“Anything can happen in a race that lasts multiple days and believe me, The Coastal Challenge provided more than its fair share of excitement. But as a battle raged at the front, behind, the story was one of survival, perseverance and enjoyment in equal measure.”
Read the full article and view a selection of images from the 2015
The Coastal Challenge
A full selection of images are available HERE
And you can read daily reports with images from the race here:
Day 1 HERE
Day 2 HERE
Day 6 HERE
Hardrock 100 once again created buzz and excitement with its draw on Saturday December 6th.
Two runners had guaranteed entry for 2015 – 2014 victors, Kilian Jornet and Darcy Piceau.
The 2014 edition was arguably one of the most anticipated races on the calendar with a quality line up and ultimately a world-class performance and display by Kilian Jornet not only winning the race but also smashing the old course record.
Hardrock 100 alternates its course each year and therefore Kilian confirmed that he would back in 2015.
So, the 2015 lottery was important. Who would be drawn that could potentially give Kilian a run for his money?
I had 4-5 names in mind that I would love to see toe the line and I am pleased to say three have been drawn.
The addition of Francois d’Haene would have made the race extremely exciting; unfortunately the luck of the draw did not go in the way of Francois.
Adam Campbell made the cut joining Troy Howard, Chris Price, Scott Jaime and a whole string of top-5 potential finishers. So, the 2015 Hardrock 100 may not be quite the field we had in 2014 but if Krupicka, Karrera, Foote and Campbell are all 100% then we are in for an exciting race.
The ladies race for years has played 2nd fiddle to the men’s race and it has had a very familiar format with Darcy Piceau coming from behind (usually 2nd place) to take overall victory. No disrespect to Darcy, she can only race who is in the race!
Anna Frost is drawn along with Meghan Hicks. I have to say, the ladies field potentially has a race on its hands and Frosty is going to relish this opportunity to race in the San Juan Mountains, it has been on the ‘bucket-list’ for some time and her recent victory at Bear 100 has set her up perfectly for the race. Meghan won MDS and recently battled demons at Tor des Geants for a finish proving she has all the mental strength needed for Hardrock podium place.
Darla Askew, Betsy Kahlmeyer, Suzanne Lewis and Leah Fein add depth to the ladies field.
Waitlisted runners with a chance of running:
Hardrock is as much about who didn’t get in as those that did… the list is endless but some notables are:
The course ©hardrock100
The HARDROCK 100 is a mountain run that passes through some of the most beautiful and rugged mountains in the world.
The course is closed. That means that runners are required to follow the specified route.
Four legs, linking the Lake City, Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton areas. The finish is in Silverton, the same location as the start. The course is 100 miles long, has a cumulative vertical gain of 33,992 feet of climb and 33,992 feet of descent for a total elevation change of 67,984 feet, and takes place at an average elevation of about 11,000 feet. The high point is 14,048 feet.
This is a test of runners against the mountains. The course is on trails as much as possible. There are 13 aid stations; major aid stations will be located in the towns with less well-equipped aid stations in between. Runners are expected to be largely self-supporting between the towns.
The course will be adequately but minimally marked so the emphasis is on staying alert and using the map and course instructions. However, you should be capable of staying on course without markers, using map, compass, and the course instructions.
The run is a salute to the toughness and perseverance of the Hardrock miners who lived and worked in the area.
How the lottery works: ©hardrock100
Each year, we are faced with the difficult problem of how to choose our starters from 1000 applicants, while still respecting the values that make Hardrock Hardrock. The Board feels that our ideal mix of runners would be about 30% first-time Hardrockers, one-quarter or so veterans (i.e. >= 5-time finishers), and up to 50% everyone else. To preserve this rough and fair mix, we have replaced our single weighted lottery with three weighted lottery pools, each with its own wait list:
Runners not selected in the first two lotteries WILL NOT be rolled over into the third lottery. If fewer than 35 “veterans” apply, the unused slots will be added to the “everyone else” pool.
A separate wait list will be maintained for each lottery. When a runner withdraws from the start list, a runner will be taken from the wait list for the lottery from which the withdrawn runner was chosen.
The previous year’s winners will continue to bypass the lottery, but they will count against the lottery pool they would have been in.
Ticket Allocation Practices For “Everyone Else” Lottery
The number of tickets an applicant has in the “everyone else” lottery will be determined as follows:
Important Changes upcoming for the 2015 Lottery
Hardrock itself is and will be a qualifier like any other on the list, except that it counts for an extra year (three instead of two), beginning in 2015.
It is still the case that everyone in any of the lotteries has to have run a qualifier in the appropriate time period.
The general consensus seemed to be that The Rut offered a 50k course that mixed up the best of American trail running with a combination of pure European style Skyrunning.
‘The Rut is the first Ultra Series final to be held in the USA and was designed and organized by world-class ultra runners Mike Foote and Mike Wolfe specifically to fit Skyrunning parameters. The Rut 50K counts 6,080m vertical meters ascent and descent with the highest point reaching the 3,403m summit of Lone Peak in Montana’s aptly named Big Sky resort.’ Said Lauri van Houten, ISF. The summit was also the destination of Friday’s Lone Peak Vertical Kilometer® – 1,000m vertical climb and at just under 4.6 km long, Mike Foote briefed the runners pre-race, ‘This is a true mountain course so please treat it with the respect it deserves!’
In truth, one could say that the 50K course was a true leveller.
It allowed the fast trail runner’s, Sage Canaday and Ellie Greenwood for example to go head-to-head against the Skyrunners; Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg. Add to the mix runners like Kasie Enman who have delved into both worlds and succeeded and we had a great event to watch and follow.
©JordiSaragossa
Using the ‘Transvulcania’ approach, Sage pushed hard from the gun, pulling away he opened up a gap of 3-minutes on Kilian Jornet. However, as the terrain kicked up, Mr KJ started to close. It was 90-seconds, then level and then a gradual lead. Slowly but surely, Kilian pulled away showing a consummate display of running ability, not only on easy trails, but also on the tough, steep and technical. At the line, Kilian was victor. Another incredible win to his list of palmares accumulated in 2014. The only blip coming at Transvulcania where he placed 2nd after stepping off ski’s just days earlier. Another Skyrunner® World Series title in the bag and I have to ask the question once again, ‘Is Kilian Jornet THE most rounded athlete in the world?’ His achievements and humility blow my mind.
©JordiSaragossa
Emelie Forsberg by comparison ran a race that I could have scripted. Frustrated by the ‘detour’ at Trofeo Kima, Emelie used her emotions to grab the Rut by the horns and push from the off. Pulling away from the rest of the ladies, Emilie’s victory was never really in question. Kasie Enman closed a little in the latter stages but settled for the bridesmaid position, a priority holding off Anna Frost in third. Outright speed didn’t help Ellie Greenwood who ran a great race for 4th. Ultimately, the mountain, the technicality and the altitude became a leveller.
Like Kilian, Emelie rounds out another year with a Skyrunner® World Series victory. They are the King and Queen of the ultra Skyrunning world. Mixing raw athletic ability and gift with the animal instincts of an Ibex. They are not unbeatable, but just now, they are both at the top of their game.
Results from ©ISF
Sage struggled with the technical second half favoured by Kilian, closed second in 5h20’27”. Kilian finished a fast 5h09’33”. Manuel Merillas (Mammut), a new young talent from Spain leading the Series, climbed from 4th position at 30 km to finish third in 5h29’20”. Britain’s Tom Owens (Salomon) was an excellent 4th and American Paul Hamilton (The North Face) last year’s race winner, took 5th
Emelie Forsberg was race winner in 6h32’42”. Kasie closed in 6h38’05” and Anna in 6h49’25”. Canadian Ellie Greenwood was 4th and American Hilary Allen, 5th. Series leader, Italian Alessandra Carlini, took 8th.
Ones to watch for 2015:
Rising star, Spanish runner Manuel Merillas fulfilled early season potential as displayed at Transvulcania, Ice Trail Tarentaise, Dolomites Skyrace and Kima with 3rd place. I don’t need to tell you, he is one to watch for the future.
Tom Owens once again came away with another top-5 and confirmed himself as the top British mountain runner in the world. Nobody has pitted themselves against such top quality fields and come away with the goods like Tom. It was a hark back to 2012 when Tom pushed Kilian close on several occasions. 2014 is very much the comeback year after a disastrous 2013 with injury, I can’t help but think that Tom will step up another level in 2015.
Kasie Enman has paved the way for running mums! Sounds a touch corny I know but Kasie returned to top flight running in ‘14’ just 10-months after her 2nd child. We all wondered how it would go… Kasie included. In her first race, Zegama-Aizkorri, Kasie was at the front pushing. We all thought, hold on a minute, that wasn’t the plan. She did eventually succumb to the distance and pressure from ladies behind; however, it was an indicator of what was to come. Race after race, Kasie has improved and recently secured a victory at Trofeo Kima. With 2014 in her system, I am excited to see what 2015 will hold.
Anna (Frosty) Frost needs no introduction and to be honest, Frosty shouldn’t really be in my ‘ones to watch’ as we all know her ability. However, pre May 2014, Frosty had a tough time finding form, health and equilibrium. I am pleased to say after a resounding Transvulcania win and CR, a 2nd at the Skyrunning World Champs, a victory at Speedgoat 50k and now 3rd at The Rut that Frosty is back… watch out ladies in 2015! And Frosty, keep the racing as you have in ‘14’. Less is more.
Finally, Alessandra Carlini has worked real hard in 2014 and did top the ranking. Considering this lady lives on the Italian coast with no mountains to train on, her performances have been excellent. If Alessandra can work on some specific training for 2015 she may well be a force to reckon with.
Skyrunning has blossomed and grown. We only need to look at the ‘Likes’ on the Skyrunning FB page to the explosion that his happening before our eyes. The runners want high and technical. The fans want high and technical and the development and spread of the National Series is showing that Skyrunning is here to stay… it may have been around for 20-years, it’s not our fault that everyone is just catching up. Yes, that was the vision of Marino Giacometti back in ‘89’ when he scaled Monte Rosa.
2015 will soon be here and with it new adventures and new experiences for all.
Less cloud, more sky!
Skyrunner® Ultra Series final results 2014
Men
Women
2nd equal: Anna Frost (Salomon) Kasie Enman (Salomon) – 294 points
It only seems like weeks ago that I was writing a preview for the Skyrunner® World Series first ultra on La Palma: Transvulcania. Here I am, four races done and dusted and the final event looms. It has been quite a year and one that has seen some highs and lows for the runners. Going into the last event, it’s all to fight for both in the ladies and men’s races.
The Rut 50k organised by the Mike’s – Foote and Wolfe will no doubt be a great season closer. These guys have fully understood the needs of Skyrunning event and as such have provided an event that will test each and every runner.
The top-5 men and top-4 ladies currently ranked in the Skyrunner® World Series will go head-to-head in Montana and we look set for an exciting battle. In addition, a plethora of top world talent will also toe the line amongst 500-entrants.
The current rankings have rising star, Manuel Merillas at the head followed by Tom Owens, Kilian Jornet, Sage Canaday and then Fulvio Dapit. For the ladies, Alessandra Carlini tops the table after completing 3-races in the series.
So who is going to win?
Well, I suppose we need to think about 2-scenarios, winning the race and winning the series. For the men, the series will arguably come down to a battle between Jornet and Canaday (I will go for Jornet) and for the ladies, Frost, Enman and Forsberg are the contenders (I will go with Forsberg). Alessandra Carlini of course could potentially win the race… but this is unlikely when one considers the depth.
MEN
Kilian Jornet, do I need to say anymore? He’s won everything other than 2nd at Transvulcania. KJ has set FKT’s, set course records, obliterated Hardrock 100, smashed Trofeo Kima and now The Rut is waiting! Win and Skyrunner® World Series champ.
Sage Canaday ©iancorless.com
Sage Canaday wants to beat Kilian badly, really bad. I don’t mean that in a nasty way, but Sage would love to beat the master of the mountains. Form looks good but I think Sage will fall into the Ellie Greenwood category and may just lack the extra technical skills needed to beat Kilian. Considering the competition, Sage is not guaranteed 2nd (or 1st) for that matter.
Manuel Merillas is just getting better and better. He has been making us take a 2nd look on repeated occasions and his recent 2nd at Kima and closing within 1-minute of Kilian shows the talent is just waiting to be exploited. He will be in the mix for sure.
Tom Owens nearly pulled out of Ice Trail Tarentaise because he thought he was around 15th – 20th. That is until I told him that all the other runners were not in his race… he finished 3rd. Phew! Prior to this, Tom ran a great Transvulcania and just a couple of weeks ago once again ran a great Kima. The Rut will suit Tom and he may just push Sage… podium material!
Adam Campbell is back. After his stunning Hardrock I can’t help but think Adam will mix it up in Montana. I see Tom, Sage and Adam having quite the battle for the podium. Of course, this assumes that Kilian is somewhere down the trail running for victory. If not, this race may well be wide open. Adam is fast, not as fast as Sage but arguably he is better on the technical stuff.
Alex Nichols had a great run at Speedgoat but the rest of his Skyrunning exploits have been below par, especially when one compares to 2013. On paper, The Rut should suit Alex; his combination of speed, endurance and climbing ability is a perfect mix for this course.
Ricky Gates is forever consistent and on his day can compete with the best. I’m not really sure of his current form? He forever seems to be on a road trip taking things relaxed, so, he may well be a surprise package.
Fulvio Dapit is a true mountain runner who is always in the mix. He may not be a podium contender in this field but 4th or 5th are just waiting for him. Just 2-weeks ago Fulvio had a strong run at Kima. His form is good.
Paul Hamilton was 2nd at Speedgoat and I know little else? He was a surprise then and he may well be a surprise at The Rut?
Philipp Reiter is racing but is on his way back from injury. It almost certainly means he won’t have that extra 5-10% needed to be fighting up at the front but somewhere 5th – 10th is a distinct possibility.
Jason Delaney has speed. Will probably stick with Sage and will use his speed to take advantage of the fast sections.
Ones to watch:
Luke Nelson
Oscar Casal Mir
Marc Casal Mir
Galen Burrell
Greg Vollet
Catlow Shipeck
LADIES
Emelie Forsberg has had a tough 2014. Falling at Transvulcania ruined that race. An injured hand from the fall impacted on Zegama and then things clicked with victories at Ice Trail Tarentaise and the 80km in Chamonix. Matterhorn Ultraks didn’t quite go to plan and although Emelie placed 2nd at Trofeo Kima, the race was an emotional rollercoaster after going off course for 1-hour. The emotion showed! For that reason, I see Emelie producing a dominant performance here in Montana. I think she will push hard, unleash the frustrations of Kima and have a dominant win and take the Skyrunner® World Series title.
Kasie Enman has impressed all year. 2014 has been the comeback year after a 2nd child and what a comeback… Kasie has consistently been top-5 and just 2-weeks ago won Kima ahead of Emelie. Have to say, up to marathon distance is where Kasie excels so I see a potential 3rd or 4th here!
Anna Frost smashed Transvulcania and looked awesome. Placing 2nd to Emelie at Chamonix 80k was another top result and I am pleased to say, Frosty has been relatively quiet since. This is great news… after so much injury; this lady finally is picking the races to perform at and not wiping herself out by racing too much. Her solid victory at Speedgoat 50k on paper suggests that The Rut will be a Frosty/ Forsberg showdown. Take your pick!
Ellie Greenwood has speed and talent in buckets but may well lack that extra 10% in technical and climbing ability. Especially in comparison to the ladies listed above. So, I see Ellie in the mix and battling with Kasie for 3rd.
Kaitlin McDonald was 2nd at The Rut last year and therefore gets a nod for a possible top-5. By that I mean 5th! I see the top-4 places going to the ladies above.
Alessandra Carlini has had a great year and run consistently. For someone who lives on the coast with no mountains to train on, she has done amazingly well. In the field though, 5th would be a great result and it would round out a quality 2014 season.
Hilary Allen is not a lady I know but her result at Speedgoat 50k (4th) must make her a one-to-watch here. Like Kaitlin, she may well take 5th, it would take something special to dislodge Forsberg, Frost, Enman or Greenwood from the first 4-places.
Helen Cospolitch has always been a consistent performer but has had a quiet time recently after injury issues. This may well be just an easing back into racing… nice to give her a nod though.
Emily Linton 4th at The Rut last year may well place 6-10th.
Links:
Skyrunning HERE
Rut 50K HERE
******
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The Skyrunner® World Series continues at a pace just 2-weeks after the Skyrunning World Championships where Skyrunners® participated in all three classic disciplines of VK, SKY and ULTRA. Now, attention moves to Italy and the stunning town of Canazei and the amazing Dolomites for a VK and SKY race and to the USA for the ULTRA Speedgoat 50k.
Speedgoat, as the name would suggest was created by Mr Ultra himself, ‘Speedgoat Karl Meltzer. Over the years the event has increased in profile at a pace and this year, once again, sees a quality line up both in the male and female fields.
Located at Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah the 50k weave a route around the mountains offering a tough and sometimes technical day out at altitude.
This is the 3rd edition of the race in the Skyrunner® World Series and it is now also included US Skyrunner® National Series.
Men
Sage Canaday UROC ©iancorless.com
Sage Canaday is returning after setting a course record last year with a time of 5:08. On paper, he has to be the favourite again this year. The combination of runnable terrain and 50k distance suits Sage’s strengths. He will likely go out hard and hold on… he did that last year and it worked, just!
Anton Krupicka, Cavalls del Vent, 2012 ©iancorless.com
Anton Krupicka was hot on Sage’s heels last year and with a couple of wins under his belt in 2014, the most recent at Lavaredo Ultra Trail in Italy, one has to think that Anton may provide a real battle this year (as last year). In reality, 50k is just way too short for Anton. In a recent interview, he told me he only starts to feel good and relaxed after 3-hours. So, expect him to be hovering somewhere in the top-10 early on and then move up.
Alex Nichols Chamonix ©iancorless.com
Alex Nichols may be a surprise on the Speedgoat course and after missing a couple of races with injury; he may well be chomping at the bit for a good run here. In Zegama, thinks didn’t go too well leaving a question mark, however, on this course, with less travel and some decent prep I can’t help but think we will see Alex mix it up. Earlier this year he won Red Hot 55km and set a CR at Greenland 50k. One to watch!
Ricky Gates has just done a stint of pacing for Kilian Jornet at Hardrock 100 and if nothing else, that must make him feel fired up for a great run at Speedgoat. Ricky ran a great race in 2012 when ‘Kilian Gate’ kicked off and the whole switchback debacle. What is important is the time Ricky ran, 5:18. That places him as definite contender for top-5 this year.
Mike Wolfe looked awesome in Chamonix for the Skyrunning World Championship 80k event. Trading blows with eventual 2nd place runner, Francois D’Haene, it looked like ‘Wolfepaw’ was going to make the podium. However, in the latter stages the wheels came off and he placed 8th which for many would be a great result. However, the disappointment was clear leaving Mike with question marks. The questions soon disappeared at the sight of his newborn baby though… it’s all about perspective. Mike is a class act and he will be in the mix.
Luke Nelson placed 6th last year but he was well over 30-minutes back from Sage Canaday. Considering Luke’s record and his ability over longer races (recently won Bighorn 100) he has the technical skill set to run well at Speedgoat but may well lack the speed to keep up with the front of the race, so, top-5 would be a great result.
We can also expect to see Jorge Maravilla mixing it up and potentially Hal Koerner but it may be a little too short for Hal
Ladies
Anna Frost won with Speedgoat with 6:26 in 2012 and as we all know had a prolonged period of injury and illness afterwards. Her return to form at Transvulcania La Palma and not only winning the race, but also setting a new CR was nothing less than miraculous. Frosty seems to have the ‘love’ for running back and as we all know, when you have that, the miles fly along. A recent 2nd to Emelie Forsberg at the Skyrunning World Championships shows the form is still primed and ready to be unleashed on the Speedgoat course. Like Ricky, Frosty must also feel inspired after pacing Kilian to that Hardrock record. But Frosty won’t have an easy ride…
Ellie Greenwood was missing for much of 2013 with injury but she is back and running strong. Ellie has the outright speed to win Speedgoat but may well lack some of the technical attributes of Frosty, so, that makes for an interesting battle. Ellie’s recent win at Comrades was incredible and I think we will see something special on this course.
Kasie Enman was flying at Zegama-Aizkorri and that was after a red-eye flight, no sleep and jet lagged. Powering up the climbs in the lead, we thought a surprise win was on the cards. It wasn’t to be, the fatigue hit in the latter stages and she placed 5th. Kasie is on the comeback trail after having a baby and I can’t help but think she will get stronger and stronger. Kasie’s performances at the Skyrunning World Championships were creditable but not reflective of her ability. Kasie’s 4th in the SKY race shows the improvements are coming and the podium at Speedgoat may be in her grasp.
Tina Lewis may well be a dark horse! Tina has been away from racing for sometime and although entered in several races in 2014, she was a no show. However, her daily exploits on Facebook are inspiring and if she can bring it all together on race day, I think we will see a potential top-5?
Other ladies to watch who will mix it up with the front:
Kerrie Bruxvoort, Ashley Arnold, Bethany Lewis, Joelle Vaught and of course so many more…
Skrunning HERE
Speedgoat 50k website HERE
1118 runners toed the line for the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships 80km Ultra in the endurance capital of the world, Chamonix.
Departing at 0400 the race followed the original route in contrast to last years race, which was modified due to the presence of snow at high-points.
Blue skies welcomed each and every runner and allowed an opportunity for everyone to view the splendor of this tough, technical and remarkable route. A total distance of 83.7km and 6000m of positive gain was always going to provide a male and female champion of the highest quality.
At La Flégère (km16), Transvulcania La Palma winner, Luis Alberto Hernando (SPA) was leading followed by Mike Wolfe (USA) and the winner of the 2013 edition, François D’Haene (FRA). Luis-Alberto took the bull by the horns and pushed ahead and by the Col des Montets (23km) had a lead of 5-minutes.
Luis Alberto continued to push and at Emosson dam (km32) the Spaniard had opened a convincing lead that he would continue to hold all the way to the line. However, Francois d’Haene tried everything he possibly could to close the gap. In the end, the margin was reduced to 4-mins making it a remarkably close finish.
François gave us the story of the head of the race, ‘Luis Alberto produced a great performance. He is strong on the short distance; I am stronger on longer distances. At Montenvers (km75) after getting cramps, I gave everything in the last run to the line and I gained a little time. I am very happy about my race, this course is amazing.’
Behind the 2-lead men, Mike Wolfe faded opening the doorway to the rising stars of the Southern Hemisphere; Ben Duffus (3rd), Blake Hose (6th) and Caine Warburton (9th). Clement Petitjean placed 4th after a consistently strong performance all day.
Emelie Forsberg (SWE) put early season disappointments behind her and started the World Championship event from the front and never looked back. Producing a master-class in endurance running, Emelie crossed the line in Chamonix and was crowned female Skyrunning World Champion in 12-hours 38-minutes.
Anna Frost on a roll from her Transvulcania La Palma victory confirmed that she is back with an excellent second place, 8-minutes behind her Salomon teammate.
Magdaléna Laczack (POL) was in contention all-day and produced a stand out performance to place 3rd lady ahead of Maud Gobert (FRA).
Tiredness, fatigue and endurance accompanied by magnificent landscapes and panoramic views. This is the magic and the essence of the Skyrunning World Championships.
Podium of the Mont-Blanc 80k, World Championship ultra-marathon Skyrunning
Men
1 – Luis Alberto Hernando (ESP) : 10:25:52
2 – François d’Haene (FRA) : 10:29:33
3 – Ben Duffus (AUS) : 10:52:33
Women
1 – Emilie Forsberg (NOR) : 12:38 :49
2 – Anna Frost (NZ) : 12:46:52
3 – Magdalena Laczak (PL) : 12:58:51
Transvulcania La Palma 2014 is now available to view for International viewers
Film by Dreamteam Television
Lauri van Houten, Executive Director for the ISF gives us the low down on who will be participating in the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships to be held in Chamonix on June 27-29.
Even before getting off the ground, the events were an immediate sell-out when they went online last October with a record number of requests. Since then, the world’s best runners and teams have submitted their entries, which we announce here.
No less than nine Skyrunner® World Series Champions will take part, headed by superstars, Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg, Luis Alberto Hernando, Tofol Castanyer, Stevie Kremer, Nuria Picas, Urban Zemmer, Agustì Roc, Laura Orguè.
Out of the ISF Top 20 World Ranking:
– 15 athletes will compete in the Sky distance, 14 in the Ultra and 17 in the Vertical.
Many more world-class names will be competing over the three distances – winners from top skyrunning events, from trail running races, and mountain running….they will all be here to compete in the magic arena that is Mont Blanc. 3,400 athleteswill participate in the three Skyrunning World Championships disciplines with a total of 6,500 runners overall in the weekend’s events.
In the previous World Championships held in 2010, the country ranking was headed by Italy, followed by Spain and Francecounting 13 nations. Four years on and the country participation has more than doubled, with 28 nations taking part.
Certainly Spain is the all-out favourite, with France and Italy close behind. With the rapid development of the sport and new countries emerging, the picture could soon change. Strong competition is forecast from Great Britain and new entries Norwayand the Czech Republic for example, will no doubt make their mark.
Spain: Kilian Jornet, Luis Alberto Hernando, Tofol Castanyer, Nuria Picas, Laura Orguè, Uxue Fraille, Maite Maiora, Agustì Roc, Iker Karrera, Artiz Egea, Jokin Lizeaga, Nuria Dominguez…
France: The host country with the biggest field of participants. Where to begin?
Francois D’Haenne, Michel Lanne, Xavier Thevenard – respectively 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 80K last year; Christel Dewalle, Mathéo Jacquemoud, Alexis Sevennec, William Bon Mardion, Thibault Baronian, Axelle Mollaret Stephanie Jimenez, Maud Gobert, Mikael Paséro…
Italy: Urban Zemmer, Antonella Confortola, Silvia Serafini, Elisa Desco, Tadei Pivk, brothers Bernard and Martin Dematteis EAA champions, Marco Moletto, 2010 World Champion Nicola Golinelli, Federica Boifava…
Great Britain: Tom Owens and Andy Symonds are back racing after a year off joined by Ricky Lightfoot and Tessa Hill.
New Zealand: Anna Frost, Jonathan Wyatt and Ruby Muir. After her recent Transvulcania victory, Anna is back in great shape after a difficult year.
USA: 2013 Sky Series champion Stevie Kremer, 2011 WMRA champion Kasie Enman, Alex Nichols, Cameron Claytonand Ultra running icon Mike Wolfe.
Andorra: the consistently strong Teixido and Casal brothers.
Canada: Land of great distances and Ultra runners: Tina Lewis, Jason Loutit, and Adam Campbell.
Robust teams will participate from Japan with Dai Matsumoto and Torhu Myahara; from the Czech Republic starring Anna Straka (Pichrtova), five-time winner at Sierre-Zinal, and Robert Krupicka.
From Brazil, ultra runner Fernanda Maciel; from Switzerland Marc Lauenstein and Candide Gabioud among others.
Completing the ISF member countries participating with teams will be Greece, Poland and Russia and, for the first time in an international skyrunning competition: Australia, China, Netherlands, Portugal and South Africa.
Top runners from other countries are headed by Romanian Ionut Zinca, ranked 2nd behind Kilian in the Sky distance, and include Germany’s Philipp Reiter, Florian Neuschwander and Florian Reichert. Interestingly, strong competition is coming from a number of countries new to skyrunning. Norway is showing great promise and will offer strong competition in the Vertical and Sky categories with talent like Thorbjørn Ludvigsen and Eirik Haugsnes who, in just one year, have made their mark in the sport.
Sweden will support Emelie Forsberg, at the head of both the 2013 Sky and Ultra ranking, with a team. Countries stretching across the world from Ecuador to Nepal complete the picture of a truly international championship.
Overall, 46 athletes ranked in the top 20 across the three disciplines will take part – a historic first. The 2014 Championships represent the first time the Ultra distance will be disputed.
Some numbers for the record:
• 9 Skyrunner® World Series Champions
• 28 national teams
• 38 countries participating
• 46 top 20 ranked athletes
• 3,400 participants in the thee disciplines
• 25,000 euros cash prizes
Individual world titles are at stake in each discipline as well as a combined title, based on the best results of two out of three races. Countries will be ranked according to the best results of three men and one woman in all three disciplines.
€ 25,000 cash prizes will be awarded and anti-doping controls will be carried out.
On the launch of the announcement, Marino Giacometti, ISF President, commented: “We’re proud to present the World Championships in Chamonix and, with the support of the Club des Sport, we’re confident the events will be a perfect showcase for skyrunning and draw the best athletes in the world for some intense competition.”
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Episode 61 of Talk Ultra – Anna Frost tells us all about the incredible comeback at Transvulcania, isla de La Palma. Rickey Gates talks running in the UK with Scott Jurek and the Bob Graham Round. Eirik D Haugsnes discusses his 2014 season and Emelie Forsberg is back in smilesandmiles with a sore hand. Michael de Haast, race director for the Salomon Skyrun in South Africa talks us through the course and tells us about a great opportunity. The News, a Blog, Up and Coming Races and our favourite, Pocket Rocket, Stevie Kremer co-hosts the show.
Thames Path 100
The North Face 100 Australia | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
The North Face 50 Australia | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Glasshouse 50 | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
Glasshouse 80 | 80 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
The Great Wheelbarrow Race – Mareeba to Dimbulah | 104 kilometers | May 16, 2014 | website
Über Drüber UltraMarathon | 63 kilometers | May 29, 2014 | website
Trail du Hussard | 50 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
The Last Secret | 200 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website
Blackfoot Ultra 100KM | 100 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Blackfoot Ultra 50 Km | 50 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Blackfoot Ultra 50 Miler | 50 miles | May 24, 2014 | website
Ragnar Relay Niagara Ontario | 192 miles | May 30, 2014 | website
Sulphur Springs 100 Mile Trail Run | 100 miles | May 24, 2014 | website
Sulphur Springs 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Sulphur Springs 50 Mile Trail Run | 50 miles | May 24, 2014 | website
Lionheart Run | 80 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
M.E.T.R. 60km | 60 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
NUTS Karhunkierros Trail Ultra – 160 km | 160 kilometers | May 16, 2014 | website
NUTS Karhunkierros Trail Ultra – 53 km | 53 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
NUTS Karhunkierros Trail Ultra – 80 km | 80 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
La Promenade du Bûcheron | 70 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Trail de Haute Provence – Ultra | 72 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
100 km de Peynier | 100 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Roscoff To Roscoff | 57 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Tour du Canton de Fronsac 60 km | 60 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
Le Puy-en-Velay (Hte Loire) – Conques (Aveyron) : du 23 au 27 mai 2013 | 210 kilometers | May 22, 2014 | website
Trail des Marcaires | 53 kilometers | May 25, 2014 | website
6666 Occitane | 105 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website
Grand Raid Occitan | 165 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website
Hérault Trail | 73 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Ultra Draille | 120 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
100 km de Steenwerck | 100 kilometers | May 28, 2014 | website
Euskal Trails – Ultra Trail | 130 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website
Trail des Villages | 80 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website
Trail Gourmand | 50 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website
Grand Raid 73 | 73 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Tour du Pays de Caux | 88 kilometers | May 28, 2014 | website
Trail du Pays de Bray – 55 km | 55 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
Trail du Donjon – 50 km | 52 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Grand Raid Dentelles Ventoux 100 km | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Grand Raid Dentelles Ventoux 56 km | 56 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Oxfam Trailwalker France | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Trail des Cerfs – 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
Black Forest Trail Maniak 100K Masters | 100 kilometers | May 22, 2014 | website
Black Forest Trail Maniak 100M Superior | 100 miles | May 22, 2014 | website
EulenburgTrail 100 Meilen | 100 miles | May 30, 2014 | website
EulenburgTrail 96 km | 96 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website
Westerwaldlauf 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 29, 2014 | website
Lauf zwischen den Meeren | 94 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Steinburg – Ultra – Marathon 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 29, 2014 | website
GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf Super Marathon | 72 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Nove Colli Running | 202 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Trail Alta Val Nure | 53 kilometers | May 25, 2014 | website
100km del Passatore | 100 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Oxfam Trailwalker Japan | 100 kilometers | May 16, 2014 | website
Mararathon International des Cèdres | 90 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Mount Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon | 60 kilometers | May 29, 2014 | website
UltraRun van Gieten 50 kilometer | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Romerike 100 | 100 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Romerike 200 | 200 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Vestfold Ultra Challenge 50 Km | 50 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Vestfold Ultra Challenge 50 Miles | 50 miles | May 24, 2014 | website
Jungle Ultra | 220 kilometers | May 16, 2014 | website
Ultra Trail de São Mamede | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls | 185 kilometers | May 16, 2014 | website
Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls Costa Nord | 100 kilometers | May 16, 2014 | website
Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls Costa Sud | 985 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Quixote Legend | 166 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website
Ultra Trail Coll de Nargo | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
CSP-115 | 118 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
MIM Marató i Mitja | 63 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Bielersee Ultra-Marathon | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Bielersee XXL 100 Meilen | 100 miles | May 16, 2014 | website
Trail Vallée de Joux – 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
Grand Union Canal Race | 145 miles | May 24, 2014 | website
Old County Tops Fell Race | 37 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Coastal Trail Series – Flete – Ultra | 35 miles | May 25, 2014 | website
Forces March | 131 miles | May 21, 2014 | website
Len Medlock Memorial Lincoln to Boston Challenge | 32 miles | May 25, 2014 | website
Hardmoors 160 ‘The Ring Of Steele’ | 160 miles | May 23, 2014 | website
Hardmoors Ultra 110 | 110 miles | May 24, 2014 | website
Cateran 55 Mile Ultra | 55 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
North Downs Way 50 | 50 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Wessex Ridgeway Relay | 100 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
Grand Canyon 100 Mile | 100 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Grand Canyon 50K | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Grand Canyon 50 Mile | 50 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Bishop High Sierra Ultramarathons – 100K | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Bishop High Sierra Ultramarathons – 50K | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Bishop High Sierra Ultramarathons – 50 Miles | 50 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Born to Run 100K Trail Run | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Born to Run 100M Trail Run | 100 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Born to Run 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
DRTE 100K | 100 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website
DRTE 100 Mile | 101 miles | May 30, 2014 | website
Horseshoe Lake 50K | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
Nanny Goat 100M Trail | 100 miles | May 24, 2014 | website
Ohlone Wilderness 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
The Divide 135 Ultra | 135 miles | May 16, 2014 | website
Keys 100 Mile | 100 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Keys 50 Mile Race | 50 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Wickham Park 100 Mile Fun Run | 100 miles | May 25, 2014 | website
Wickham Park 200 Mile Fun Run | 200 miles | May 25, 2014 | website
Wickham Park 50 Mile Fun Run | 50 miles | May 25, 2014 | website
Cruel Jewel 100 | 100 miles | May 16, 2014 | website
Cruel Jewel 50 Mile Race | 50 miles | May 16, 2014 | website
Rogue Yeti 50K Run | 50 kilometers | May 23, 2014 | website
Rogue Yeti 50 Mile Run | 50 miles | May 23, 2014 | website
Run for the Heroes – 260 Mile Run Across Georgia | 260 miles | May 21, 2014 | website
Tryon Farm Trail 50K Run | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Pineland Farms 50K Trail | 50 kilometers | May 25, 2014 | website
Pineland Farms 50 Mile Trail | 50 miles | May 25, 2014 | website
Savage 100 | 100 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Spring Superior Trail 50 k | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Berryman 50 Miles | 50 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
G.O.A.T.z Gravel Classic 60k | 60 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Silver State 50K | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Silver State 50-Miler | 50 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Jemez Mountain Trail Runs 50K | 50 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Jemez Mountain Trail Runs 50-Mile | 50 miles | May 24, 2014 | website
Lower Hudson Hundred Kilometer | 100 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Playin’ Possum 50k | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
TrailFactor 50k | 50 kilometers | May 26, 2014 | website
Dirty German 50K | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
Dirty German 50 Miles | 50 miles | May 18, 2014 | website
Long Cane 50K Ultra Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website
Rock/Creek Thunder Rock 100 Mile Trail Race | 100 miles | May 16, 2014 | website
PEAK Ultra Marathon – 100 Miles | 100 miles | May 22, 2014 | website
PEAK Ultra Marathon – 150 Miles | 150 miles | May 21, 2014 | website
PEAK Ultra Marathon – 200 Miles | 200 miles | May 20, 2014 | website
PEAK Ultra Marathon – 50K+ | 50 kilometers | May 22, 2014 | website
PEAK Ultra Marathon – 50 miles | 50 miles | May 22, 2014 | website
Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run | 100 miles | May 17, 2014 | website
Pigtails 100 Mile Challenge | 100 miles | May 24, 2014 | website
Pigtails 150 Mile Challenge | 150 miles | May 23, 2014 | website
Pigtails 200 Mile Challenge | 200 miles | May 22, 2014 | website
Soaring Eagle 10 M Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Soaring Eagle 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website
Sun Mountain 50K | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website
Sun Mountain 50M | 50 miles | May 18, 2014 | website
Rocky Mountain 50k | 50 kilometers | May 25, 2014 | website
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Website – talkultra.com
To celebrate Anna FROSTY Frosts incredible comeback race and new course record at the 2014 Skyrunning Transvulcania La Palma, we have her own signed Transvulcania La Palma T-Shirt to give away.
Signed by Frosty the day after the race, this T-shirt will be available for 1-person who can provide the correct answer to the questions below:
You need to use the respond form to this post and only correct answers via this method will be added to a hat; the winner will be drawn on June 1st.
IAN CORLESS 