Everest Trail Race #ETR2014 – Stage 4

Posted on November 17, 2014 by talkultra

Day 4 #ETR2014

Kharikola to Phakding is one of my favourite days on the ETR trails. It’s very much a transition stage. The first 3-days have been quiet with the occasional glimpse of life but now we are on the M6 motorway of Nepal. Porters are the HGV’s transporting all manner of goods from food and drink to 8’x4’ sheets of wood… yes, 8’x4’ sheets of wood. In and amongst this frenetic relay of goods the mule and yak trains add to the confusion and like all motorways there is a plethora of tourists moving up and down the trails.

It’s a magic section of trail and one that I love. The diversity is incredible. Children at play, parents at work and the faces… don’t get me started on the faces! Life is people.

The 2013 edition of the ETR presented wonderful vistas and blue skies, however, the Himalayas decided to hide behind low cloud today. An occasional glimpse of a peak way off into the distance offered a glimpse of what might. But the clouds were selfish.

Leaving the sleepy monastery of Kharikola, 31km’s awaited the runners and after a short and twisting technical descent, a vertical kilometre of elevation to CP1 (Kari La) provided a great way to start the day and brush off the cobwebs.

The descent to Surke (Cp2) is a 17km ankle twisting and knee swelling series of switchbacks of technical trail. But there is no rest, more climbing, more technical trails and finally the wire bridge at Monjo offers the ETR finish line. In total, 2996m of positive gain are balanced by 2335m of vertical descent.

It may come as no surprise that Samir Temsang and Phudorje Lama Sherpa dictated the pace from the start and arrived at Cp1 in 1-hour. It was a ridiculous time considering the technicality and elevation of the course. Zigor Iturrieta was holding his ground but the writing was already on the wall. The Nepalese runners really do make running look easy here… arguably Zigor is the first human in the race! After Phudorje’s fall yesterday, Samir consolidated his overall lead and the two ran together to the line finishing just 3-seconds apart.

Anna Comet is one seriously impressive lady! She has a look of focus and determination that is softened by a smile whenever she sees you. But don’t be fooled, it’s not weakness… it’s actually a smile of confidence. Hands-on-knees Anna powers the climbs and foot hops the descents. Today she once again excelled and took her 4^th consecutive stage win and extended her lead beyond all reach. Kerry Sutton and Yangdi Lama Sherpa repeated the 2^nd and 3^rd places from the previous 3-stages; however, Kerry today twisted her ankle badly. Fingers crossed it will not impact on her performance over the coming two final days.

Tomorrow, stage-5 is a short day of just 16km’s and 2124m of vertical gain. It culminates at the monastery at Tyangboche with Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam providing arguably the most impressive finish line of any race!

Results top-3

Samir Temsang 3:53:35
Phudorje Lama Sherpa 2:53:38
Zigor Iturrieta 4:09:41

Anna Comet 4:28:18
Kerry Sutton 5:06:09
Yangdi Lama Sherpa 5:35:47

Everest Trail Race #ETR2014 Day 4 Image Gallery

Posted on November 17, 2014 by talkultra

Results top-3 stage 4

Samir Temsang 3:53:35
Phudorje Lama Sherpa 2:53:38
Zigor Iturrieta 4:09:41

Anna Comet 4:28:18
Kerry Sutton 5:06:09
Yangdi Lama Sherpa 5:35:47

Everest Trail Race #ETR2014 Day 3 Image Gallery

Posted on November 17, 2014 by talkultra

Results top-3 stage 3

Samir Temsang 3:48:02
Phudorje Lama Sherpa 4:07:47
Zigor Iturrieta 4:50:57

Anna Comet 5:35:35
Kerry Sutton 6:09:55
Yangdi Lama Sherpa 6:27:43

Everest Trail Race #ETR2014 – Stage 3

Posted on November 16, 2014 by talkultra

Day 3 #ETR2014

After yesterday relentless uphill struggle today, day-3 of the Everest Trail Race was all downhill, well, sort of. Starting in Jase Bhanjyang runners passed through Jumbesi, Phurteng, Salung, Taksindu and then from Jubhing the race finishes with a tough climb to the stunning monastery at Kharikola. At 37.4km in length the total descent is a quad busting 4110m in contrast to 2512m of ascent.

