RUN the RUT SkyRace 28km 2017 Summary and Images – Migu Run Skyrunner World Series

Posted on September 2, 2017 by talkultra

The RUT is now an integral part of the Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series, the 28km is considered by many in the US and Europe to be a pure Skyrunning race. It is a logical course with an aesthetic loop, plenty of vertical and an abundance of technical trail.

2375m of vertical await the runners and 3 major climbs make this a tough and real challenge. It may come as now surprise the high-point of the course is Lone Peak. It’s 3400m+ summit sitting high in the sky and towering over the Big Sky ski resort.

In a contrast to 2016, the weather this year was incredible with blue skies, no wind and warm temperatures – maybe a little too hot for some runners

Pascal Egli and Aritz Egea were the early protagonist pulling away and extending a gap over the competition. Climbing up to Lone Peak summit Egli was looking relaxed extending a small gap over Egea. Behind rising star Jan Margaret was in 3rd but not looking his smooth and usual self.

In the ladies race it came as no surprise that Laura Orgue was following up the previous days VK victory with a masterclass of Skyrunning. She opened a lead early on and just as in the VK, the gap extended and extended. On the climb to Lone Peak the competition wasn’t in sight.

Behind Addie Bracy, Hillary Gerardi, Taylor Nowlin and Michele Adrian followed but they were spread out on the mountain and they were racing for 2nd.

On the descent of Lone Peak as the runners made their way to the latter sections of the course, disaster struck for Egli, he missed a turn through a lack of concentration and this opened the door for Egea to take the victory in 3hrs 16min. Egli finished 3-minutes later and then Margarit rounded out the podium in 3:20.

Laura Orgue once again pulled off another incredible Skyrunning victory showing that she is ‘the’ lady to beat at the moment in 3:50. A storming run by Taylor Nowlin saw her move up from 4th on the climb to Lone Peak and see her finish 2nd ahead of Hillary Gerardi, their times 4:03 and 4:16.

Post race, many of the runners expressed how technical the race was and how the altitude played a key factor in the severity of the race

Attention now turns to Sundays 50km event which will start at 0600 local time.

Results:

1 – Laura Orgué (ESP) – 3h50’13”

2 – Taylor Nowlin (USA) – 4h03’21”

3 – Hillary Gerardi (USA) – 4h16’03”

4 – Michela Adrian (USA) – 4h22’59”

5 – Addie Bracy (USA) – 4h31’48”

1 – Aritz Egea (ESP) – 3h16′

2 – Pascal Egli (SWI) – 3h19′

3 – Jan Margarit Solé (ESP) – 3h20′

4 – Kiril Nikolov – Disl (BUL) – 3h21′

5 – JP Donovan (USA) – 3h22′

Lone Peak VK Summary and Images – 2017 Vertical Kilometer World Circuit

Posted on September 2, 2017 by talkultra

The Vertical Kilometer World Circuit continues in Montana, tUSA with Run the Rut, today it was the Lone Peak VK. It may not be the steepest VK on the circuit but it certainly is dramatic with the finish line high in the sky, Lone Peak summit was always visible.

The route is steep and direct in the early stages following mainly expansive ski trails. At the Bone Crusher, the runners go to the impressive Alto ridge, here it gets steep, gnarly and technical with plenty of hands-on-knees action and scrambling with some via ferrata before the final sections of exposed rock and loose terrain to the summit.

The early stages were always going to be about finding a rhythm and tackling the early steep and slippery gradients. The route was wide though and overtaking was no issue. The mass start soon became single-file as the gradient took it’s toll. Mike Popejoy was the main protagonist Scott Patterson, race RD Mike Foote and JP Donovan following.

For the ladies, Laura Orgue was in her own race extending a convincing lead on the early slopes and once at halfway, she eased off the pressure knowing victory was secure. Behind, Jennifer Kunzman, Beth Shumante and Rachel Poulton followed.

Altitude played a key factor in the Lone Peak VK, starting above 2000m is very difficult for those with little or no adaptation. When combined with challenging terrain, this only adds to the problem. Unlike other VK’s the Lone Peak VK is unique with its mixture of surfaces. The loose and large rocks create many frustrations as often it stops participants getting a rhythm, this is contrasted by the early sections when it’s possible to find a good momentum despite the steep gradients. The summit arrives at a lung busting 3400m altitude.

