The Coastal Challenge – Day 3

Posted on February 6, 2013 by talkultra

Dominical Beach to Ventenanas Beach, 48km

Ants, ants everywhere! But hey, that’s camping right? These little fellas are small but they bite! I made the big mistake of leaving my bag open… it turned into a little ‘night club’ for the little critters. So, 0330 this morning as my alarm went off was all about getting rid of the darn things before I could do anything.

The camp is a buzz early morning. Anticipation for a new day, nerves of what lies ahead and tired bodies ‘testing’ quads and calf’s to see if they will function today. Yesterday saw four drops and several people move down from the Expedition category to the shorter, Adventure category.

I left at 0500 to arrive at a trailhead and then I had a 4-5km run in along the race route to the Nauyaca Waterfalls… impressive! I had to run the trail with a head torch. It was thick, deep, slippery clay and with reduced visibility one could say it was fun!

Today’s route, the longest so far, had the first imposed cut offs, 7 hours at CP2 and 9 hours at CP3.

The route had a real mix of terrain today. Dense forest, waterfalls, river crossings, and a very long beach section that would be taken in the heat of the day. Many of the runners had some worries of what would lie ahead.

At 0545, with the rising of the sun, the ‘gun’ sounded and they were off. We anticipated the first runner at the waterfalls at approximately 0700. Dave James arrived on the dot… the stage 2 decision to run with Ismael was not being applied today. He arrived looking sharp, fast and focused. He navigating the crossing quickly and was up the trail in a flash. He later told me that he had worked out from the previous day that Ismael was not as good on the ‘ups’, so, he decided to push hard early, hold a gap and then try to beat his own CR for the stage.

It was over 10 minutes later before Ismael Dris arrived looking less comfortable. He was more thoughtful with his foot placing’s and in contrast to Dave James you could see him loosing fractions of time with each foot strike.

Because the waterfall section was so early in the stage I stayed to see all the runners through. I was rewarded to see the sun rise above the falls and provide us with some of the most remarkable light.

Rob Harsh from Boulder, Colorado gave me an insight into the day.

How was the early section from the start to the waterfall?

“I started easy, very comfortable. It was mostly double track. It was nice and cool, Loads of sounds from the forest. Under foot the terrain was rocky, rough and hard”

And then you arrived at the waterfall; tell me what that was like?

“Awesome, one of the best I have seen. I jumped in too cool down but I wanted to savor the moment. It felt like healing water”

From the waterfall you had to climb up to the next checkpoint?

“Yes, really pretty. Dense rainforest. Green, dark and mossy. Loved it! Then it opened up and we ran a country road”

That road lead to the first high point, did you get good views?

“Great views, rolling hills and the forest in the distance. We could also see the next climb but temperatures at this stage were still cool”

And the climb to the second and final summit?

“It was long and plenty of bushwhack. That’s what I want though… it was hard. The vines grabbed our feet. I was alone for this section. It was great to listen to the sounds, the descent was brutal. Really steep in sections. It shattered your muscles. I was glad to see the beach”

The beach… that was some long hot beach hey?

“I probably ran three quarters of the beach. But it was really hot water. It was hotter than running at Badwater…” really, hotter than Badwater? “Yeah, the humidity down here is just sapping. It is unbearable. You have to pay so much attention to hydration”

Did you take a dip at the end of the beach?

“For sure, it felt like a spa. The suffering ebbed away as we soaked”

And then you had a short and some dense forest to the road?

“Yep, super dense. Lots of wildlife and you had to almost cut your way through”

How did you feel on the final 4km road section?

“Ecstatic, for the first time that section was shorter than predicted. The finish was a welcome sight. It was a great day”

How do you feel for tomorrow, it’s a shorter day but more climbing?

“I think I have my groove now. I am sore, tired but I have no feet problems. Gonna stay steady and enjoy the scenery and hopefully enjoy the finish”

From the waterfall, I ran back to the car and then went to the start of the Adventure Race (and CP3 for the Expedition).

