I am super stoked to share this video of Western States 2013. My amazing Parent in-laws filmed and edited, spending many hours! Bob spent all day filming at Western before and after. Debbie spent countless nights editing and putting this together. I’m blessed to have such a loving and caring family who enjoys the sport just as much as I do. Thank you both for all you do, I’m beyond grateful!
I hope you all enjoy the video!
cheers!
YouTube HERE
Timothy Olson website HERE
The North Face HERE
Joe Grant, Cavalls del Vent 2012 copyright iancorless.com
So many races, so little time. No sooner am I back from three weeks travelling around the Canaries, Spain, Italy and France covering races and I am back in France for Ice Trail Tarentaise and then the Skyrunning European Championships in Canazei, the Dolomites. Don’t get me wrong; I absolutely love what I do. But it can be difficult to keep up… of course Western States occurred while I was travelling, I did manage to preview that and now as I am sitting in Italy to head to Val D’Isère, Hardrock 100 is due to start. So, here is a preview.
Just a week ago the race looked as though it may have problems due to wildfires. However, the fires subsided and the race is on. In comparison to previous years, the route appears to have less snow, so a faster time may well be a possibility. Although the race has a quality field, it ultimately looks like a two horse race in both the men’s and ladies races.
Joe Grant is returning after second place last year and sacrificed participation in Ronda dels Cims to make sure he is in the best possible shape to win. He had an awful run at Transvulcania in May after picking up a bug that would appear to have leaped around many of the elite runners staying at the same hotel. A bug that took Anton Krupicka out of the race. Joe dedicated late 2012 and early 2013 to the Iditarod Trail Invitational, a super long race in freezing temperatures pulling a sled. He should be well recovered now and I am sure the benefits of that race will come to the fore at Hardrock 100.
Sebastien Chaigneau, TNFUTMB 2012 copyright iancorless.com
Last minute entrant, Sebastian Chaigneau has wanted to run this race for some time and he finally gets his chance. Always a tough competitor, this long, hard and gnarly course will work to his strengths and I think you will see Joe and Seb battle at the front of the race. Joe has two advantages; he has done the race before and he will also be more adapted to the altitude. It will be a compelling race to watch.
Speedgoat is returning, like Joe he knows this course like the back of his hand. He had a few problems early this year with a niggling calf but despite all logic, he turned up at Western States just a few weeks ago and still pulled off tenth place. Possibly the most experienced 100 miler on the planet, you can never rule Karl Meltzer out!
Jared Campbell at Ronda dels Cims copyright iancorless.com
Jared Campbell needs no introduction; he loves races that are tough gnarly and a challenge. He recently raced the super tough 177km Ronda dels Cims and finished 7th. When I interviewed him the day after the race he looked fresh and trouble free. Ronda took him nearly 34 hours and that has to leave some fatigue in the body, however, I think we will see him improve on his 13th overall at Hardrock 100 in 2012.
Scott Jamie is an experienced Hardrocker (does that term exist). Anyway, he has finished in the top ten five times with a best overall placing of second. He appears to be in good shape with a recent win at Antelope Island Buffalo run.
Other male contenders:
LADIES
Diana Finkel was out front last year and dominating the race. Karl Meltzer sums it up when he says, ‘Diana is the best in the business on these long tough courses, and she can hike really quick’. However, she dropped at just over 80 miles last year due to ongoing health issues that she needs to monitor. It was very much a safety precaution and the correct call. Diana will be gunning for the top of the podium and if her health remains positive, I think we will see her in the no1 slot in the ladies race… don’t rule her out for the ‘overall’ too!
Last years winner, Darcy Africa returns and will be looking for a repeat performance. When Diana dropped in 2012 she was 1 hour behind, so, Darcy will need to up her game a little if she wants to remain in contention in 2013. It’s going to be an exciting battle.
Other female contenders:
RACE WEBSITE HERE
Ryan Sandes is a modest and extremely giving person. Modest about his ability, one almost has to laugh when he says, “An impulsive decision one Sunday afternoon completely changed my life back in 2008. Could I run 250km, self-supported through a Desert? Without another thought, I maxed out my credit card and entered a race I knew almost nothing about. The lead up to the Gobi Desert Race consumed me but most importantly it enabled me to dream.”
Dream he did and look what has happened. He has won races on all continents, he is unbeaten in the four deserts, he has won Leadville 100, he was second at Western States 2012, beating Geoff Roes CR and loosing out to a flying Timothy Olson.
It is an incredible journey.
Ryan says, “I have worked damn hard to achieve my dreams, but I have always been in a fortunate position. What about the people who do not have the opportunities to make their dreams a reality?”
Way back when Ryan’s journey started, long time friends Dean Leslie and Greg Fell (The African Attachment) asked if they could document his story. What a coup. Nobody would have thought that a fil project called ‘Wandering Fever’ would actually document the rise of somebody to the pinnacle of the sport.
Now Wandering Fever has been a long term project, Dean, Leslie and Ryan have said many times… it won’t be long! Well, finally, it looks like the latter half of 2013 may well see the release of this highly anticipated film.
Ryan is extremely appreciative of his success and he wants to give back.
“I want to provide a base, a launching pad for people to reach out and grab their dreams with both hands and change their lives. I have decided to set up a Fund which will be distributed to individuals, charities or worthwhile causes, enabling people to LIVE their dreams.”
It is all about givingback to the community, and I for one am so pleased to here of this initiative.
“The “Wandering Fever Fund” is currently being setup and will be kick-started by 50% of all the profit made from the documentary Wandering Fever (which is due to be completed later this year). Wandering Fever has been a very raw and personal project for Dean, Greg (The African Attachment) and myself, and we all feel very strongly about giving back to the community that has given me so much.”
Ryan finishes off by saying, “It is up to us more fortunate people to share our opportunities with those less fortunate. If I could help only one person live their dream, then that in itself would be a dream come true for me.”
Links:
Ryan Sandes HERE
Wandering Fever HERE
Hiroko Suzuki, Ronda dels Cims copyright iancorless.com
Hiroko Suzuki (Salomon) gets a notable mention as another name to watch. Hiroko placed 2nd in UTMF in 2012 and was 4th at Tor des Geants. Without doubt she has experience of long tough races and will be one to watch.
YouTube HERE
Links:
Salomon Running HERE
Ronda dels Cims HERE
Dave James, Ronda del Cims 2013 copyright Ian Corless
Dave James has immersed himself in European racing for several months now. He started his project with Transvulcania La Palma and followed with Zegama-Aizkorri. Ronda dels Cims lies ahead, 171km with over 12000m of vertical gain. It is a little different to what Dave is used to but he has embraced the experience and as he says, you learn something new everyday!
YouTube HERE
Links:
Important update for race participants – Ronda dels Cims, Andorra
Please check the essential items HERE
UPDATE
Spring is late, very late! After regular inspections of the course some small modifications have been made to ensure safety. The intention of the race organisation is to maintain the original route as much as possible, however, safety is paramount. Alternative routes may be applied in case of thunderstorms.
In certains sections it will be necessary to walk because of snow and high altitude. Where applicable these sections will be marked and additional staff will be available.
Ultimately, a magnificent and unforgettable experience lies ahead; a big party.
Additional equipment required:
Please ensure you have ALL mandatory kit as specified in article 21 of the rules.
Crampons for snow
In view of the exceptional snow coverage of this year, you are recommend to equip yourself with crampons. They will allow you to progress safely on hardly sections. Numerous models are available, our shops associates (Carving, Roc Vertical, Altitud, Sensació) are able to supply you. You can also acquire in our information chalet before the race.
RACE PREVIEW HERE
Press Release from Skyrunning:
The second Ultra Series race tours Andorra’s highest peaks featuring some of the world’s best endurance athletes.
Ronda dels Cims is not just rated as the world’s toughest 100 miler – it’s a fact!
With 13,000 metres vertical climb across 15 summits between 2,400m and 3,000m altitude, it’s not a race for the faint-hearted. The second race in the Skyrunner® Ultra Series after Transvulcania in May, it represents skyrunning’s first event at this distance, drawing inspiration from the technical mountain heritage that distinguishes skyrunning. Due to late and heavy snow falls, much of the course will be on snow, and safety measures are being taken by the organisers.
Lizzy Hawker’s much anticipated participation dissolved with the sad news of her injury and that she will be unable to take part.
Featuring in the women’s élite field are Spaniard Nerea Martinez (Salomon Santiveri), winner of this year’s Transgrancanaria, she set the Ronda dels Cims record in 2012 in 35h31’21’’; Emilie Lecomte (Quechua) winner of the 2012 Diagonale des Fous hundred-miler and 5th at Transvulcania; Salomon’s Julia Boettger from Germany was third at Diagonale des Fous; and team mate Hiroko Suzuki from Japan was 2nd in the UTMF. Italy’s Francesca Canepa (Team Vibram) placed 2nd at the UTMB behind Lizzy Hawker.
Salomon’s Julien Chorier, winner of the Hardrock 100 in 2011 and last year’s UTMF where he placed 2nd this year, heads the men’s field. Strongly favoured is Spaniard Salvador Redondo, second in last year’s Ronda dels Cims and Andorra’s own Xavier Teixido, (FAM) placed 6th in the 112 km distance, the Andorra Ultra Trail. From Japan, Kenichi Yamamoto, 1st in the Grand Raid des Pyrenees (160km) and 3rd at the UTMF.
Americans Jared Campbell (La Sportiva) won the Hardrock in 2010, placing 13th
last year and Dave James, 2012 US 100 Mile National Champion and long distance specialist should enjoy the distance, but will he enjoy the altitude? AustralianMatt Cooper (Salomon) was 5th in TNF100.
Italy’s Bruno Brunod is a living skyrunning legend. After a long break from running he’s back to try his hand at the ultra distance. Bruno’s mighty curriculum includes winning the first World Champion title in 1998 from where he went from strength to strength leaving a trail of wins and records behind him including the standing Matterhorn ascent and descent which superstar Kilian Jornet will attempt this year.
Fellow countryman Nico Valsesia (Salomon Agisko) fears no distance. He comes from a series of great adventures, which include 2nd and 5th places in the 4,800 km coast to coast RAAM bike race and crossing the world’s largest salt lake in Bolivia. This year he will attempt ISF President, Marino Giacometti’s skybike record from Genoa to the summit of Mont Blanc.
Talking of records, the incredible men’s race record was set by Spaniard Miguel Heras in 2011 in 30h04’28”. It’s unlikely any records will be broken this year with snow still lying on the course. The organisers are well prepared with 400 volunteers, extra signage and the athletes will be equipped with chips and GPS.
More than 300 runners will compete in the race, which is programmed to take place on the longest day and lit by the full moon creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Ronda dels Cims organisers, Gérard Martinez and Valérie Lafleur are convinced that “this fifth edition will mark our history. The athletes will never forget their participation in Andorra. We are working hard to provide an exceptional experience for runners and their companions. The competition is hard, but it has a human dimension that makes it extraordinary”.
Asia’s answer to the TNFUTMB is the UTMF 100, a mountain 100 miler that circumnavigates the ancient volcano of the title name. It has over 9000 metres of elevation gain so it is not for the feint hearted.
The ULTRA-TRAIL Mt. FUJI is an unparalleled event that challenges the human spirit through the outdoor sport of trail running. By connecting mountain trails, local footpaths and forest roads around the foothills of Mt. Fuji, this 161km course allows participants to enjoy majestic 360 degree views of Mt. Fuji while experiencing the stunning natural beauty and culture of this region.
Tsuyoshi Kaburaki has been instrumental in this race and after his experiences at the TNFUTMB, he was sure that Mt Fuji was the only place in Asia possible to offer a race on a par with the iconic 100 miler that has its home in Chamonix. In actual fact, TNFUTMB race director, Michel Poletti is toeing the line at UTMF just two weeks after finishing the 28th edition of the Marathon des Sables.
The 2012 and inaugural edition of the UTMF had initially had an incredible start list that had included Scott Jurek, Mike Wolfe, Sebastien Chaigneau and Tracy Garneau. However, all mentioned did not turn up and race. This opened up the race and Salomon athlete, Julien Chorier topped the podium in a time of 18:53:12. Running his first 100 miler, Arc’teryx athlete, Adam Campbell placed 2nd (listen to Adam on the latest Talk Ultra episode HERE) and Kenichi Yamamoto placed third.
The 2012 ladies race was dominated by Salomon athlete Nerea Martinez Urruzola in 24:05:04 with Hiroko Suzuki second almost three hours later and Nora Senn third.
MEN
Well, from a European and Australian perspective we will see a quality race at the head of the race. The success of the 2012 UTMF has encouraged Julien Chorier, no1 to return and defend his title.
Sebastien Chaignea TNFUTMB copyright Ian Corless
Certainly Julien is the pre race favourite, he has knowledge of the course, understands the demands required and of course he is the title holder. However, TNF athlete, Sebastien Chaigneau will almost certainly have a different outlook on how the race unfolds… he had a mixed 2012 and ultimately it was a year to forget by his standards. He came into 2013 motivated and his stunning performance at Transgrancanaria will mean Julien will need to be looking over his shoulder or maybe even ahead of him for this race.
Gary Robbins, no 102 (Salomon) from Canada is also going to be flying and ready for this race. Gary has an incredible story (listen to his interview on Talk Ultra HERE) and after being sidelined for almost two years, he returned in the latter half of 2012 and not only dominated but set a new CR at Hurt 100. He has a new outlook on his racing… he is going to race less, but when he races, he will make it count. Definitely my hot tip for the win.
Brendan courtesy of Inov-8
Inov-8 athlete Brendan Davies, 1061 fresh from Tarawera ultra will be confronting the 3,776 m Mount Fuji and he will revel in the task ahead of him. Brendan has plenty of speed but will he have the climbing legs to be up at the front. He has said on his blog that he his in the form of his life. (listen to Brendan Davies interview HERE).
Christophe Le Saux – MDS 2013 copyright Ian Corless
Christophe Le Saux, 1099 (Hoka One One) only last week finished in the top ten of the Marathon des Sables. He will be lining up to test himself. Logic says that fourteen days between ‘MDS’ and UTMF is not enough, but, Christophe loves the hard, technical and gnarly courses as he has proved at Tor des Geants in the past.
In addition to the above, Grant Guise, 108 from Australia, Jeremy Ritcey, 111 a Canadian who lives in Hong Kong and of course many of the local Japenese runners will figure.
LADIES
Nerea Martinez Urruzola is not returning to defend her title, so, this does mean the ladies race is wide open… arguably though, the competition has greater depth for the second edition of the race.
Krissy Moehl, 1106 (Patagonia) from the USA needs no introdction to the ultra world. Her reputation is well established and as such, her twelve years in the sport and her TNFUTMB win will all come into play in helping her make the top of the podium here. She was fourth at the renowned Hardrock 100 in 2012 and of course this will set her up perfectly for the 9000m of vertical at UTMF.
Hong Kong based Brit, Claire Price, 173 (Salomon)will have a great perspective of what is required on this demanding course. She recently won Hong Kong 100 and although this is the first time racing in Japan, the distance may be her stumbling block. She will need to respect the distance and the terrain. She finished Western States in 2012 but didn’t have a great race.
Shona – image courtesy of Inov-8
Finally, Inov-8 athlete Shona Stephenson, 1062 will be racing in her first international 100 miler ahead of what is a daunting year of races. She has already raced at Tarawera and Northburn 100 and will be racing at TNFUTMB and also participating in the Skyrunning ultra series in 2013. Shona has trained in the Blue Mountains and although she has great speed, will this lack of high mountains allow her to perform to her best in and around Mount Fuji?
Of course, local competition will have an advantage on this course. So expect some surprises!
| DATE | Friday, April 26, 2013. Starting at 3:00 pm. |
|---|---|
| DISTANCE | 161km |
| CUMULATIVE ALTITUDE GAIN | 9,000m |
| TIME LIMIT | 46hours |
| # OF RACERS | 800 |
| START / FINISH | Yagisaki Kouen, Kawaguchiko, Fujikawaguchiko-cho, YamanashiPrefecture |
Race website: HERE
The North Face Ultra Trail Mont Blanc are emphasising early the need to be prepared for the challenge that will undertake all participants in 2013.
Do not underestimate this course!
copyright TNFUTMB
The last three years have largely shown that in the mountains, even in summer, it can be very cold, it can rain or snow and temperatures can drop below -10 degrees.
In brief conditions even if not extreme can make an event a lot more complicated than if it were taking place in good weather. Over the years, we have tried to progress in an attempt to make certain that you are always safe, and that you will find all along the route teams of doctors, nurses and general assistance should you need them. However nothing replaces your aptitude to avoid or overcome dangerous situations. You are the first and most important element as far as own safety due to your preparation, your experience and the equipment which you carry with you.
The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® is a trail which will lead you to spend more than 24 hours in the mountains including at least one entire night.
Be prepared!
Obligatory material
* The windproof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket with hood
“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
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
IAN CORLESS 