Many thought today would be an easier day, however, for those in the know… although descending may be a little kinder on the lungs, descending 4000m+ on tired legs is no easy task. Especially when the terrain has added technicality and steepness.

Samir Temsang and Phudorje Lama Sherpa led from the front once again and the stage looked all set for a replay of the previous 2-days. However, Phudorje took a tumble descending hurting his shoulder and knee. This allowed Samir to open up a gap and looking strong throughout finished the stage in an impressive sub 4-hours. Phudorje obviously shaken from the tumble arrived over 15-minutes later and this now places Samir in first place overall with a convincing lead. Zigor Iturrieta ran a solid 3^rd-place once again but today gave away more time.

Last nights fears over Anna Comet’s sickness subsided as the stage-3 unfolded and she once again grabbed the race by the horns and lead from the front. Kerry Sutton did say that she felt strong today and may well have contested the first place with Anna, however, caution prevailed and she decided to leave a little in reserve for the coming 3-days that lies ahead. Yangdi Lama Sherpa one again placed 3^rd on the stage looking tired. Yangdi is definitely not in the shape of 2013 but despite this continues to fight hard.

The trails and route for the ETR from Kharikola to Tyangboche and back to Lukla are now on the main trekking routes and in addition to this it is the main transport route for all supplies. Porters, mules and yaks are like cars on a motorway as they move up and down the trail carrying loads that are often beyond comprehension. It’s amazing to see life unfold and I for one feel very privileged for the opportunity to see it and record it in images and memories.

Results top-3

Samir Temsang 3:48:02
Phudorje Lama Sherpa 4:07:47
Zigor Iturrieta 4:50:57

Anna Comet 5:35:35
Kerry Sutton 6:09:55
Yangdi Lama Sherpa 6:27:43

Everest Trail Race #ETR2012 Day 2 Image Gallery

Posted on November 16, 2014 by talkultra

RACE SUMMARY HERE

Results top-3 stage 2

Samir Temsang 4:14:06
Phudorje Lama Sherpa 4:14:12
Zigor Iturrieta 4:31:05

Anna Comet 5:01:46
Kerry Sutton 6:10:00
Yangdi Lama Sherpa tbc

Everest Trail Race #ETR2014 Day 1 Image Gallery

Posted on November 16, 2014 by talkultra

RACE SUMMARY HERE

Results top-3 for stage 1

Samir Temsang 2:30:01
Phudorje Lama Sherpa 2:30:39
Zigor Iturrieta 2:56:46

Anna Comet 3:16:16
Kerry Sutton 3:36:35
Yangdi Lama Sherpa 3:56:33

Everest Trail Race #ETR2014 – Stage 2

Posted on November 16, 2014 by talkultra

Day 2 #ETR2014

Day 2 of the Everest Trail Race is the toughest of the race: fact! It’s a brutal exercise in climbing and one that takes place at attitude stretching each and every participant to the limit.

Starting in Bhandar runners have the pleasure of running downhill along some twisting and technical trail before crossing a suspension bridge that stretches over Kinja Khola River. What follows is a lung busting and leg-sapping climb to Golla at just over 3000m. A little respite and then climbing starts again firstly to Ngaur and then onward to the highest point of the ETR; Pikey Peak at 4063m. From the summit at Pikey Peak an amazing Himalayan vista awaited but the runners had to work for it… really work for it! Dropping down a tough technical descent for several kilometres, a tough short climb is the sting in the tail to the arrival at Jase Bhanjyang at 3600m.

As one would expect Nepalese runners Samir Temsang and Phudorje Lama Sherpa set the pace for today. To be honest, they have a huge natural advantage on this high altitude terrain and they put this to great use. One again they ran together all day and in a repeat of day-1, Samir opened up just a short gap in the final meters to take the stage win and a slender lead overall. Zigor Iturrieta ran a stronger race today and looked in his element on the tough terrain. At the summit of Pikey Peak he laughed and joked and ran away sprinting… he may just get better as each day passes?

