Talk Ultra needs your help!We have set up a Patreon page and we are offering some great benefits for Patrons… you can even join us on the show! This is the easiest way to support Talk Ultra and help us continue to create!Many thanks to our Patrons who have helped via PATREON
Tag Archives: Karl Meltzer
Episode 180 – Christmas Show with Speedgoat Karl, Zach Bitter and Beth Pascall
Episode 175 – Emelie Forsberg and Shane Benzie
Episode 167 – Camille Herron and Tyler Curley
Episode 161 – Damian Hall, Neal Collick and David Laney
Talk Ultra needs your help!We have set up a Patreon page and we are offering some great benefits for Patrons… you can even join us on the show! This is the easiest way to support Talk Ultra and help us continue to create!Many thanks to our Patrons who have helped via PATREON
Episode 158 – Forsberg, Symonds, Gerardi and Grant
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Episode 154 – Ryan Sandes, Elisabet Barnes, Ultra Mirage, Keely Henninger
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On 1 March 2018, South African trail runners Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel bravely set out to establish a new FKT along compatriot Andrew Porter’s roughly 1400km GHT Route across the Himalayas from Hilsa to Pashupatinagar in Nepal, combining the Great Himalaya Trails High Route and Lower Cultural Route. With the previous FKT on this route standing at 28 days, 13 hours and 56 mins the two smashed the record – with 4 days to spare.
***
“This has been the biggest adventure of my life, but incredibly challenging at the same time, especially mentally to just keep going day in and day out for so long,” exclaimed Sandes at the final checkpoint.
***
“Traversing any of The Great Himalaya Trails has always been a dream of mine There were so many ups and downs along the route that we could never have anticipated but I’m so stoked we pushed on and made it through. Alongside my win at Western States 100 last year, this has to be one of my biggest sporting accomplishments to date!”
***
The attempt saw Sandes and Griesel traverse heavily snow-covered mountains and experience some incredibly extreme weather conditions that were unusual for this time of the year along the way. They suffered frost-bitten fingers, serious tummy bugs, breathing difficulties and a couple of near death experiences. A constant on the route, however, was the incredibly welcoming spirit of the Nepalese people who truly embody the spirit of Namaste, and welcomed the both of them into their homes.
***
“We were the first people to cross the Dolpa region since the start of winter, which made the going very difficult to navigate and very slow,” commented Griesel. “I had to keep taking my gloves off to read the maps and managed to get terrible frost bite on my fingers, which has been painful. One of the villages on our map in that region, a spot where we had hoped to get accommodation, was completely deserted. I honestly believe that if we hadn’t come across a monk and monastery that night we would have frozen to death outside.”
***
Sandes echoed Griesel’s sentiment: “The Nepalese people were amazing! We knocked on their doors late at night, two filthy dirty South Africans, who speak very little Nepalese, and they not only welcomed us into their homes without hesitation, but they have also gave us their beds and gone to sleep at neighbours so that we have accommodation!” says Sandes. “It has been humbling to meet these incredible people. I doubt anyone back home would have opened their homes to strangers as easily as the Nepalse citizens we met along the way have to us.”
***
The pair were thrown another curveball when the route they had plotted prior to leaving for the attempt, in fact turned out to be almost 200km longer than they had previously anticipated.
“The maps on the computer tend to flatten out the track quite a bit as it obviously doesn’t drop a point every single meter, so the distance you work out on the computer is actually a lot shorter than what it is really measured at,” noted Griesel. “What we experienced on the ground was far more brutal that what we had plotted out on the computer, but it was all part of the adventure.”
***
“We would like to thank the trail running community for their incredible support in the lead up to and throughout our FKT record attempt,” said Sandes. “It has been great to read all of the messages of encouragement and support. And to the Nepalese people, we can never say thank you enough for your incredible hospitality and friendliness, there is definitely no other place on earth like Nepal.”
- Badger Mountain Challenge
50 Mile Ultramarathon
North America / USA / Pacific / Washington / Kennewick
2018-03-30
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSoloMore info - Badger Mountain Challenge
100 Mile Endurance Run
North America / USA / Pacific / Washington / Kennewick
2018-03-30
Ultramarathon
MountainUTMB QualifierTrailRunningSoloMore info - Great Barrow Challenge – Spring Quad
Ultra – Day 1
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Suffolk / Bury St Edmunds
2018-03-30
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - 24 hores del Cap de Creus
Ultra
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Catalonia / Llança
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailWalkingSoloMore info - 24 hores del Cap de Creus
Half
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Catalonia / Llança
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailWalkingSoloMore info - Badger Mountain Challenge
50k Ultramarathon
North America / USA / Pacific / Washington / Kennewick
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSoloMore info - Fools 50K & 25K Trail Run
Fools 50K
North America / USA / East North Central / Ohio / Peninsula
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMultiple loopsSoloMore info - Georgia Death Race
North America / USA / South Atlantic / Georgia / Vogel State Park
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
Western States QualifierTrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon
Glasgow – Edinburgh Double Marathon
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / Scotland / Glasgow City / Glasgow
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
RoadRunningSoloMore info - Great Barrow Challenge – Spring Quad
Ultra – Day 2
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Suffolk / Bury St Edmunds
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Maidenwell Marathon Weekend
56 km
Oceania / Australia and New Zealand / Australia / Queensland / Maidenwell
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Manx Mountain Marathon & Half Manx Mountain Marathon
Manx Mountain Marathon
Europe / Northern Europe / Isle of Man / Ramsey
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Nord Eifel Ultra – Oster
Nord Eifel Ultra
Europe / Western Europe / Germany / North Rhine-Westphalia / Düren
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
RunningHillyMore info - Old Goats 50 Mile Trail Race
50 Mile
North America / USA / Pacific / California / Cleveland National Forest
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Old Goats 50 Mile Trail Race
50K
North America / USA / Pacific / California / Cleveland National Forest
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon
Africa / Southern Africa / South Africa / Cape Town
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
RoadRunningMore info - San Jose Trail Run
50km
North America / USA / Pacific / California / San Jose
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Tanana River Challenge
Tanana River Challenge 45 Mile
North America / USA / Pacific / Alaska / Fairbanks
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
SnowTrailRunningHillySoloMore info - The John Muir Way Ultra Marathon
2x25K Relay
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / Scotland / East Lothian / Dunbar
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningRelayMore info - The John Muir Way Ultra Marathon
50K
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / Scotland / East Lothian / Dunbar
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - VALENCIA Trail Race
50K Ultra
North America / USA / Pacific / California / 29889, San Francisquito Canyon Road
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Wild Horse Criterium
55 km
Oceania / Australia and New Zealand / Australia / Queensland / Beerburrum
2018-03-31
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Grand Trail Stevenson
66 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Languedoc-Roussillon / Lozère / Florac
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Great Barrow Challenge – Spring Quad
Ultra – Day 3
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Suffolk / Bury St Edmunds
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - La voie Romaine
44 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Burgundy / Côte-d’Or / Sombernon
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Medianitrail
49 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Lorraine / Vosges / Moyenmoutier
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Millevaches Monédières Raidlight Trail
Olympic Trail des Bruyères
Europe / Western Europe / France / Limousin / Corrèze / Treignac
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Millevaches Monédières Raidlight Trail
45 km Relais
Europe / Western Europe / France / Limousin / Corrèze / Treignac
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
RunningRelayMore info - Signes Trail
La Trace des Montrieux
Europe / Western Europe / France / Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur / Var / Signes
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
UTMB QualifierTrailRunningSoloMore info - Trail des Citadelles
Trail des Citadelles – 54 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Midi-Pyrénées / Ariège / Lavelanet
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningMore info - Trail des Citadelles
Trail des Citadelles – 70 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Midi-Pyrénées / Ariège / Lavelanet
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
MountainUTMB QualifierTrailRunningMore info - Trail Hillion
Le Grand Tra Hillion duo
Europe / Western Europe / France / Brittany / Côtes-d’Armor / Hillion
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Trail Hillion
Le Grand Tra Hillion
Europe / Western Europe / France / Brittany / Côtes-d’Armor / Hillion
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Trail La Voie Romaine
44 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Burgundy / Côte-d’Or / Sombernon
2018-04-01
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Great Barrow Challenge – Spring Quad
Ultra – Day 4
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Suffolk / Bury St Edmunds
2018-04-02
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Liverpool to Manchester Ultra
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Liverpool / liverpool
2018-04-02
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Ultra Fiord
Ultra Fiord 50K
South America / Chile / Puerto Natales
2018-04-03
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSoloMore info - Ultra Fiord
Ultra Fiord 50K Duo
South America / Chile / Puerto Natales
2018-04-03
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningRelayMore info - Super Awesome! Day One
50K
North America / USA / West North Central / Missouri / Sikeston
2018-04-04
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Beyond Limits Ultra and BLU Relentless
Beyond Limits Ultra and BLU Relentless 50K
North America / USA / Pacific / California / Mountain Center
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningMore info - Beyond Limits Ultra and BLU Relentless
Beyond Limits Ultra and BLU Relentless 100 Miler
North America / USA / Pacific / California / Mountain Center
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningMore info - Beyond Limits Ultra and BLU Relentless
Beyond Limits Ultra and BLU Relentless 50 Miler
North America / USA / Pacific / California / Mountain Center
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningMore info - Potawatomi Trail Runs
200 Miler
North America / USA / East North Central / Illinois / Pekin
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillyMultiple loopsSoloMore info - Potawatomi Trail Runs
50 Miler
North America / USA / East North Central / Illinois / Pekin
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillyMultiple loopsSoloMore info - Potawatomi Trail Runs
150 Miler
North America / USA / East North Central / Illinois / Pekin
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillyMultiple loopsSoloMore info - Potawatomi Trail Runs
30 Miler
North America / USA / East North Central / Illinois / Pekin
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
Night RaceTrailRunningHillyMultiple loopsSoloMore info - Potawatomi Trail Runs
100 Miler
North America / USA / East North Central / Illinois / Pekin
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillyMultiple loopsSoloMore info - Super Awesome! Arkansas Edition
50K
North America / USA / West South Central / Arkansas / Jonesboro
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Ultra Fiord
Ultra Fiord 70K
South America / Chile / Puerto Natales
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSoloMore info - Ultra Fiord
Ultra Fiord 100M
South America / Chile / Puerto Natales
2018-04-05
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSoloMore info - Down Under 135
Oceania / Australia and New Zealand / Australia / Victoria / Bacchus Marsh
2018-04-06
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - LXVII Milhas Romanas
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Extremadura / Mérida
2018-04-06
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - LXVII Milhas Romanas
XXX Millas Romanas
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Extremadura / Mérida
2018-04-06
Ultramarathon
RunningSoloMore info - Patagonia Run
100k
South America / Argentina / San Martín de los Andes
2018-04-06
Ultramarathon
Western States QualifierTrailRunningSoloMore info - Patagonia Run
100Mi
South America / Argentina / San Martín de los Andes
2018-04-06
Ultramarathon
Western States QualifierTrailRunningSoloMore info - Ragnar Relay So Cal
North America / USA / Pacific / California / Huntington Beach
2018-04-06
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Super Awesome! Tennessee Edition
50K
North America / USA / East South Central / Tennessee / West
2018-04-06
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Ultra Fiord
Ultra Fiord 100K
South America / Chile / Puerto Natales
2018-04-06
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSoloMore info - American River 50-mile Endurance Run
50 Miles
North America / USA / Pacific / California / Sacramento
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningPoint to PointSoloMore info - Bergen Maratonkarusellen no3
Bergen Maratonkarusellen no3 – 1 1/2 Marathon
Europe / Northern Europe / Norway / Bergen
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Bergen Maratonkarusellen no3
Bergen Maratonkarusellen no3 – Ultra 100km
Europe / Northern Europe / Norway / Bergen
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Brazos Bend 50
100K
North America / USA / West South Central / Texas / Needville
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningFlatSoloMore info - Brazos Bend 50
50 Mile
North America / USA / West South Central / Texas / Needville
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningFlatSoloMore info - Brazos Bend 50
50K
North America / USA / West South Central / Texas / Needville
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningFlatSoloMore info - Bull Run Run 50 Mile
North America / USA / South Atlantic / Virginia / Clifton
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - BVG Trail
Europe / Southern Europe / Italy / Lombardy / Salò BS
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSoloMore info - BVG Trail
BVG Marathon +
Europe / Southern Europe / Italy / Lombardy / Salò BS
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSoloMore info - Coastal Trail Series – Exmoor
Coastal Trail Series – Exmoor – Ultra
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Devon / Exmoor National Park
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
UTMB QualifierTrailRunningMore info - Enkarterri Extrem Trails
Maratón Trail
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Basque Country / Zaramillo
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMountainMore info - Enkarterri Extrem Trails
Ultra Trail
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Basque Country / Zaramillo
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMountainMore info - Enkarterri Extrem Trails
Long Trail
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Basque Country / Zaramillo
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMountainMore info - Hells Hills Trail Run
50 mile
North America / USA / West South Central / Texas / Smithville
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Hells Hills Trail Run
50 km
North America / USA / West South Central / Texas / Smithville
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Inatel Piódão Trail Running
50 km
Europe / Southern Europe / Portugal / Inatel Piódão
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailWalkingSoloMore info - Jabulani Challenge
Jabulani Challenge 45 km
Oceania / Australia and New Zealand / Australia / New South Wales / Lindfield
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Kielder Ultra Trail
80 km
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Northumberland / Kielder
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Kielder Ultra Trail
100 km
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Northumberland / Kielder
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Kielder Ultra Trail
50 km
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Northumberland / Kielder
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Le Grand Défi des Vosges
Le Défi des Seigneurs
Europe / Western Europe / France / Alsace / Bas-Rhin / Niederbronn-les-Bains
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSoloMore info - Marató de la Fageda
Marató
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Catalonia / Fageda
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningSingle loopSoloMore info - Marató de la Fageda
Trail la Fageda
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Catalonia / Fageda
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
MountainUTMB QualifierTrailRunningSingle loopSoloMore info - Ozark Foothills 50K/25K
50K
North America / USA / West North Central / Missouri / Wildwood
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Patagonia Run
70k
South America / Argentina / San Martín de los Andes
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Rockin K Trail Runs
Rocking K Trail 50 Mile Run
North America / USA / West North Central / Kansas / Kanopolis State Park, Marquette
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Shotgun Trail Blast
50K
North America / USA / Pacific / Oregon / Marcola
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningFlatMultiple loopsSoloMore info - South Downs Way 50
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / East Sussex / Eastbourne
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
UTMB QualifierTrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Squak Mountain Trail Runs
50K
North America / USA / Pacific / Washington / Issaquah
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Super Awesome! Kentucky Edition
50K
North America / USA / East South Central / Kentucky / Paducah
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Tar Springs Ranch Ultra
50k Run/Walk/Hike
North America / USA / Pacific / California / Arroyo Grande
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
RoadRunningMore info - The ONER
The ONER Half Day Section
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Dorset / Lyme Regis
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillySoloMore info - The ONER
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / England / Dorset / Lyme Regis
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
UTMB QualifierTrailRunningSoloMore info - Trail de l’Aber-Wrac’h
Alternative Race
Europe / Western Europe / France / Brittany / Finistère / Le Folgoët
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Trail des 2 Rivieres
60 km
Africa / Eastern Africa / Réunion / Saint-Joseph
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Trail des 2 Rivieres
60 km Relais
Africa / Eastern Africa / Réunion / Saint-Joseph
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningRelayMore info - Ultramarathon des Ziban
Africa / Northern Africa / Algeria / Biskra
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
DesertRoadRunningSoloMore info - Ultra Trail Barcelona
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Catalonia / Begues
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
MountainUTMB QualifierTrailRunningMore info - Ultra Trail Barcelona
Long Trail Barcelona
Europe / Southern Europe / Spain / Catalonia / Begues
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
MountainUTMB QualifierTrailRunningMore info - Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run
50 Mile
North America / USA / South Atlantic / North Carolina / Raleigh
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
RunningSoloMore info - Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run
100 Mile
North America / USA / South Atlantic / North Carolina / Raleigh
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
Western States QualifierTrailRunningSoloMore info - Vale of Glamorgan Coastal Ultra Challenge
Full Course
Europe / Northern Europe / United Kingdom / Wales / Penarth
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Woodside Crossover /Purisima Creek Crossover
50K
North America / USA / Pacific / California / Woodside
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Yamacraw 50k/10k
Yamacraw 50k
North America / USA / East South Central / Kentucky / Stearns
2018-04-07
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - 3 Waters Running Festival
3 Waters 50km Ultra Marathon
Oceania / Australia and New Zealand / Australia / Western Australia / Bunbury
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Brew to Brew Relay
Solo
North America / USA / West North Central / Missouri / Kansas City
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Cape Cod Trail Race
50K
North America / USA / New England / Massachusetts / East Falmouth
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Le Grand Défi des Vosges
Europe / Western Europe / France / Alsace / Bas-Rhin / Niederbronn-les-Bains
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Les Terrasses du Lodévois
45 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Languedoc-Roussillon / Hérault / Lodève
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Mad City Ultras
100K
North America / USA / East North Central / Wisconsin / Madison
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
RoadRunningMultiple loopsSoloMore info - Mad City Ultras
50K
North America / USA / East North Central / Wisconsin / Madison
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
RoadRunningMultiple loopsSoloMore info - Mad City Ultras
50K Relay
North America / USA / East North Central / Wisconsin / Madison
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
RoadRunningMultiple loopsRelayMore info - Mount Buller Skyrun
Mount Buller Skyrun 45 km
Oceania / Australia and New Zealand / Australia / Victoria / Mirimbah
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
MountainTrailRunningMore info - Mt Solitary Ultra
Oceania / Australia and New Zealand / Australia / New South Wales / Wentworth Falls
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillyMore info - Super Awesome! Illinois Edition
50K
North America / USA / East North Central / Illinois / Metropolis
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
RunningMore info - Super Trail Nantais
Europe / Western Europe / France / Pays de la Loire / Loire-Atlantique / Nantes
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningSoloMore info - Super Trail Nantais
Super Trail Nantais (relais)
Europe / Western Europe / France / Pays de la Loire / Loire-Atlantique / Nantes
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningRelayMore info - Trail de l’Aber-Wrac’h
Trail Extrême Duo 55 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Brittany / Finistère / Le Folgoët
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningRelayMore info - Trail de l’Aber-Wrac’h
Trail Extrême 55 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Brittany / Finistère / Le Folgoët
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Trail delle Valli Etrusche
Ultratrail delle Valli Etrusche
Europe / Southern Europe / Italy / Tuscany / Castiglion Fiorentino
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Trail des 2 Amants
53 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Upper Normandy / Eure / Pîtres
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
UTMB QualifierTrailRunningMore info - Trail des Reculées
Les Laves
Europe / Western Europe / France / Franche Comté / Jura / Lons-le-Saunier
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningHillySoloMore info - Trail du Josas
50 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Ile de France / Yvelines / Jouy-en-Josas
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Trail So Bugey
44 km
Europe / Western Europe / France / Rhône-Alpes / Ain / Lhuis
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Trail So Bugey
44 km Relais Duo
Europe / Western Europe / France / Rhône-Alpes / Ain / Lhuis
2018-04-08
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Ragnar Trail Atlanta – GA, Presented by Salomon
Ragnar Trail Atlanta- GA, Presented by Salomon
North America / USA / South Atlantic / Georgia / Conyers
2018-04-13
Ultramarathon
TrailRunningMore info - Zumbro 100
Zumbro 100M
North America / USA / West North Central / Minnesota / Zumbro Falls
2018-04-13
Ultramarathon
TrailRunning
Episode 151 – Carol Morgan
Talk Ultra needs your help!We have set up a Patreon page and we are offering some great benefits for Patrons… you can even join us on the show! This is the easiest way to support Talk Ultra and help us continue to create!Many thanks to our Patrons who have helped via PATREON
Argentina
Australia
Queensland
Tasmania
Chile
Finland
Lapland
France
Côtes-d’Armor
Morbihan
Germany
Lower Saxony
Guadeloupe
Hong-Kong
India
Gujarat
Kerala
Ireland
Kildare
Italy
Marche
Malaysia
New Zealand
Oman
South Africa
Thailand
USA
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Florida
North Carolina
Oregon
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
United Kingdom
Cornwall
Devon
Oxfordshire
Surrey
Wales
Warwickshire
Hardrock 100 2017 Preview
As races go, the Hardrock 100 has anticipation and attention way beyond its relatively diminutive size – less than 150 runners will toe the line in 2017! However, as those who have run the race confirm, Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and the Hardrock 100 route is something to embrace. If proof were needed, Kilian Jornet has run and won the race three times and he will be back again in 2017. For Kilian, the course is tough, beautiful, offers a challenge but maybe more importantly, it’s low-key. He can turn up, walk around, race and have little of the media and fan frenzy he would get in Europe, irrespective of the size of the race. Kilian’s Salomon teammate Anna Frost also confirms that this area of the USA is something pretty darn special – so much so she currently calls Durango her home.
It’s a high altitude race, with much of the race taking place above 3000m and the high point coming around 4200m. In total, the runners climb and over 10.000m whilst covering 100 challenging miles.
Last year, Anna Frost topped the ladies podium and Jason Schlarb and Kilian Jornet were the joint male winners, all three therefore are guaranteed an entry for 2017 and all three have confirmed participation but Anna Frost is still unsure if she will toe the line – more on that later.
It’s a constant frustration for me that we never see a fully stacked field at Hardrock. Don’t get me wrong, there is always plenty of class up at the front but it often feels that the winner will come from a small and select group of 4 or 5 runners. I think we all know that so many top elite runners would love to toe the line but the Hardrock lottery is against them – I guess it does add some charm and anticipation to the race.
MEN
I don’t think we will see Kilian Jornet hold hands this year but I do anticipate he will spend much of the race in the company of 1 or 2 runners until beyond the midway point – it’s a big day out for Kilian in an awesome place and he enjoys the company. Of course, he may be enticed by setting a super fast time? If he does, then we can expect him to hit the front alone maybe somewhere around half-way, if not, he may take the race by the horns in the final quarter. Whatever he decides, Kilian will win barring an accident.
Jason Schlarb has dined out on crossing the line at the 2016 Hardrock for one year and who can blame him. He has done something that so few can do, keep up with the Catalan. Earlier this year Jason raced The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica with a solid run and then he recently placed just inside the top-10 at Transvulcania. For the last month or so he’s been in the San Juans preparing and it’s fair to assume he will be ready for battle.
Read HERE
Iker Karrera is an interesting addition to the 2017 line-up and after being a ‘one-to-watch’ at so many races in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, I can’t help but feel Iker’s been a little awol for the last 18-months and that leaves a question mark. Iker on his day is one of the best there is, especially at long distance races with loads of vert – he won Tor des Geants in 2013 for example. If he has the form that provided him with 2nd at UTMB in 2014 then we have an interesting race on our hands.
Karl Meltzer has won Hardrock five times and he’s back. He will be the first to admit he doesn’t have the speed to keep up with Kilian but Speedgoat is a fox. He appears to have recovered well post his Appalachian Trail FKT and he’s been sensible by not rushing things. He won Zane Grey 50 which prompted me and Speedgoat to confirm, ‘there is life in the old dog yet!’ If he’s feeling good, he has the long game to put on a great race and few can keep up with Speedgoat’s hiking pace – an essential skill for Hardrock. The AT HERE
Mike Foote is another mystery for this years race. Not that I or you have to question who he is, the question is more about his form? Ever since he did his FKT project with Mike Wolfe, Foote seems to have raced a little on the back burner. Having said that, mountain races are his thing and he has a long list of impressive results at UTMB and he has been 2nd at Hardrock. He will start slow and then move up making up places and time in the final third.
Nick Pedatella was 4th at Hardrock in 2012 but I know little of his current form. Experience alone and a top-5 performance in the past makes him someone to make a note of.
Adam Campbell was 3rd at Hardrock in 2015 and 2014. As many of you will know, Adam was wiped out of 2016 with a near death accident. Read HERE. No pressure on Adam in 2017 and I’ll make no guesses or predictions, to see Adam toe the line will be a wonderful sight and one that he and many of us thought would not happen. Read HERE
Mr Hardrock, Joe Grant, is back again! The lottery gods love Joe and Joe loves Hardrock. He placed 2nd in 2012 and in many respects, that podium place set Joe up for the runner who he is today. I say runner, but I feel Joe goes beyond the tag of ultra-runner and I see him more of an adventurer. He’s taken on some huge challenges over the years, examples coming with the Iditarod, his Colorado 14ers FKT and expeditions via bike. Pretty sure Joe will treat Hardrock as another awesome adventure in the mountains and if things go well, we can see him in or around the top-5.
Other names to watch to be in and around the top-10 are: Mike Wardian, Coury brothers (Jamil and Nick), Grant Guise and Scott Jaime.
LADIES
Anna Frost has won the race the last 2-years and who would want to bet against her? Frosty when in form is unstoppable and when she is not in form, she can often dig deeper than any other runner I know. I was with Frosty in Costa Rica (Read HERE) and spending much time chatting – I was well aware that she was switching into a new phase of her life. At Zegama-Aizkorri she participated but was way off the top-10 and at Ultra SkyMarathon Madeira she dropped. All things considered, I think Frosty’s prep for this years Hardrock is behind where she would like it to be and therefore she has three choices: 1. She will run because she loves the course and wants to irrespective of placing. 2. She will think that she can win it and be mentally prepared for the pain that will be required or 3. She’s over it and can’t get herself set up for the physical and mental challenge it will bring. Of course, the only descent thing to do was ask Frosty… “I’m doing Hardrock! It’s been a mental and physical battle this year but one I am winning right now. Definitely not on competitive form but I am doing HR because I love it! ….I’ll get it done! It deserves that.” So. it looks like it’s no1.
Caroline Chaverot is probably putting the fear of god in the ladies’ competition. In 2016 this French lady was unstoppable and for me was the stand out runner, male or female, in 2016. The depth of here ability incredible, her range (long or short) her skill (fast or mountainous) was unmatched. 2017 kicked off with a rough patch and an early withdrawal from Transgrancanaria, what followed was some quiet time away and then boom, she was back with victory at Maxi-Race Annecy and most recently, Lavaredo. Her victory at UTMB last year sets her up perfectly for Hardrock and I think she will win the race.
Nathalie Mauclair, also from France, can’t be ruled out of the podium places but her recent form seems a little below recent years. She was 2nd at Marathon des Sables earlier this year. Her record at Diagonale des Fous, champion in 2013 and 2014, is the best indicator of success in the San Juans.
The wild card goes to local girl, Hannah Green who has been training her butt off and is super strong and young. She may lack experience but has heart and if she can hold on and manage herself she could do it and be up on the podium. (Hot tip from Frosty)
Three time winner Darcy Piceu (formerly Africa) gave Frosty a battle in 2015 with a really strong run – Frosty triumphed with a late surge. Missing the race last year, it’s fair to assume that Darcy will be fired up for a great run. She has the experience, no question, not sure she has the speed of an in form Frost, Chaverot or Mauclair.
Darla Askew is the last prime contender for a win and podium – she’s placed 2nd before and that is backed up with two 3rd places.
Ones to watch – Jamie Frink, Betsy Kalmeyer, Tina Ure and Rachel Bucklin.
Episode 137 – Camille Herron, Tom Withers and Tania Hodgkinson
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