The Coastal Challenge – RUN247

Posted on March 5, 2013 by talkultra

Race report: Talk Ultra’s Ian Corless recently travelled to Costa Rica to cover the The Coastal Challenge 2013, a six day stage race

All things must come to an end…. the atmosphere around camp was a little subdued. Some participants looked relieved that they didn’t have to squeeze a pair of shoes onto blistered feet. Others seemed sad that another day on awesome Costa Rican trails didn’t await.

Some required quiet time away from the camp to walk Drake Beach as the sun welcomed a new day. Others huddled in groups telling stories of water crossings, quad busting descents and dehydration.

Ultimately every person had a story. Unique stories, personal to each participant, stories that they would hold within themselves forever. No matter how low the low points, the day after never seems so bad. If it was easy, everyone would do it. The Coastal Challenge offers some very testing terrain with relentless heat and humidity to provide an overall race experience that will test each and every person. To cross the line on the final day requires commitment, dedication and some luck.

The Coastal Challenge 2013

Photos © Ian Corless

The logistics of mobilising a camp and moving it everyday in tough terrain is nothing short of remarkable. The course marking and dedication from the TCC crew was available for all to see. This is no easy race to run, but it is certainly no easy race to coordinate. The catering team showed a dedication not often seen, rising at 0200 to have breakfast ready for 0400, break down camp, move to the next location, set up and then cook lunch ready for the runners arrival. Clear lunch and then prepare dinner all for the process to be repeated again. Respect!

Marking the course was done before the race and then every stage had TCC crew heading out in front of the race to ensure that nobody would get lost. While the race was underway, the camp crew would mobilise moving luggage, tents and all other elements of base camp and then set up again. All this in searing heat – it was tough work.

Base camp had a full medical team and feet specialists to ensure that everyone would be in the best shape possible to start the next day. It’s a really important aspect of multi stage racing and without it, many would not see the finish.

Stage races are not meant to be easy! Was the The Coastal Challenge too hard? No, of course not. Was it hard? Yes, without doubt.

The Coastal Challenge 2013

Photos © Ian Corless

Several runners at TCC had participated in Marathon des Sables several times, on questioning they all said that The Coastal Challenge was a much harder race. The combination of heat, humidity, climbing and tough technical terrain was a much greater test of mind and body.

A key aspect of this race is camp life. An opportunity to relax in beautiful locations, make new friends and sleep under the stars. Strangers by the end of day 1 became best friends by day 2. The comradeship, the willingness to sacrifice time to help another is a great thing to see. One persons’ suffering was taken on by others and the burden shared.

With the race over these friendships will continue and no doubt be renewed at other races in the future.

The excitement and beauty of 236km’s, with over 30,000ft of climbing in South American rainforest over six days was a joy to behold and conquer. The journey came to an end by boat. We left Drake Beach speeding through the ocean to our bus that would eventually return everyone to San Jose and a comfortable bed.

It was time to switch off, let the experience soak in and remember what had been achieved.

Congratulations to Dave James and Gemma Slaughter for the respective wins in the Expedition category.

Ultimately though, the credit goes to every participant who battled and endured the TCC Expedition or Adventure category. Tam Miller from Vancouver Canada summed it up for me when she said: “I feel whole and complete and I have no unfinished business”

Pura Vida!

The Coastal Challenge 2013

Photos © Ian Corless

You can read day to day blog posts here: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6

And you can view images from each day here: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6

Click here to check out the event website

Men’s results

1	David James	26:54
2	I. Dris	29:17
3	Jose Lopez	32:59

Women’s results

1	Gemma Slaughter	39:42
2	Angela Meyer	41:32
3	Irene Hale	41:38

TNF Trans Gran Canaria – Results

Posted on March 2, 2013 by talkultra

Tough weather conditions took it’s toll on the 2013 The North Face Trans Gran Canaria with some key favourites in the 119km race dropping – Miguel Heras, Carlos Sa and Gustav Reyes amongst others did not make the finish.

