Matterhorn Ultraks 2014 – Race images and results

Posted on August 23, 2014 by talkultra

The 2014 Skyrunner World Series Matterhorn Ultraks really was an incredible race. The weather showed Zermatt and the surrounding mountains in all it’s beauty and a Moroccan and American topped the podium showing how truly international Skyrunning has become.

Moroccan Zaid Ait Malek finally fulfilled the potential he has shown in many races in 2013 and 2014 and topped the podium in Zermatt. Known for his incredible smile, Zaid really showed the rest of the field a clean pair of shoes as he blazed a trail around the Ultraks tough and challenging 46km course.

Stevie Kremer, followed impressive wins at Sierre-Zinal and Zegama-Aizkorri to complete a triple and take a dominant lead in the Skyrunner World Series. Despite a long haul flight from Colorado and only arriving at 2000 hours, the night before the race, ‘Pocket Rocket’ produced a dominant performance confirming that at the SKY distance, she is currently the one to beat!

Top 3-ladies

1. Stevie Kremer 5:18:43
2. Elisa Desco. 5:22:35
3. Maite Maiora 5:23:19

Top 3-Men

1. Ait Malek Zaïd 4:45:01
2. Bundi Gion Andrea 4:52:21
3. Egea Aritz 4:55:17

Matterhorn Ultraks 2014 – In-depth race preview

Posted on August 19, 2014 by talkultra

‘Wow, it’s such a beautiful course with the glacier at Gornergrat and then of course the Matterhorn is ever present while we run.’ Emelie Forsberg

The Matterhorn Ultraks returns, 1-year on and boy does time fly. The Skyrunner® World Series Matterhorn Ultraks is the penultimate race in the SKY series, followed by Limone Extreme, Italy in October. A magical race over 46 km with  D+ : 3’600 m | D- : 3’600 m. Combining wild open spaces, high mountains and a course that requires climbing ability, speed and technique. The highest point is Gornergrat at 3100m and this ascent will be a test for all. Panoramic views accompany every runner for the duration of the event and the ever-present Matterhorn will dominate.

Zermatt, the village at the foot of the Matterhorn is located on the Italian border of the Canton of Valais in the west of Switzerland. The Matterhorn is arguably the most photographed mountain in the world. Zermatt epitomizes Switzerland, high alpine, awe-inspiring and original. Almost one-third of the 4,000-metre mountains in the Alps are grouped around this word-famous health resort, which has been visited by mountaineers from all around the world since the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865.

View 2013 race image HERE

Read Kilian Jornet’s Matterhorn Summits interview HERE

RACE PREVIEW

MEN

Kilian Jornet will be in Zermatt, however, it looks like the Catalan will be in a supporting role for the 2014 edition of the race after a hectic last few weeks and months. Luis Alberto Hernando who placed 2^nd last year will also not be taking part as he prepares for UTMB, therefore, this leaves the door well and truly wide open for a new and fresh podium.

Marco, 11th August 2012 in the mountains above Zinal.

Marco De Gasperi needs no introduction. Way back in the day, Marco’s Skyrunning career started in and around the slopes of the Matterhorn. This year Marco has struggled with injury, he keeps telling me, ‘I’m getting old and I get more and more little niggles.’ We all know that when this Italian mountain goat is in form, he is unstoppable. His recent poor race at Sierre-Zinal was due to stomach issues, a problem that can hit any of us at any time. So, if Marco feels good, he is my top tip for the 1^st podium place.

Michel Lanne

Michel Lanne missed Ultraks last year and I am sure he will be looking to make amends this year. His 2^nd place behind Kilian at the Skyrunning World Championships clearly states that Michel is great form. If he carries that form over the Zermatt, I think we can expect to see a place on the podium and if all things align, he may well take the top slot.

Thorbjorn Ludvigsen has been on a roll lately with a series of performances that have impressed, particularly over the VK distance. His recent run at Sierre-Zinal by his own admission was below par. However, the Ultraks course will suit his strong climbing and fast running.

Marc Pinsach placed 6^th overall at Ultraks last year and not only is he a good friend and sparring partner of Kilian Jornet, he has a similar background, which bodes well for this course.

Eirik Haugsness had a great race in the 2013 edition of the race and after a strong showing at the Skyrunning World Championships and the Dolomites Skyrace; Eirik will be gunning for top-5 and ideally the podium. It’s within reach!

Zaid Ait Malek continues to run the Skyrunning circuit with a string of strong performances. A regular top-10, he is currently missing the form or the break that would repeat his 2013 Zegama performance. He has all the ability both as a climber and pure runner. Ultraks may well be his breakthrough race of 2014.

Aritz Egea an ever present at Zegama-Aizkorri, Dolomites Skyrace and Sierre-Zinal will be looking for another consistent top-10 performance. Aritz complained of not feeling great at the recent Sierre-Zinal and placed just outside the top-20. An unusual blip for the Basque country runner; Ultraks will be a better race, I am sure.

Jordi Bes Ginesta was the winner of the 2013 CCC and placed 11th at Matterhorn Ultraks in 2013. His recent top-10 at Ice Trail Tarentaise, backed up with 17^th at Transvulcania must give him a billing as top-10.

Florian Reichert has had a strong year of consistent performances and will be looking to improve on his 66^th placing at Ultraks in 2013. That placing is not indicative of Florian’s ability and more importantly his current form.

Nicolas Pianet 13^th at Ultraks in 2013 and will be looking to break top-10 this year.

Ones to watch (not in order):

Oscar Casal Mir
Marc Casal Mir 21^st at Transvulcania in 2014 and an ever-present on the Skyrunning circuit.
Hassan Ait Chau strong showing at the recent Sierre-Zinal.
Dabid Garcia
Inaki Uribe-Etxebarria
Julien Navarro
Ryan Bak 1st place Peterson Ridge Rumble 20m and Horse Butte 10m in 2014. Recent form?
Mathieu Martinez 5-top results in 2013 with 2-victories at Le Grand Defi des Voseges and Trail des Marcaires
Es Tressider
Artem Rostovstev
Hector Haines an ever-present top performing Brit. Top-20 would be a great result.
Yan Longfei

LADIES

Emelie Forsberg returns and after missing Sierre-Zinal to race a ‘home’ race, I can’t help but think that she will be super motivated to repeat her race victory form 2013. Last year, although taking a strong 1^st place, Emelie complained of feeling tired with heavy legs for the whole race. Most certainly, she will be looking for fresh legs this year and she is going to need them! The competition is fierce.

Stevie Kremer just recently finally won Sierre-Zinal after 2-years of 2^nd places. In addition, this last weekend Stevie placed top-5 at the Pikes Peak ascent. Travel is a big issue for Stevie and one of the important factors is managing the fatigue that comes with it. Ultraks will be no different for the Colorado based lady. No one lady is dominating the Sky distance this year, so although Stevie can certainly win the race, like Emelie, she is going to need her ‘A’ game.

Elisa Desco has arguably shown incredible consistency in the Skyrunner® World Series this year. Well, that was until she dropped from Sierre-Zinal with stomach issues. Current Skyrunning World Champion, we have seen Elisa go head-to-head with Stevie on many occasions and Ultraks will be no different. It’s going to be one seriously interesting race and it’s difficult to call out a winner.

Kasie Enman has been on the comeback roll and we were seeing consistently better and better performances and as Kasie settled back into racing and training. Her recent 2^nd at Speedgoat 50k was a great performance and a real confidence boost. Although Kasie had a strong run at Sierre-Zinal, I did expect her to contend the podium. However, nothing is guaranteed when you have a busy family life, 2-children and travel thrown into the mix. Now based in Europe for several weeks, Kasie may well be more relaxed, fresher and ready to thrown down the gauntlet at Ultraks. Watch out ladies!

Maite Maiora produced an incredible performance at the 2014 Transvulcania La Palma placing 2^nd and has followed up this form with a string of top-10 performances; a highlight 3^rd at Zegama-Aizkorri. A consistent and regular performer on the Skyrunner® World Series, Maite will be in the mix at Ultraks looking to repeat the form from La Palma. Placing 6^th at the Skyrunning World Championships against many of the same ladies present in this race, I am sure Maite will be looking to improve and make top-5.

Stephanie Jiminez like many of the ladies above is a Skyrunning ever-present. Racing over the VK and SKY distances, Ultraks will be at the ‘longer’ end of the distances Stephanie likes to race, so, that will impact on her performance. Having said that, she knows how to run in the mountains and for sure, top-10 is a distinct possibility.

Ones to watch:

Leire Agirrezabala
Uxoa Irigoien
Laia Andreu Trias
Anna Comet I Pascua

Not running:

Kilian Jornet
Mike Wolfe
Tom Owens
Pablo Villa
Stephan Wenk

Race results from 2013

Men

Kilian Jornet (ESP) – Salomon Santiveri – 4h43’05’’
Luis Alberto Hernando (ESP) – adidas – 4h44’47’’
Nicola Golinelli (ITA) – Arc’teryx – 4h45’57’’

Women

Emilie Forsberg (SWE) – Salomon – 5h41’16’’
Silvia Serafini (ITA) Salomon Agisko – 5h44’37’’
Nuria Dominguez (ESP) – Buff- 5h59’19’’

LINKS:

Skyrunning HERE

Matterhorn Ultraks HERE

Race Images 2013 HERE

Sierre-Zinal 2014 – Race day images and summary

Posted on August 10, 2014 by talkultra

Another incredible day on the trails and mountains between Sierre and Zinal. The 2014 edition of the race was always going to be hugely competitive with an incredibly deep field both for the ladies and the men.

Kilian Jornet rallied in the closing stages of the race and pulled back race leader, Jo Gray and then used his blistering downhill ability to open an incredible gap of just over 1-minute. His time of 2:31:54 was a personal best for the Catalan on this course but was outside Jono Wyatt’s 2003 course record of 2:29:12.

Stevie Kremer made it 3rd time lucky and finally topped the Sierre-Zinal podium after placing 2nd for the past 2-years. Stevie took the race on from the front and held off Sierre-Zinal ever presents, Maud Mathys and 2012 winner, Aline Camboulives.

Race Results:

MEN

1. Jornet Burgada Kilian (ESP) 2:31.54
2. Gray Jo (USA) 2:32.58
3. Costa Cesar (SUI) 2:34.07
4. Gonon François (FRA) 2:34.56
5. Simpson Rob (GBR) 2:35.13
6. Zinca Ionut (ROM) 2:35.44
7. Schneider David (SUI) 2:36.32
8. Wyatt Jonathan (NZL) 2:38.54
9. Bostrom Marten 2:39.26
10. Pivk Tadei (ITA) 2:40.23

LADIES

1. Kremer Stevie (USA) 3:03.12
2. Mathys Maude (SUI) 3:03.59
3. Camboulives Aline (FRA) 3:06.42
4. Dewalle Christel (FRA) 3:06.59
5. Orgue Laura 3:13.04,4
6. Enman Kasie 3:13.18
7. Dragomir Denisa-Ionela 3:16.10
8. Lafaye Celine 3:16.44
9. Rampazzo Silvia 3:17.44
10. Mihaylova Milka 3:19.10

Vertical Kilometer Bellevarde Face 2014 – Race Preview

Posted on July 8, 2014 by talkultra

Val d’Isere has a great history with the Vertical Kilometer, way back in ‘96’ the ISF were the first to organize a VK here!

A time lapse of 9-years since 2005 and Val d’Isere has re connected with the ethos of the VK using the Olympic Bellevarde Face. For many years, Marco De Gasperi held the VK world record here of 34-minutes and 41-seconds until the Italian was dethroned by a fellow countryman and VK specialist; Urban Zemmer.

The Vertical Kilometer has traditionally started at the foot of the Olympic Bellevarde face on “the board” in the heart of the Parc des Sports Charles Diebold in the center Val d’Isere.

The route then takes the greater part of what was the route of the men’s downhill Olympic Winter Games ski route (1992), won by Austrian Patrick Ortlieb.

It’s a tough course; 2.9Km’s in length and reaches an altitude of 2809m. Average gradients over the course are 35%, however, in places it reaches 63% as presented in the first hundred meters.

Including steep passages at 49% and 56% gradient, the sting comes with the famous passage of the Columbine at 55%. Followed by gentle slopes of the Great Wall (51%) a refreshment station is provided before the push to the line passing ‘Catherine Dent’ (50%) and then a finish loop passes the Bellevarde restaurant and the arrival is at a wooden start cabin at an altitude of 2809m.

Records:

Men: Marco DE GASPERI (ITA) en 34’51” (2003)

Women: Antonella CONFORTOLA (ITA) en 42’48” (2002)

Stats:

Finish Elevation: 2 809 m

Length: 2 905 m

Altitude gain: 1000 m

Maximum Gradient: 63 %

Minimum Gradient: 15 %

Average Gradient: 35 %

The Vertical Kilometer Bellevarde Face is part of the 2014 Skyrunner® World Series and will be followed by the Ice Trail Tarentaise 2-days later (preview for the ITT HERE)

Who is racing in 2014?

MEN

Urban Zemmer

Urban Zemmer is a VK specialist and this course will suit his style. Urban is odds on favourite for victory.

©iancorless.com_©iancorless.com-1607MontBlancVK_2014

Aritz Egea

Aritz Egea a consistent performer in mountain races over the Sky distance, his recent top placing at the Mont-Blanc VK bodes well.

Marco Facchinelli like Zemmer specializes in the VK distance and he was 2^nd in the Skyrunner® World Series 2013. Withdarwn

Marco Moletto finished offthe 2013 Skyrunner® World Series podium with 3^rd place and therefore will be in contention in Val d’Isere.

Ferran Texeido

Thorbjorn Ludvigsen

Thorbjorn Ludvigsen

Augusti Roc currently 4^th in the 2014 Skyrunner® World Series

Nil Cardona

Marc Casal Mir

Oscar Casal Mir

David Garcia

Marc Pinsach

LADIES

Laura Orgue

Laura Orgue Skyrunner® World Series VK champion in 2013 and recently crowned VK World Champion in Chamonix id hot favourite for the top spot.

Antonella Confortola at Canazei VK

Antonella Confortola course record holder and a formidable force in any VK.

Stevie Kremer

Stevie Kremer placed 2^nd in her 1^st VK in Chamonix and with no other race to hold back for, Stevie may just top the podium. Withdarwn

Emelie Forsberg needs to introduction, great going uphill and downhill. Emelie will be in the mix for the podium.

Christel Dewalle like Emelie will run the VK and the Ultra and stands a great chance to be on both podiums.

Kasie Enman placed 6^th in Chamonix. Withdarwn

Stephanie Jimenez

Oihana Azkorbebeitia

Celine Lafaye

LINKS

Skyrunning HERE

Race websites

Skyrunning World Championships – VK Images

Posted on June 30, 2014 by talkultra

Starting at 1600 in the centre of Chamonix, runners from all over the world started tackle 3.8km and 1000m’s of vertical gain with one objective; to be the fastest possible!

A route of pure ‘mountain’ spirit, that takes a straight and direct line from the center of Chamonix to the finish at Planpraz. The VK is a pure test of strength. Similar to a prologue in the Tour de France, runner’s start at timed 30-second intervals, the fastest to the summit is the winner!

The opening sections comprise of runnable trail, however, the last section becomes more technical with rocks and this requires more commitment with notably a few aerial passages equipped with cables and ladders.

Kilian Jornet and Laura Orgue were crowned respective world champions amongst highly competitive fields.

Kilian Jornet 34:18
Bernard Dematteis 34:36
Urban Zemmer 34:47

Laura Orgue 41:29 new CR
Stevie Kremer 41:37
Christel Dewalle 41:50

Full results available HERE

: Stevie Kremer

: Laura Orgue

: Urban Zemmer

: Thorbjorn Ludvigsen

The Best Of The Best – 2014 Skyrunning World Championship line-up announced

Posted on June 11, 2014 by talkultra

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.”

Race programme

Teaser

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2013 Skyrunner® World Series Champion, Stevie Kremer to race Northern Ireland’s Mourne Skyline MTR

Posted on May 30, 2014 by talkultra

Fresh from victory at the 2014 Zegama-Aizkorri Skyrunner® World Series, Skyrunning UK are pleased to announce that Salomon athlete, American Stevie Kremer will race the brand new Mourne Skyline MTR on October 18^th 2014.

Stevie is arguably the best female SKY distance runner on the scene at the moment. Winning Mont-Blanc Marathon, Pikes Peak and Limone Extreme in 2013, secured Stevie the Skyrunner® World Series title and elevated the pocket rocket from Colorado from hot, to super hot!

With her infectious smile and ability on the mountain, Stevie will be an incredible asset not only to the Mourne Skyline MTR race but to all trail and mountain running in the UK.

“Creating Skyrunning UK was all about bringing the ethos and feel of European events to our shores and in time, creating some of the buzz as witnessed in the Alps, Pyrenees or the Dolomites,’ said Skyrunning UK director, Ian Corless ‘Stevie is at the forefront of Skyrunning, she is an incredible talent, a bubbly personality and to have her arrive on our shores and race is a dream come true. It was always my aim… in reality, I had hoped this would happen in 2017 but to have Stevie join us in year one is just incredible and the boost we all need.’

Ryan Maxwell, race director for the Mourne Skyline MTR can’t believe his luck. ‘When we announced our race we had an incredible response with entries flooding in. To now find out that Stevie Kremer will join us for the inaugural event, really is the icing on the cake. Racing is about every runner; from first to last. However, elite runners provide inspiration for all of us and Stevie leads by example; she is a role model for Skyrunning and we will be honoured by her presence at our race.’

A long-term aim has always been to have a new UK event included in the Skyrunner® World Series, should that happen, the best-of-the-best will travel to the UK to race. Stevie’s presence in year one provides a pathway to that objective. The world’s top teams and athletes pitting themselves against UK athletes. Imagine it; imagine what that would do for the sport in the UK! We have some great races and although we have attracted International athletes in the past to Snowdon and Ben Nevis, it has almost gone un-noticed. The time is now right. We all need to pool together and help grow the sport.

Lauri van Houten, executive director for the ISF (International Skyrunning Federation) had this to say, ‘The Skyrunner® National Series were created to grow Skyrunning on a national level globally – to give as many runners as possible the “feel” of a Skyrunning race and a chance to win a place in an international World Series event. The UK Skyrunning races hold enormous promise and look set to attract an international field. Stevie’s decision to take part in Northern Ireland is a great boost for the race and the new Skyrunner® UK National Series.’

Salomon athlete, Andy Symonds summed the thought process up perfectly, ‘The UK may lack the altitude of the Italian Alps, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have proper mountains! Steep, rough, beautiful mountains are a plenty in the UK – so let’s organize some Skyrunning races up them!’

The sport is growing at all levels. In time a series of UK based Skyrunning teams similar to the model that inov-8 have created is a distinct possibility. The Skyrunner® National Series provides not only a great structure for the sport but it also provides a springboard for UK athletes to race in other countries but equally, we hope to attract foreign athletes to race on home soil.

Speaking from Colorado, Stevie said, ‘It looks amazing and it’s during my fall break, so I am in! I love the idea of that much climbing.’

Stevie Kremer’s presence in 2014 at the Mourne Skyline MTR has started the ball rolling much sooner than we anticipated…

Let’s keep it rolling!

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Follow Skyrunning UK HERE

ISF HERE

Skyrunning UK 2014 Calendar: HERE

V3K

28th June 2014
Distance: 55km
Elevation: 4000m +/-
Race venue: Nant Gwynant
Race website: HERE

Peaks SkyRace enter HERE

August 3rd
Distance: 29.7m
Elevation gain: 2012m
Elevation loss: 2012m
Website: HERE

3×3 Ultra enter HERE

4th October 2014
Distance: 80km
Elevation: 4000m +/-
Race venue: Keswick, Cumbria.
Race website: HERE

Mourne Skyrline MTR enter HERE

18th October
Distance: 35km
Elevation: 3370m
Race venue: Newcastle, Northern Ireland.
Race website: HERE

Skyrunning UK is sponsored by:

Episode 61 – Frost, Gates, de Haast, Haugsnes, Forsberg, Kremer

Posted on May 16, 2014 by talkultra

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.

NEWS

Transvulcania

Luis Alberto Hernando – ESP adidas 6:55:41
Kilian Jornet ESP Salomon 7:01:34
Sage Canaday USA Hoka One One 7:11:39
Tofol Castanyer ESP Salomon 7:23:56
Stephan Hugenschmidt GER Salomon 7:27:10
Tom Owens GBR Salomon 7:31:15
Mauel Merillas ESP 7:34:55
Timothy Olson USA The North Face 7:35:22
Pablo Villa ESP Scott 7:36:12
Dakota Jones USA Montrail 7:42:35

Anna Frost NZL Salomon 8:10:41
Maite Mayora ESP La Sportiva 8:20:29
Uxue Fraile ESP Vibram 8:48:01
Emma Roca ESP Compressport/ Buff 8:58:45
Anne Lise Rousset FRA Team Race Land 9:10:29
Jodee Adams-Moore USA Scott Sports 9:19:14
Andrea Huser SUI 9:28:25
Krissy Moehl USA Patagonia 9:29:00
Frederica Boifava ITA Alpsation 9:41:32
Alessandra Carlini ITA Salomon/ Agisko 9:47:25

Transvulcania VK

Bernard Dematteis 47:23
Martin Dematteis 48:26
Kilian Jornet 49:33

Elisa Desco 59:43
Laura Orgue 1:01:10
Azara Garcia de los Salmones Marcano 1:01:42

Ice Age Trail 50- mile

Max King 5:41:07 new CR – now has Western States slot
Matt Flaherty 5:49:13
Brian Condon 5:58:24

Mention for Iain Ridgeway from the Uk, 7th in 6:19

Kaci Lickteig 6:41:39 new CR
Kate Pallardy 7:04:16
Larisa Dannis 7:15:39

Thames Path 100

Ed Catmur 16:38:13
David Pryce 16:56:40
Tim Landon 17:48:04

Sarah Morwood 19:57:52
Sally Ford 20:19:01
Kerry Sutton 22:08:21

Zegama is just a week away and I caught with Eirik Haugsnes at a recent inov-8 athlete retreat to get his thoughts on the up and coming season

AUDIO with Eirik

BLOG – Dakota Jones on Transvulcania – http://www.irunfar.com/2014/05/dakota-joness-2014-transvulcania-report.html

INTERVIEW

Anna Frost is back… after a troubled 18-months, Frosty is back were it all started, Transvulcania. Listen to the story

MELTZER MOMENT with Speedgoat

INTERVIEW

Rickey Gates recently came to the UK with Scott Jurek and tacked our trails, fells and mountains. They even had a go at the Bob Graham Round… listen to Rickey’s insight.

SMILES and MILES with EMELIE FORSBERG

INTERVIEW

Michael de Haast race director for the Salomon Skyrun tells us all about his incredibly tough and challenging race in South Africa which will take place in November. Listeners to Talk Ultra are able to take part in this event with a very special package that has been put together. – https://iancorless.org/salomon-sky-run-south-africa/

UP & COMING RACES

Australia

New South Wales

The North Face 100 Australia | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

The North Face 50 Australia | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Queensland

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

Austria

Über Drüber UltraMarathon | 63 kilometers | May 29, 2014 | website

Belgium

Wallonia

Trail du Hussard | 50 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Bhutan

The Last Secret | 200 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website

Canada

Alberta

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

Ontario

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

Cyprus

Lionheart Run | 80 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Czech Republic

M.E.T.R. 60km | 60 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Finland

Oulu

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

France

Ain

La Promenade du Bûcheron | 70 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Trail de Haute Provence – Ultra | 72 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Bouches-du-Rhône

100 km de Peynier | 100 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Finistère

Roscoff To Roscoff | 57 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Gironde

Tour du Canton de Fronsac 60 km | 60 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website

Haute-Loire

Le Puy-en-Velay (Hte Loire) – Conques (Aveyron) : du 23 au 27 mai 2013 | 210 kilometers | May 22, 2014 | website

Haut-Rhin

Trail des Marcaires | 53 kilometers | May 25, 2014 | website

Hérault

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

Nord

100 km de Steenwerck | 100 kilometers | May 28, 2014 | website

Pyrénées-Atlantiques

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

Savoie

Grand Raid 73 | 73 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Seine-Maritime

Tour du Pays de Caux | 88 kilometers | May 28, 2014 | website

Trail du Pays de Bray – 55 km | 55 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website

Val-d’Oise

Trail du Donjon – 50 km | 52 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Vaucluse

Grand Raid Dentelles Ventoux 100 km | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Grand Raid Dentelles Ventoux 56 km | 56 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Yonne

Oxfam Trailwalker France | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Yvelines

Trail des Cerfs – 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website

Germany

Baden-Württemberg

Black Forest Trail Maniak 100K Masters | 100 kilometers | May 22, 2014 | website

Black Forest Trail Maniak 100M Superior | 100 miles | May 22, 2014 | website

Lower Saxony

EulenburgTrail 100 Meilen | 100 miles | May 30, 2014 | website

EulenburgTrail 96 km | 96 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website

Rhineland-Palatinate

Westerwaldlauf 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 29, 2014 | website

Schleswig-Holstein

Lauf zwischen den Meeren | 94 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Steinburg – Ultra – Marathon 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 29, 2014 | website

Thuringia

GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf Super Marathon | 72 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Italy

Emilia-Romagna

Nove Colli Running | 202 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Trail Alta Val Nure | 53 kilometers | May 25, 2014 | website

Tuscany

100km del Passatore | 100 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Japan

Oxfam Trailwalker Japan | 100 kilometers | May 16, 2014 | website

Morocco

Mararathon International des Cèdres | 90 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Nepal

Mount Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon | 60 kilometers | May 29, 2014 | website

Netherlands

Drenthe

UltraRun van Gieten 50 kilometer | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Norway

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

Peru

Jungle Ultra | 220 kilometers | May 16, 2014 | website

Portugal

Ultra Trail de São Mamede | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Spain

Balearic Islands

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

Castile-La Mancha

Quixote Legend | 166 kilometers | May 30, 2014 | website

Catalonia

Ultra Trail Coll de Nargo | 100 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Valencian Community

CSP-115 | 118 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

MIM Marató i Mitja | 63 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Switzerland

Berne

Bielersee Ultra-Marathon | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Bielersee XXL 100 Meilen | 100 miles | May 16, 2014 | website

Vaud

Trail Vallée de Joux – 50 km | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website

United Kingdom

Birmingham

Grand Union Canal Race | 145 miles | May 24, 2014 | website

Cumbria

Old County Tops Fell Race | 37 miles | May 17, 2014 | website

Devon

Coastal Trail Series – Flete – Ultra | 35 miles | May 25, 2014 | website

Forces March | 131 miles | May 21, 2014 | website

Lincolnshire

Len Medlock Memorial Lincoln to Boston Challenge | 32 miles | May 25, 2014 | website

North Yorkshire

Hardmoors 160 ‘The Ring Of Steele’ | 160 miles | May 23, 2014 | website

Hardmoors Ultra 110 | 110 miles | May 24, 2014 | website

Perth and Kinross

Cateran 55 Mile Ultra | 55 miles | May 17, 2014 | website

Surrey

North Downs Way 50 | 50 miles | May 17, 2014 | website

Wiltshire

Wessex Ridgeway Relay | 100 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website

USA

Arizona

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

California

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

Colorado

The Divide 135 Ultra | 135 miles | May 16, 2014 | website

Florida

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

Georgia

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

Indiana

Tryon Farm Trail 50K Run | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Maine

Pineland Farms 50K Trail | 50 kilometers | May 25, 2014 | website

Pineland Farms 50 Mile Trail | 50 miles | May 25, 2014 | website

Minnesota

Savage 100 | 100 miles | May 17, 2014 | website

Spring Superior Trail 50 k | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Missouri

Berryman 50 Miles | 50 miles | May 17, 2014 | website

Nebraska

G.O.A.T.z Gravel Classic 60k | 60 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Nevada

Silver State 50K | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Silver State 50-Miler | 50 miles | May 17, 2014 | website

New Mexico

Jemez Mountain Trail Runs 50K | 50 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Jemez Mountain Trail Runs 50-Mile | 50 miles | May 24, 2014 | website

New York

Lower Hudson Hundred Kilometer | 100 kilometers | May 24, 2014 | website

Ohio

Playin’ Possum 50k | 50 kilometers | May 17, 2014 | website

Oregon

TrailFactor 50k | 50 kilometers | May 26, 2014 | website

Pennsylvania

Dirty German 50K | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website

Dirty German 50 Miles | 50 miles | May 18, 2014 | website

Sun Mountain 50K | 50 kilometers | May 18, 2014 | website

Sun Mountain 50M | 50 miles | May 18, 2014 | website

Wyoming

Rocky Mountain 50k | 50 kilometers | May 25, 2014 | website

CLOSE

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Libsyn – feed://talkultra.libsyn.com/rss

Website – talkultra.com

Uphill Secrets from the Pros – Trail Running Mag

Posted on May 15, 2014 by talkultra

Check out the latest edition of TRAIL RUNNING with an article and images by yours truly on running uphill.

It features Emelie Forsberg, Antonella Confortola, Erik Haugsnes, Florian Reichert, Tessa Hill and Stevie Kremer

www.trailrunningmag.co.uk

You can subscribe HERE

Skyrunner® World Series 2014 Preview

Posted on April 3, 2014 by talkultra

In just over one month’s time, it all begins again, the Skyrunner® World Series fires up on the island of La Palma with what has become, in just two-years, an iconic Skyrunning race, Transvulcania La Palma.

To many, the growth and resurgence of Skyrunning in the last couple of years, triggered by the ISF (International Skyrunning Federations) foresight to hold a conference, ‘Less Cloud, More Sky’ after the 2012 Transvulcania may have many new Skyrunners thinking that our sport is just a few years old… They couldn’t be further from the truth!

Kilian Jornet’s new movie, Déjame Vivir, the second in his ‘Summits of My Life’ project, documents his 2013 season; wonderfully capturing the history of the sport of Skyrunning. ‘Fila’ clad Skyrunners pushing boundaries on snow capped peaks around the world on old footage from Transworld Sport. Conversations with Bruno Brunod about the Matterhorn summit record and of course, ISF President, Marino Giacometti talking candidly to camera.

Born on the slopes and summits of Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc, Skyrunning dates back to 1989 when Giacometti set a record running from the village of Alagna to the summit of Monte Rosa. It was a new sport, a sport of Alpinism without the clutter of ropes and heavy packs. It was about going fast and light to the mountains, summiting and returning as fast as possible. A sport where earth meets sky!

‘There is nothing new in Skyrunning. It is just now that everyone is catching up with our vision from so many years ago,’ Giacometti explained, ‘The creation of an ultra series of races is just what the Skyrunner® series required in 2012. Today we have a new breed of runner who is actively looking for technical, steep and demanding courses over longer distances.’

In addition, 2014 will see the Skyrunning World Championships take place in Chamonix, arguably, the endurance capital of the world. It will be a great showcase for the sport and it coincides perfectly with the ever-expanding Skyrunner® National Series.

Kilian Jornet & Marco De Gasperi Mont-Blanc Marathon ©iancorless.com

The inclusion and growth of the Skyrunner® National Series has also shown the sport we love reach new heights. Just recently Canada announced a new series under the watchful eye of Adam Campbell, the USA series has been created by Ian Sharman and one-by-one more series follow; South Africa, Australia & New Zealand, United Kingdom and Russia to name just a few.

Lauri Van Houten (ISF Executive Director) understands better than anyone why Skyrunning has captured today’s runners hearts and minds, ‘It’s a different angle on traditional trail running and mountain running. Skyrunning captures the spirit and tough technical challenges runners are looking for today.’

Transvulcania La Palma will kick-start the 2014 Skyrunner® World Series and once again, fifteen iconic races over the classic distances of VK, SKY and ULTRA will see the worlds best Skyrunners®, do battle on the slopes and peaks of the worlds mountains.

Trofeo Kima copyright Ian Corless

An exciting year of high altitude drama awaits; Anna Frost, Nuria Picas and Emelie Forsberg will join new Skyrunners® Krissy Moehl, Jodee Adams-Moore and Cassie Scallon on the slopes of the Fuencaliente lighthouse on the weekend of May 10^th.

Just two weeks later, Kilian Jornet, Luis Alberto Hernando will go head-to-head with Tom Owens and Zaid Ait Malek on the legendary slopes of Zegama-Aizkorri.

Tom Owens – Trofeo Kima

A new year, a new Skyrunner® World Series and without doubt, new memories and moments that will be remembered in years to come!

Don’t miss out on the Skyrunner® World Series 2014.

Calendar:

SKY 

SPAIN: Maratòn Alpina Zegama-Aizkorri – 42 km – Zegama – May 25
ITALY: Dolomites SkyRace® – 22 km – Canazei – July 20
SWITZERLAND: Course de Sierre-Zinal – 31 km – Valais – August 10
SWITZERLAND: Matterhorn Ultraks– 46 km -Zermatt – August 23
 ITALY: Limone Extreme SkyRace® – 23 km – Limone sul Garda – October 11

ULTRA

 SPAIN: Transvulcania Ultramarathon – 83 km – La Palma – May 10
FRANCE: Ice Trail Tarentaise – 65 km – Val d’Isère – July 11
USA: Speedgoat 50K – Snowbird, Utah – July 19
 ITALY: Kima Trophy – 50 km – Valtellina, August 30
 USA: The Rut 50K – Big Sky, Montana – September 13

VERTICAL

 SPAIN: Transvulcania Vertical Kilometer® – May 8
 FRANCE: VK Face de Bellevarde, Val d’Isère – July 11
ITALY: Dolomites Vertical Kilometer®, Canazei – July 18
 USA: Lone Peak Vertical Kilometer® – September 12
 ITALY: Vertical Grèste de la Mughéra, Limone sul Garda – October 10

Ranking points

The three best results in each Series are scored. Ranking points in the final races of all three Series will be increased by 20%. Ranking points breakdown: 100-88-78-72-68-66-64-62-60-58-56-54-52-50 down to 2 points to 40^th position for men and 15^th position for women.

Total prizes: US $ 25,000. Titles and prizes will be awarded in each Series as follows:

SKY: $ 3,000 / 1,500 / 750. ULTRA: $ 3,000 / 1,500 / 750. VERTICAL: $1,000 / 700 / 300.

*Entry is direct with organizers.

Slots and benefits are available for 2013 SWS and ISF Ranked athletes.

Team manager’s contact: info@skyrunning.com for entry details and partnerships

*Legend

SKY – races more than 22 km and less than 50 km long with at least 1,300m positive vertical climb (SkyRace® and SkyMarathon®) ULTRA – races over 50 km long that exceed the SkyMarathon® parameters (Ultra SkyMarathon®)  VERTICAL – races with 1,000m positive vertical climb not exceeding 5 km distance (Vertical Kilometer®)

Skyrunner^®,SkyRace^®, SkyMarathon^®, Vertical Kilometer^®are registered trademarks

Skyrunning HERE