This gallery contains 20 photos.
SANTA HAD HELP! – Breaking News
Gallery
Merry Christmas !
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Merry Christmas to you all!
What an amazing year 2013 has been. So many wonderful places, races, experiences and people. It would just be impossible to thank everyone individually. So, I am not going to try. Rest assured, if you are reading this you have contributed in one way or the other.
I feel very blessed for the opportunities.
I thank you all for the support and the encouragement. I am sure 2014 will be another great year. I hope you will all continue to join me on the journey.
Enjoy the holidays !
The Apocalypse is coming : 100-miles and 50-miles
The Apocalypse is coming. Conquest, Famine, War and Death.
It arrives on May 17th 2014.
Ultra running is going through a boom. Statistics show that ultra races are popping up all over the world at an alarming rate. The UK is no different, apparently, some 200 races now exist on the calendar and that is just in the UK.
The 100-mile distance by many is considered to be the Holy Grail in ultra running. To that end, Richard Weremiuk from Beyond Marathon has now added a new event to take place on May 17tt 2014.
In a partnership with ultra marathon pioneers, Racing the Planet and The National Trust, Richard and his team plan to send you on an epic journey around the Shropshire hills over 100 or 50-miles.
Are you ready to face 50 or 100 miles on an awesome new course?
River valleys, farmland, woods and rolling hills; Shropshire provides a landscape that is rich in wildlife and geology. It’s a tranquil place that is embraced by visitors and locals as a place that provides a quality environment to walk, run or just spend time outdoors.
The varied geology of the Shropshire hills provides a link between the Welsh Mountains and the Midlands. The terrain is a trail runners playground, moorland plateaus, craggy stiperstones, quarries, woods, forests and the valleys of the Long Mynd will test each and every participant as they journey to beat the riders of the Apocalypse.
Church Stretton, the race HQ, was called Little Switzerland in the late Victorian and Edwardian period due the surrounding landscape and its development as a health resort. Nestled within an area of outstanding beauty (ANOB), The area incorporates some of the oldest rocks in England. Carding Mill Valley provides a hub for the local area and as such is a great location for the race HQ.
The Race
“Any 100 mile race is a personal challenge, a chance to test your limits. This 100 miler is no exception. The race features over 5 km’s of vertical ascent and descent” says Richard Weremiuk.
With 4700m of vertical ascent and descent, only the Lakeland 100 (UTLD) appears to have more vertical gain than the Apocalypse 100 in the UK. This will be one tough challenge. But Richard always brings something unique to his races.
“The course has been ingeniously designed. It is a single complete circle, but with independent 10 mile loops at each compass point featuring the names of the four riders of the Apocalypse; Conquest, Famine, War and Death.”
Death! Now that is an ominous way to finish a 100-miler… but knowing Beyond Marathon, they do have an enthusiasm to inject some fun and humour, even a little dark humour at times.
The four 10-mile loops have been chosen for course or checkpoint characteristics and as such, they have been named appropriately.
Beyond Marathon HERE
Beyond Marathon have a reputation for providing quality races that keep costs low with no compromise on quality. Despite low entry fees (£31 for the 50 and £44 for the 100) and a restricted race entry of just 60-people, participants will get quality administration and support.
“We are keeping our ethos inline with our other races: Dusk till Dawn (day and night versions), The 12 Labours of Hercules, The Gritstone Grind, and next year we will bring you those events as well as The Millennium way ultra marathon, and Double or Nothing. It is simple; Low cost and great value for money” says Richard.
If you feel a 100-miles is too far, Beyond Marathon are offering a 50 mile option which would see you head out to tackle Conquest and Famine before heading due South back to race HQ.
Note:
Navigation skills will be required, though we provide custom maps to every participant and also files in various GPS and electronic map formats. Though the course is not officially marked, we always try and help out with some markers in tricky areas. We have endeavored to make the second half of the 100 easier to navigate, as nights are dark in Shropshire! That said the moon is almost full on May 17th, so nature may lend a helping hand. The race has great support from The National Trust and our other partners, and look forward to introducing more UK runners to the mystical Shropshire hills.
RACE WEBSITE HERE
THE ROUTE
The event begins at The National Trust centre in Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton.
Heading west, participants climbing out of the Valley on Marches Way. Continuing West to Cross The Shropshire Way on Adstone Hill. Skirting around Black Rhadley to reach checkpoint 1 at mile 10.
Embarking on the West loop, the first 10-mile section confronts the runners. A climb of Corndon Hill and then Lan Fawr must be tackled before heading south to Todleth Hill, turning in an Easterly direction CP2 awaits at mile 20.
Running the length of the famous Stiperstones, passing The Devil’s chair on the way. No time to sit down, you continue on the Shropshire Way and then head to Habberley and Longden Common to reach CP3 at mile 30.
The North loop is an easy and fairly flat section in and around Pontesbury, which will give all an opportunity to recover, though there is a small climb before you reach CP4 at mile 40.
Heading South East through Dorrington and Longnor, after The Lawley, Easthopewood is CP5 at Mile 50.
The East loop sees you head over Wenlock Edge and join the Shropshire Way and Jack Mytton Way before heading back to Easthopewood. A superb ridge run and a 10-mile trip down Wenlock Edge to reach CP7 in Moorwood.
Two very sharp climbs are on the Southern loop. Once through Craven Arms you scale Norton Camp, descend into Norton and Head uphill from Medley Park to Hanging Wood all the way to the tower on Callow Hill before heading to CP8 at Mile 80.
Wistanstow and then onto Horderley are the two next focal points and then a route direction change, heading North to climb Church Moor Hill to Cross the Shropshire Way and head steeply down into Asterton. North West to Wentnor, Norbury then along side Linley Big Wood CP9 at Mile 90.
Just 10-miles now to go on familiar terrain and the race is over. A final descent into Carding Mill completes the journey.
The course profile is shown below. It features over 15,500ft (4700 m) of ascent and descent).