A super motivated and inform Sebastien Chaigneau dominated the race for The North Face team and secured a dominant victory. After a mixed year in 2012 he will be really motivated and confident with this performance. Oier Ibarbia was 2nd some 25 minutes behind and Yeray Duran was 3rd another 30 minutes behind.

Nerea Martínez completed the 119km race in 17 hours and 16 minutes to take the win, the Canarian, Esther Fernández placed 2nd once again (same as 2012) and the Swiss Denise Zimmerman placed third.

In the 83km race as predicted, Ryan Sandes dominated the race to take the win and in doing so has now won races on four continents. It’s a great start to his 2013 campaign. Behind Ryan was his Salomon team mate, Philipp Reiter. Philipp has only just come of skis so he has found form very early. It will now be interesting to see how he performs on anothe Canary Island in May for the Transvulcania La Palma. Taking the final spot on the podium was David Lutzardo.

In the female category of the 83k race, Yurena Castrillo got first. Lidia Gómez arrived in the second position: she was one of the favourites due to the fact that in the past she had won three times this race. Sophie Grant, the New Zealand runner, placed third.

The marathon race was won by Marcin Świerc in 02:58:53 dominating the distance ahead of Lexis Almedia Benitez who was over 15 mins behind. Rafael Bethencourt Guimera completed the podium 30 minutes behind the winner.

Emelie Forsberg from Salomon running once again confirmed that she is ‘one to watch’ in 2013 by winning her first race of the season. Nuria Dominguez arrived at the finish just 3 mins behind Emelie and Janelle Tarum arrived 10mins later.

Marco Olmo racing the 83km

Philipp Reiter in the early stages

Philipp Reiter putting his poles to great use for 2nd place in the 83K

Ryan Sandes on his way to victory in the 83k race

Ryan Sandes

Seb Chaigneau in the early hours of the morning after a midnight start

Seb taking a really tough section of trail in his stride on his way to victory in the 119km race

Ryan talking about another victory. He has now won races on four continents

RESULTS

CLASIFICACIÓN GENERAL MASCULINA 42 KM

MARCIN ŚWIERC 02:58:53
ALEXIS ALMEIDA BENITEZ 03:15:19
RAFAEL BETHENCOURT GUIMERA 3:28:17

CLASIFICACIÓN FEMENINA GENERAL MARATON 42 km

EMELIE FORSBERG 03:42:55
NURIA DOMINGUEZ 03:45:46
JANELLE TARUM 03:54:52

CLASIFICACIÓN GENERAL MASCULINA 83 KM – Ladies results to follow

RYAN SANDES 08:11:26
PHILIPP REITER 08:27:30
DAVID LUTZARDO 08:46:02

CLASIFICACIÓN GENERAL MASCULINA 119 km – Ladies results to follow

SEBASTIEN CHAIGNEAU 14:05:53
OIER IBARBIA 14:30:52
YERAY DURÁN 15:03:23

The North Face Transgrancanaria – Press Release

Posted on March 1, 2013 by talkultra

The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2013

More than 2500 runners from 30 different countries will take part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria, a race that aims to bring the mountain closer to everyone.

Marco Olmo, Sébastien Chaigneau, Miguel Heras, Ryan Sandes, John Tidd, Philipp Reiter, Julia Boettger, Gustavo Reyes, Santiago Obaya, Marta Prat, Emilie Forsberg, Carlos Sá, Yeray Durán and Nerea Martínez are some of the great runners that will be fighting to win the race.

The North Face® Transgrancanaria has become a real challenge for all the ultra race lovers. This Saturday 2^nd March 2013, at midnight, one of the most anticipated ultra trail events in Europe will begin. Each year, more and more people come from all over the globe to Gran Canaria to face this race, now established as one of the most renowned mountain races in Europe.

This ultra trail race, which besides will be marking the start of the great European season, celebrates its 10th anniversary and once more Gran Canaria will turn into the meeting point for the best ultra trail runners in the world, for whom the diversity of the landscapes and the sheer spots of the island make the race even more attractive. Among the great events of that kind that take place over the world, The North Face® Transgrancanaria is internationally well known for its complexity.