Through Bone Crusher, Laura Orgue was over 10-minutes clear of the competition but the men’s race was much closer with Mike Popejoy holding a 30-second lead over JP Donovan and then Mike Foote followed further back

In the final section to the summit, the terrain becomes much steeper and underfoot it is very lose. This played into JP Donovans skill set and he took the lead and victory, 21-seconds ahead of Mike Poejoy and Mike Foote finished 3rd another 18-seconds back.

Laura Orgue crossed the line in 54:29 and Jennifer Kunzman and Beth Shumnante placed 2nd and 3rd, their times 1:08:38 and 1:09:46 respectively.

Attention now turns to Saturday’s 28km event which starts at 0800, both Orgue and Donovan will try for the double! It will prove to be fast race, the mixed terrain includes single track, jeep roads, alpine ridge lines and at the summit of the iconic Lone Peak a gnarly and technical descent brings the runners back to the resort of Big Sky where the race started.

Results:

1. JP Donovan (USA) – 47’27”

2. Mike Popejoy (USA) – 48’48”

3. Mike Foote (USA) – 50’06”

4. Scott Patterson (USA) – 51’18”

5. Jan Margarit Solé (ESP) – 51’41”

1. Laura Orgué (ESP) – 54’29”

2. Jennifer Kunzman (USA) – 1h08’38”

3. Beth Shumate (USA) – 1h09’46”

4. Rachel Poulton (USA) – 1h10’44”

5. Emily Kipp (USA)- 1h14’51”

RUN the RUT 2017 Race Preview

Posted on August 30, 2017 by talkultra

3-days, 3 races and 3 incredible experiences, Big Sky Montana hosts the Run the Rut weekend of racing. If ever a race weekend existed that should combine with a holiday experience, this is it, Big sky is located between the idyllic town of Bozeman and the iconic Yellowstone Park.

The isolated Lone Peak mountain provides a stunning backdrop for the Run the Rut races of VK, Sky and Ultra with all races climbing to its summit via technical ridge and difficult climb.

Utilizing what would be ski runs in winter, it’s easy to understand why the Rut has gained a reputation for providing a tough and technical test even for the most experienced runner.

The VK is the next race in the new VK World Circuit and this race takes place on Friday September 1st. The Sky Classic and Ultra continue the 2017 Migu Run Skyrunner World Series taking place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd respectively.

The Rut races have become flagship races in the USA. And are the only US based races in the 2017 Migu Run Skyrunner World Series. This is primarily due to the technical nature of the trails. You see, access to open land and mountains is not the same as in Europe. Strict land management is in place and ‘off-trail’ races just don’t exist. The Rut have managed to work around this by using the Big Sky resort which does not have to comply with land permission issues.

Vertical K

The VK kicks off the action from the Big Sky Resort up to the summit of Lone Peak at an altitude just short of 3000m gaining 3,632 feet in just over three miles.

SkyRace

The SkyRace is the most pleasing race of the Rut weekend as the proportion of vertical gain and technical running all blend together in the most logical and pleasing course.

The men’s race has all the makings of a classic with some serious competition coming from Aritz Egea who is looking for 2017 SWS victory – he raced last weekend in Switzerland and will be tried.

But Jan Margarit is a man on form with victories at the Dolomites SkyRace and Comapedrosa, for me, he is the odds on favourite for victory! Remi Bonnet has won in the USA in past years and is the likely contender to give Margarit a tough run. However, Pascal Egli is having great year and he will no doubt be one to watch.

Eugeni Gil Ocana is on fire in 2017 and if he is not too tired after placing 2nd at Matterhorn Ultraks, he is a likely podium placed finisher. Expect strong competition to come from Julien Martinez, Oscar and Marc Casal Mir, Sintu Vives, Marc De Leon, Eduard Hernandez, Pere Rullan and Dai Matsumoto.

Laura Orgue is the hot favourite in the ladies’ race having raced well multiple times in 2017 – victory at Dolomites SkyRace and 2nd place in Comapedrossa. Hillary Gerardi has been a revelation in 2017 with a string of strong and consistent performances. Addie Bracy, Glykeria Tziatzia and Jennifer Asp (still not sure if she will run the Sky or Ultra) are also podium contenders.

SkyUltra 50km

The long course gains over 3000m of elevation and as with all the other races visits the summit of Lone Peak.

The men’s race is an interesting one with Luis Alberto Hernando missing UTMB to run here in the USA and gain valuable points for the SWS. Competition for the Spaniard will no doubt come from Italian Franco Colle who has excelled on this course in the past editions.

BREAKING NEWS (31st August)

I have also had conformation that Timothy Olson and Seth Swanson will also toe the line here at the RUT making the fight for the 50km very competitive. Olson is back to his old days with some great form as of late, he placed 10th at Transgrancanaria, 4th at Power of Four and he won Penyagolosa in Spain.

Equally, Swanson is back on a roll with 4th at San Fran 50 in December 2016, 6th at Hong Kong Ultra 100km early 2017 and 2nd at Lavaredo recently.

Matt Shyrock returns after success in the 2015 racenand a recent run at Tromso SkyRace. Pere Aurell Bove is having a great year but just last weekend raced in Switzerland at Matterhorn Ultraks – he will be tired! Australia’s Caine Warburton will be a contender for the podium as will Johan Lanz from Sweden, Russia’s Dmirtry Mityaev, Czech Republic’s Robert Krupicka and the Portugal’s Andre Rodriguez. Peru’s Remigio Huaman always runs strong and he along with Kiril Nikolov from Bulgaria round off the main protagonists for the podium.

The ladies’ race is headed up by Ragna Debats who won last weekend’s Matterhorn Ultraks. Ragna is on a roll at the moment and in great form but two 50km races in 7 days and a long-haul flight will no doubt take its toll.

Strong competition will come from Michelle Maier, Ekaterina Mityaeva, Kristina Pattison and Jennifer Asp.

*****

Race summaries and images will be posted on this website after each race.

Images at iancorless.photoshelter.com

FOLLOW ON

facebook.com/iancorlessphotography on Twitter @talkultra

and Instagram @iancorlessphotography

RUN the RUT 2016 SKY 28km Summary and Images – Skyrunner® World Series

Posted on September 3, 2016 by talkultra

An integral part of the Skyrunner® World Series, the RUT 28km is considered by many in the US and Europe to be a pure Skyrunning race with a logical course that goes up and down with an abundance of technical trail. The race offers extremely steep and technical terrain in many sections of the course and loose rock is a real hazard.

Covering 28km what this race lacks in distance is made up for in technicality and challenge. With 2375m of vertical gain this 28km course is basically the RUT 50km on steroids as it includes all 3 major climbs of its bigger brother.

The highest point of the race comes at Lone Peak which tops out just above 3000m. Altitude, technical running and exposure from the elements, cold and strong winds makes the 28k one seriously tough race!

Three wave starts with 5-minute gaps avoided congestion on the course with all the top elites departing in wave 1 on the stroke of 0800. Despite forecasts for inclement weather, conditions were excellent for running and maybe just a little chilly for spectating. The summit of Lone Peak was shrouded in mist and cloud and remained that way for much of the day as the wind moved one block of cloud only replace it with another.

Dakota Jones returning to racing after a lay off with injury was the early protagonist pulling away and extending a gap over an inform Hassan Ait Chaou.

Climbing up to Lone Peak summit Dakota was looking relaxed and barring a fall or injury was looking strong for victory. Hassan equally looked relaxed and calm, constantly looking forward he had his eyes on the American in the distance with one objective, to chase him down.

Michael Barlow pushed and following behind was a small group of 3 containing Kiril Nikolov, Jan Megabit Sole and Timmy Parr.

In the ladies race it came as no surprise that Megan Kimmel took the bull by the horns and lead the race from the front as she so often does. Victory at the 2015 edition of the race no doubt helping with her confidence levels and her ability to judge her pace and effort over the 28km. Yngvild Kaspersen pursued and behind last year’s 2nd place, Laura Orgue was holding off Najeeby Quinn and Sarah Pizzo.

On the descent of Lone Peak as the runners made their way to the latter sections of the course, disaster struck for Dakota and he rolled an ankle that would later cause him to pull out of the race. This opened the door for Hassan and he never looked back crossing the line for a well-earned victory almost 8-minutes ahead of 2nd place. Behind all hell was breaking loose and Bulgarian Kiril put in a big effort to place 2nd ahead of Jan Megabit Sole and Michael Barlow who had a head-to-head full on sprint for the line. Timmy Parr placed 5th and Lone Peak VK winner, Andrej Fejfar placed 6th.

It may come as no surprise that lady on fire Megan Kimmel once again pulled off another incredible Skyrunning victory showing that she is ‘the’ lady to beat at the moment. Yngvild ran a very strong 2nd and crossed the line with a huge smile just over 7-minutes back and Laura Orgue, winner of the previous days VK finished 3rd despite having taken a fall.

