Transvulcania Ultramarathon 2016 Preview – Skyrunner® World Series

Posted on May 4, 2016 by talkultra

The island of La Palma one more prepares for the biggest weekend of the year:

Transvulcania!

The Skyrunner® World Series 2016 kicked off just last weekend in China with the Yading SkyRun, now, it’s the big start for the European calendar and what a start. Transvulcania has become one of THE races to do. It’s reputation for stunning organisation, the majestic and beautiful trails of ‘La Isla Bonita’ and yes, a world-class field that that sets the bar.

Over the years, since 2012, the race distance has always been a point of conjecture. Now though, many of us are happy to say the races sits somewhere between 73-75km, which is approximately 46-miles that includes 3000+m of vertical gain.

It is a stunning race and one that is completely logical for a runner’s perspective. The point-to-point journey from sea to summit and back to sea personifies Skyrunning. The trails, although not overly technical, are some of the best trails to run on – they are stunning!

Starting at Fuencaliente lighthouse, runners basically climb for 50km (with a drop down to El Pilar) to the caldera and the impressive Roques de los Muchachos. Many have considered this huge and impressive cauldron to be a Volcano, it is not, it is actually a large water erosion crater.

The trails, the landscape and the stunning vistas are beyond impressive. Depending on weather systems, an inversion can take place and therefore the runners run ‘above the clouds.’

Since 2012, the race has been transformed, directly attributable to Skyrunning, the ISF and the vision of Marino Giacometti and Lauri van Houten. 2016 once again steps up the reputation of the race with a stunning line up, yes, to coin a phrase, the field is stacked!

MEN

Luis Alberto Hernando is the two time defending champion and returns in 2016. His performance in 2015 was off the scale and his course record was beyond impressive. Lies really has become a star of the sport but yet still remains a relatively low key character despite being a Skyrunning World and European Champion and having placed on the podium at UTMB. Luis is without doubt the outright favourite, he knows the course like the back of his hand. He became a father in 2015 and clearly stated that he would race less in 2016 to place an emphasis, that can only mean one thing, the races he does do he will be fired up for and at 100%.

Sage Canaday has been close but no cigar many times on the island of La Palma. His achilles heel in comparison to the pure Skyrunners is his descending ability and unfortunately for Sage, Transvulcania drops from the high point of the course right down to the sea (2400m) in one 18km drop that not only requires 100% attention but great skill. Therefore, Sage has always employed the tactic of run hard from the start, build a buffer and then hopefully hold on. On the podium twice before, Sage missed 2015 and now he is back – can he topple Luis?

Andy Symonds for me is the one who has all the potential to not only make the podium but push Luis all the way to the one and possibly pass him. Andy was there in 2012 when Dakota Jones took top honors ahead of Kilian Jornet. It signified a break through for Andy and what followed was disaster and series of issues and problems. He finally made a comeback in 2015 and he gained some notable success especially at Mont Blanc 80km, ELS2900 and most recently at Transgrancanaria. A move from Salomon to Scott has rejuvenated Andy and he has a new enthusiasm for the sport, he is back and I think Andy can win.

Miguel Heras is an enigma, at times inspirational and at other times frustrating, His injury woes are a continual saga and it is just impossible to predict if he will run well or not. All I can say is, if he is on form he will be up there and he has every chance of contesting the podium as he did at Ultra Pirineu in 2015. However, the odds are increasingly stacked against him with such a young and talented field, but this is Miguel Heras – you cannot rule him out!

Ricky Lightfoot like Andy Symonds has all the potential to win Transvulcania. Just last weekend he placed 2nd at the Three Peaks in the UK sandwiched between two fellow Salomon teammates. Ricky works full time, has a family and therefore often has to fit races in at last minute and occasionally he has to cancel at last minute. He can run with the best as he proved at the IAU World Trail Championships and his fell running background sets him up perfectly for anything technical.

Cristofer Clemente placed 7th in 2015 but went on to have a very sold 2015 Skyrunning season. He’s a quiet guy who sits below the radar and therefore is often able to surprise. His 2nd place at The Rut was arguably his best performance of 2015 and although he is maybe not always a podium contender, he is consistent if nothing else – exactly what you need for the Skyrunner World Series.

Adam Campbell is somewhat a surprise entry; I didn’t see that one coming. Since his stunning Hardrock performances, Adam took a lower profile and took to skis and ski mountaineering – no bad thing, Kilian and many others have been doing that for years. Adam’s last experience at Transvulcania in 2013 was a character building lesson in persistence and survival. His finish despite huge problems earned him respect. He has the race skills and speed for Transvulcania and if he finds his run legs, he will be a contender.

Mike Murphy is a fellow Canadian of Adam Campbell and although you will not see his name mentioned or talked about in any previews, take note, he is one to watch! Mike is one of the gutsiest and committed athletes I know. He doesn’t race much but when he does it is at 110%. We discussed his participation at Transvulcania in 2015 and I know he has been preparing for this showdown.

Zaid Ait Malek is a runner who embraces life and the trails. He loves life and he loves running. Even though he won Matterhorn Ultraks in 2014 one could arguably say his best performance was placing 2nd to Kilian Jornet at Ultra Pirineu in 2015. Zaid does have a habit of blowing hot and cold though. I hope he has a good race in La Palma.

Stephan Hugenschmidt placed 5th in 2014 and the stage was set for stardom, what followed, didn’t actually follow the script that many had written. Despite a win at the TransAlpine and other wins in smaller races, the ‘big’ victory didn’t follow which leaves a huge question mark for Transvulcania 2016. My gut feeling says that we will see him top-5 again!

Fulvio Dapit loves to run and run regularly, the distance of Transvulcania will suit him as will the technical aspects – he is a pure Skyrunner. On his day, we can really expect him to contend the top-5, however, he is prone to stomach issues which can often ruin his racing.

Gerard Morales like his Buff team mates of Zaid and Pau has the potential to be top-10 but may just lack the additional oomph and speed to penetrate the top-5.

Pau Bartolo won TCC in 2014 and although on his day we can expect him around the top-10, I don’t see him making any inroads on the top-5.

Sylvain Court leaves a huge question mark for me? He was the winner of the IAU World Trail Championships on home ground in Annecy. Was it home advantage a purple patch? I don’t know, I really don’t. However, the trails around Annecy need respect and Sylvain did beat a tired Luis Alberto Hernando that day – what do you think?

Nicolas Martin however placed 3rd at CCC, 2nd at Templiers and was 7th in Annecy at the IAU World Trail Championships and that balance of results elevates him to a potentially higher overall placing at Transvulcania over Sylvain.

Chris Vargo had a tough 2015 but prior to this had excellent 2013 and 2014 seasons. The hard packed single-track that Transvulcania offers will suit Chris, however, the black soft sand, technical trails around the Caldera and the 18km drop to the sea may suit him less?

Vajin Armstrong is a top class runner from the Southern Hemisphere who has all the potential to be top-10 and if he has a good day, he may come close to 5th but I don’t see the podium as a possibility.

Vlad Ixel has raced Transvulcania before and was forced to withdraw as his shoes fella apart…. at the time of dropping, he was in and around the top-10 and looking good. Based in Hong Kong he ha regularly has a string of top quality results and like Vajin Armstrong I see him in the top-10.

Benoit Cori is a two times winner of Templiers and a recent winner of the SainteLyon night race. Two of Frances biggest races outside of the UTMB. Although Benoit can obviously run, I don’t see him beating the like of Luis, Andy, Ricky, Miguel, Sage and Zaid on a cause such as this – I may be wrong?

Ones to watch:

Julien Codert has placed 6th at Transvulcania previously.

Yeray Duran is from the Canaries and will be fired up for this race.

Aurelian Collet another French runner who like running French races.

Ion Azpiroz

Florian Reichert – been training on the island and looks fired up for a good race.

Marcin Swierc

Marco Ranchi

Nuno Silva

and finally a huge nod of the hat for Bruno Brunod who is along with Marino Giacometti, the father of Skyrunning. In recent years he has run and raced the Tor des Geants. I for one will be interested to see how the legend performs on these wonderful trails.

LADIES

Anna Frost heads up the ladies’ race and I have to say, if ‘Frosty’ is on form she will win the race. No disrespect to the other ladies but Frosty knows and loves this course, holds the course record and when in beast mode; is unstoppable. But will she be 100% fit? Her ability to climb hard, descend fast is un-matched by any other lady in the field with the exception of Mira Rai. Frosty missed the race last year with injury but won Hardrock 100, a race she will go back to this year.

Mira Rai just placed 2nd at the Three Peaks in the UK. A clear sign of pure class… fell running is far removed from what she is used to. Mira’s story is an inspirational one and along with Jo Meek, I believe that Mira has all the potential to contest the top of the podium. Mira in my opinion will get the edge over Jo due to her technical ability – the 18km descent is going to be a crucial element of the race.

Jo Meek TCC2014 ©iancorless.com

Jo Meek had some tough times with injury but she returned in late 2015 placing 2nd at Everest Trail Race and then 8th at TNF50. I would say in both of those races she was on the comeback trail and although Transvulcania will throw some significant obstacles at her, I do believe her natural fast speed will be a huge advantage. I can’t help think that Jo will adopt a Sage Canaday approach, pushing hard in the early stages when she can run looking to build a time buffer and then when the trails get gnarly, she will do her best to consolidate. A bonus for Jo is the final push from Tazacorte to the finish. If in contention, Jo will have the speed to close out the race.

Ida Nilsson is my dark horse for the race and top tip for the podium. I can hear you all say now, Ida who? Believe me and trust me, barring injury or problems, Ida will be contesting the podium.

Anna Comet finished 2nd at Transvulcania last year and had a great year of Skyrunning. I think it’s fair to say that Anna may well have raced too much in 2015. I think she learnt that lesson and will race less in 2016. The podium is there for the taking and I have no reason not to see Anna top-5.

Alicia Shay falls a little in the Jo Meek category. She is a fast runner who is looking to find her trail feet. Transvulcania offers a good mix and does allow the ‘runner’ to perform as Sage Canaday has shown. Alicia will be looking to follow in Sage’s footsteps but I do think she is in for a European learning curve. I see Jo and Alicia leading the race early on, what happens from the Caldera to the sea with all come down to bravery and adaptation.

Uxue Fraile will start steady and work her way through the field. She knows how to race this course and races tactically. It’s one of caution. She allows the other ladies to race hard and then detonate and then she does what she does best, close with great skill and consistency and picks up the pieces for a top-5. Her 2015 was stunning with a win UTMF and 2nd at UTMB. I do believe though that Transvulcania is not long enough or hard enough for Uxue to win.

Christel Dewalle is the known un-known if that makes sense. A VK specialist, Christel has had good results in many ultras and her inclusion into Transvulcania is an interesting one. My gut reaction tells me that we may well see a surprise.

Gemma Arenas is a runner who may well drift under the radar but her 4th place at Ultra Pirineu confirms her ability.

Magdalena Laczak was 5th last year and went on to improve throughout 2015. In many respects she is a dark horse.

Hillary Allen may well be the hottest property from the USA in regard to Skyrunning. She may not be the fastest of the American ladies but she can handle and embraces the technical trail. Hillary proved this at Mont Blanc 80km and on home soil at The Rut.

Anne-Lise Rousset placed 5th in 2014 and she has the potential to place in a similar position in 2016. Considering the competition, she would need a stunning run (or others to have a bad run) to make the top-3.

Jodee Adams-Moore will be between top-5 and top-10 based on previous form but she does have the potential for a break through performance. Had Transvulcania not contained the Caldera and the 18km drop to Tazacorte, I would rate Jodee’s chances higher.

Kristina Pattison was 6th at Mont Blanc 80km and Transvulcania in 2015 and therefore along with Hillary Allen, is the best prospect for an American breaking the top-5.

Ones to watch:

Manu Vilaseca

Zoe Salt

Gabriela Sanchez Cabezas

Adrian Vargas

Juliette Benedicto

*****

The 2016 Skyrunner® World Series is brought to you with a new management company, Geneva based SkyMan SA.

SkyMan SA is pleased to present a new Main Partner, Migu Xempower, a Chinese exercise and health management platform which also counts a rich experience in organising marathons, city and mountain races for millions of runners.
The well-established, Sky, Ultra and Vertical format is joined by the Extreme Series presented by Alpina Watches, which more than ever expresses the true spirit of Skyrunning defined not only by distance, but vertical climb and technical difficulty.

Skyrunner® World Series is supported by Migu Xempower, Alpina Watches, Compressport, Salomon and Scott Sports.

iancorless.com is the official photographer and media partner for the

Skyrunner® World Series Follow on

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Paradise Lost – Salomon Running TV, Season 5, Episode 1

Posted on March 1, 2016 by talkultra

Salomon Running take things up a notch for the Salomon Running TV Season 5 Episode 1 with Paradise Lost.

It’s a departure for the running brand who in recent years have inspired and influenced us with a serious of beautiful and short films. The African Attachment (Dean Leslie and Greg Fell) have been instrumental in the visual look and feel of these images.

This is Salomons first project with ‪#‎TAA‬ co-founder Dean Leslie’s new production company Wandering Fever and marks the start of an exciting new journey.

Anna Frost has continued to inspire all of us with her no strings honesty; it is what makes her so approachable. It’s something that I personally have been able to witness at first hand. Paradise Lost gives a new insight into the inspiring lady we have all come to know as Frosty!

Enjoy this wonderful movie

[Full multimedia story http://runningtv.salomon.com/episodes…] Anna Frost takes some time out to journey to the highlands of Papua New Guinea to visit the place where she grew up. Anna’s adventure into her past is pause for reflection; the paths travelled, the races lost and won, a life on the road, as she searches for “home”.

A Film by Wandering Fever
A Production by The African Attachment

Music:
“Go Solo” by Tom Rosenthal – courtesy of Audio Network
“Sirens” by Ben Dey – courtesy of SM Publishing
“Stand in Line” by BANFF – courtesy of Create Control & We are Golden
“Portraits” & “Annika” – courtesy of Musicbox Licensing

Additional Footage:
Cavalls del Vent 2012 – Zoopa

Production Supported by:
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority – http://www.tpa.papuanewguinea.travel
Air Niugini – http://www.airniugini.com.pg/

Episode 92 – Albon and Frost

Posted on August 7, 2015 by talkultra

Episode 92 of Talk Ultra – We speak with Tromso SkyRace winner, Jonathan Albon and we have an inspiring chat with ladies Hardrock 100 winner, Anna Frost. The news and Speedgoat is back after a really busy month racing and working.

00:27:57 NEWS

Help Nepal – Nepal images ‘FACES of NEPAL’ – order a print and all funds donated to Nepal charities https://iancorless.org/2015/04/28/nepal-appeal-nepalearthquake/

SPEEDGOAT 50K

Sage Canaday 5:13
Alex Nichols 5:41
Dan Kraft 5:57

Hillary Allen 6:37
Emily Richards 6:52
Abby Rideout 7:00

TROMSO SKYRACE Race Report HERE and Race Images HERE

1 – Jonathan Albon 6:08:41

2 – Luis Alberto Hernando 6:25:54

3 – Rolf Einar Jensen 6:28:51

1 – Emelie Forsberg 7:09:54

2 – Mira Rai 7:23:09

3 – Malena Haukey 7:31:29

00:48:49 INTERVIEW

JONATHAN ALBON – Race report by Jonathan HERE

How scary…?

BADWATER

Pete Kostelnick 23:27:10

Oswaldo Lopez 25:38:32

Mick Thwaites 26:23:10

Nikki Wynd 27:23:27

Pam Reed 31:24:34

Jill Anderson 34:04:14

LAKELAND 100

Paul Tierney 20:42:07

Marco Consani 21:45:50

Jason Lewis 23:01:39

Carol Morgan 25:47:32

Katie Boden 28:36:19

Isobel Wykes 29:23:52

50 RESULTS

Jayson Cavill 8:04:24

Matty Brennan 8:28:24

Paul Grundy 8:28:54

Sally Fawcett 8:43:43 – 4th overall

Debbie Martin-Consani 9:04:30

Mel Varvel 9:21:57

SELF TRANSCENDENCE 3100

Aalto Ashprihana ran 3100 miles in 41 days!

01:25:04 INTERVIEW

ANNA FROST

UP & COMING RACES

Australia

Northern Territory

Alice Springs 60K Ultramarathon | 60 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

Queensland

Lamington Eco Challenge Two Marathons on Two Consecutive Days | 84 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

River Run 100 | 100 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

River Run 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

Belgium

Flanders

100 km Dodentocht® | 100 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

Wallonia

Trail des Fantômes – 100 km | 100 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

Trail des Fantômes – 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

Canada

Alberta

Iron Legs 50 Miler | 50 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

British Columbia

Fat Dog 100 Trail Race: 120 mile | 120 miles | August 14, 2015 | website

Fat Dog 100 Trail Race: 50 mile | 50 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Fat Dog 100 Trail Race: 70 mile | 70 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Ontario

Creemore Vertical Challenge 50K | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Iroquoia Trail Test – 50K | 50 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Quebec

Trans Vallée | 67 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

Chile

52K Aculeo | 52 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Colombia

Ultra Trail Parque Los Nevados – 59 km | 59 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Ultra Trail Parque Los Nevados – 93 km | 93 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Denmark

Sjælland

NDURE Trail 100 km | 100 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

NDURE Trail 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

France

Hautes-Pyrénées

Grand Raid des Pyrénées – l’Ultra | 160 kilometers | August 21, 2015 | website

Grand Raid des Pyrénées – Tour des Cirques | 117 kilometers | August 21, 2015 | website

Isère

Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs | 160 kilometers | August 21, 2015 | website

Loiret

L’Orleans-Océan | 410 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Vienne

Trail des Castors – 80 km | 80 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Germany

Berlin

100MeilenBerlin | 100 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

North Rhine-Westphalia

Monschau Ultra-Marathon | 56 kilometers | August 09, 2015 | website

India

Jammu and Kashmir

La Ultra – The High | 222 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

La Ultra – The High 111 | 111 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

Indonesia

Mount Rinjani Ultra | 52 kilometers | August 07, 2015 | website

Ireland

Connacht

Connemara 100 | 100 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

Ulster

Quadrathon | 169 kilometers | August 13, 2015 | website

Kenya

Amazing Maasai Ultra | 75 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Netherlands

North Holland

Dutch Coast Ultra by Night (Summer Edition) | 75 kilometers | August 21, 2015 | website

Dutch Coast Ultra by Night (Summer Edition) – 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 21, 2015 | website

Poland

Bieg Grania Tatr | 71 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Romania

VLC Ultra TrailRun Petrimanu 56 | 56 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Spain

Aragon

Calcenada Vuelta al Moncayo – 104 km | 104 kilometers | August 07, 2015 | website

Canary Islands

Haría Extreme Ultra | 80 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Sweden

Björkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

Björkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon 70 km | 70 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

Stockholm Ultramarathon 100 km | 100 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Stockholm Ultramarathon 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Sweden Sky Race 24 – 117 km | 117 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Sweden Sky Race 24 – 57 km | 57 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Tierra Arctic Ultra | 120 kilometers | August 07, 2015 | website

Trans Scania | 246 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

Switzerland

Grisons

Swiss Irontrail T141 | 147 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

Swiss Irontrail T201 | 202 kilometers | August 13, 2015 | website

Swiss Irontrail T81 | 89 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

Trail Marathon 70 KM | 70 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Ticino

Ultra Race – 130 km | 128 kilometers | August 07, 2015 | website

Ultra Race – 50 km | 51 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Ultra Race – 80 km | 81 kilometers | August 07, 2015 | website

Vaud

Ultra Trail du Barlatay | 87 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Zurich

Raidlight Sardona Ultra Trail | 82 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

United Kingdom

Cornwall

Inov-8 Roseland August Trail – 32 Mile | 32 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Inov-8 Roseland August Trail – The Plague | 64 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Gloucestershire

Oxford Ultra | 65 miles | August 14, 2015 | website

Thames Challenge | 184 miles | August 13, 2015 | website

Windsor Ultra | 43 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Sheffield

Ultra Tour of the Peak District | 60 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

South Lanarkshire

John Lucas Memorial Run | 50 miles | August 16, 2015 | website

Suffolk

Stour Valley Path 100km Ultra Run | 100 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Surrey

North Downs Way 100 | 100 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

Wiltshire

Salisbury 54321 50K Ultra Marathon | 50 kilometers | August 09, 2015 | website

USA

Alaska

Nifty Fifty 50K | 50 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Resurrection Pass 100 Mile Ultra Trail | 100 miles | August 07, 2015 | website

Resurrection Pass 50 Mile Ultra Trail | 50 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

California

100K | 100 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

100M | 100 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

50K | 50 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

50M | 50 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Cinderella Trail Run 50 km (Aug) | 50 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Cool Moon 100M | 100 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

Cool Moon 50M | 50 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

Crystal Springs 50 Km Trail Run (summer) | 50 kilometers | August 09, 2015 | website

Ragnar Trail Tahoe | 136 miles | August 14, 2015 | website

Run on the Sly 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

Skyline 50K | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Colorado

Beetle Kill 100k Endurance Run | 100 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

Beetle Kill 200k Endurance Run | 200 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

Beetle Kill 50k Endurance Run | 50 kilometers | August 14, 2015 | website

GORE-TEX TransRockies Run – Run3 | 59 miles | August 11, 2015 | website

GORE-TEX TransRockies Run – TRR6 | 120 miles | August 11, 2015 | website

Ragnar Relay Colorado | 200 miles | August 07, 2015 | website

Silverheels 100 Mile Endurance Run | 102 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

Silverton 1000 – 100 Miler | 100 miles | August 18, 2015 | website

Telluride Mountain Run | 38 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

Idaho

Standhope 60K | 60 kilometers | August 18, 2015 | website

Standhope Ultra Challenge | 83 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Massachusetts

TARC Summer Classic 50K | 50 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

TARC Summer Classic 50M | 50 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Michigan

Marquette Trail 50 Kilometer | 50 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Marquette Trail 50 Mile | 50 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Minnesota

Ragnar Relay Great River | 200 miles | August 14, 2015 | website

Montana

Ghosts of Yellowstone | 100 miles | August 21, 2015 | website

Ghosts of Yellowstone 100M | 100 miles | August 21, 2015 | website

Nevada

Marlette 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

New Hampshire

100 Miler | 100 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

50 Miler | 50 miles | August 16, 2015 | website

MadAthlete Emerald Necklace 3-Day Stage Race | 80 kilometers | August 21, 2015 | website

MadAthlete Emerald Necklace 3-Day Stage Race 2-Person Relay | 80 miles | August 21, 2015 | website

New Jersey

100k | 100 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

50k | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

50M | 50 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

New York

Beast of Burden Summer 100 Miler | 100 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

Beast of Burden Summer 50 Miler | 50 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

Catskill Mountain 100K Road Race | 100 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

Catskill Mountain 100K Road Relay | 100 kilometers | August 16, 2015 | website

Team Relay Race | 234 miles | August 14, 2015 | website

The Mighty Mosquito 99 Mile Trail Relay | 99 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

North Carolina

Death Before DNF Ultra 100 Miler | 100 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Drop to 50 Miler | 50 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

North Dakota

Badlands 50K | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Badlands 50 miler | 50 miles | August 08, 2015 | website

Oregon

Elkhorn Relay | 203 miles | August 07, 2015 | website

Post Canyon 50k | 50 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Pennsylvania

Eastern States 100 | 100 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Texas

Colorado Bend – 60k | 60 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Utah

Skyline Mountain 50K | 50 kilometers | August 15, 2015 | website

Vermont

100on100 Heart of Vermont Relay | 100 miles | August 15, 2015 | website

Virginia

Martha Moats Baker Memorial 50Km | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Washington

200 Mile S2S | 200 miles | August 14, 2015 | website

Angels Staircase 50K | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Angels Staircase 60K | 60 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Bigfoot 200 Mile Endurance Run | 205 miles | August 07, 2015 | website

West Virginia

Kanawha Trace 50K | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Wyoming

El Vaquero Loco 50K | 50 kilometers | August 08, 2015 | website

Zambia

MOSI-OA-TUNYA TRAIL | 85 kilometers | August 13, 2015 | website

02:05:52 CLOSE

02:11:17

Links:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkultra/Episode_92_Albon_Frost.mp3

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

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Website – talkultra.com

Hardrock 100 2015 Race Preview #HR100

Posted on July 6, 2015 by talkultra

The Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run is an ultra marathon of 100.5 miles in length, plus 33,992 feet of climb and 33,992 feet of descent for a total elevation change of 67,984 feet, at an average elevation of over 11,000 feet. The race is held on a loop course on 4WD roads, dirt trails, and cross country in Southern Colorado’s San Juan Range, USA.

The run starts and ends in Silverton, Colorado and travels through the towns of Telluride, Ouray, and the ghost town of Sherman, crossing thirteen major passes in the 12,000′ to 13,000′ range.

Entrants must travel above 12,000 feet (3,700 m) of elevation a total of 13 times, with the highest point on the course being the 14,048′ summit of Handies Peak. The race has been held in early July of each year beginning in 1992, except for 1995 (too much snow) and 2002 (nearby forest fires). Each year’s race is run in the opposite direction of the previous year’s event (2008 was run in the clockwise direction, 2009 will be counter-clockwise). In order to complete the event, instead of crossing a finish line, runners are required to “kiss the Hardrock”, a picture of a ram’s head painted on a large block of stone mining debris.

This course offers a graduate level challenge for endurance runs. The course is designed to provide extreme challenges in altitude, steepness, and remoteness. Mountaineering, wilderness survival and wilderness navigation skills are as important in this event as your endurance.

In 2014 Kilian Jornet made the course, dare I say, look easy! He took photos, waited for Julien Chorier and then finally took off and smashed the course record. Hos victory guaranteed him a slot for 2015 and so he’s coming back to go in the opposite direction and it would be fair to say that many of us are expecting a similar display. It’s important to clarify that the weather plays a crucial part in any great Hardrock performance, so if the weather gods are playing ball I certainly expect to see Kilian on top of the podium and I also will stick my neck out and say he will set a new CR and thus will hold the CR for both directions. On a final note though in regard to the Catalan, his preparation for 2015 has been very different to 2014, yes he has been logging some serious training hours and elevation but he has less time at elevation and we saw how he struggled at Aconcagua. A recent top 10 at Chamonix VK and just this last weekend he won and set a new CR at Mount Marathon in Alaska. The stage is set!

I would be talking about Anton Krupicka now, he finally got an entry in the race that he has always wanted to do and what happens? Injury strikes resulting in a no show for Anton.

Iker Karrera ©iancorless.com

Step in Iker Karrera. Iker is a machine in tough and challenging races. His Tor des Geants performance a classic example of how he gets his head down and churns out the performance. He’s been 2^nd at UTMB but I guess one of the most significant indicators comes from Diagonale des Fous (Raid de la Reunion) when Kilian waited for Iker on the trails encouraging him to the line… Kilian went on to win! Iker can win Hardrock but I think it will be because Kilian looses it if you know what I mean!

Adam Campbell was 3^rd last year in 25:56 and then almost disappeared from the scene. It’s really difficult to say if Adam can repeat his 2014 performance, I personally think he can. He’s had great results before at long and gnarly races. He was 2^nd at UTMF in 2012.

Mike Foote has the race strategy for Hardrock 100. Expect to see him hanging back, taking it easy and then applying pressure and slowly making his way up through the ranks. The only problem with this strategy when Kilian is in the race is that he may very well leave himself far too much work to do but 2^nd or 3^rd on the podium is a distinct possibility. Mike also does know the Hardrock course; he raced in 2010. When you add that to his highest ever placing at UTMB, 3^rd in 2012 it’s easy to see how Mike will pressure the front of the race.

Karl Meltzer is back, he managed to sneak through the door and get a place. You can NEVER rule out Karl. His 5 victories at Hardrock provide him with a wealth of experience and as many an ultra runner has said, nobody hikes like Karl! Karl would be first to admit that if Kilian is ‘on a day’ then everyone else is running for 2^nd, but you know what, Karl does have the race and experience for the podium. Don’t rule him out! Recently he won yet another 100 at Cruel Jewel keeping his long streak of winning a 100 miler every year for god knows how many years. In prep for Hardrock, Karl also spent 2 weeks on the AT with Scott Jurek.

A quick addition, I missed Troy Howard who has placed 2nd twice at Hardrock. I don’t think he’ll take the win or maybe even the podium against Kilian and Iker but you never know on 3rd place? He recently was 2nd at Wasatch (2014) and 2nd at Squaw Peak 50 (2015).

Who else is in with a shout?

Jared Campbell has tough and gnarly races for breakfast. He’s finished Barkley twice, this will be his 10^th Hardrock and although he won the race in 2010 I don’t see him on the podium. But expect him to be near top 5!

Nick Coury has placed 5^th and 6^th at Hardrock in 2008 and 2013 respectively. Like Jared, he has the race for a top 10 but a podium.

Scott Jaime has placed 2^nd and run the Hardrock almost as many times as Jared Campbell. He is a consistent performer reflected in placing 3^rd on 2 occasions. Like Jared though, 5^th – 10^th is a likely result.

Ones to watch:

Jamil Coury, Matt Hart, Adam Hewey and Matt Hart.

On a final note, lets give a shout out to Bryon Powell from iRunFar. I think he’d be the first to admit that he won’t be contending the front of the race but since he got his slot he has trained real hard. Doing the job that we do, I know how hard it is just to get out for a run but to train too, that’s impressive!

Ladies

Darcy Piceu has top billing as a 3 time defending champion and as such, Darcy is an odds on favourite for a 4^th victory. Course knowledge and experience are going to go such a long way and her recent victory (and CR) at Big Horn 50 shows that she is in great form.

However, Darcy hasn’t raced Anna Frost at Hardrock before? I personally feel that if the weather is kind and Anna has no injury issues we may well see a dominating performance that will not only provide a female victory, a course record but a potentially significant performance that will dent the men’s race. That is a bold statement I know, but when Anna is on it, she is on it! She missed Transvulcania recently with injury and of course we all know the highs and lows of the past 30 months. But Anna has been out on the course for a month or so, done the training, adapted herself and as far as I know is fit and healthy.

If Darcy and Anna are firing on all cylinders then I think the rest of the ladies are running for 3^rd. The Betsies (kalmeyer and Nye) are legends at Hardrock and between them have 28 finishes. They have the experience and that counts for a great deal in a race like this.

Darla Askew however has the speed but less experience (compared to the Betsies.) In comparison to Anna though, Darla has 2 Hardrock finishes and they were both on the podium! So it would be fair to say that a 3^rd is likely again but the potential to leap frog and place 2^nd or 3^rd is a distinct possibility.

Meghan Hicks has won MDS finished Tor des Geants and may well contend the top 5. Meghan knows how to get it done! The 2015 MDS didn’t go to plan event though she still placed well, at the time she was unsure if she would start Hardrock. I am pleased to see that Meghan is on the start list and I’ll be rooting for her.

Ones to watch:

Pam Reed, Liz Bauer, Suzanne Lewis and Missy Gosney.

******

Hardrock 100 is a small key race for a select few. However, in its history, Hardrock has always become a highly anticipated race that often plays out like a great boxing match. It is a constant frustration for me that we don’t get ALL the best ultra runners on the playing field at the same time. Pointless me saying this I know as that is one of the quirks of Hardrock.

However, can you imagine a ladies and men’s field of the depth that we see at Western States or Transvulcania arriving in Silverton?

The race starts on Friday 10^th July

Race website HERE

Opening race description ©Hardrock100website

A little bit about Hardrock

In the early 1990s an ultra runner from Boulder CO, Gordon Hardman, wanted to create a 100 mile adventure run emphasizing two things: a. link the historic mining towns of Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Lake City and b. offer each participant an adventure though the spectacular San Juan Mountains while challenging them with altitude, steepness and remoteness. Gordon placed a notice in Ultrarunning magazine soliciting the help of anyone who may be interested in helping pull this together. Within a year Gordon had enlisted a cadre of local runners with deep ties to the area who believed such a run was possible and voila..the Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run was created.

From the beginning, the idea of celebrating the legacy and memory of the hardrock miners was paramount as was the idea that this run should be for those who wanted an extraordinary adventure. Careful attention was paid to developing a route which incorporated the foot trails, wagon roads and burro trails that were constructed for transporting materials to mining sites and hauling ore to market. The Hardrock Hundred follows those routes laid out by those miners who made their living in crags in hopes of making their fortune mining the minerals hidden between the peaks and hidden in the valleys The Hardrock Hundred has stayed true to those ideas to this day and is dedicated to the memory of those wild and tough individuals.

Why Silverton?

The initial idea of Hardrock was to rotate the start/finish of Hardrock between each of the 4 towns. Some demonstrated more excitement about hosting Hardrock than others, chief among those was Silverton. The idea of rotating the start/finish was abandoned and Silverton became the permanent home of the Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run.

Why alternate courses?

After the decision was made to keep the start/finish in Silverton, Hardrock developed the idea that run the course in alternating directions so that runners could experience all that the San Juans had to offer and wouldn’t get tired of the view! Many runners don’t consider themselves true “Hardrockers” till they have finished in both directions.

The “Hardrock” rock is a big deal-how come?

When Hardrock first started, one of the things we forgot to have is a finish line. When an early Hardrock runner asked how we would know when they were finished, run director, Dale Garland, looked around and found a rock in the ground and told all the runners to “touch” the rock to stop the clock. Touching turned to kissing and the small rock in the ground grew into the 2 ton boulder we have now. Today we have one of the most unique finishes in ultrarunning and are always amazed to see the flood of emotion and relief that kissing the Hardrock brings out in those complete their personal adventure of Hardrock. Over the years we have actually had 2 Hardrock rocks, both of which have enjoyed a very special and unique place in the lore of the Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run.

Transvulcania La Palma 2015 #VK Vertical Kilometer

Posted on May 8, 2015 by talkultra

It’s Transvulcania time and an exciting weekend of racing kicked off with the vertical kilometre in the early evening of Thursday 7th May.

Departing from the beach in Tazacorte under glorious sunshine, runners had to tackle the zig-zag pathways above the sea and then run on upwards for a tough 6.6km re-tracing the final descent of Saturday’s 73km main event.

The race was dominated by Alice Gaggi in 59:48 for the ladies and Jessed Hernandez Gispert won the men’s race in 50:38.

Emelie Forsberg refreshed her ski legs placing 3rd as a loosen up for Saturday’s main event as did Manuel Merillas (2nd in the men’s race) both runners are hot favourites for the Transvulcania La Palma.

Anna Frost, although still battling injury issues, placed 4th overall and smiled her way to the finish.

RESULTS

Ladies

Alice Gaggi 00:59:48
Azara Garcia 1:01:39
Emelie Forsberg 1:02:24
Anna Frost 1:02:42
Stephanie Jiminez 1:03:23

Men

Jessed Hernandez Gispert 00:50:38
Manuel Merillas 00:51:04
James Oucgterlony 00:52:12
Oscar Casal Mir 00:52:15
Diego Manuel Camacho De La Ossa 00:56:29

The Coastal Challenge #TCC2015 Day 6 Drake Bay

Posted on February 6, 2015 by talkultra

TCC 2015 Day 6 Drake Bay

23.7km

450m +

Six days, five stage wins and four course records, what more can we say about the stunning running of South African, Iain Don Wauchope! Iain had no need to race the last day… he says he didn’t! He ran easy, GoPro in hand and had a blast… and still broke a course record.

Race director, Rodrigo Carazo said post race:

“I never thought anyone could run this fast on this course. Iain has dominated and made a really tough course seem easy.”

“This is no easy course. It’s a really tough event and I didn’t feel great on day one and two put I have got better as the days progresses. I have loved every moment. It’s a stunning race and the last day around Drake Bay is just so special.”

– Iain Don Wauchope

Breaking news over the night was that second place on GC, Canadian Mike Murphey was taken to hospital with severe dehydration. It’s a great shame. Mike battled to the end to take overall victory and unfortunately he has paid a price. Just goes to show how tough this race is!

Mike’s departure from the race moved the Costa Rican duo of Ashruf Youseffi and Roiny Villegas into second and third but the battle wasn’t over… Roiny saw this as an opportunity and pushed hard throughout the final stage. Opening up a gap, Ashruf was clearly having a bad day. At the line, Roiny had clawed back a chunk of time but not enough to take the second podium place.

The ladies race turned into a procession and a celebration. The top five ladies ran side-by-side throughout the race and embraced the scenery and the friendship that The Coastal Challenge has provided. Veronica Bravo’s victory is more than welcomed by the local Costa Rican community and the TCC team; a world-class athlete and adventure racer “Vero’ will run UTMB in 2015 and Costa Rica and Chile anticipate great things!

Another Costal Challenge draws to a close. What a race… It’s a tough, challenging multi-day race that constantly provides mixed terrain, relentless heat and high humidity to make it one of the toughest races out there. Joe Grant, Karl Meltzer, Nikki Kimball, Anna Frost, Mike Murphey and Iain Don Wauchope all toed the line of the 2015 TCC and they unanimously agree;

“that is one seriously tough race!”

Overall Classification *times to follow

Veronica Bravo – Chile – 29:35:20
Nikki Kimball – USA – 32:31:50
Maria Rivera – Costa Rica – 34:07:13

Iain Don Wauchope – South Africa – 22:29:08
Ashur Youssefi – Costa Rica – 26:09:54
Roiny Villegas – Costa Rica – 26:23:53

: RD – Rodrigo

The Coastal Challenge #TCC2015 Day 5 Race Images

Posted on February 6, 2015 by talkultra

Race summary HERE

The Coastal Challenge #TCC 2015 Day 4 Coronado – Palma Sur

Posted on February 5, 2015 by talkultra

TCC 2015 Day 4 Coronado – Palma Sur

37.5km

2950m +

Iain Don Wauchope threw down the gauntlet today! From the gun, he pulled away from every runner in the race and provided a master class of multi day running. From beginning to end, Iain applied the pressure and at no point looked in any difficulty. Climbing the relentless hills and running the descents the clock ticked and by the time the finish tape was broken, Iain had set a new course record for stage four of the TCC… In 2014, Salomon athlete Philipp Reiter had run a fast stage while he battled with Michael Wardian. The time he posted was a new CR; today Iain broke that record by twenty-one minutes. Post race Iain said, “As each day passes, I am getting stronger and stronger. However, nothing is guaranteed.”

Day four was always going to come down to a battle between Iain and Mike Murphey. Mike pushed from the off but had two stumbling blacks: Iain Don Wauchope in the form of his life and unfortunately a bad stomach. The combination of those two elements effectively put an end of Mike’s opportunity to re-grasp a hold of the race. He continued to push, ever the optimist but the writing was on the wall.

The battle for third place was turning into a real nail biter as Youssef (3^rd place) and Roiny (4^th) went head-to-head looking for the final podium place and maybe most importantly, first Costa Rican. Roiny pushed hard and maintained a small lead throughout the race. His work rate looked too high as sweat poured from his body. But he held on and eventually gained a couple of minutes in the closing stages to take a slender lead and third on general classification.

Speedgoat Karl ran great for 30km but the heat and humidity took its toll and he was forced to slow in the latter stages to avoid heat stroke. Joe Grant after a tough third stage had a good fourth day after strapping his badly strained ankle.

Anna Frost and Veronica Bravo looked to be having a repeat performance of day three as they approached Cp1 almost side-by-side. The only exception came from Frosty. Every now and then she would pull away on the climbs so that she could run the descents with less pressure. Frosty was however struggling from plantar fasciitis and in the latter stages of the race, Veronica slowly pulled away on the final descent. At the breaking of the tape, Veronica had gained six minutes leaving her just ten minutes behind on GC. With two stages to go, can Veronica pull back that time?

Nikki Kimball once again ran a solid and consistent stage. Running the flats, marching the climbs and just keeping moving, Nikki almost certainly secured third place overall today.

With just two days to go, runners are now on the home straight but the racing is not over. Iain Don Wauchope now has a convincing lead but as this race has shown, nothing is guaranteed…. Anything can happen! Third place overall is a Costa Rican battle and that position is certainly not decided yet. For the ladies, Frosty has a strong lead but Veronica is a fighter. It’s going to be interesting

Veronica Bravo – Chile – 5:19:45
Anna Frost – New Zealand – 5:25:21
Nikky Kimball – USA – 6:05:56

Iain Don Wauchope – South Africa – 3:58:41
Mike Murphy – Canada – 4:37:07
Jeffrey Portuguez – Costa Rica – 4:48:30

The Coastal Challenge #TCC2015 2015 Day 3 Race Images

Posted on February 5, 2015 by talkultra

See the race day review HERE

The Coastal Challenge 2015 #TCC2015 Day 3 Dominical Beach – Ventanas Beach

Posted on February 4, 2015 by talkultra

Dominical Beach – Ventanas Beach

48km

2450+ ascent

Day three of the TCC is always a significant stage! Combining extremely mixed terrain it suits no one style of particular runner, however, if you are a balanced runner, the stage can play to your hands.

Iain Don Wauchope was stinging a little after loosing the lead after a stunning stage 2 run by Mike Murphey. Kicking off the day, Iain made it very clear that he wanted to make this a race and if Mike wanted to keep overall victory, he was going to have to keep pushing.

The race started with a long section of ‘running’ in a riverbed. It was a run that was part swimming and part bouldering. For those in the know, Iain is a repeat winner of The Otter in South Africa, a race that incorporates all these elements. In his element, Iain slowly opened a lead and at Nauyaca Waterfalls he was clearly showing Mike his intentions.

As the day progressed, the gap between the two front men continued to open as Iain gained time on Mike. A long, tough and technical descent from cp2 was followed by kilometre after kilometre of hot and stunning beach. The sting in the tail; a small dense forest section and then 4km’s of hot tarmac road. With temperatures well over 30-degrees and humidity through the roof Iain showed stunning form by not only winning the stage with a new course record but he had gained enough time over Mike to take the race lead by 1minute and 51seconds.

Mike Murphey had had some nutritional problems during the stage but ultimately, I think he paid the price for pushing so hard on day two with a course record run. Mike’s legs looked like he had been in a war with thorn bushes… they were scarred, cut and grazed from the dense forests. At the end of the beach he was a spent force and he seized the opportunity to submerge himself in a rock pool before pushing on for the line.

Joe Grant unfortunately had a very restricted run due to spraining his ankle the previous day. Joe ran and finished the stage, but any chance of a podium place is now gone. Joe’s misfortune opened up a door way for the local Costa Rican talent, and they currently hold third (Ashur Youssefi), fourth (Roiny Villegas) with Speedgoat Karl in 5^th overall.

In the ladies race, Anna Frost ran a smart day matching Veronica Bravo step-by-step. From the moment they started, till the moment they crossed the finish line, the duo never left each other’s side. In many respects, Frosty can run this way all the way to the end now and play safe. The question mark will come if Veronica feels strong one day and takes a risk to pull back the time between the two of them? This is always a risky tactic, push too hard and you may blow up opening a doorway for third place to gain time.

Nikki Kimball once again placed third on the stage running as solidly as ever. The heat had taken its toll. But then again, every runner showed very clearly the drain from the course and the weather on their faces. Tough terrain, relentless heat and high humidity make for a brutal combination and this is what sets The Coastal Challenge apart from other multi-day races. It really is tough!