In this edition, 2170 people will take part in the 4 types of races available: 420 will be running the Transgrancanaria (119km), 350 will face the Advanced (83km), 700 will run the Transmaratón (42km) and 700, the Starter (24km).

Some of the most famous professionals taking part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2013 are: Sebastien Chaigneau, current champion of the event, and other runners of his kind such as Ryan Sandes, Miguel Heras, Gustavo Reyes, John Tidd, Zigor Iturrieta, Philipp Reiter and Carlos Sa, all favourites to achieve the title.

Additionally, a real ultra trail legend will participate in the race, the Italian man, Marco Olmo, who keeps running the most difficult races at the highest level at his 64 years old. Others top runners such as Aitor Leal, the Llorens Brothers, Emelie Forsberg, Nerea Martínez and Julia Boettger, will attend the race, as they always do.

Miguel Heras copyright Ian Corless

They all have the same goal to face the Nature and push their limits to their ends, challenging the mountains of the island to become the champion. Pablo Criado, Santiago Obaya, Chelis Valle, Lidia Gómez, Nuria Domínguez and Marta Prat are also some of the Spaniards that confirmed their participation. On the other hand, Yeray Durán, David Lutzardo, Carlos García, Evaristo Almeida and Esteban García, among others, will represent the Island. In the women category, the runners Esther Fernández, Diana de la Rosa and Yurena Castrillo, among others, will do the same.

The high level and motivation displayed each year by the hundreds of runners from over 30 different countries (such as Japan, France, Turkey, South Africa or USA) when taking up the challenge of The North Face® Transgrancanaria, together with the spectacular nature of the race itself provide the event with a great dose of emotion and competitiveness. That’s why the event can only bring surprises and experience that all participants, as well as the public attending the race, will remember.

The North Face® Transgrancanaria got to strengthen its commitment to society, doing its best so that the participation to the race grew bigger each year and also making possible for runners of all ages and conditions to take part. The children’s and junior categories were thought to get all the family involved in the project and to teach to the youngest ones the Sport and Nature values. 400 kids between 6 and 17 years old will run among the Kid, Infantil and Junior categories

This is the second consecutive year in which people with physical, mental or sensory impairment can participate in the Transcapacidad race. This race had a great reception and high turnout last year.

The increase in the number of participants to the race leads to an increase in the number of visitors who come to Gran Canaria to take part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria. This confirms that the event is an excellent way to promote the fact that Gran Canaria is a many-sided destination that counts with a great variety of landscapes that go from the coast to the mountains and that provides its visitors with a wide offer of leisure activities.

The North Face® Transgrancanaria is sponsored by The North Face®, Patronato de Turismo and Consejería de Deportes del Cabildo de Gran Canaria, organized by Arista and will be held with the co-production of Overstim, Sonocom and Loype, and the support of some companies from Gran Canaria.

THE NORTH FACE® TEAM’S RUNNERS INFO SHEET

Seb Chaigneau copyright Ian Corless

SEBASTIEN CHAIGNEAU (France)

Sébastien Chaigneau was born and brought up in the ‘flatlands’ of France (La Vienne) and from an early age he heard the call of the mountains, and he looked for the limits of the far horizon.

Over the last years, Sébastien has found his strength in ‘ultra-races’ and has achieved great successes, most particularly in the Libyan Challenge and the 2009 edition of The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®. In 2010, he won the Chilean The North Face® Endurance Challenge and the Olympus Marathon. In 2011, he placed third in The North Face® Transgrancanaria and in The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®. And in 2012, Chaigneau became the champion of The North Face® Transgrancanaria, beating a time record, passing the finish line in a bit more than 13 hours.

ZIGOR ITURRIETA (Spain)

Zigor Iturrieta is one of Spain’s best mountain runners. He was born in Guipúzcoa, Basque Country. He has travelled around the world from race to race enjoying a long running career already at the age of 36.

In 2009, he participated in six races including a win at the Copa de Euskadi. This was the year he entered the world of ultra trail running – with great results: 4th in the Travesera Integral of the Picos de Europa, 5th in the Vent Cavalls, and 9th in the Ultra Trail Aneto.