Post-race, many of the runners expressed how technical the downhill section was but Megan Kimmel took it all in her stride:

“I felt good today and I was certainly more confident having run and won the race last year. The temperatures were ideal for running, yes, it was a little cold and windy at the Lone Peak summit but that didn’t last long. This is a really technical course in places and I was happy to consolidate my lead and take no risks. I will now race in Limone in October.”

Hassan Ait Chaou is certainly on form and this is a well-deserved victory:

“The race was okay, I suffered with the altitude and it caused me headaches but I kept the pace. I held myself back on the first climb and then pushed hard on the downhill. I am really happy to take this victory!”

Attention now turns to Sundays 50km event which will start at 0600 local time and the weather forecast is not good – fingers crossed! You can read a preview of the race HERE.

Results:

1 Megan Kimmel 3:36:26

2 Yngvild Kaspersen +7:05

3 Laura Orgue +19:50

1 Hassan Ait Chaou 3:06:40

2 Kiril Nikolov +7:55

3 Jan Megabit Sole +8:20

Thanks to the support of our Partner Migu Xempower, Sponsor Alpina Watches and Official Pool Suppliers, Scott Running, Compressport and Salomon.

About Skyrunner® World Series
Skyrunning was founded in 1992 by Italian Marino Giacometti, President of the International Skyrunning Federation which sanctions the discipline worldwide and sports the tagline:
Less cloud. More sky.

The Skyrunner® World Series was launched in 2004 and has grown to represent the peak of outdoor running defined by altitude and technicality. In 2016, the Series, composed of four disciplines, features 23 races in 15 venues on three continents.

iancorless.com is the official photographer and media partner for the Skyrunner® World Series Follow on:

Facebook/iancorlessphotography
Twitter (@talkultra)
Instagram (@iancorlessphotography)

Follow the Skyrunner® World Series on social media platforms

Facebook.com/skyrunning
Twitter @skyrunning_com
Instagram @skyrunning

RUN the RUT 2016 VK Summary and Images – Skyrunner® World Series

Posted on September 3, 2016 by talkultra

The Skyrunner® World Series continues in Montana, the USA with three races at Run the Rut, today it was the Lone Peak VK. It may not be the steepest VK on the circuit but it certainly is dramatic with the finish line high in the sky and always visible. Well, that would have been the case had the VK route not been changed… Weather in this area can change in just 5-minutes and storms had been predicted for the afternoon. It’s always a tough call for a RD but Mike Foote took the cautions to heart and had his team mark an alternative route. He made a call at midday and decided on an alternative route that reduced the climb by 300m to 700m vertical gain and a distance of 2.3 miles.

The route was somewhat steeper and more direct in the early stages and followed the ethos and principals of Skyrunning perfectly, start low, get high! At the Bone Crusher, the runners should have gone to the impressive Alto ridge, here it gets steep, gnarly and technical with plenty of hands-on-knees action and scrambling with some via ferrata before the final sections of exposed rock and loose terrain to the summit. The re-route missed this section, dropped down a short descent and then once again climbed up through a steep section of loose rocks and scree. It was challenging but considerably less challenging than the original route.

The early stages were always going to be about finding a rhythm and tackling the early steep and slippery gradients. The route was wide though and overtaking was no issue.

Ondrej Fejfar and Jan Margarit Sole pushed from the start and both looked very strong at the midway point before the more technical sections started. Ondrej looked in control though holding a good gap.

In the ladies race Cynthia Arnold looked to be closing the gap on the expected victor and leader Laura Orgue. Laura looked less comfortable than normal, occasionally looking behind to see where Cynthia was but I think all along it was about doing enough to win and not expending too much energy. Maria Zorroza was running a strong race in 3rd but would she stay ahead of her team-mate Aitziber Iberia ?

In the men’s race, Ondrej was in a class of his own on this shorter course and finished clear of Jan by 24 seconds.

Scott Patterson was a surprise 3rd (he is a ski mountaineer) ahead of race director, Mike Foote who looked to be having a blast on his new course, Salomon Team Manager, Greg Vollet finished 5th.

Surprise of the day was expected winner, Ferran Teixido who finished 7th obviously having a below par day potentially due to the more runnable re-route and altitude?

In the ladies’ race Laura finished a strong 1st 41-seconds clear of Cynthia and Maria 3rd +2:16 back.

Altitude played a key factor in the Lone Peak VK, starting above 2000m it is very difficult for those with little or no adaptation. When combined with challenging terrain, this only adds to the problem. Unlike other VK’s the Lone Peak VK is unique with its mixture of surfaces. The loose and large rocks create many frustrations as often it stops participants getting a rhythm, this is contrasted by the early sections when it’s possible to find a good momentum despite the steep gradients.

Attention now turns to Saturday’s 28km event which starts at 0800, you can read a preview HERE. This event, as last year, will prove to be fast, the mixed terrain includes single track, jeep roads, alpine ridge lines and at the summit of the iconic Lone Peak a gnarly and technical descent brings the runners back to the resort of Big Sky where the race started. The race has 2375m of vertical gain with a low point of 2286m and a high point of 3403m. Ones to watch are Laura Orgue and Yngvild Kaspersen who will also have run the VK and Megan Kimmel who is the outright ladies favourite. In the men’s race, Marc Lauenstein and Dakota Jones head up a strong mens field.

Results:

1 Ondrej Fejfar 29:26

2 Jan Margarit Sole +00:24

3 Scott Patterson +1:07

4 Mike Foote +1:21

5 Greg Vollet +1:52

1 Laura Orgue 34:20

2 Cynthia Arnold +00:41

3 Maria Zorroza +2:16

4 Aitziber Iberia +3:33

5 Jenny Wolfe +3:59

Skyrunning goes global with The RUT and CBS News

Posted on September 18, 2015 by talkultra

If you think running a marathon is a feat in itself, imagine doing an ultra-marathon up a mountain. At “The Rut Mountain Race” in Big Sky, Montana, nearly 400 athletes from around the world gathered to compete across 31 miles. They cover more than 10,000 feet of elevation. The sport is known as “skyrunning.”

As part of the “CBS This Morning” series, “Pushing the Limits,” we take a look at the world’s elite athletes who are getting their high-altitude adrenaline rush.

Luke Nelson sums it up when he says:

“I run in the mountains because it gives me a freedom that I can’t find anywhere else…. I think the human body was meant to run; but this is pushing it!”

View the film here

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/pushing-the-limits-skyrunning/?tag=facebook

You can read reports and view images from RUNTHERUT races below:

VK HERE

SKY HERE

ULTRA HERE

The RUT – 50km 2015 Race Images and Summary

Posted on September 6, 2015 by talkultra

Concluding an incredible weekend of Skyrunning, the RUT 50km which is the penultimate ultra in the Skyrunner World Series took place today (Sunday) in the resort of Big Sky, Montana. One of the key races in the 2015 Skyrunner® World Series this stunning race did not disappoint.

View and purchase the RUT IMAGES HERE

Overnight temperatures dropped and light snow had left a sprinkle over much of the 50k terrain. The 0600 start was below freezing and it was a good job that runners went straight into a 500m climb to get warm. The first 45-minutes were undertaken in darkness and then a most incredible sunrise welcomed a new day.

Covering 50km (31 miles) the race had 10,00ft (3040m) of vertical gain and loss. In the words of the Mike Foote and Mike Wolfe (Rut race directors), ‘There are sections of this course, including the ascent and traverse of Headwaters ridge, as well as the ascent and descent of Lone Peak, which are EXTREMELY STEEP & TECHNICAL with sections of exposure and potential rock fall hazard. This is a true mountain course so please treat it with the respect it deserves!’

To many a Skyrunner, that is a calling card for full-on, adrenaline packed mountain running adventure. Restricted to just 600-runners, demand for the RUT 50km was always going to be high and this was reflected in the race selling out.

Containing 60% single-track, 25% dirt road and 15% off-trail, the RUT really did provide a spectacular race. As with all races over the RUT weekend, the 50km event had wave starts that would be offset by 5-minute gaps. The elites ere released in wave 1 and 3 other waves followed.

What transpired was a stunning day of racing. Franco Colle from Italy followed on from his impressive podium placing at Mont-Blanc 80km and ran a cool, calm and controlled race. Pushing from the front he looked relaxed throughout and he crossed the finish line in 5:16:58. His time was impressive but outside Kilian Jornet’s 2014 winning time.

Cristofer Clemente has consistently shown excellent results in 2015 and is a prime contender for the Skyrunner World Series, he backed this up once again time trailing Franco throughout the race but running a strong and secure 2^nd place in 5:19:28.

Matt Shyrock produced a breakthrough performance having placed outside the top 10 in 2014 to come through and take the final podium place in 5:29:00. His excitement and enthusiasm for his finish was clear for all to see with some great showboating.

Pre race favourites, Max King and Luke Nelson finished 6^th and 7^th respectively, Max on the line said, ‘that is quite some race!’

In the ladies, Emelie Forsberg followed on from her 2014 victory with a repeat win in 2015. Not only did she win but in the process set a new course record! This is all the more remarkable considering that Emelie has raced all 3 races of the runtherut weekend. Incredible. Her time 6:25:44.

Continuing to show incredible promise as a future star of Skyrunning, Hillary Allen followed on from a podium place at Mont-Blanc 80km to finish 2^nd here in Montana. Her time 6:30:15 was under Emelie’s 2014 course record! It was no easy result though, just before the 18-mile mark Hillary went of course with 3 other ladies and this opened up the doorway for eventual 3^rd placed lady, Martina Valmassoi to move into 2^nd. Hillary dug deep though and gained back her 2^nd place.

Martina Valmassoi running her first ultra had a breakthrough performance to finish on the podium in 6:41:42. It was quite a run.

Ashley Erba, a pre race favourite had been leading the ladies in the early stages but was forced to withdraw from the race having received extreme blister on the soles of both feet.

With the racing over and done, Big Sky Resort, the two ‘Mikes,’ Montana, the Lone Peak mountain and a stunning weekend of favourable weather has well and truly made the RUNTHERUT weekend a great showcase for Skyrunning in the USA and worldwide.

Results:

Emelie Forsberg 06:25:44
Hillary Allen 06:30:15
Martina Valmassoi 06:41:42

Franco Colle 05:16:58
Cristofer Clemente 05:19:28
Matt Shyrock 05:29:00

The RUT – 25km Race 2015 Race Images and Summary

Posted on September 5, 2015 by talkultra

New for 2015 and forming an integral part of the Skyrunner® World Series, the inaugural RUT 25km is considered by many to be a pure Skyrunning race. At times, the race offers extremely steep and technical terrain that demands and requires 100% respect. It’s not for the feint hearted.

Covering 25km (16.4 miles) what this race lacks in distance is made up for in technicality and challenge. With 7500ft of vertical gain this 25km course is basically the RUT 50km on steroids as it includes all 3 major climbs of its bigger brother. The high point comes at Lone Peak (11,166ft) and the combination of altitude, technical running and exposure makes this one seriously great race that guarantees a good, hard and painful time!

Like the VK, the 25km event had wave starts to reduce congestion and to promote good safety along the route. 4 waves started at 5-minute offsets with the elite runners heading off in wave 1 departing at 0800.

Overnight rain had disappeared by the morning leaving a bright, sunny but very cold morning. The summit of Lone Peak was shrouded in mist and cloud and would remain that way until the bulk of wave 1 runners passed the summit.

View and purchase the RUT IMAGES HERE

Following on from Friday’s VK victory, Remi Bonnet ran a clear race from the front and never really looked back. He opened a gap in the early stages and extended it as the race went on. Climbing up to Lone Peak summit he had over 4-minutes in Tadei Pivk and Marco De Gasperi who were pursued by Joseph Gray.

Remi’s victory never looked in doubt, even the very technical challenge of the descent could not dislodge his stranglehold on the race. At the finish he was a clear victor by over 3.5 minutes ((02:58:55) from Tadei Pivk and Marco De Gasperi who were separated only by 1-second, 3:02:32 and 3:01:33 respectively.

Joseph Gray finished 4^th and looked very disappointed, so disappointed he didn’t collect his finishers medal. Pere Rullan and Martin Anthamatten rounded out the top-5.

Lady on fire Megan Kimmel once again pulled off another incredible Skyrunning victory in the ladies showing that she is ‘the’ lady to beat at the moment. In the early stages of the race she ran with the front group and eventually she pulled away with Laura Orgue, the Friday VK winner.

On the slopes of Lone Peak Megan was in the lead and then at the summit she made a move, just like in the Dolomites and build away for an incredible victory over a tired Laura Orgue; 3:35:02 and 3:40:49 respectively. Maite Maiora ran a sold race and had the race been 1-mile longer, she may possibly have taken 2^nd place, her time of 3:41:06 showing how close it was.

The weather and altitude played a key factor in the 25km and on the line many of the runners expressed how technical the downhill section was. Showing incredible recovery from the VK, Yngvild Kaspersen closed ranks in the later stages of the race and took 4^th place ahead of Emelie Forsberg and Stevie Kremer. Emelie intends to run all 3-races of runtherut this weekend.

Attention now turns to Sundays 50km event which will start at 0600 local time.

Results: