Runs 50-Mile | 50 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

Ohio

Playin’ Possum 50k | 50 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
Tie Dye 32 Miler | 32 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

Oklahoma

Okie Relays 2 – 4 person Relay Team | 41 miles | May 20, 2017 | website
Okie Relays Individual | 42 miles | May 20, 2017 | website

Oregon

TrailFactor 50k | 50 kilometers | May 29, 2017 | website

Rhode Island

Gloridays | 44 miles | June 02, 2017 | website

South Carolina

El Diablo | 220 kilometers | June 02, 2017 | website

Utah

Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back | 192 miles | June 02, 2017 | website

Washington

100K | 100 kilometers | May 20, 2017 | website
50K | 50 kilometers | May 21, 2017 | website
Pigtails 100 Mile Challenge | 100 miles | May 27, 2017 | website
Pigtails 150 Mile Challenge | 150 miles | May 26, 2017 | website
Pigtails 200 Mile Challenge | 200 miles | May 25, 2017 | website
Soaring Eagle 10 M Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website
Soaring Eagle 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Wisconsin

Chippewa 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 27, 2017 | website

Wyoming

Rocky Mountain 50k | 50 kilometers | May 28, 2017 | website
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Kilian Jornet starts his 2017 attempt on Everest #OurEverest

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“Good feelings today! Climb from Advanced Base Camp to 8.400m in a bit less than 6 hours. Our acclimatization process continues! #OurEverest”

Fast and light and without oxygen, Kilian Jornet has started his 2nd attempt at the summit of Everest. He departed on the 2017 adventure on Saturday May 20th* (Tibet is GMT +8) from the monastery of Rongbuk.

*Schedule in Tibet. 18,15 Spanish time, 17,15 hour in London, from rongbuk monastery 5.100 mts.

Taking the north face route, the world famous runner, climber and ski mountaineer will look to climb to the summit of the 8848m peak in a record time – he failed in 2016 due to bad weather.

Just recently in preparation, Kilian climbed in China with his partner Emelie Forsberg and made a successful summit of Cho You – the sixth highest mountain in the world at 8,188 metres (26,864 ft) above sea level. You can read his summary HERE.

Just a few days ago, Kilian reached 8400m after climbing from advanced base camp at 6400m. He tweeted, “Good feelings today! Climb from Advanced Base Camp to 8.400m in a bit less than 6 hours. Our acclimatization process continues! #OurEverest”

There is no benchmark for what Kilian is trying to achieve as with his ‘Summits Of My Life Project’ he will start from the last inhabited place. Records are usually taken from a base camp on the mountain. Kilian will leave and return to the monastery at Rongbuk.

Fast and Light? Here is Kilian’s equipment:

See the map:

We wish Kilian and the #OurEverest team god speed and good luck for the ultimate #SOML experience.

I have to say, I, like many others have had worries and concerns about the ‘Summits’ program. Let’s be clear here, I don’t doubt or question Kilian’s ability. What I do say and have always said, if you do anything enough times, it will eventually go wrong or something will happen. Kilian has already experienced loss and tragedy on this project. The death of Stephan Brosse was certainly a wake up call  but Kilian understands the risks. Certainly the recent death of Ueli Steck is reminder to all of the challenge ahead.

 “You have to go look for happiness in life, find it in the things that make you feel alive. Life is not something to be preserved or protected, it is to be  explored and lived to the full.” – Kilian Jornet

 

“On the track, there is no risk so we time ourselves to get a benchmark. In the mountains, it is different. We try to become one with the mountain by finding new limits. It’s an emotion, from the heart, very connected to risk.”

Everest is the final test in the #SOML project and will probably be the most demanding challenge of the project and, indeed, of his life. Kilian has broken records on mountains around the world and the final part of this personal project is an incredible one; an attempt to establish a ‘FKT’ (fastest known time) for ascending Everest, the world’s highest mountain at 8,848m. Kilian is taking on this challenge his own way, in the most pure and minimalist manner possible.

UPDATE – Sunday 21st May 1530 UK Time 

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE #SOML #OurEverest @kilianj – Seb has seen Kilian at 7500m, apparently KJ is good! Weather also good!

LATEST UPDATE

KILIAN SUMMITS EVEREST from #SOML 

Kilian Jornet has the Everest summit, midnight (local time) from 21 to 22 May. To do that you have not used or oxygen, fixed ropes and neither has done one go.


The summit has achieved for the north face of the highest mountain in the world (8.848m) following the traditional route. Kilian Jornet started the challenge of Everest Base Camp, located in the old monastery of Rombuk (5.100m) on May 20 at 22h local time (+5: 45 GMT).


At 12h15 local time on 22 May is back to Advanced Base Camp of Everest (6.500m) which confirmed the summit achieved at midnight, 26 hours after starting the ascent.


38 hours after starting the challenge and get back to Advanced Base Camp explains: “Until I felt good 7.700m and planning ahead as planned, but from that point I started find bad guess to a stomach virus. From there I advanced very slowly and had to go stopping every so often to get me to recover. Finally, however, I made the summit at midnight “


Due to illness, Jornet decides to terminate the attempt to Advanced Base Camp instead of down at Everest Base Camp, located in the old monastery Rombuk as planned initially.


Once you have more information about the challenge, informed through the channels Summits of My Life.

Transvulcania Ultramarathon 2017 Summary – 2017 Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series

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Transvulcania Ultramarathon 2017

The second race of the 2017 Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series kicked off today in La Isla Bonita as the glow of Fuencaliente lighthouse faded as 1000+ head-torches rushed north for a 70+km journey on the islands iconic GR131 route.

Soft black lava sand and single-track made the early miles under darkness tough. At the village of Los Canarios it was possible to see who had survived the early difficulties. Cheered by hundreds of locals, Timothy Lee Freriks and Hayden Hawks, the USA duo lead the men’s race followed by Ludovic Pommeret and Nicolas Martin.

For the ladies’ 2016 champion and pre-race favorite Ida Nilsson lead the charge ahead of Anne Lise Rousset and Ragna Debats.

The trails from Los Canarios weave in and out of pine forests – underfoot the trails are good, at times technical but it is as the runners break the tree line that the challenging volcano sections await. The arrival of the sun provides some clarity and the push begins to El Pilar and a notable marker in the race progression.

The Route of the Volcanoes was bathed in early morning sun. The island came to life with the distant islands of Tenerife and La Gomera breaking through the low cloud the race was on.

Timothy Lee Freriks was proving a revelation continued to forge ahead at the front of the race, the pace was high but it was clear that this was not going to be an easy day on the trails. Chasing behind Hayden Hawks and Ludovic Pommeret battled the terrain and in and amongst the lead men, Ida Nilsson was making her presence felt leading the ladies race.

At least 5km of relatively flat and easy running follow El Pilar. It provides an opportunity for the ‘runners’ to stretch their legs and either extend or reclaim lost time. A left turn and suddenly they are climbing again, high trees with a canopy of green shelter the runners and then from El Reventon the true splendor of this mountain range is exposed with Roques de los Muchachos visible in the distance. Freriks and Hawks were pushing ahead together, Pommeret chasing was now 10-minutes behind.

Ida Nilsson extended her margin over Rousset and Debats. Victory looked secured.

It was all to fight for and the the harder sections of technical running around the Caldera, combined with heat and altitude provided the next challenge. Weaving up, down and around the terrain, Freriks pushed looking for a time margin before the 18km and decisive drop to the sea and Tazacorte Port. Hawks was now suffering, the terrain and heat were punishing him and Pommeret was closing.

Freriks arrived at the Port first. Pommeret followed 15-mins later and then Nicolas Martin. Hawks hd suffered with sickness and vomiting. A short run along the beach, a technical run through the gulley and then a relentless climb all the way to the finish line in Los Llanos would decide the overall winner of the 2017 Transvulcania La Palma.

For the men, Freriks clinched the top honors ahead of Pommeret and Zaid Ait Malek had closed on the descent and final climb to clinch 3rd ahead of Martin – a spectacular podium. The times, 7:02:03, 7:18:15 and 7:26:31 respectively.

 

For the ladies, Ida Nilsson backed up 2016 victory with a spectacular showcase performance ahead of Rousset and Allen.

Nilsson setting a new course record 8:04:17 – the 2nd and 3rd placed ladies crossed in 8:32:15 and 8:38:46.

The previous course record was that of Anna Frost set in 2015 – 8:10:41. Luis Alberto Hernando’s male record of 6:52:39 remains a solid benchmark for this course.

Since 2012, Transvulcania Ultramarathon never disappoints, it is arguably one of the greatest courses and finish lines out there. Attention now turns to the iconic and legendary Zegama-Aizkorri, the next race on the 2017 Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series.

*******

The “2017 Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series”. The Chinese company, Migu Run, under the name of Migu Xempower, was the Series’ main sponsor in 2016.

The 2017 Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series features 22 races in 11 countries and will reward the champions in the various categories a € 60,000 end of season prize purse.

The Chinese company Migu Run, the creator and owner of an advanced online and offline exercise and health management platform, has been announced as the new long-term title sponsor of the Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series beginning in 2017.

The Series is structured in three categories, Sky Classic, Sky Extreme and Sky Ultra, counting 22 races in 11 countries stretching from April to October.

Yading is the highest race of the circuit reaching 4,664m altitude. The Yading Skyrun will be organised by China Mountain Trails (CMT), a subsidiary of Migu Run, entrusted with spearheading the trail and mountain running events