Race route: http://beyondmarathon.com/apocalypse-100/apocalypse-100-route/
USE THE FORM BELOW FOR A REDUCTION ON RACE ENTRY
SOURCES:
- Wikipedia
- The National Trust
- http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/about-the-aonb/
Kilian Jornet – Matterhorn Summit Interview now in Russian
Ultra Running Review of the Year 2013
What an amazing time to be involved in the sport of ultra running! The once niche minority sport has exploded to greater heights and distances in 2013. No longer is a long beard and ‘Buff’ a pre requisite of ultra running (unless you’re Rob Krar). Clean cut, young, fast is the new ‘ultra runner’ mixing it up with the old guard.
Just think back to this time last year, had you heard of Zach Miller (not the Zach Miller, but, the Zach Miller; confused?), Michele Yates, Rob Krar, Magdalena Boulet and Xavier Thevenard.
Racing and the opportunity to race has also increased to the extent that it is now possible to race pretty much week in and week out for 12-months of the year. Of course, this brings pluses and minuses, certainly from an elite level, runners need to be far more savvy and race clever. You can no longer race month on month and expect to win. Races now have much higher quality fields and the pace is going up. The growth of Skyrunning has been instrumental in enticing a world audience to test runners of all abilities on tough, technical and high-terrain and the feedback has been incredible. UTWT have launched a series of races above the 100-km distance and in doing so have created a ‘trail’ circuit that offers multiple terrain in multiple locations all over the world. It will be interesting to see how the inaugural year goes when 2014 comes around.
So, what are the highlights of 2013?
Ultra Runner of the Year – Men and ladies
- Lets start with Rob Krar. I interviewed Rob just after his incredible ‘FKT’ in the Grand Canyon early in 2013 when he put the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim record at another level. At the time we discussed Western States, he was intimidated by the ‘Super Bowl’ of ultra and his first 100-miler. “I’ll give it a shot and see what happens”. Well, if you hadn’t noticed Rob pre WSER you did afterwards. Your not supposed to run WSER and get 2nd overall in your first attempt. UROC, Ultra Race of Champions was the final of the Skyrunner Ultra World Series and for some reason they had bestowed upon themselves the title, ‘The Ultra Running World Championship’. Mmmmm well, it certainly had a quality field but ‘World Championship’? I don’t think so. In the end it came down to a head-to-head between Dakota Jones and Rob Krar. Dakota looked as though he had it sewn up but on the final descent, Rob unleashed a pace that Dakota went on to say was ‘just crazy’. Rob took the win and a pattern was forming. We were all a little surprised to see Rob’s name on the start list for JFK50, primarily with TNF50 in San Francisco just two weeks later. As it happened, Rob dropped at around the 41-mile mark and went on to say that it was either ‘a great training run for TNF50 or the worst decision he had made in a while.’ It was a great training run! Rob ran a super calm, collected and mature race in San Francisco and when he took the front in the last fifth of the race he released a pace that was just incredible. Without doubt my ultra runner of the year!
- Of course, you can’t talk about male ultra runner and not mention Kilian Jornet. Kilian is a phenomenon. He is the star of our sport. Once again he was crowned Skyrunner World Ultra Series Champion with wins at Transvulcania and Ice Trail Tarentaise. In addition to this, Kilian was also champion of the ‘Sky’ series with 4 wins; Zegama, Mont-Blanc, Matterhorn Ultraks and Limone Extreme. Add this a couple VK’s, a win at Canazei Sky race for the European Championships and a win at Trans D’Havet for the ‘Ultra’ Skyrunning European Championships and you would say the deal is done! But wait-a-minute, we haven’t mentioned his records for his ‘Summits’ project. A stunning new FKT for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc-Chamonix but arguably THE highlight of the year was his Matterhorn Summit. It was a sublime and surreal performance that put going to the mountains light on another level. It was without doubt my ‘moment’ of the year. You can read my ‘Matterhorn Summits Interview’ with Kilian here. Kilian is the most complete athlete I know.
Michele Yates – iancorless.com ©bradclayton
- Michele Yates hadn’t run an ultra before 2013. Who would have thought that Ms Figure Colorado 2008 would be such an awesome talent? Well her history shows that she is a 2x Olympic Trials Marathon Competitor, she has 9 marathon wins and PB of 2:38:37. To say Michele burst on the ultra scene would be an underestimation. Her win at Indiana Trail 100 (17:35:18) almost went unnoticed but then taking top spot and the $10,000 prize at Run Rabbit Run suddenly made every one stop, look around and take notice. Placing 3rd at UROC was another sign that Michele was no one trick pony but just like Rob Krar, Michele sealed a quality 2013 with a win at TNF50. She started that race from the front and never relinquished the lead until the line. Is Michele female ultra runner of the year? Well, I would have said yes. That is until the weekend of Dec 13th/ 14th. (Listen to interview with Michele on the Christmas show of Talk Ultra, Ep51 out Dec 27th)
- Pam Smith victorious at Western States turned up at the Desert Solstice track meet run by Aravaipa Running and not only took out the win for 12-hours on the track but set a new female record for 100-miles, 14:11:26. Take your pick, Michele or Pam; it’s a tough call.
- But wait a minute, what about Emelie Forsberg. Emelie arrived on the run scene in 2012 and instantly had success, continually placing top-3 with Anna Frost and Nuria Picas. However the break through moment came ironically this time last year, she won TNF50 in San Francisco. This seemed to change everything, Emelie arrived at Transvulcania in May 2013 and won, she followed this up with a win in Zegama, Canazei, Ice Trail Tarentaise, Matterhorn Ultraks, UROC and then went on to run her first 100-miler at the super tough Diagonale de Fous (Raid de la Reunion) and place 2nd. Do you want to vote against Emelie?
Performances of the Year
- Rory Bosio blasted around the TNFUTMB course and in the process not only obliterated the female record but placed 7th overall. Her performance was nothing short of miraculous.
- Jon Olson set a new American record for 100-miles on the track and then just as the year came to a close, Zach Bitter broke the record with an 11:47:21 but maybe even more important, Zach set a new World Record for 12-hours (101.66 miles) beating a Yiannis Kouros record. That does not happen very often! (Zach Bitter will be in the Christmas episode of Talk Ultra, Ep 51 out Dec 27th here)
- I have already mention Kilian and the Matterhorn but it was so good I am mentioning it twice!
- Timothy Olson went back to Western States and won again. You can win a race once but going back and doing it again is always a true sign of a champion.
- Seb Chaigneau took a win and CR at Hardrock 100.
- Nickademus Hollon became the youngest person ever to not only complete Barkley but also win it. You can listen to his interview on Talk Ultra here.
- Julien Chorier produced a sublime and calculated performance at the super tough Ronda dels Cims. It was a joy and a pleasure to watch someone control and dominate a race from the front and look good all the way.
- Sage Canaday, jeez I missed him out and he definitely deserves a mention for Bandera, Tarawera, Transvulcania (3rd), Lake Sonoma and Speedgoat 50k.
- Francesca Canepa once again had an incredible year with a great performance at Ronda dels Cims but arguably a repeat win at Tor des Geants places her well and truly at the top on ‘endurance’ lady of the year!
- Iker Karrera nailed Tor des Geants.
- Ricky Lightfoot went over to South Africa and raced at The Otter and not only won but put the course record at a new level, in addition he won the IAU World Title in Wales.
- Xavier Thevenard took everyone, including himself, by surprise at TNFUTMB with a controlled and impressive performance against some top competition.
- Jez Bragg completed the Te Araroa in New Zealand. An incredible journey from the northern tip of New Zealand all the way down to the southern tip. Listen here.
- David Johnston completed the Iditarod trail Invitational in 4 days 19 hours 13 mins.Crazy fast.
- Ian Sharman and Nick Clark went head-to-head in the Grand Slam of Ultra Running and produced possibly the most exciting competition of 2013. The pair of them produced incredibly consistent performances and showed us all that it is possible to race four 100-milers back-to-back. They didn’t only ‘complete’ but they competed. They both won a race and were never out of the front rankings. Ian Sharman ultimately had the icing on the cake with the overall fastest time and a new Grand Slam record. Respect! Interview with Ian Sharman here.
- Paul Giblin at the West Highland Way race. 15:07 and good beating of Terry Conway’s previous CR.
- Stevie Kremer doesn’t do ultras but she is a darn fine trail and mountain runner and what ‘Pocket Rocket’ achieved in 2013 is nothing short of miraculous. Can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store.
- Ed Catmur has continued to knock out some great 100-mile performances on the GB scene with wins at North Downs Way and the Winter 100.
- Lizzie Wraith new female CR for the Lakeland 100 in the UK.
- William Sichel keeps running and running crazy distances and setting new records.
- Jonas Buud didn’t win Comrades in 2013 but he ran one of the best paced races I’ve ever witnessed. He was way back in the late 30’s and slowly moved up to 3rd. Wow! Notable mention to Brit ladies, Joanna Zakrezewski and Holly Rush who placed top-10.
Surprises of the Year
- Rob Krar – Just one word sums up the bearded warrior ‘Krarnage’.
- Zach Miller – no, not Zach Miller, but Zach Miller. Zach rocked up at JFK50, nobody knew him and he didn’t know anyone else. He took over the lead when Rob Krar dropped at mile 41. Not only did he win but also he set the 3rd fastest time ever. Interview with Zach here.
- Xavier Thevenard – TNFUTMB was going to be won by Anton Krupicka, Miguel Heras, Julien Chorier, Seb Chaigneau or Mike Foote. Somebody should have told them all about CCC winner, Xavier.
- Michele Yates – wow, what a first year in the ultra world.
Who and what to watch out for in 2014
- Cameron Clayton has found his feet, 2013 had some mixed performances but when everything aligns he races with the best. His Transvulcania, UROC and TNF50 performances without doubt elevates him to ‘hot’ for 2014.
- Luis Alberto Hernando pushed Kilian close at Transvulcania, Zegama, finished joint first at Trans D’havet and won at Cavalls del Vent. In 2014 he plans to race TNFUTMB, now that will be interesting.
- Magdalena Boulet had an ultra debut at TNF50 and placed 2nd. This sub 2:30 marathon runner may turn a few heads in 2014.
- Brit, Stuart Air may raise a few eyebrows in 2014. He had a solid Ronda dels Cims, Ice Trail Tarentaise and Tor des Geants and for 2014 he has a Hardrock 100 slot!
- Hardrock 100 had it’s draw and suddenly much of the WSER ‘lottery’ chat shifted focus to the field up at Silverton. The 2014 race is a classic in the making with Kilian Jornet, Sebastian Chaigneau, Julien Chorier, Joe Grant and more. Excited? Just a little.
- The Skyrunning World Championships take place in Chamonix with runners from all over the world coming to race VK, SKY and ULTRA in one of the endurance capitals of the world.
- Beards – the jury is out. Are beards fast or slow? Rob Krar, Timmy Olson and ‘Clarky’ are certainly great advocates for hairy running but Kilian, Cameron, Sage provide a strong counter argument. What are your thoughts?
And finally…
A review of any year is going to be personal. Without doubt we will all have our own highlights and favourite moments, so, I would love to read your thoughts.
Please use the form below.
On a personal note, 2013 was an incredible year, I feel blessed with all the opportunities I have had. To witness many of the moments I write about is a great pleasure. Of course, it’s nothing without you folks reading, looking at my photographs or listening to my podcast.
A very BIG thank you from me.
Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2014 awaits us all…
LINKS:
Photography from 2013 races HERE
IMAGES book HERE
Calendar HERE
Podcasts HERE
Marmot Dark Mountains™ – Peak District National Park in January 2014
Image ©benwinston
The second Marmot Dark Mountains™ mountain marathon will take place in the Peak District National Park in January 2014. Race organiser, Shane Ohly from Ourea Events, elaborated on the special allure of this area.
“The Peak District has the perfect blend of high moorland areas, challenging terrain and a wonderful sense of wilderness… especially at night. Precisely because of the superb nature of the area, we have had to negotiate over a two year period with the National Trust, National Park and other agencies to secure permission for this event. We have six different courses on offer and they all take advantage of some of the best parts of Bleaklow and Kinder Scout. It promises to a superb test of competitors’ mountain running skills.
Marmot Dark Mountains™ takes place on the last weekend of January each year, and the inaugural event took place in what can only be described as diabolical weather (just have a look at the videos on the event website) but Shane Ohly knows this is all part of the attraction.
“Obviously, we would all like to have a still, cloud free and moonlit night but competitors don’t enter this event unless they are up for an epic mountain running experience and it is our job to deliver this safely without compromising on the nature of the challenge. The knowledge gained from the first event shows that with experienced and vetted competitors, you can run an event in atrocious weather and allow the competitors to make decisions about their own safety. Kenny Leitch, a competitor at the 2013 event summed it up nicely.
“What an extraordinary event! I did my first mountain marathon 24 years ago and Marmot Dark Mountains™ definitely had the worst conditions ever.”
Image ©benwinston Marmot Dark Mountains – iancorless.com
As a night mountain marathon, the event presents some unique challenges to both the competitors and the organisers. This year Ourea Events has been working in collaboration with Harvey Maps to produce a bespoke ‘high contrast’ map of the event area, which shows the contours and other map detail with greater clarity than a standard map.
With the announcement of the event area, the organisers have also released details of the planner’s optimum routes. The 2014 planner, Dave Taylor, is a very experienced fell runner and Peak District local so the competitors can expect that his optimum routes really are the quickest way to complete each of the courses.
C Course = Distance 36.3km / Height Gain 1,547m
B Course = Distance 41.1km / Height Gain 1,785m
A Course = Distance 44.4km / Height Gain 1,940m
Elite Course = Distance 55.5km / Height Gain 2,635m
Short Score = 8 hours
Long Score = 10 hours
With the support of sponsorship from Marmot® and Silva® there is a £500 cash prize for the winning elite team at the event. This year the competition is really hotting up, with top elite runners Tim Higginbottom and Chris Near from Team Hagloffs already entered.
Tim said, “Elite mountain marathons are hard to finish let alone win; the courses are long, navigation tricky and route choices crucial. So if you take this concept, remove the half-way rest, run it overnight to make the navigation nearly impossible – and then stage it in deepest winter for good measure you have something that will stretch the best to their limit! There’s a certain type of person that enjoys a challenge this hard. See you out there!”
LINKS:
Website: www.Marmot-Dark-Mountains.com
Date: 25th & 26th January 2014
Venue: Peak District National Park
Entry: £45 per person
Courses: Elite, A, B, C, Short Score and Long Score
TNFUTMB Registration for 2014 opens on December 19th
Registration for the 12th The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® will be open on December 19th, there will be thousands of runners who register for the world summit of trail-running which, each year, unites more than 50 000 persons (volunteers, organisers, accompanying persons, runners, local inhabitants, general public…) spread out along the paths of the 19 French, Italian and Swiss communities involved around Mont-Blanc.
TNF UTMB IMAGES HERE
Already running for 11 years, it has seen an extraordinary development over that time. 10 years ago, Trail-running enticed a few enthusiasts, today this discipline has become a social phenomenon. In France, and all over the world, running in open country attracts more and more people, the trail-running market is growing rapidly and the success of the The North Face ® Ultra-Trail of Mont Blanc ® races participates widely in this expanding development. At just few hours away from the opening of the 2014 registration, it is the occasion to outline the news concerning this year’s event.
Three major new items for this increasingly international event:
The 2014 The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®, which is taking place from August 25th – 31st, will bring together almost 7000 runners coming from all over the world (in 2013, 74 nations were represented…). No other race attracts so many nations…This year there are some new items:
1) A new race, the OCC
The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® is becoming even more cross-border and international with the creation of a new race: the OCC, (Orsières-Champex-Chamonix) will start at Orsières, in the Suisse Valais, in the heart of the St Bernard country and finish in Chamonix. From now on, there is a race starting in each of the countries surrounding Mont-Blanc.
As a shorter model, this race will be accessible to lovers of middle distance (in the category Trail Ultra Medium (M) between 42 km and 69 km). Also, so that the less « Ultra » who wish to begin and to participate in the The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® can find a race with a format which allows them to enter the event. The route of the OCC will give a taste of the incomparable charm of the villages on the approach to Champex and the last part of the magic of the UTMB® or the CCC®.
Essential details of the OCC
– Start: Orsières, Thursday August 28th at 08:00
– Finish: Chamonix
– Distance: 53 kilometres
– Height gain: 3 300 metres
– Maximum time: 14 hrs
– No qualifying points necessary
– Points acquired by finishers: 1 point
– Maximum number of runners: 1 000
2) The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® is on the Ultra-Trail® World Tour circuit
Connected to the international community of trail-running, The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® has, since September 2013, been a part of the Ultra-Trail® World Tour, a circuit which has just seen the light of day. It brings together the world’s most emblematic trail-running and ultra-endurance events, which share the same values and which celebrate the last to cross the line with the same passion as the first.
This circuit is an invitation to travel and discover the richness and diversity of the most beautiful races in the world. This annual international competition, the Ultra-Trail® World Tour, for its first year links 10 big races on 5 continents, with its own ranking, which will discern the holder of the title of champion of the Ultra-Trail® World Tour. In agreement with the organisers four events, of which the UTMB® is one, have been selected to be a “series” of the Ultra-Trail® World Tour and will favour the gathering of elite runners.
For more information (programme, date, country, titles) concerning the running of the Ultra-Trail® World Tour: click here
| 3) The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® subscribes to the International Trail Running Association (ITRA)Exchanges between interested parties fuels progression, improvement, adaptation and thoughts and ideas for the future. It is with this objective that since 2013, The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® has been a member of theInternational Trail Running Association which unites numerous trail-running organisers, elite runners and also those of all levels, sports’ equipment brands, associations…. By creating a dynamic founded on a gathering and exchange of thoughts and ideas of all the representative players in the field of the discipline, the ITRA has set several goals:
· The promotion of Trail-running as a complete stand-alone sport, rich in its diversity of cultures and locations and which is accessible to all. · The development of a sports ethics which leans strongly on its values and the development of environment-friendly sporting events · The implementation of prevention initiatives in favour of the good health of athletes and the fight against doping. · The deployment of initiatives to improve the quality of organisations and the participants’ safety. The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® participates in the ITRA to contribute to the development of a sport founded on true values, to listen to all the players in the field of trail-running and in order to continue to improve the quality of its races. More information: click here. 2014 registration Registration, exclusively by internet, opens on December 19th at 10:00 5 events between August 25th and 31st 2014. Please note that the departure times for the UTMB® and PTLtm have changed: · PTL™: 300 km – +28 000 m – Starts Monday at 17:30 – Chamonix (FR): open to 100 teams of 2 or 3 persons. · TDS™: 119 km – +7 250 m – Starts Wednesday at 07:00 – Courmayeur (IT): open to 1600 runners. · OCC: 53 km – +3 300 m – Starts Thursday at 08:00 – Orsières (CH): open to 1000 runners. · CCC®: 101 km – +6 100 m – Starts Friday at 09:00 – Courmayeur (IT): open to 1900 runners. · UTMB®: 168 km – +9 600 m – Starts Friday at 17:30 – Chamonix (FR): open to 2300 runners. Qualifying races Since 2007 facing a surge in the number of requests for registration, the organisation has set up the fairest possible selection mode. Registration for the UTMB®, CCC® and TDS™ is only possible for runners who have obtained, between January 1st 2012 and December 31st 2013, the necessary number of qualification points. The list is available on the web-site: qualifying races for the 2014 Ultra-Trail® · UTMB® : 7 points acquired between 01/01/2012 and 31/12/2013 (in a maximum of 3 races) · CCC® : 2 points acquired between 01/01/2012 and 31/12/2013 · TDS™ : 2 points acquired between 01/01/2012 and 31/12/2013 · OCC : no points required If the quota is passed, a draw will be made so that the limit of the number of runners is respected. The results will be published on January 15th 2014 at 10:00 (Paris time). Registration is managed by over-booking, there is, therefore, no waiting list. PTL™ special This event is without ranking, in complete autonomy in teams 2 or 3 participants who should stay together throughout. · A PTL™ team of 2 or 3 persons must, obligatorily, have at least 1 finisher from a precedent UTMB®, PTLtm or Tor des Géants®. · The team leader (obligatorily the finisher of the UTMB®, PTL™ or Tor des Géants®) registers on behalf of all his team members at the same time. · Registration will be open as of December 19th 2013. · Registration will be closed once the quota of 100 teams is reached. All information concerning registration is available by clicking here. 2014 registration prices UTMB® : 207 € CCC® : 128 € TDS™ : 142 € OCC : 68 € PTL™ : 670 € The registration prices have been augmented to maintain the quality of the event despite its rapid growth. The development of the number of people welcomed (runners [7 000 expected in 2014], accompanying persons, general public…) generates a rise in organisational costs, particularly in the important areas of: security, reception, logistics, transport, refreshments, gifts, etc … The figures are enormous. For example : 36 refreshment posts, 15 marquees erected at different points along the route, 10 safety shelters placed on passes by helicopter, 50 000 tuc biscuits, 2 800 kg of cheese, 20 000 persons transported, 170 buses and drivers, 50 control points, etc… The success of the The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® races is, without any doubt, due to the quality of the organisation. To guarantee, once again, irreproachable logistics for the runners and those accompanying them, the visitors and the volunteers, it is essential to strengthen safety devices, reception and to professionalize certain services. Nevertheless the price per race kilometre for the races around Mont Blanc remains amongst the lowest incomparison with organisations of the same size: Between 1.15€ and 1.30€/km (after augmentation) for this year, 2014. Compared to: Paris Marathon = between 70 and 115€ according to the date (between 1.7€/km and 2.73€/km) NY Marathon = 290€ (6.9€/km) Western State = 370$ (= 273€) (1.68€/km) UTMF = 36 000 yen (= 258€) (1.61€/km) Vasalopett (99km) between 180€ and 230€ according to the date… (between 1.8€/km and 2.32€/km) In several days thousands of trail-runners will cement a dream…. December 19th, is the green light, the start of an adventure. The start of six month’s training, emotional due to some sacrifices and a lot of pleasure. Rendezvous on August 25th for a week of partying and trail-running around the Mont Blanc country. |
African skyrunning leaps sky high following Lesotho Ultra Trail
High mountains, arduous climbs, thin air, incredible vistas and the adrenalin rush of running on technical trail – the Lesotho Ultra Trail (LUT) promised everything a skyrunning experience should offer, and it delivered even more.
As Africa’s first Ultra Skymarathon®, the announcement of the LUT drew much attention in the world’s skyrunning arena, and the event did not disappoint. The race, which was staged in the Maluti Mountains of northern Lesotho, just 50km of the border of South Africa, attracted athletes from around the world, including South Africa, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Canada, UK and USA.
Affectionately known as the Mountain Kingdom, Lesotho boasts some of southern Africa’s most beautiful skyrunning terrain with its vast wilderness of unspoilt mountain vistas, and is regarded by many as a paradise for skyrunners. The LUT was hosted by the Maliba Mountain Lodge, providing a superb hub for the efficient organisation of the event.
Both the men’s and women’s field provided a tightly competitive edge, with many of South Africa’s top trail runners vying for top honours. The day brought its share of surprises and made the race even more exciting than predicted.
For the first third of the 50km race, the trio of Lucky Mia and race favourites Iain don Wauchope and AJ Calitz led the field, with several fast runners forming the chase group as they climbed the 1 150m of vertical gain over 15km to reach 3 145m, the highest point of the route at 23km.
Thick mist on the 10km stretch of ridgeline above 3 000m reduced visibility and made the sighting of the bright yellow route markers difficult for the runners. With the front three runners Mia, Don Wauchope and Calitz temporarily losing their way, the chase group of Andrew Hagan, Quinton Honey and Spain’s Manual Diez Raobago took the lead, and the race was on.
Hagan, well known for his high-speed downhill running capability, took full advantage of the 8km technical descent, earning him enough of a lead on Raobago and Honey to maintain the gap over the next nasty climb, which called for a 720m vertical gain over 6km. The final 700m technical descent further clinched Hagan’s lead, and he took line honours in an impressive 6:07:22.
Raobago came in 2nd place in 6:22:14, followed by Honey in 6:23:10.
The ladies race was just as hotly contested, with Robyn Kime and Tracy Zunckel leading the fray together until the 37km mark, when Zunckel took command over the final 13km, achieving an 11 min gap on Kime to win the race in a convincing 6:56:17. Kime finished in 2nd place in 7:07:28, followed by Canadian Stacie Carrigan in a very solid 7:23:36.
Speaking about her experience at Africa’s first Ultra Skymarathon®, Carrigan was ecstatic. “When I arrived at Maliba Lodge, I was blown away by the scenery – it was incredible. The race course too did not disappoint, and my hopes for a challenge were met. During the low points when I started to feel beat up and broken, I would look up and catch a glimpse of a waterfall, river, the mountains and valleys and all the beauty of my surroundings was enough to make me smile and keep pushing to the finish line,” said Carrigan.
LUT race organiser Andrew Booth sees skyrunning in southern Africa as the exciting future of trail running. “For years South African trail runners have watched with envy as the sport of skyrunning grew in Europe. Now, with the formation of the South African Skyrunning Association (SASA), the discipline has officially arrived in southern Africa. That means we can have a national skyrunning series in our own ‘backyard’, accessible to all,” said Booth.
The LUT was SASA’s second sanctioned skyrunning event – the first being 36km Matroosberg Skymarathon®, which was staged in the Western Cape in October.
“The success of the Matroosberg Skymarathon® and the Lesotho Ultra Trail has seen much excitement, and the imminent announcement of the launch of a national skyrunning series in 2014 has got the trail community in South Africa quite abuzz,” said SASA chairman James Hallett.
For more information visit the official SASA website of follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Website: www.skyrunning.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/skyrunningsa
Twitter: www.twitter.com/skyrunningsa
Episode 50 – Pat ‘Paddy’ Robbins and Zach Miller
Episode 50 of Talk Ultra and we speak to Brit, Pat ‘Paddy’ Robbins about running loooong and his joint 7th place overall at the 2013 Spartathlon. We speak to ne man on the ultra scene, Zach Miller. Zack ran his first ever 50-miler at JFK50 and not only won against some great competition but set the third fastest time for the event. Talk Training is all about speed… yes folks, so if your listening to this show while running keep a little spare energy in reserve, you have a 22-minute speed session coming up. A blog, the news, up and coming races and of course Speedgoat…
00:08:32 – NEWS
San Fran 50
Men
- Rob Krar 6:21:10
- Cameron Clayton 6:31:17
- Chris Vargo 6:33:33
- Daniel Kraft 6:35:56
- Dylan Bowman 6:37:14
Ladies
- Michele Yates 7:21:51
- Magdalena Boulet 7:31:12
- Emelie Forsberg 7:46:24
- Aliza Lapierre 7:46:58
- Cassie Scallon 7:50:42
Tom Owens is back
Tom’s participation in the K42 Anaga Marathon on the lagoon side of the island may very well be a relatively low-key return to racing, however, a victory is a victory and it’s a great sign that Tom will be back in 2014. To gain victory, he did have to beat some strong competition from Raul Camara (NB), Pablo Villa (Scott), Yeray Duran and Raul Burgos.
By 33km, Tom had a commanding lead and victory was almost guaranteed from second placed runner and 2012 victor, Raul Camara.
- Tom Owens in 4:11:26
- Raul Camara 4:15:58
- David Joseph Lutzardo 4:23:34
In the ladies race, Buff athlete Emma Rocca was victorious in 4:55:07
Race website: http://www.k42anagamarathon.com
The Hill Ultra
Jon Steele does it with just under 30 mins to spare… only survivor from 15 starters
Its simple, you have 48 hours to run 160 miles. This is 55 times up and down The Hill (part of Shining Tor), one of the highest hills in the peak district.
One up and down stretch of The Hill is exactly 2.9 miles.
The Hill Ultra has an elevation of +/- 6380m, which is like climbing to the summit of Everest from basecamp and back down, almost twice!
Ultra Brecons 40 Winter Edition
- Hugh Aggleton 6:16:30
- Greg Dunning 6:33:00
- Patrick Devine Wright 6:59:37
- Katie Roby 7:50:00
- Michelle Bowen 8:00:33
- Karen Nash 8:22:46 (first vet too)
Hardrock 100 draw… OMG
First and foremost, the big news is Kilian Jornet’s name came out of the hat and this not only creates a great buzz about what he can do at this race but also it is one step closer for Kilian completing his ‘bucket list’. He is without doubt going to put a great emphasis on this race in 2014 and late last night he tweeted.
“in the @hardrock100 I will need to (re)think about next summer calendar…”
The prospect of Kilian racing against Seb Chaigneau is something that excited us all but then the names continued to be drawn form the tub:
Jared Campbell – regular Hardrock entrant and winner in 2010. This year Jared did the Hardrock and Ronda dels Cims double.
Joe Grant – once again has an angel sitting on his shoulder and gets an opportunity to come back and win his dream race. Second in the past behind Hal Koerner he is going to want to seize this opportunity after a troublesome 2013 race.
Julien Chorier – winner of Ronda dels Cims in 2013 and winner of Hardrock 100 in 2011. He is going to bring meticulous planning to this race and without doubt elevates the competition to a higher level.
Timothy Olson – Western States two times winner now gets a chance to compete at the iconic Hardrock and against a top quality field.
Dakota Jones – Dakota prepared meticulously for this race in 2012 and maybe just too meticulously leaving his best performance on the route in training. Dakota, like Joe is going to relish this opportunity to come back and move up the podium.
Tsuyoshi Kaburaki – regular performer at TNFUTMB, he will like all the others be in his lament on this course.
Ty Draney – competitor at Ronda dels Cims this year and along with Jared Campbell, someone who loves the rough and tough terrain.
Scott Jaime – maybe less well known (particularly in the UK) but he has finished Hardrock multiple times and that counts for a great deal on a course like this.
Finally a mention for Brit, Stuart Air. Stuart is relatively new on the ultra scene but in 2013 he completed Ronda dels Cims and Tor des Geants. He may not be in the league of some of the names above but expect a surprise… he has time to prepare and focus.
Two notable names are high up on the wait list, both drawn no2 which almost certainly means they will get a run; Adam Campbell and Jeff Browning.
The ladies race has less depth than the men’s field but reigning champion Darcy Africa is going to take some beating. She has the race dialed now and knows how to not only pace it, but also win it!
Rhonda Claridge – placed 2nd at Hardrock in 2012 and therefore will be able to push at the front of the race with a complete understanding of what will be required to win the race.
Jen Segger – has just had a baby and so may still be in shell shock at the prospect of taking on the Hardrock course, however, she did tweet yesterday that surely going up and down mountains with a baby on your back is good training!
Helen Cospolitch – had hoped to nail a solid TNFUTMB in 2013 but it didn’t go to plan, so, the prospect of Hardrock 100 is going to be a great boost going into the Christmas period.
Diana Finkel – was 3rd at Bear 100 and has won Hardrock 100 four times in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. In 2009 and 2010 Diana was 3rd and 2nd overall respectively. Need I say anymore… Darcy Africa is going to need to pull out all the stops for a 2014 victory.
US Skyrunning Season announced taken from iRunFar
U.S. Skyrunning Ultra Series
1. Cruel Jewel 56 Mile, Georgia, May 16
2. Speedgoat 50k, Utah, July 19 (also a Skyrunner Ultra World Series race)
3. Angels Staircase 60k, Washington, August 9
4. The Rut 50k, Montana, September 13 (also a Skyrunner Ultra World Series race)
5. Flagstaff Endurance Runs 35 Mile, Arizona, October 5
U.S. Skyrunning Sky Series
1. Kendall Mountain Run 12 Mile, Colorado, July 19
2. La Maratona Verticale 25 Mile, Colorado, August 3
3. Angels Staircase 35k, Washington, August 10
4. To Be Confirmed SkyMarathon, Washington, Late September
5. Flagstaff Endurance Runs 23 Miles, Arizona, October 5
U.S. Skyrunning Vertical Series
▪ To Be Confirmed VK, New Hampshire, Unknown date
▪ La Maratona Verticale VK, Colorado, August 2
▪ Lone Peak VK, Montana, September 12 (also a Skyrunner Ultra World Series race)
Flagstaff Endurance Runs VK, Arizona, October 5
00:47:28 BLOGS
No blog this week but a video and what a video… not even anything to do with running but it is pretty inspiring:
Always important to showcase anyone and anything that is special… this is just amazing!
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
00:48:15 – IINTERVIEW : Pat ‘Paddy’ Robbins tells us all about running looooong and his joint 7th place at the 2013 Spartathlon.
01:23:40 – TALK TRAINING : The need for speed with Audiofuel. We chat with Sean Blair and discuss how music can help you speed up…
AUDIOFUEL HERE
Pyramid session – HERE
01:53:59 INTERVIEW
Zach Miller – JFK
02:36:08 – MELTZER MOMENT : with Speedgoat Karl
- GOOD – Snow
- BAD – Injury
- UGLY – Smog
02:43:42 – RACES
Australia
Victoria
Duncan’s Run-Hundred | 100 kilometers | December 21, 2013 | website
Duncan’s Run-Hundred – 50 km | 50 kilometers | December 21, 2013 | website
Costa Rica
Moonrun Monteverde Ultra Trail | 62 kilometers | December 14, 2013 | website
Germany
Baden-Württemberg
Eisweinlauf | 65 kilometers | December 14, 2013 | website
India
New South Wales
Nilgiris 100 km Men-Only Ultra | 100 kilometers | December 21, 2013 | website
Nilgiris 100 km Women-Only Ultra | 100 kilometers | December 22, 2013 | website
Nilgiris 50 km Men-Only Ultra | 50 kilometers | December 21, 2013 | website
Nilgiris 50 km Women-Only Ultra | 50 kilometers | December 22, 2013 | website
Running And Living – 105.5 km | 105 kilometers | December 15, 2013 | website
Running And Living Marathon and a Half – 63.3km | 63 kilometers | December 15, 2013 | website
Italy
Marche
Io sto con Telethon – 100 km | 100 kilometers | December 14, 2013 | website
Malaysia
Beaufort 60K | 60 kilometers | December 15, 2013 | website
USA
Arizona
Desert Solstice 100 Mile Run | 100 miles | December 14, 2013 | website
California
Woodside Ramble Winter 50K | 50 kilometers | December 15, 2013 | website
Florida
Ancient Oaks 100 Mile Race | 100 miles | December 21, 2013 | website
Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic 50K | 50 kilometers | December 14, 2013 | website
Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic 50M | 50 miles | December 14, 2013 | website
Georgia
Bartram 100K | 100 kilometers | December 14, 2013 | website
Bartram 100 Miles | 100 miles | December 14, 2013 | website
North Carolina
Table Rock Ultras 50K | 50 kilometers | December 14, 2013 | website
Table Rock Ultras 50 Miles | 50 miles | December 14, 2013 | website
Oregon
Frozen Trail Runfest 50K | 50 kilometers | December 14, 2013 | website
South Carolina
Last Chance 50k Trail Run and Relay | 50 kilometers | December 14, 2013 | website
Tennessee
Lookout Mountain 50 Mile Trail Race | 50 miles | December 21, 2013 | website
Virginia
Hellgate 100K | 100 kilometers | December 14, 2013 | website
Seashore Nature Trail 50K | 50 kilometers | December 21, 2013 | website
Washington
Deception Pass 50K | 50 kilometers | December 15, 2013 | website
Tiger Dumb Ass 50k | 50 kilometers | December 22, 2013 | website
Wisconsin
Tuscobia Winter Ultramarathon 150 Mile Run | 150 miles | December 27, 2013 | website
02:45:47 – CLOSE
02:50:31
LINKS
- http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkultra/Episode_50_Paddy_Robbins_Zach_Miller.mp3
- ITunes http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk-ultra/id497318073
- Libsyn – feed://talkultra.libsyn.com/rss
- Website – talkultra.com
Ultra Runner’s Christmas Party “Do’s and Don’ts”
Christmas ©www.meetup.com
Dress for the ultra runner Christmas party
Remember that how you choose to dress reflects on you. This is not a running party. This is a social with your running friends, so you should be modest. This is the place to wear the following:
- Mini skirt
- Short shorts
- Revealing top
- Anything exposing your belly
- Excessive cleavage
- Pants below the waist
- Run shoes
- Headband
- Buff
thewildreed.blogspot.com ©thewildreed.blogspot.com
You should wear anything that is sexy or revealing to your running Christmas party.
090119-beer-runner ©inebriatedpress.wordpress.com
Drinking
Drinking at Christmas is every individual person’s choice. For most runners, even one drink is too much and they are usually better off not drinking at all. If you choose to drink, drink like you run… excessively and for a long time
If you will be drinking, it is polite to keep your drink in your left hand so that you can shake hands with your right hand.
If you stay sober, you may save yourself some embarrassment. When a runner is intoxicated, he or she is more likely to say or do something inappropriate including:
- Yell
- Harass better runners than themselves
- Demand to be kissed under the mistletoe by runners of the opposite sex
- Indecent exposure – please refer to point 1 and clothing: short shorts and mini skirts point in question
- Vomit – you can do this while running or racing but NOT at a party.
- Pass out – again, this is okay in a race or at the finish line BUT NOT at a party.
- Make inappropriate sexual advances unless you have been given the green light, however, please refer to ‘drinking’ and how runners don’t handle drink well.
Remember that just because you are inebriated, it does not give you the right to make others feel uncomfortable. This is not a bar, it is a running function and as such one must act accordingly.
What you should and should not do or talk about
A running Christmas party is the perfect opportunity to get to know your runner friends on a social level.
You should be relaxed.
Keep the conversation positive and upbeat. Don’t get into heated discussions about politics, sex, race and religion.
Let everyone have the chance to speak, and don’t monopolize the conversation by bragging about your accomplishments and putting others down. Such as I ran the longest and hardest race in the world…
Don’t talk about you DNF’s and how hard it was. Just man-up.
Leave your GPS at home… nobody is interested in the route elevation, minute mile splits or how far you ran.
Don’t forget body language. If a runner’s arms are crossed, they are yawning, tapping feet, drumming fingers on a table and rolling eyes; you will know that your running history and results are not interesting.
Don’t tweet and FB your status… we are not interested!
Gossiping about runners
When people have run out of things to say, or feel self-conscious, they often turn to gossip. This is not a good thing to do at a runner’s party.
You should refrain from gossip in general, and you should especially avoid gossiping about other runners. Gossip will get back to the person, word will spread that you are the run gossip, and you will not be taken seriously.
Spreading gossip is petty, rude and mean-spirited. Nothing good will come of it, your popularity will be short-lived.
Of course, if someone really did have a bad result and they really do need to zip up the man suit… the odd jibe here and there is okay.
Mingling with runners
If you see someone sitting all alone, head over and make polite conversation.
Some people are shy and don’t feel comfortable approaching others and starting conversations. Reach out and talk to new runners, you may find that you have a lot in common. However, refrain from telling them how good, how fast or how amazing your results are.
Maybe do a mingle run?
Mingling is a perfect way to find your running soul mate.
Interacting with senior or elite runners
An elite or sponsored runner may be present at the Christmas party. A mutual friend may introduce you to them, or you may choose to greet them yourself. Keep cool, calm and relaxed. Don’t stroke them and don’t continually smile. Be natural.
Don’t flirt with elite or sponsored runners, it’s not cool.
Don’t complain about other runners, RD’s or races; refer to previous points re gossiping.
Decorum for the ultra runner
You must party all night. You can’t stay for two hours, which gives you enough time to make your way around the room and say hello to everyone, and then head out. You must treat this as a race, like any endurance event it all comes down to the last man/ woman standing.
Gifts for runners
Some runners like to do a gift exchange at parties, like ‘Secret Santa’. If there is a gift exchange at the Christmas party, be irresponsible in choosing a gift that a runner will definitely not like. Do give a gift that is derogatory or sexual.
Plan for a safe journey home after your race
If you plan to drink at the runner party, arrange for a safe journey home… we recommend using this as an opportunity. Why not run? For experienced party animals, you may want to do a back-to-back session and run to another party. If you are a long slow runner, why not include intervals such as fast mile reps with drink intervals at the pubs or other refreshment houses on the way home. Improvise, running is all about variety.
Finally, most importantly use the Christmas period as an opportunity to lay a base and a foundation for the coming season… starting to eat and drink too much now will not only adapt you for later in the year but it will also mean that by the time the season kicks off you will have good fat stores and that extra ‘tinny’ at a runner’s summer BBQ will go down easy with no after effects.
Enjoy!
Have a listen to the DO’s and DON’TS it will be featured on Episode 51 of Talk Ultra out on Dec 27th. It’s free on iTunes.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkultra/Episode_50_Paddy_Robbins_Zach_Miller.mp3
Links:
- ITunes http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk-ultra/id497318073
- Libsyn – feed://talkultra.libsyn.com/rss
- Website – talkultra.com
Sources:
- Appropriate Behavior at the Company Christmas Party. Helium.com.
- Bryant, Susan. “Office Holiday Party Etiquette.” Career-advice.monster.com.
- Cho, Hanah. “Don’t forget Office Party Etiquette.” Baltimoresun.com.13 November, 2006.
- “Christmas Party Etiquette.” CarinsDining.com.
- Chun, Josie. “Nine Ways to Survive the Office Christmas Party.” Resource Centre—Employment News& Views. CareerFAQs.com
- “Entertaining Ideas: Office Party Do’s and Don’ts:” Eatertainment. Eatertainment.com.
- Hansen, Randall S. “Holiday Office Party Do’s and Don’ts. ” Quintcareers.com.
- Morales, Tatiana. “Office Party Etiquette: How to Get Out of Sticky Situations.” The Early Show CBS News.com
IAN CORLESS 