I now ran the entire Adventure section capturing images of runners as they progressed along the Playa Hermosa and then Playa Uvita. It was now mid morning and the heat was beating down. It was really hard work. At the end I waited in the shade to capture Dave James and Ismael as they ran towards me. Dave arrived still looking incredibly strong. He had gone off course and was really frustrated but his lead was secure. However, id pre race objective of maybe setting a new CR was gone. After the race I asked what happened “Some of the course markings had been moved which is very unusual for this race. I wasted time finding my way back to the route. These things happen but I was feeling really good”

His lead was secure; Ismael was nearly 30 minutes behind.

At the finish weary and tired runners arrived in dribs and drabs expressing the satisfaction of having endured a tough but beautiful day in Costa Rica.

Tents were pitched and food was consumed. Our campsite today was next to the beach and as the sun set, we had the treat of Humpback Whales swimming close to the shore.

What a day! Pura Vida.

RESULTS:

Dave James
Ismael Dris
Henry Monestel

Angela Mayer
Irene Hay
Trisha Perez

Times to follow (apologies)

Overall Results at the end of stage 2:

Mens

D James 7:57
I Dris 8:43
H Monestel 10:09

Ladies

T Peres 12:03
I Hale 12:40
S White 12:49

A selection of images from the day can be viewed HERE

Day 4 is another tough stage with a tough climb and then a series of peaks at altitude and then a VERY steep descent.

The Coastal Challenge – Day 2

Posted on February 5, 2013 by talkultra

Saverge Valley to Dominical Beach via Brujo, Dos Boscas and Hatillo

The sound didn’t stop… a million ‘Chichara’ echoed into the night providing the most awesome soundtrack to a night in a tent! Believe it or not, most people hit the sack by 1930hrs. For a few adventurous runners it was 2000hrs.

The heat had subsided but it was still a warm and humid night. Tents are pitched ‘inner’ only so as to allow for more airflow and sleeping bag? No, no, no… most definitely not required.

0330 alarms disturbed the now quiet beach. The Chichara had finally gone for some RnR, it was our turn to disturb them. The kitchen staff had once again done an incredible job. These guys are doing an endurance event themselves. Cook breakfast for 0400, pack up and load up, move to the next stage finish, unpack and set up and then start cooking ready for the arrival of the runners. Provide lunch and then cook dinner. The next day, do it all again.

I went ahead of the race today, as I wanted to climb to the second summit at 760m and capture images on the way as the front-runners came towards me. This section of the course had dense forest, mud and a whole mixture of different terrain. It was ‘proper’ jungle! I was on the trail by 0630 and I anticipated the front-runners around 0815.

Back at camp runners assembled and started at 0545 with the start of a new days light. The sky was red… it was going to be a hot day. Total distance for the day was 39km but CP1 and CP2 although only 11k apart on this terrain and with the heat, this is quite far. Carrying enough liquid was essential.

Day 1’s eagerness was tempered with a little carried over fatigue and the realization that this was going to be a much harder day. Dave James in the lead by 46 mins overall was going to run with Ismael Dris today. He had said to me the night before “I have no need to run any harder that Dris wants too, it will be nice to spend time with him on the trail”.

Like clockwork they arrived at my ‘hiding place’ at around 0825. Dave, looked very relaxed and in control with no shirt and two hand bottles. Dris looked less secure as he immediately fell behind. They sped past with Dave stopping for a moment “make sure you go up Ian, the trail is awesome, some really dense undergrowth” and they were off!

Monestel and Lopez placed 3^rd and 4^th and held these positions to the end. Dripped in sweat they ran along the trail eyes focused on each step ahead.

I headed up the trail and the undergrowth closed in. It was really great to see. Noises wrung out from all around me. You can’t pinpoint anyone sound, it’s just a carcophony of noise. However the roar I had heard earlier (twice) did prick up my ears.

Just before I reached the summit a bunch of runners came through, obviously using the approach of safety in numbers. And then the first lady, Tricia Lopez from Costa Rica.

I continued up the trail and then turned and started my run back to the finish line. The objective to track Tricia and get a selection of images and then leapfrog to get some images on the beach.

By this stage Dave and Ismael had finished the day in just over 5hr (5:01), 3^rd place Monestel arrived 1hr and 20 mins later.

The beach section, although completely flat seemed to be the ‘gripe’ of the day. By this time runners were dehydrated, tired and just wanted to finish. However, it did have a couple of great water crossings to help cool everyone down,

Tricia held on to her advantage and crossed the line first lady at 1:14 pm, some 2 hours and 22 mins after the lead men, Angela Mayer from the USA and Gemma Slaughter finished in joint 2^nd just 10 minutes behind Tina. They had definitely closed over the latter stages.

The Coastal Challenge is all about participation and as Kami Holtz, Pam Nielsen (both from Minnesota) and Helen Lavin (California) all first timers at The Coastal Challenge are as they say themselves, ‘middle of the packer’ but they had a great day finishing in just over 8 hours – “It was a challenging course, it was muddy, technical with tough climbs but we are rewarded with beautiful views. It is what we are here for. However, the beach at the end went on forever. Plus the sun was up at this point just beating down on us.”

You can see a full set of images from today HERE

Results and other additional race information are available on the race website HERE

Tomorrow

Stage 3 is a longer and tougher stage. Starting at Dominical Beach we head up and up to a highpoint of 800m but this terrain includes river running and some stunning waterfalls. At 48k it will test already tired runners and again, we have another beach finish.

The Coastal Challenge – Day 1

Posted on February 3, 2013 by talkultra

Not even a 4am start could dampen the spirits of the participants of the 9th edition of The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica.

Leaving the Best Western in San Jose some 100+ racers, crew and staff made the 2.5 hour journey to the coast and the start of the first stage at Quepos. A total distance of just under 34k this day was billed as an ‘easy’ day to allow the participants to adjust to the heat and humidity. Believe me, they needed it…

Quepos is a small town on the coast of Costa Rica and the arrival of several buses was certainly a point of interest, pre-breakfast in this little town. Runners congregated at the start and prepared for the challenge ahead. Filling packs, getting bottles ready and nervously laughing.

At 0900 they left the town and the first 10k was on road or pathway. Unusual you would think for a rainforest race? But a flat 10k of consistent surface is maybe just what all the runners needed to ease them into the day ahead. As expected Dave James hit the front and stayed in that place all the way to the finish.

Dave James dominating the race from the front

I had gone to checkpoint 1 at 10k and then left following the course and ultimately would make the journey to the finish line under my own steam. My plan was to get into the jungle and then capture the runners as they approached.

Coming from a cold winter in the UK the heat and the humidity hit me straight away. Within minutes I was soaking wet and remained that way for the whole day. The front runners seemed in control but very early on it became apparent that if you pushed too hard it was going to be a tricky day.

Follow the pink ribbons

The course was a mixture of rocky fire trail and jungle. Apart from the heat the most notacable thing was the noise from the canopy. Millions and millions of insects created a chorus that was deafening.

As the course progressed and we descended down to the river, a metal bridge facilitated a safe crossing and checkpoint 3. From here it was just 6k to the finish.

The Coastal Challenge team was already busy laying out peoples tents and arranging luggage so that it was ready for our arrival.

I have to say I was pleased to see the finish line. The heat really drained and as runners arrived you could see the stress and the impact on faces.

“This is the easy day” one lady said.

“Yeah, tell me about it… today is gonna be so interesting” replied another.

Cool campsite on the beach next to the river

With a river to cool off in and food available the recovery process immediately starts. The runners, the team and the location is excellent. What more could you ask…

When the running is done, the relaxing begins

Dave James finished in 1st place in just under 3 hours (tbc)

T Dris had an excellent run to pull back into 2nd place. He had early gone off course in the day and when he passed me he said he had run an extra 6k! A top 10 finisher at MDS he has now 46 mins behind James.

In 3rd J Lupez finished just a handful of minutes behind Dris.

Stage Results

You can view The Coastal Challenge website HERE

Tomorrows stage is 39k with 2250m of ascent and we get underway early at 0530.

Audio interview with Jezz Bragg on Te Araroa finish

Posted on February 2, 2013 by talkultra

February 2nd 2013 recorded less than 1 day after Jez Bragg recorded the fastest time of 53 days 9 hours and 1 min for crossing The Long Pathway – Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand.

I think you can hear the emotion in his voice!

DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN HERE

Jez conquers the Te Araroa

Posted on February 2, 2013 by talkultra

November 13^th 2012 seems such a long time ago… New Zealand House in London and a press conference organized by The North Face to announce Jez Bragg’s 3000 + km journey along the Te Araroa – ‘The Long Pathway’ in New Zealand.

INTERVIEW available from the press conference HERE

With a departure date of Dec 4^th and a start date of Dec 12^th, Jez’s journey was always going to be an epic. But this was no ordinary journey. An addition to running from the tip of the north island to Bluff at the bottom of the south island, Jez would also cross all water sections by his own power.

His crew of Mark Taylor (father in law) and Jamie Ashwell (long term friend) as you can imagine have been integral to the success of this journey. Mark is an experienced Kayaker and this would provide great support for Jez in the water crossings. In particular, the crossing of the Cook Strait.

Jamie is a dab hand in the kitchen and knows Jez well. As Jez said on numerous occasions “you need the people around you to understand you. I will have lots of highs and lows on this epic journey”. The team housed in a modest camper van would be spending some 50+ days together living and breathing each others air.

Dedicated crew

Jez had the dream of running the Te Araroa when Paul Charteris, organizer of the Tarawera ultra in New Zealand mentioned it to him. It was approximately 3 years ago. The trail at that stage was not completed but with a proposed opening date of December 2011 Jez decided to pitch the idea for funding to The North Face. A key element of TNF backing is that each year they take ideas from sponsored athletes and discuss the pros and cons. Lizzy Hawker had benefited from this in the past with her Nepal crossing. With the idea submitted, Jez crossed his fingers… it worked! The idea was approved and it was all systems go.

Of course best-laid plans occasionally hit a glitch. With planning well underway and dates set, Jez and the team heard that Richard Bowles had started on the Te Araroa and planned to run the whole length… “these things happen and you can’t plan for it” said Jez “although Richard will now be the first person to run the whole trail it won’t be the same as mine. I will do this under my own power for the whole length and in addition, I plan to go for a fastest known time”

Mike Wolfe, fellow TNF teammate and respected ultra runner in his own right had also been brought into the mix. Initially the plan was for Mike to join Jez when he reached the south island and then pace and help him along as he battled the tougher sections of the course. When I caught up with Jez after his crossing of the Cook Strait and just as he started to run in the south he confirmed that Mike would no longer be joining him. Mike had been suffering with some injury and as desperate as he was to join Jez for that ‘lifetime’ journey he had to be sensible and hold back “Jez is killing it man” Mike said, “he is doing such an awesome job, I don’t think it’s getting enough attention. What Jez is doing is awesome. It breaks my heart to have to say no at this stage. Believe me I have labored over this decision”

You can listen to my interview with Jez just after he had crossed from north to south in episode 26 of Talk Ultra HERE go to 01:09:30

What is the Te Araroa?

Te Araroa – The Long Pathway – is a continuous 3,000 km walking track from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It is described on the official website as the ultimate 120 day New Zealand experience (Jez did it in 53 days).

The Te Araroa is a different kind of trail. Its boundaries are the natural boundaries of New Zealand. It links settlements, townships and cities. It has a multitude of experience on offer; cultural, natural and historic. Starting at the sea and finishing at the sea when en route you explore tombolos, volcanoes, mountains, rivers, lakes and valleys.

As Jez found out. It’s one seriously tough trail. He started by running for miles and miles along desolate beach. He was then on thick, muddy and gnarly trail. Sometimes going up, sometimes going down. He expressed “it is more of a route than a trail. A trail would imply that I have marked path but more often than not I am just trying to get across sections as best as I can. It is so difficult, incredibly beautiful but ultimately it has been like running in a jungle. It’s been tough!”

Practicalities

“I am amazed at what I have been eating” said Jez “I normally wouldn’t eat cooked breakfasts but Jamie has been incredible providing me with eggs and bacon in the morning. To be honest, I just can’t eat enough”. What is interesting that after a problematic early 2012 season and constant stomach issues, Jez found out he was gluten intolerant “once I knew, the transformation was remarkable, within just two weeks I was a changed person”

This dietary knowledge has been crucial in the success of this expedition. It was only a month or so before his December departure date that Jez had wondered if the journey would be possible.

“You can’t run without energy” Jez explained “when you don’t absorb the calories or when the calories you eat cause problems, you only have one solution, stop or find out what is wrong”

Jamie, armed with this knowledge has been able to make sure that Jez has had the food he needs in the quantities he needs and of course it has all been gluten free!

The ‘Tardis’ the modest camper van has been HQ for the whole trip providing a well needed bed for Jez and the team but very often Jez has camped wild or used huts to maximize time on the trail. Of course, The North Face has been instrumental in providing Jez with all the required kit to make this happen.

Although the plan for each day was not fixed in advance, a strategy was always formulated on the morning or the night before. Mark and Jamie would arrange to meet Jez on the trail at certain points to replenish supplies and provide support.

Everything would be ready allowing Jez to replenish or eat and then be back out on the trail asap. If Jez stayed out on the trail a pack would be prepared in advance – tent, clothes, sleeping bag, jetboil, food and most importantly a satellite phone.

Family

Jez was married not long before he headed out to New Zealand. In addition to this, Christmas Day would be spent on some trail. Not an ideal way to start a new marriage? But Gemma seems to have thrived on seeing Jez achieve. She travelled out to New Zealand after Christmas and has been able to see the transformation in Jez. This transformation is physical, of course, she has seen the ravages of all those miles and the deficit in calories but the change will be one many of us won’t see. It is the change that will be within him. Nobody will know some of the personal battles and demons that Jez will have faced while putting one front in front of the other.

Mark my words; once Jez has recovered from this journey I think we will see a ‘new’ Jez on race start lines. All the accumulated miles and hours on the trail and the mental hardness will be transferred into winning performances.

Without doubt and I know Jez will be the first acknowledge this, that Mark, Jamie, Gemma and her mum, Hiliary have been an integral element of this whole journey. He may have been out on the trail running but the planning, support and backing has come from a camper van. Even down to home cooked food and homemade cakes.

Job done

53 days, 9 hours and 1 min. Job done! The previous record was 62 days set by Richard Bowles.

Jez initially had planned to complete the Journey by the end of January and he most certainly would have had had he not been hit with stomach issues on the south island. After a late finish, 3am! Jez had a fever. Understanding his body very well he knew he was in trouble. After resting and taking medication he finally responded but ultimately lost three days…

And I quote Jez:

“At a 1601hrs this afternoon, 53 days 9 hours and 1 minute after setting from Cape Regina, I finally completed my long journey down the Te Araroa trail, arriving in Bluff – lands end on the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island. Gathered there waiting were my crew, Mark & James, my wife Gemma, my mum and my mother-in-law, Hilary. Damiano from the Storyteller Collective was there capturing the moment on photo and video, just has he done so magnificently throughout the expedition. They sprayed me with champagne and we danced around the landmark yellow finger post like we’d just won the lottery. There were bystanders around too, probably wondering what the heck was going on, but none of us gave a hoot. It was raw emotion for me; all my heart and soul, sweat and tears, had been put into realizing this moment, and it almost happened too suddenly to take it all in. I’ve been a robotic state for most of the time since I started – in my own little bubble – and I think it’s going to take several days to snap out of it. My body is also going to want to know what the heck is going on when I don’t run tomorrow; so I think some wind down jogging/ walking is going to be important”

02^nd February 2012 – I am scheduled to catch up with Jez as soon as possible. He is currently in New Zealand to the 7^th and then will go to Thailand.

UPDATE

February 2nd 2013 recorded less than 1 day after Jez Bragg recorded the fastest time of 53 days 9 hours and 1 min for crossing The Long Pathway – Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand.

I think you can hear the emotion in his voice!

DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN HERE

Follow Jez on his blog HERE

The North Face HERE

He has done it…! Congrats Jez

Posted on February 2, 2013 by talkultra

“At a 1601hrs this afternoon, 53 days 9 hours and 1 minute after setting from Cape Reigna, I finally completed my long journey down the Te Araroa trail, arriving in Bluff – lands end on the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island. Gathered there waiting were my crew, Mark & James, my wife Gemma, my mum and my mother-in-law, Hilary. Damiano from the Storyteller Collective was there capturing the moment on photo and video, just has he done so magnificently throughout the expedition. They sprayed me with champagne and we danced around the landmark yellow finger post like we’d just won the lottery. There were bystanders around too, probably wondering what the heck was going on, but none of us gave a hoot. It was raw emotion for me; all my heart and soul, sweat and tears, had been put into realizing this moment, and it almost happened too suddenly to take it all in. I’ve been a robotic state for most of the time since I started – in my own little bubble – and I think it’s going to take several days to snap out of it. My body is also going to want to know what the heck is going on when I don’t run tomorrow; so I think some wind down jogging/ walking is going to be important”

We will be catching up with Jez to hear him tell us in his own words how this adventure has impacted upon him and his running.

It certainly has been a most stunning journey.

Many congratulations Jez!

Catch up on his story and all the images via his blog HERE

El Cruce 2013

Posted on January 31, 2013 by talkultra

El Cruce this year will celebrate the 12^th edition. The format is a three day stage race from Chile to Argentina covering 30 – 40km per day.

Like other multi stage races such as the Marathon des Sables or The Coastal Challenge, runners will sleep in a ‘camp’ each evening. The camp is an important element of multi day racing as bonds are made and memories forged.

Event dates are 8-10th February for individual runners and 7-9th February for teams.

The ‘solo category‘ in 2013 has an impressive field assembled. It will be without doubt quite a race… Adam Campbell, Iker Karera, Max King and Francois d’Haene take on previous winners Gustavo Reyes and Nelson Ortega.

The ladies race has Frosty (Anna Frost) hopefully toeing the line feeling refreshed after a winter of recuperation. This won’t be an easy race for her though… the presence of Emma Rocca, Oihana Kortazar and previous race winners Rosalia Camargo Guarischi and Cristina de Carvallho will mean that a battle ‘royal’ will be played out over the three race days.

This years race sees runners race around the theme of a volcano for each stage. Apparently they will go around, up or down to make a loop. Given the name of ‘Through the Volcanoes‘ the race is billed as a tough three days. The three stages are as follows:

Villarica Volcano near Pucón, Chile.
Quetrupillan Volcano between Chile and Argentina.
Lanin Volcano

With plenty of vertical kilometres this race will certainly suit Iker Karera, Anna Frost and Oihana Kortazar but will Francois d’Haene after his success at UTMB and his top placing at Transvulcania in 2012 push for the win or will the speed kings Max King and Adam Campbell make a difference over the three days.

The Andes are a beautiful mountain range. Combined with three days of running and camp life in the evening, the 2013 edition will be a race to remember.

Website HERE

Full runners list available HERE

2014 SKYRUNNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Posted on January 31, 2013 by talkultra

A recipe for success – the world’s top athletes, a dream location, three challenging events.

Two important firsts are announced by the International Skyrunning Federation today: the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships will include the ultra distance for the first time and Chamonix, the most iconic outdoor sports arena, will host the events at the end of June, 2014.

January 30, 2013

Chamonix, France, offering the most famous and spectacular mountain panorama, will stage the second Skryunning World Championships at the end of June, 2014.

Three distances will be disputed:

– The short, steep Vertical KM – 1,000 metres skywards – by night. A timed race, it will test your VO2 max to the limit.

– The Mont-Blanc Marathon – the 42 km course starts in Chamonix and finishes at 2,016m altitude, gathering 2,511m elevation gain and 1,490m on the downhill, this beautiful trail offers some of the best scenery of the Mont Blanc massif.

– The Mont-Blanc 80KM – an exclusive, new course to be inaugurated this year, it features a challenging 6,000 metres of vertical climb along ridges, over snow fields, crossing into Swiss territory and traversing glaciers in a point to point loop from the town of Chamonix.

The races are open to both individuals and teams. Individual World titles are at stake in each discipline as well as a combined title, based on the best results of two out of three races. Countries will be ranked according to the best results of three men and one woman in all three disciplines.

Held every four years, the Championships represent the second edition since the inauguration of the ISF in 2008 and the first time that the ultra distance is included.

In occasion of the first Skyrunning World Championships in 2010, winners of the individual titles were Urban Zemmer (Italy) and Laetitia Roux (France) for the Vertical Kilometer^®; Kilian Jornet (Spain) and Laetitia Roux (France) for the SkyMarathon^®, and the combined titles went to Nicola Golinelli (Italy) and Laetitia Roux (France). The country ranking was headed by Italy, followed by Spain and France for a total of 13 nations.

The bid for the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships has been awarded to the experienced and highly competent local organiser, the Club des Sport Chamonix, which manages year-round major international sports events.

Marino Giacometti, ISF President, commented: “We’re proud to present the World Championships in Chamonix and, with the support of the Club des Sport, we’re confident the events will be a perfect showcase for skyrunning and draw the best in the world for some intense competition.”

In 2013, the Vertical KM and the Mont-Blanc Marathon will feature on the Skyrunner^® World Series calendar for the first time, an occasion to gather the world’s top athletes and thousands of participants for a preview of what is to come in 2014 – a competition to set your heart racing – starting right now!

Programme, race and entry details will be published at a later date. In the meantime see here for details of the 2013 events. Subscribe to our newsletter for all the news and follow us on twitter and Facebook for updates.

Skyrunning website HERE

Kilian Jornet – A Trail Running Island

Posted on January 31, 2013 by talkultra

Imagine an Island in the Indian Ocean: mountains, rainforest..a population passionate about trailrunning, a race going on it’s 20th edition. We are on the Island of La Réunion, A Trail Running Island – enjoy !

Salomon Running TV S2 E13

In the High Country – Anton Krupicka

Posted on January 31, 2013 by talkultra

Creativity shaped by the mountains….

“In the High Country” is a super-exciting mountain running film starring Anton Krupicka. Filmed and Produced by Joel Wolpert with the support of Ultimate Direction, this film will take you where you’ve never been before.
Anton Krupicka’s running has evolved from trails to mountains to free-soloing. Filmed over a season “In the High Country” — thin air, river baths, and itinerant mountain living. A new short film from the Wolpertinger coming Summer 2013.

Film by Joel Wolpert

Produced by the Wolpertinger – thewolpertinger.com

Made possible by Ultimate Direction – ultimatedirection.com

With additional support from – runningtimes.com , shoefitr.com , newbalance.com

Music
‘Seeding’ by Tyler Keene
logacrossthewasher.bandcamp.com
“Rim of the Well’ by Rim of the Well
stevemullinsmusic.com/bands/the-rim-of-the-well
Color Grading and Titles by Coat of Arms
coatofarmspost.com