2010 was one of his most successful years. Taking part in four races and three ultra trails, he premiered at the eighth edition of The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® where he reached podium 3rd place with a time of 21 hours and 6 minutes. Zigor achieved first place win at The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2011 in Gran Canaria.

THE NORTH FACE® TRANSGRANCANARIA INFO SHEET

Name: The North Face® Transgrancanaria

Dates: March 1st, 2nd and 3d 2013

Organizer: Club Deportivo Arista

Place: Gran Canaria

Route: Agaete, Tamadaba, Artenara, Bentayga, Aserrador, Presa de Las Niñas, Presa de Chira, Garañón, Teror, Santidad, Tenoya, Plaza de la Música (nearby the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium)

Race categories:

– TRANSGRANCANARIA: 119 km long, positive incline of 7.300+ meters. Duration: 30 hours. Starting time 00:00 from Agaete.

– ADVANCED: 83 km long, positive incline of 4.700+ meters. Duration: 24 hours. Starting time: 06:00 from Agaete.

– MARATHON: 42 km long, accumulated slope of 4.000 meters. Duration: 12 hours. Starting time: 10:00 from Garañón.

– STARTER: 24 km long, accumulated slope of 1.800 meters. Duration: 10 hours. Starting time: 11:00 from Teror.

– TRANS-INFANTIL: Playa de Las Canteras

– KIDS: from 6 to 9 years old – 1500 meters long.

– INFANTIL: from 10 to 13 years old – 2 km long.

– JUVENIL: from 14 to 17 years old – 6 km long.

Ryan Sandes – Trans Gran Canaria

Posted on February 28, 2013 by talkultra

“Howzit”

“I’m good Ryan, it’s great to finally meet up”

Ryan Sandes in Europe is quite a treat and for sure, the runners on Gran Canaria appreciate it.

Our first meeting is in a secluded mountain campsite. Ryan has arrived from South African heat so the chill in the air is noticeable by the several layers he is wearing. Our initial chat is purely a catch up about mutual friends and who is doing what. But then over dinner we discuss the season ahead and what it holds.

We discuss the pitfalls of too much racing and too much training and Ryan explains that the end of February, beginning of March is still VERY EARLY in the season. His decision therefore to move from the 119km race and enter the 83km seems logical.

Ryan very much carves his own niche in the ultra world. Maybe the ‘isolation’ of South Africa allows him to do this? But what is for sure is that this guy nows exactly his strengths and weaknesses and knows how to maximise what he has.

“My first marathon was like teenage sex… it wasn’t pretty”

Ryan explains at a talk/ video presentation at the H10 hotel in Meloneras on the southern coast of the island. He has a great story, an ex rugby player who stopped growing and decided to move sports… He ran a marathon, it wasn’t pretty but somehow picked up the bug. He wanted a challenge and thought big! So big he chose a multi stage race in the Gobi desert.

Why did he choose it?

“Well the Gobi desert sounded like a cool place to go but to be honest, I didn’t even know where it was let alone a multi day race. But I gave myself six months, trained hard and amazed myself by winning the race”

Quite amazing. That natural ability came through and he then went on to win all the ‘four’ desserts.

2010 4 DESERT CHAMPION AND ONLY COMPETITOR TO WIN EVERY STAGE OF EACH OF THE 4 DESERT RACES (www.4deserts.com)

Always looking for a challenge he needed to test himself against the best in the world, at the time this ‘stage’ for ultra running was America. Paced by team mate, Anna Frost, Ryan ran Leadville 100 in 2011 and won it! Suddenly the North American runners started to take notice.

Results 2011

2011 The North Face 100 Australia – 3rd

2011 The Salomon Zugspitz Ultra – 4th

2011 Leadville 100 Mile Trail Run – 1st in 3rd fastest time in history

In 2012 all attention was focused on Ryan as he moved to the ‘Big Dance’ Western States 100. After a win at Vibram Hong Kong 100km Ultra (new record) and The North Face 100 in Australia what would Ryan do… many thought that ok, yes, he won Leadvillie and yes, no doubt he is a good runner. But this is Western Sates!

An usually cold year at the Big Dance produced the fastest year on record with Timothy Olson setting a new bar for the 100 mile race. But pushing him all the way was Ryan. Ryan crossed the line in 2nd place also breaking the old course record set by Geoff Roes.

Results 2012

2012 Vibram Hong Kong 100km Ultra – 1st in new record

2012 The North Face 100 Australia – 1st

2012 Western States 100 Miler USA – 2nd in 2nd fastest time in history

2012 Fish River Canyon Trail – 6h 57min ( record time )

The Fish River Canyon was a personal project… a fastest known time attempt. He had tried the ‘fish’ before and as he explained at his talk;

“I looked at the distance and thought, no problem. I just wasn’t prepared for the severity of the course. It chewed me up and spat me out”

Returning to the Canyon in 2012 he put the demons to rest and as his video shows, he tamed the beast that had chewed him up.

The Beauty of the Irrational

So how will Ryan perform at Trans Gran Canaria in 2013? Well for sure, he is going to be competitive. However, he does have ‘Wonder Kid’ Philipp Reiter to race against plus plenty of other talent. Very often in these events the focus is on the ‘main’ event. At Trans Gran Canaria that is the 119km race. With Sebastien Chaigneau and Miguel Heras on the start line of the 119km, a classic race is in the making, but don’t forget the little brother, I think this year spectators and followers of ultra racing are going to get a 2 for 1 deal.

You can see images from my photo shoot with Ryan HERE

Ryan Sandes website HERE

You can check out the race website HERE

Follow the race on Facebook HERE

Kilian Jornet’s calendar 2013

Posted on February 28, 2013 by talkultra

Kilian Jornet copyright Ian Corless

Kilian Jornet has just announced his 2013 calendar. In just one glance you can see the dominance of Skyrunning. I am sure Kilian is laying his stall out and wants to be World Champion in VK, Sky and Ultra in the series.

Apart from one or two races, I will be at all of the events listed below bringing you interviews, images and audio as the action unfolds.

His 2012 placing of 3rd at Transvulcania must be a high priority on his list. I am sure he will be gunning for the win in 2013. Notably he has already stopped his skiing season allowing for more adequate preparation for the start of the 2013 season.

A surprise is a return to Raid de la Reunion. Maybe he wants a course record…?

2013 is going to be a very exciting season. I can’t wait to see it unfold.

CALENDAR

07/05/2013 – VERTICAL KILOMETER ELBRUS – RUSSIA – http://www.elbrus.redfox.ru/english/news/

11/05/2013 – TRANSVULCANIA – SPAIN – http://transvulcania13.com/index.php/en/

Kilian at Transvulcania 2012 copyright Ian Corless

26/05/2013 – ZEGAMA AIZKORRI – SPAIN – http://www.zegama-aizkorri.com/

09/06/2013 – CERDANYA ULTRAFONS – SPAIN – http://www.ultrafons.com/

28/06/2013 – VERTICAL KILOMETER CHAMONIX – FRANCE – http://www.montblancmarathon.net/fr/

30/06/2013 – MARATON CHAMONIX – FRANCE – http://www.montblancmarathon.net/fr/

06/07/2013-07/07/2013 – KILIAN’S CLASSIK – FRANCE – http://www.traildefontromeu.com

14/07/2013 – ICE TRAIL TARANTAISE – FRANCE – http://www.icetrailtarentaise.fr/

19/07/2013-21/07/2013 – EUROPEAN SKYRUNNING CHAMPIONSHIP – ITALY – http://www.dolomiteskyrace.com/portali.asp

Kilian at Cavalls del Vent 2012 copyright Ian Corles

27/07/2013 – ULTRA SKYRUNNING DOLOMITI – ITALY – http://www.dolomiteskyrace.com/portali.asp

24/08/2013 – MATTERHORN ULTAKS – SWITZERLAND – http://www.ultraks.com/

01/09/2013 – MEET YOU MAKER – CANADA – http://www.meetyourmaker50.com/

28/09/2013 – UROC – USA – http://www.ultraroc.com

11/10/2013-13/10/2013 – LIMONE – ITALY – http://www.skybikextreme.com/

25/10/2013-27/10/2013 – GRAND RAID REUNION – REUNION ISLAND –
http://www.grandraid-reunion.com

Philipp Reiter – wonder kid !

Posted on February 27, 2013 by talkultra

Philipp Reiter makes me laugh… he makes me laugh lots! 21 years old, the world is ahead of him and he embraces each day as though it was his last. His passion for life and running is matched by his appetite for the ‘buffet’ at our hotel. Boy can he eat!

In 2012, he emerged on the ‘world’ stage by clocking up a series of top 10 places and wins that only a fool could ignore. He won the Salaomon Four Trails ahead of Thomas Lorblanchet and Francois d’Haene. He teamed up with teammate, Iker Karrera at Trans Alpine and won. He suffered a little at Transvulcania, ran strong at Trofeo Kima and dug deep at Cavalls del Vent.

After Trofeo Kima I asked him what his aspirations are for the future….

“I want to be the new Kilian” he replied.

Today, just before we headed out on to the beach to take the photos that you can see in the post, I questioned him again. His answer today?

“I want to beat Kilian”

He has just spent the last two to three months ski mountaineering and this weekend he lines up at the 83km TNF Trans Gran Canaria to take on a competetive field that includes teammate, Ryan Sandes. With no running in his legs is it possible to perform over 83km on tough trail? Philipp thinks so.

On the trails yesterday, Philipp flew off like a man possessed. It was hard to believe that he hadn’t run… no small stops to ease himself in. No, not at all. He bounded and leaped down the trail as though some binding shackles had been removed.

“When you take the skis off and run, you feel so light. It’s incredible. It’s a joy to run” said Philipp in my 30+ min interview scheduled to be aired in episode 30 of Talk Ultra on March 8th.

“The break from running freshens the mind, it’s a good thing, I love sport, I love cycling, I love going to the gym, I love variety. That is what is so exciting about what I do”

You can see the logic. Look at his peer group; Kilian Jornet, Nuria Picas, Emelie Forsberg and so on… they all turn from trails to snow in the winter months.

This coming weekend will show us how Philipp’s form is after months of no running. But ultimately the 83km on Saturday are only small and tiny steps on what will be a very interesting 2013 season.

A full set of images from today are available HERE

You can see how Philipp gets on against Ryan Sandes and the other runners at : http://www.transgrancanaria.net

You can listen to my interview with Philipp on the next episode of Talk Ultra. It will be available for ‘free’ download on iTunes, Libsyn and talk ultra.com.

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

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

Website – talkultra.com

TNF Trans Gran Canaria – Pre Race

Posted on February 26, 2013 by talkultra

It was a cold night in the mountains… the hot temperatures on the coast at lunch had disappeared. Wrapped under four blankets and still fully dressed during the night we emerged to a glorious new day.

As the sun rose so did the temperature. It wasn’t really hot but hey, it was warm enough. A couple of hours on the trails to allow me to capture images, that is all I needed. I love the light in the mountains. It’s warm and at this time of the year the sun is low in the sky providing some strong directional light.

Gran Canaria has some incredible trails and when you put Ryan Sandes, Philipp Reiter and Trailschnittchen Julia Böttger on them and only good things can come of it.

Philipp was like a wound up cork, he literally hasn’t run for 3 months. He has been skiing. It didn’t affect him, he shot up the trail immediately and we chased. What followed was a series of memorable moments on some incredible trail. Here is a highlight but you can see all the images HERE.

Our morning fun over we left for the coast at midday. A leisurely lunch of fresh seafood and salad with views of the beach. The break over and another short journey, we arrived at what can only be referred to as a palace. Our hotel for 2 nights, the H10. In incredible hotel.

Ryan Sandes did a talk and presented a video of his Fish River Canyon run. It was a really enlightening and informal chat… I have to say, Ryan came out with some great quotes:

“My first marathon was like a teenager having sex… It wasn’t pretty!”

“I enjoy the mental aspect of ultra trail races. Immense highs and lows. I’ve learnt lots about myself. But it’s about enjoyment. I really respect those runners that take twice as long to complete the race than I do…. But, they get better value for money!”

“Lots of foot prints on the trail, do you follow them or do you make your own?”

So as our first day draws to a close it’s time to make the most of the H10 hotel and take advantage of a wonderful dinner laid on for us by the management.

Ryan Sandes website HERE

Philipp Reiter website HERE

Julia Bottger website HERE

The TNF Tran Gran Canaria website HERE

Te Araroa Episode 2 – Jez Bragg

Posted on February 26, 2013 by talkultra

After 53 days 9 hours and 3,054 km of running, Jez Bragg crosses the finish line of Te Araroa trail arriving in Bluff — lands end on the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island.

“I’m just so proud of that because, it was bold, and I did pull it off. And that’s cool.” Jez Bragg

Richard Bowles – He’s at it again…

Posted on February 25, 2013 by talkultra

Running the Israel National Trail (INT)

Described as a hybrid of Bear Grylls and Forrest Gump, Melbourne based adventure runner Richard Bowles is set to create another record in the world of ultra-distance trail running, in one of the most fascinating countries on the planet.

Just another long distance runner? Hardly. In 2012 Richard ran over 10,500km of trails, the equivalent distance of 249 marathons, but in much different circumstances. Imagine doing Tough Mudder 10 times a week, add in to the mix some crocodile infested river crossings, an avalanche zone and an active volcano and you’re getting some sense of Richards typical week, every week, for a whole year.

Is he a bit nuts? Maybe, because he’s about embark on yet another wild adventure.

Starting on Sunday 14 April 2013 , Richard will run (and climb) atleast 80km each day along the 1009km INT that winds its way from the Red Sea in Eilat in the southernmost part of Israel to Dan in the North, near the border of Lebanon and Syria, where he plans to arrive 12 days later on April 26….or even sooner if all goes well!

The trail, described by National Geographic as one of the worlds most ‘epic trails’, was the vision of Israeli Ori Dvir, and showcases Israels impressive landscape. Traversing the arid and unforgiving Negev, along ancient Roman roads, climbing up and down craters and canyons, past historically significant sites and over mountain passes, along lush river valleys, and through the heart of the bustling Tel Aviv.

During 2012 Richard became the first person to run the worlds longest marked trail, the rough and remote Bicentennial National Trail of Australia traversing the treacherous and remote dividing range mountains from Melbourne to Cooktown, raising awareness and funds for mental health organisation SANE Australia along the way. Just 3 weeks after completing this incredible feat, Richard flew to New Zealand to tackle their incredibly tough and dangerous 3,054km Te Araroa Trail, and in just 65 days Richard became the first person to run the entire trail.

Combining a passion for adventure, a love for running, and a determination to make a positive contribution to the places through which he runs, Richard and the team will be choosing a worthy charity, one whose work is close to his heart and to which he feels he can offer the most benefit to. The charity partner will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Richard believes in giving back, as these adventures and the people who support him give him so much.

Run INT Project

Running 1009km on Israel’s National Trail, over mountains and deserts….and in just 12 days! Or less!!

Project Website

www.richardbowles.com.au

The Israel National Trail – 1009km winding through this most geographically and historically significant part of the world, from Eilat in the South to Dan in the North.

www.israelnationaltrail.com

WHY?

The question most people ask is why would anyone want to run over 80km each day for 2 weeks? Richard explains, “The trail less travelled offers the best adventures, and I’m all about challenging myself on a daily basis”.

Richard says he is keen to meet with the communities through which the trail passes, and always takes the time to do so…even when running such huge distances each day. “The highlight of the projects in 2012 was meeting people. Being welcomed into their homes, sharing stories over a meal, and enjoying the wonderful adventure that they had now become a part of”.

Who is Richard?

Richard Bowles has many years experience in the discipline of distance running and regularly runs 200km weekly on trails around Melbourne. He is the first person to ever run the worlds longest marked trail (5,330km Bicentennial National Trail, Australia) , and is the Australian Record holder of the 2010 Tenzing Hillary Mt Everest Marathon; Winner of the 2011 Tasmanian 3 Peaks Challenge (sailing and mountain running event) and Record Holder of the Wilsons Prom Ultra Marathon 2010.
For more info go to http://www.richardbowles.com.au

More about the Israel National Trail

Inspiration for the trail came from Avraham Tamir, a well-known children’s book author who, at the age of 78 hiked the Appalachian Trail. Upon returning to Israel he proposed a hiking trail that wove its way from one end to the other. And so, in 1991, the Israel National Trail (INT) was born. Beginning in the far north of the country hugging the border with Lebanon, the tiny Kibbutz Dan marks the starting point. The finishing line is found some 1009km further south, where Israel’s Red Sea coast stops at the border with Egypt. To undertake the entire trail takes seasoned hikers 30 to 45 days maintaining a pace of about 30 kilometres a day.

Salomon S-Lab EXO Twinskin Skort

Posted on February 22, 2013 by talkultra

You are going to have to trust me on this one… I don’t wear a ‘Skort’ often but I have seen Emelie Forsberg and Anna Frost in them throughout 2012.

Now of course they are Salomon sponsored athletes but believe me, if they didn’t tick the boxes and if they were not completely comfortable, they would be choosing another item to wear within the Salomon range.

‘Skorts’ are an unusual item. Initially they were frowned upon by many… my partner included, but it would appear that once you wear one there is no going back!

Emelie Forsberg copyright Ian Corless

Skorts are basically a tight fitting short (like cycling shorts) with a loose ‘over’ fabric. Now I am guessing here but the functional side is quite obvious. The tight shorts provide close fitting comfort and the loose overlay provides some modesty.

The EXO short is a compression product and as such holds the leg muscles tightly providing reduced muscle fatigue and postural support by increasing blood flow. Within the shorts are an additional inner brief for comfort.

The compression reduces muscle vibration and from all the ladies I have spoken to who have used the Skort they have all come back with similar comments: “I could feel the tightness of the compression holding my muscles and restricting vibration but in a very comfortable way. It didn’t feel restrictive”.

Of course this hold and compression not only reduces fatigue whilst running but it also aid the recovery process. In both the mens EXO shorts and the ladies EXO Skort a universal comment of “legs feel less tired and trashed the next day” is common

The EXO fabric has actiLITE material and this is strategically positioned to be thinner in certain places to allow the body to loose more heat. They have a high waistband with pockets included. The S-Lab range is all about functionality and it is these pockets in conjunction with EXO fabric that sets these products apart from much of the competition. The pockets can carry a small jacket rolled up, gloves, gels, a phone, money or whatever small essential items that may be needed. The pockets have a ‘tab’ to make access easy and of course if you use the Skort with the 2013 S-Lab Light Jacket (HERE) they make the perfect combination.

The S-Lab range is all about making products that perform at the highest level. They allow freedom of movement and offer additional functionality. This, as always, comes at a price so expect to pay in the region of £90 in the UK.

Anna Frost at Cavalls del Vent copyright Ian Corless

Specifications

Light postural support, muscle compression and improved blood flow, these shorts improve performance without chaffing.

EXO SENSIFIT STABILITY – Run easier: better alignment of your body allows you to run easier on uneven trails downhill & uphill. Run longer: Reduce cramping, muscle soreness, saving energy & preventing injuries. +5% of muscle performance. Recover better: Improve recovery time. +11% of active recovery.
Twinskin technology – skin fit under-shorts, loose fitting over-skirt
Ultralight, flexible ACTILITE™ Stretch Woven outer skirt material that is light and breathable
ACTILITE Stretch Mesh – lightweight & breathable waist construction
3 Pockets for gels, gloves, jacket etc
Skin fit
Inseam length: 23 cm

Fabric: