Multi-Day (Desert) Training Camp, Lanzarote 28th Jan – 4th Feb 2016

Posted on July 30, 2015 by talkultra

Join Marathon des Sables 2015 ladies champion, Elisabet Barnes and a team of multi-day experienced runners for an incredible 7 day training camp on the island of Lanzarote, just off the coast of Morocco. Located at the iconic Club La Santa resort, our training camp will provide you with all the knowledge, experience and practical training to make your next multi-day adventure a success.

Lanzarote offers a variety of terrain that can be found in many desert races and therefore it’s the ideal training ground to prepare and acclimatise for an up and coming challenge.

The camp will provide workshops where it will be possible to discuss and test apparel and specific multi-day kit.

You’ll be able to try dehydrated food and test your hydration strategy in a real situation.

You’ll spend a night out under the stars in your sleeping bag and importantly, you’ll be able to test your pack and work out what works and what doesn’t work.

In addition to all this you’ll have 7 days of training geared towards your targets based around your ability and experience. This camp is for everyone; experienced or novice.

Club La Santa as a resort offers a great base and all facilities are included. This is great for relaxation, an opportunity to cross train or more importantly it’s perfect for friends and family to join you as a plethora of opportunities are available.

A full detailed weekly schedule and plan will be provided in due course. Rest assured, if you are taking part in a multi-day race then this is the training camp for you.

Costs are £800.00 per person based on sharing an apartment with one other person (Children are welcome for free if sharing, max 1 per apartment).

Food is not included, however, you are in self catering apartments should this be preferable to eating at facilities within Club La Santa or at restaurants in La Santa village.

Flights are extra and cheap options are available via Easyjet from many UK airports.

The camp runs Thursday 28th Jan to Thursday 4th Feb and spaces are limited!

Camp cost £800 (early booking discounts now have expired, apartments and places now on application)

This includes a self catering apartment on a share basis. Inclusion in the above schedule and access to all facilities within the Club La Santa complex.

A non-running partner cost is £500 or £530.00 if they wish to attend the Volcano walk which is suitable for all abilities.

Balance deadline is now due on booking due to the proximity of the training camp.

If you are interested, please email us using the contact form on this website and we will get back to you ASAP.

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Haria Extreme Race Report

Posted on June 15, 2013 by talkultra

The Canaries really are becoming a hub for great running. We have already had Transgrancanaria of Gran Canaria and most recently, Transvulcania La Palma on La Palma. This weekend it was the turn of Lanzarote and the Haria Extreme.

Haria is a small un-spoilt village on this beautiful volcanic island. Close to the iconic Mirador Del Rio it is jewel in the Lanzarote crown. White washed buildings are covered in beautiful flowers; doors and window shutters are pastel colored wood weathered by the winds that continually blow from Morocco. Apart from a weekly market and the occasional tourist bus that stops, allowing tourists an opportunity for a meal or souvenir shop; it does not see much action. That is until the Haria Extreme comes to town!

An influx of runners, supporters and of course race staff means that this sleepy Canaria town becomes a highlight for a weekend. What impresses me is the scale that races are put on… not just a few barriers, a make shift finish tape and a dodgy PA system; no! They go to town. They put on event that feels like a world championship. Inflatable gantries, posters all over the island, branded press cars and of course, a local population turns out to embrace the party.

Now in its third year, the race has gained a reputation as a tough race. A distance of just over 32km can often be snubbed by an ‘ultra’ audience but mark my words, this is no easy day out!

Three races are offered, each providing a challenge that allows it to become an inclusive event; a 10km, 22.5km and the main event, the Ruta Copa De Espana at 32.5km.

Haria Extreme Stats:

Distancia: 32.5 km.
Desnivel positivo: 1450 m.
Desnivel negativo: 1450 m.
Altura mínima: 5 m.
Altura media: 240 m
Altura máxima: 640 m.

It is a race that the Spanish and Canaria people have embraced. Participation outside Spain has been limited, however, that is due to change for 2014.

The Contenders

The Haria Extreme is part of the Spanish Cup and therefore offers points towards an overall classification. It therefore becomes a race to do… lining up for the 2013 edition the race had no other than man-of-the-moment, Luis Alberto Hernando who placed second behind Kilian Jornet at Transvulcania La Palma and then repeated the result at Zegama-Aizkorri. At Zegama, Luis was just twelve seconds behind Kilian.

Zaid Ait Malek also raced at Zegama and just missed the podium. Boosted by this great run he would also be expecting great things at Haria. David Lopez Castan, Yeray Duran, Carlos Garcia, Zigor Iturrieta and Ivan Ortiz would also add some spice to the front of the field.

The ladies race had two main front contenders, Nuria Dominguez and Maite Maiora. Maite in particular, also has just raced at Zegama-Aizkorri and like Zaid just missed the podium producing an outstanding run. Montse Martinez, Eva Moreda, Leire Agirrezabala Ezcurdia, Esther Fernandez and Fernanda Maciel amongst others would also race.

The Race

Departing from Haria at 0800 on the dot the early pace was pushed by Zaid Ait Malek for the men and Maite Maiora for the ladies

Starting at 300m and dropping to sea level, the first test would come at around the 8km mark when the runners entered Malpais de las Leguas, an area of technical volcanic lava and harsh shrubbery.

Zaid Ait Malek and Luis Alberto Hernando were neck and neck through this section, they matched each other’s steps and Zaid would occasionally jump showing his enthusiasm for the trail.

When the ladies arrived, Maite was still pushing the pace but just behind Nuria Dominguez, Eva Moreda, Leire Agirrezabala Ezcurdia and Fernanda Maciel followed. It was anybody’s race.

At 15km the runners were at sea level, Luis Alberto and Zaid confirmed a dominant stranglehold over the men but the ladies race was still wide open! Maite had a lead over Nuria but it would only take a mistake or a surge of energy for this to change.

At Mirador Del Rio, 21km in the race and an altitude of 450m, Luis Alberto Hernando had opened a gap. It was only one minute though over a comfortable looking Zaid Ait Malek. Dani Tristany was now in third and also looking strong but a stream of men pursued. It was most definitely going to be a fight for the line.

The ladies race had little change but ahead was a tough descent, Camino de los Gracioseros, at approximately 2km long it was a quad bursting and ankle-twisting nightmare of hardened volcanic razor blades. You wouldn’t want to fall here!

Luis Alberto now had the lead and although the gap was comfortable, it would not allow for any errors or mishaps. Climbing on the spectacular, Camino de los Pescadores, Luis had hands on knees as he powered hi way up the gradient. He occasionally would grab the rope in the middle of the trail to help pull him up the tough, steep and technical gradient. It was beautiful to watch as he moved from hike, jog and run in a seamless movement. In the distance we had a panoramic view of the trail, the sea and distant islands. Spectacular.

Zaid was close but not so close that he would offer Luis Alberto any problems. He climbed with a beaming smile… Zaid loved the difficulty that lay ahead of him. Third place was now Carlos Garcia, previous podium contender; Dani Tristany had gone off course and was now making up ground.

Nuria and Maite were now neck and neck matching each other’s blows. They didn’t use the rope available, both decided to keep low and almost crawl up the gradient. Behind, Eva Maria Moreda pulled on the rope like her life depended on it. Right arm and then left arm she moved each leg with each arm movement and forced herself to the summit.

The summit of Gallo at just over 540m now presented the most technical descent of the day. The men’s race remained unchanged with Luis Alberto Hernando arriving first in a new course record time of 02:34:17. Zaid Ait Malek arrived three minutes later in 02:37:16 and the final podium place was awarded to Carlos Garcia Exposito in 02:40:35.

Nuria Dominguez finally broke the hold of Maite Maiora but only just, she crossed the line in 03:06:21, just thirty four seconds clear. Eva Moreda Gabaldon arrived just one minute ten seconds later and in doing so completed a very competitive podium for the top three places.

Summary

Lanzarote offered a perfect and technical playground for all to enjoy; runner or spectator, The variety of views, terrain, sunshine and excellent crowned support and organization certainly makes this a race ‘to do’ for the future. Every time I cross a race of my bucket list, I replace it with another, however, in the case of Haria Extreme, I may need to promote it and move it up a few places to nearer the top.

VIEW A FULL SET OF RACE IMAGES HERE

Links:

Haria Extreme HERE
Images of Haria HERE
Luis Alberto Hernando pre race images HERE
Pre Race interview with Luis Alberto Hernando HERE
Fernanda Maciel pre race images HERE
Pre Race interview with Fernanda Maciel HERE

Haria Extreme – A race in images

Posted on June 15, 2013 by talkultra

What an incredible day… the Haria Extreme needs to be seen to be believed. An absolutely awesome experience of trails, lava, rocks, sea, beaches and rope… yes, rope!

Here is a story of the day told in images.

All images are available to purchase for personal or commercial use via the link

HERE

Fernanda Maciel – pre race interview Haria Extreme

Posted on June 14, 2013 by talkultra

Fernanda Maciel speaks to Ian ahead of the 2013 Haria Extreme. Fernanda raced at Transvulcania La Palma but took a fall causing her to drop from the race. She is now recovered and on her way back to fitness. She has some big targets ahead….

YouTube HERE

Pre race photographic shoot HERE

Links:

Fernanda Maciel website HERE
The North Face HERE
Haria Extreme HERE

Haria Extreme – Fernanda Maciel

Posted on June 14, 2013 by talkultra

Fernanda Maciel (The North Face) has an impressive running cv. She loves long distance… really long. She set a record for running the Santiago de Compostela in just 10 days.

She has a very busy run schedule ahead. In May she lined up at Transvulcania La Palma in the hope that she would have a great race. Unfortunately, she fell over and had to stop. The fall caused some issues to her back and shoulders but she now feels much better.

Haria Extreme at 35km’s is probably too short for Fernanda, however, it will allow her a great opportunity to push the pace and obtains as she says, ‘some speed work’.

Following Haria Extreme she races at Lavaredo, the Skyrunning European Championships and then TNFUTMB. Later in the year (November) she will also go to the Everest Trail Race. A busy year indeed!

Links:

Fernanda Maciel website HERE

The North Face HERE

Haria Extreme HERE

Photographs pre race:

Luis Alberto Hernando pre race interview Haria Extreme

Posted on June 14, 2013 by talkultra

Luis Alberto Hernando speaks to Ian ahead of Haria Extreme (translation by Celeste). He discusses his race at Transvulcania, his head-to-head race with Kilian Jornet at Zegama, his expectations at Haria Extreme and what races are in the future.

Luis Alberto is without doubt in excellent form at the moment. The 2012 winner of Haria Etreme, will he break his own course record in 2013?

Interview:

YouTube link HERE

Pre race photographs with Luis Alberto Hernando HERE
Race website HERE
Follow the race on Twitter and Facebook
Online race tracker HERE

Haria Extreme – Luis Alberto Hernando

Posted on June 14, 2013 by talkultra

Luis Alberto Hernando (Adidas) is in incredible form at the moment. Transvulcania La Palma in May was his first ultra and he excelled in what was an incredible field. At the finish line he was second to an in-form Klian Jornet.

Weeks later, he once again pushed Kilian Jornet to the finish line at Zegama. This time it was oh so close…. just twelve seconds!

This weekend he will toe the line at Haria Extreme in Lanzarote. Last year he was triumphant over Tofol Castanyer. His time of 2:24:28 is the current course record and I wouldn’t be surprised on his current form if he may well beat this. He is certainly motivated.

When I asked him about Transvulcania, he replied, “It was my first ultra and all in preparation for my attempt at TNFUTMB in 2014”.

Very exciting to hear that Luis Alberto will move to the 100 mile distance. When I asked him about his next race, he confirmed, “I will race Kilian and very competitive field at Mont Blanc Marathon at the end of June. Kilian is the master but I hope to push him like I did in Zegama”.

Haria Extreme is 35km mountain race on the island of Lanzarote. The race will start at 0800 Local time (same as GMT) and you will be able to follow updates on Twitter and Facebook.

Stats:

Distancia: 32.5 km.
Desnivel positivo: 1450 m.
Desnivel negativo: 1450 m.
Altura mínima: 5 m.
Altura media: 240 m.
Altura máxima: 640 m.

Links:

Haria Extreme website HERE
Adidas website HERE

Images pre race of Luis Alberto Hernando:

Marco De Gasperi 2013 calendar

Posted on February 18, 2013 by talkultra

Marco De Gasperi, the 6-time world champion is one of the most famous runners in the disciplines of Skyrunning, mountain and trail running in the world. If you want to know where he will be competing this year, follow his race calendar.

16.03.2013: Hong Kong 50km Raidlight Trail, Lantau (CHN)
06.04.2013: Lanzarote (SPA) Lava Trail
21.04.2013: Naturno Oetzi Alpin Relay Marathon (ITA)
26.05.2013: Sky Runner World Series Alpina Marathon, Zegama-Aizkorri (ESP)
02.06.2013: Orobie Vertical, Valbondione (ITA)
09.06.2013: Italian Championships Mountain Running 1st race (ITA)
29.06.2013: Marathon du Mount Blanc, Chamonix (FRA)
14.07.2013: Vertical Kilometer, Chiavenna (ITA)
21.07.2013: Italian Championships Mountain Running 2nd Race, Arco (ITA)
03.08.2013 WMRA Berglauf Meisterschaften Langdistanz, Szklarska Poręba (Pol)
11.08.2013: Orobie Skyrace, Passo Presolana (ITA)
18.08.2013: Italian Championships Mountain Running 3rd race, St. Giacomo Brentonico (ITA)
08.09.2013: World Mountain Running Championships (POL)
14.09.2013 Jungfrau Marathon, Interlaken (SUI)
22.09.2013: Pasturo Zacup Trofeo delle Grigne (ITA)
13.10.2013 Skyrunning Xtreme, Limone sul Garda (ITA)
19.-20.10.2013 Mount Kinabalu Climbathon, Kinabalu Park (MAS)

Marco was instrumental in the new Scott shoe, the KINABALU named after the famous Skyrunning race.

The ultimate lightweight trail machine. Maximum protection and traction at minimal weight. An ideal balance of lightweight materials, cushioning, protection and quick response thanks to eRide Technology. Shaped for smooth transition whether you are striking on the heel, mid foot or forefoot to adapt to the varied terrain. Our lightest trail shoe with uncompromised traction and protection, featuring an AeroFoam midsole, which is 50% lighter than traditional EVA foams.

Category: Trail Running

Weight 270g

USM 9

Heel to toe drop11 mm

Technologies

eRide Composite push-through plate
AeroFoamWet traction rubber
Lace bungy

Material

Upper: Mesh/Synthetic Overlays
Lower: EVA/rubber

Size run USM 7-13

I will be testing the new Kinabalu shoe in the coming month so watch this space for images and a full review.

2013 Calendar – Race Coverage

Posted on January 4, 2013 by talkultra

Just four days into a new year and my diary is full…. or so to speak.

2012 was an incredible year. So many new things and new opportunities. The success of Talk Ultra was incredible and in just a couple of weeks the show will be 1 year old! In addition to the podcast I diversified my photographic skills and in conjunction with writing I shifted away from working as a ‘commercial photographer’ in the advertising world (I till do some commissions) and started to concentrate on running, runners, races and the world around this.

I am extremely grateful to Skyrunning for the support and backing in providing me with the opportunity to attend so many great events. I am also extremely grateful and thankful (in no particular order) to

Of course articles and photography would mean nothing without an outlet and I would like to thank:

So what does 2013 have in store?

Here is a list of races that I will be attending as a photographer and journalist in 2013.

2013 CALENDAR

January

February

01st – 10th COSTA RICA: The Coastal Challenge. Official Race Website HERE

28th – 7th SPAIN: Lanzarote (training camp)

March

April

04th -18th MOROCCO: Marathon des Sables. Official Race Website HERE

18th – 22th TURKEY: Iznik Ultra TBC Official Race Website HERE

May

09th -17th SPAIN: Skyrunning Transvulcania Ultramarathon – 83k, La Palma. Official Race Website HERE

24th – 27th SPAIN: Skyrunning Zegama-Aizkorri. Official Race Website HERE

June

20th – 24th ANDORRA: Skyrunning Ronda dels Cims – 170k, Vallnord. Official Race Website HERE

27th -1st July FRANCE: Skyrunning KM Vertical, Chamonix & Mont-Blanc Marathon. Official Race Website HERE

July

12th -15th FRANCE: Skyrunning Ice Trail Tarentaise – 65k, Val d’Isère. Official Race Website HERE

18th – 20th ITALY: European Skyrunning Championships. Official Race Website HERE

Image courtesy of Trans D’Havet

August

23rd – 26th SWITZERLAND: Skyrunning Matterhorn Ultraks – 46k, Zermatt. Official Race Website HERE

September

22nd – 28th Sept (Race Dates) my schedule 19th to 26th USA: Grand to Grand Ultra – Official Race Website HERE

24th -01st Oct (dates tbc) USA: Skyrunning Ultra Race of Champions “UROC” -100k, Vail. Official Race Website HERE

October

10th -14th ITALY: Skyrunning Xtreme – Vertical Kilometer® & SKY RACE, Limone sul Garda. Official Race Website HERE

November

Everest Trail Race

December

Emotions of 2012

Posted on December 31, 2012 by talkultra

What a year! what a year indeed… it is the last day of 2012 and like so many others I wanted to sit down, reflect on what has happened and put a post together documenting some of the special moments of 2012. But as I looked back, so many sprung to mind… many moments I witnessed through social media such as Facebook and Twitter and others I witnessed first hand. So I have decided to select key moments that I witnessed personally, however, before I do that I do want to give a ‘nod’ to some key moments that I didn’t witness first hand…

Australian Pat Farmer finally made it to the South Pole after starting at the North Pole (view here). Pat is a multiple world record holder for endurance running. He has run around Australia and across North America twice.

Salomon launched the Sense. A shoe that created a stir and a buzz that could only be compared to the same sort of buzz around an iPhone, iPad or equally another key moment of 2012, the Suunto Ambit.

Ryan Sandes arguably one of the best ultra performers in 2012 started of his year in style with a win at the Vibram 100km in Hong Kong.

Micah True passed way from heart related issues while out running in Mexico. The ultra community bonded together as initially he was lost for days causing Scott Jurek and Chris McDougall (Micah was made famous in the book ‘Born to Run‘) to travel to Mexico and aid the search for him.

Jez Bragg won the Fellsman race for the 3rd time in preparation for his attempt on winning the UTMB. Unfortunately Jez was plagued throughout 2012 with stomach issues. We are pleased to say that he now seems to have rectified these issues and is currently blazing a trail on ‘The Long Pathway‘ in New Zealand.

Kilian Jornet announced his new project ‘Summits of my Life‘. A long term project that will take four years, during which he will travel to the greatest mountain ranges in the world attempting to climb some of the most breathtaking peaks and come back down again as fast as he can. Unfortunately on the first project, the crossing of Mont Blanc, the project was struck with disaster as Kilian’s ski guide and partner for the project, Stéphane Brosse fell to his death. Kilian devestated by the incident spent time with Stéphane’s family and withdrew from Western States.

The big dance, Western States did not disappoint with two incredible performances and two course records. Timothy Olson beat Geoff Roes record with an incredible performance made all the sweeter when you hear his incredible life story… (listen to our interview on Talk Ultra) Ellie Greenwood confirmed herself as possibly the greatest female ultra runner of the moment breaking Ann Trason‘s long standing (considered by many unbeatable) course record.

Dakota Jones after a storming win at Transvulcania La Palma went to Hardrock 100 as the one to beat… as it happened, Hal Koerner took the win with Joe Grant in second place.

Speedgoat 50K raised the question about trail, course markings and when and when you should not deviate from a course… ultimately our one and only Speedgoat made a decision that relegated Kilian Jornet from the top of the podium and replaced him with his team mate Rickey Gates. It all got a little crazy and of course RD’s will now make sure they specify the ‘rules’ when putting a race briefing together.

UTMB – It rained, it snowed, the cloud came in, the course got shortened and Lizzy Hawker won her fifth UTMB albeit NOT the UTMB as it was not a full course, so, Lizzy will be back! Francois d’Haene however was very pleased with his win over the shortened course.

Just a week after the UTMB, Francesca Canepa from the Vibram Team turned up at the super tough and long Tor des Geants and won it… amazing considering just 7 days before she was second behind Lizzy Hawker.

Lance Armstrong… need I say more!

Mike Morton had an incredible 2012 with a stunning performance at Badwater 135 just missing the CR by 75 seconds. In addition to this, Mike ran and won may 100’s all around the 13 hour mark. However his performance of the year came in Poland at the 24 hour Championships. Running 277.54 kms he dislodged Scott Jurek as the Amercan holder and set a new benchmark.

Kilian Jornet went back to his ‘Summits‘ project and set a second record on Mont Blanc. This time crossing from Italy (Courmayer) to France (Chamonix) in 8hrs 40min. Article here

Fresh from a record attempt over Mont Blanc, Kilian Jornet went to Mt Kinabalu Climbathon in Borneo as part of the Skyrunning calendar, won and became World Champion…. again! Of course this race had some controversy as it didn’t go to the summit. Another outstanding performance was that of Emelie Forsberg, she won the ladies race and in doing so confirmed herself as one of the most talented and dominant females of 2012. Kilian now warmed up went over to Reunion Island and took on the tough ‘Raid de la Reunion‘. He made it look easy and he even had time to do interviews at the feed stations during the race… without doubt, Kilian is one of the most talented and gifted athletes in the world.

Max King and Ellie Greenwood blazed a trail and set records (once again) at JFK 50… oh, did I mention Max’s run at UROC and did I mention Karl Meltzer and Lizzy Hawker winning at Run Rabbit Run… of course, what about Miguel Heras and Emelie Forsberg at San Francisco 50. Darn it…. so many great moments…. what about Lizzy Hawker at Spartathlon, second overall and a new female record.

So finally Skyrunning announce the new calendar for 2013 and the big news is a simpler format, the inclusion of a 100 mile race and a season final in America at the Ultra Race of Champions. Without doubt (I am biased) Skyrunning was a game changer in 2012 and the new calendar has already created great excitement for the coming year…

Believe me, the above list is by no means comprehensive and I am sure I will look back and think… ooh, what about this and what about that… I could go on.

But now here is my pick of personal moments from a great year. Rest assured, I am picking one month; one moment!

JANUARY

Talk Ultra was launched and thank goodness the format of an ultra running podcast that was more than just interviews was accepted. Taking the risk to do a ‘long show’ seemed to pay off and the loyal followers and support has been fantastic. I can’t thank you all enough for the growth of the podcast and 2013 will see it grow!

FEBRUARY

For the 7th year running I went out to Club La Santa on Lanzarote and had another incredible week training in the sun with friends and clients. It has become a fixture in my year and never fails to disappoint. 2013 will see us arrive on the Canary Island once again for more fun in the sun.

MARCH

A race fixture on my calendar for several years, the EcoTrail de Paris came around once again and I went out to Paris with Niandi for another great weekend of running and spending time in our favourite city. As it turned out we both had terrible races and DNF’d at the same time… you can always learn something!

APRIL

I was fortunate enough to be invited over to Turkey to take part in and report on the inaugural Iznik Ultra. I had only been to Turkey once before, many many years before and that was to the South. So I was very excited to spend time in Istanbul with Niandi and then head down to Iznik. The race was superb offering a selection of race distances over a varied course. Both Niandi and myself took part in the 60k event. I was pleased to come away with a win and Niandi made the podium in 2nd place in the ladies race.

MAY

May signified a change in my year and very much set a format for what was to come… I was invited to the Transvulcania La Palma on the island of La Palma. Skyrunning had assembled one of the most competitive fields in ultra you will ever see or witness. It turned out to be a who’s who of ultra running. The whole experience is a memory I will never forget… training on the trails pre and post race with the best in the world, witnessing the race were Dakota Jones ran an incredible course record for the win and were Frosty (Anna Frost) set and smashed the old course record in what was to be one of the best performances of the year. This was followed with the conference ‘Less Cloud, More Sky‘ providing the ultra community an opportunity to help establish a direction for the sport in the future. We all then packed up and moved to mainland Spain for ‘Zegama‘ but that’s another story…

JUNE

Zegama arrived and the heat and sun of La Palma was replaced with rain and mud. Lots of mud. Kilian Jornet just 7 days earlier had collapsed on the finish line at Transvulcania La Palma with exhaustion. At Zegama he showed his recovery powers and showed everyone in the race how to run in the cold, wet and mud. Oihana Kortazar took out the win for the ladies ahead of Nuria Picas who was slowly becoming ‘runner of the year’.

Nuria Picas – Zegama

JULY

The Pyrenees and an invitation from ARC’TERYX to go and test out the new clothing range called ‘Endorphin‘ on the Skyrunning Ribargoza VK course. Great friends, great memories and some stunning scenery.

AUGUST

Wow – Trofeo Kima and one of the most impressive run courses I have ever seen. I was told by Lauri Van Houten before the event that this course would blow my mind. Little did I expect what lay ahead… 6 hours being flown around via helicopter on the most stunning and awe inspiring run terrain I have ever witnessed. Kilian Jornet won the mens race and Nuria Picas won the ladies race. A stunning stunning race that signifies everything that Skyrunning is. Want to enter…? Don’t hold your breath. This race happens only every other year and typically only has about 125 places available.

SEPTEMBER

Berga in September, the weather breaks and Cavalls del Vent turns into a race of survival. Despite runners struggling with hypothermia the race produced a classic. The mens race was competitive seeing Kilian Jornet once again taking the win but this time ahead of Tony Krupicka finally finding some form after over 18 months out of the sport due to injury. Finishing off the podium was Dakota Jones. The ladies race produced the race of the year for me… so often in the longer distance races we see an outright winner crossing the line with 10’s of minutes to spare… not here! Nuria Picas, Frosty and Emelie Forsberg pushed each other right to the line with Nuria taking the win on home ground.

OCTOBER

Southern France in the town of Millau. The temperatures dropped and I slowly froze myself following the La Course des Templiers, the final in the Skyrunning calendar. I will remember this race for the incredible win by Nuria Picas ahead of a sprinting Emelie Forsberg who put Lizzy Hawker into third place. In addition to this, Kilian Jornet and Nuria Picas were crowned World Champions. Incredible performers in an incredible series of races.

NOVEMBER

The quiet town of Begeggi on the Italian coast and the Berg Trail. I had an invite from Salomon Carnifast to follow and photograph the race to help promote the first edition of the race. The race was being attended by mountain running legend, Marco de Gasperi. In the weeks before the race I contacted Stevie Kremer who had moved from America to Italy earlier in the year. We had met at Sierre-Zinal where Marco de Gasperi won the race and Stevie placed second. Marco unfortunately went of course in the Berg Trail and therefore spoiled any chances of a win. Stevie however showed her class winning the ladies race convincingly and placed top 10 in the overall. A name to watch for the future…

DECEMBER

After a stunning year of following races, reporting and photographing I finally took some time out and headed back to the island of La Palma with my partner Niandi to play on the Transvulcania La Palma course. Two weeks of perfect weather and stunning trails provided the perfect end to a stunning year. It was great to spend that time on the trails in our own space and in our own time. Running when we could, hiking when we couldn’t run and walking when no other option was left… the latter half of the year was plagued by knee issues for me and although they havent gone, my time on the Transvulcania course with Niandi was a real highlight in an incredible year!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the support I have received in 2012. From race organisers, athletes, team managers, brand managers and all those connected to the sport I love. In particular I would like to thank Niandi for her patience. I also need to give a special mention to Lauri Van Houten and Marino Giacometti from Skyrunning for the trust they placed in me for 2012 and the continued trust for 2013.

It has been an awesome year and 2013 is already looking like another year of moments, emotions and memories.

Sincere thanks to all of you