The ladies race was a repeat of day-1 with Anna Comet running strong and controlled from the front. Poles in hand, Anna powered her way up Pikey Peak with a huge smile and after the technical descent crossed the finish line with a repeat stage win. Kerry Sutton from the UK performed exceptionally well at altitude and produced a strong consistent performance to consolidate her 2^nd-overall. Yangdi Lama Sherpa finished 3^rd but says that she isn’t feeling too great at the moment. These things happen in multi-day racing and as we all know, anything can happen!

It was a tough day with many runners coming close to the cut-off time. Officially we only have one runner not making the cut-off and although he will be allowed to continue (if he feels he can) he will be withdrawn from the overall classification.

As camp settles to what will be a cold night under canvas (-12) ladies race leader Anna Comet has been sick and so we have some question marks for day-3.

Results top-3

Samir Temsang 4:14:06
Phudorje Lama Sherpa 4:14:12
Zigor Iturrieta 4:31:05

Anna Comet 5:01:46
Kerry Sutton 6:10:00
Yangdi Lama Sherpa

Day 3 Jase Bhanjyang – Karikola

is 37.4km and for a change has more descending (4110m) than ascending (2512m).

Starting in Jase Bhanjyang runners will pass through Jumbesi, Phurteng, Salung, Taksindu and then from Jubhing the race finishes with a tough climb to the stunning monastery at Kharikola.

Everest Trail Race #ETR2014 Stage 1

Posted on November 16, 2014 by talkultra

Day 1 #ETR2014

The Everest Trail Race (ETR) 2014 started today at the stroke of 0900 in the small Nepalese town of Jiri.

Low mist but a relatively mild night afforded everyone a comfortable nights rest before the action started. The sound of horns and a local group of musicians enticed the runners on to the trails for what will be a life-changing journey.

The Himalayas are beyond beautiful and impressive… it’s almost difficult to find the words and although stage-1 for the ETR doesn’t reach the high mountains or break the tree line, the day is impressive non the less.

Phudorje Lama Sherpa set the early pace but was soon joined by fellow Nepal teammate, Samir Temsang. The two seemed to work together throughout the stage and slowly but surely they stretched the elastic over experienced Spanish ultra runner, Zigor Iturrieta. Temsang in the latter stages opened up a small lead and finished just ahead of Phudorje by 38-seconds. Zigor however was 26-minutes back after the challenging first day of just 21.5km and 3700m+/- of elevation.

Anna Comet started the ladies race from the front and looked impressive throughout the day. She continued to open up a convincing lead of British entrant, Kerry Sutton who finished just over 20-minutes back. 2013 second place, Yangdi Lama Sherpa finished 3^rd a further 20-minutes behind Kerry.

It’s only day-1 and a very tough stage lies ahead for day with some tough climbing to the highest point of the race. The top-3 runners in both the ladies and men’s fields are only separated by 30-miutes so a tough day of running lies ahead.

Results top-3

Samir Temsang 2:30:01
Phudorje Lama Sherpa 2:30:39
Zigor Iturrieta 2:56:46

Anna Comet 3:16:16
Kerry Sutton 3:36:35
Yangdi Lama Sherpa 3:56:33

Episode 74 – Anderson, Gash, Nelson, Forsberg

Posted on November 14, 2014 by talkultra

Episode 74 of Talk Ultra has Mimi Anderson and Samantha Gash talking about their epic South African journey. Luke Nelson talk about his running career, recent 100-mile success and how going out hard can pay off! Melie Forsberg is back for Smiles & Miles and Marc Laithwaite talks the long run in Talk Training. Tne News, a Blog, up & Coming races and Niandi Carmont co-hosts.

NEWS

Skyrunner(R) World Series and Continental Series announced for 2015 – HERE

LIKE THE WIND pop-up – photo workshop, Seb, Jez Bragg

BLOG

Kilian Jornet blogs about his passion for photography – HERE

INTERVIEW

Samantha Gash & Mimi Anderson

INTERVIEW

Luke Nelson

TALK TRAINING

Marc Laithwaite is back with how long should your long run be?

SMILES & MILES with EMELIE FORSBERG

UP & COMING RACES

Antartica
Antarctic Ice 100k | 100 kilometers | November 20, 2014 | website

Australia
Victoria
Upstream 50km Challenge | 50 kilometers | November 15, 2014 | website

Cambodia
The Ancient Khmer Path | 220 kilometers | November 28, 2014 | website

Egypt
100 Km Pharonic Race | 100 kilometers | November 21, 2014 | website

Hong-Kong
Oxfam Trailwalker Hong Kong | 100 kilometers | November 14, 2014 | website

Italy
Emilia-Romagna
Ultra K Marathon | 50 kilometers | November 16, 2014 | website

Luxembourg
Trail Uewersauer | 50 kilometers | November 16, 2014 | website

Namibia
Desert Ultra | 250 kilometers | November 14, 2014 | website

New Caledonia
Evolo Kura to Mount | 300 kilometers | November 28, 2014 | website

Réunion
Mafate Trail Tour | 65 kilometers | November 22, 2014 | website

Tunisia
Marathon des Oasis | 111 kilometers | November 16, 2014 | website

LINKS:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkultra/Episode_74_Gash_Anderson_Nelson_Forsberg.mp3

ITunes http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk-ultra/id497318073
Libsyn – feed://talkultra.libsyn.com/rss
Website – talkultra.com

Julia Boettger prepares for the Salomon SkyRun

Posted on November 13, 2014 by talkultra

Julia Boettger loves and excels at long and hard races. Raid de la Reunion, Tor des Geants and epic solo journeys ‘just for fun’ show all of us what a multi-talented ultra runner she is.

In 2014, Julia started the season placing 2^nd at The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica and what followed was a series of top quality results that reached a peak with an outright victory at Andorra Ultra Trail – Ronda dels Cims.

In just one week, Julia will toe the line at the Salomon SkyRun in South Africa. I caught up with Julia to find out how she feels and how the preparation has gone.

*****

How have the last couple of months been from a racing perspective?

I had a great season with mixture of racing and running my own projects. The last successful race I did was the Transalpine Run which was unusual for me but we I had fun. It made a change to all the long distance runs I did during the summer.

How’s training going – have you done anything specific for SA?

Well for the moment I am doing a lot of long runs in the mountains. It has been hard to keep up motivation for training, as this season has been very long. However, I always really enjoy being out in the mountains all day. I have had to keep in mind to speed up or to do more elevation so that it is specific for the SkyRun.

Maybe you have been brushing up on your navigation and looking at some maps?

I already run most of the time with maps and on new trails etc. So I’m not too bad with navigation or orientation. But I think in a race it will be different.

Are you intimidated by the navigation element of the SkyRun?

Yes. South Africa is a completely different country, which I do not know at all. Weather, landmarks etc. will be completely different from my local terrain: the Alps.

The course sounds extreme, particularly if the weather turns. Have you researched the course?

Not yet. I will speak to my friend Stephan Repke who did the race two times and I will ask him about race specifics and the course.

Michael De Haast has put up a great price purse should somebody post a great time, is that an incentive for you?

I just learned about this incentive … but no – this run will be a big adventure for me and the goal is to get to the finish line and to survive. If I can do it in a course record (which I don’t think so) it will be fantastic.

Have you been to SA before?

No. It will be my first time. I am looking forward to new experiences. People, landscape, and animals – everything will be different, new!

South Africa is one of the places I have always wanted to explore and to learn about. To run in nature, to experience the original freestyle trail running of the Salomon SkyRun will be inspiring. I like to challenge myself on long distance courses and the SkyRun will be definitely be a different kind of ultra distance challenge. But beside the race I am glad to have the opportunity to meet local people and to spend some time with them.