MDS Jordan 2024 Race Summary

Posted on November 11, 2024 by talkultra

MDS Jordan brought to a conclusion the 2024 season of MDS events. It has been quite a year and since Fuerteventura in September, the events have followed one after another, MDS Morocco, MDS Trek Morocco and now MDS Jordan.

Jordan has become so popular as a destination, two events now exist in a year, May and November. Dates for 2025 are May 9-16 and November 1-8.

For the 4th edition, concluding on the 8th November 2024, 599 participants were signed up from 25 different nationalities. Once again, MDS pioneer the way with more women participants than men, 55% to 45%.

Come race day, 520 toed the line over the 3 race distances.

249 in the 120km distance.
190 in the 100km distance.
81 in the 70km distance.

Full race results are available HERE via LiveTrail.

Jordan is not the easiest place to get to and typically, it will require two flights. Istanbul being a popular connecting point but many other options exist. Long haul travel always has potential problems and for the MDS Jordan, participants and staff had several problems with delays, gladly, everyone arrived on time. However, there is some general good advice here for future participants, allow yourself some time flexibility for arriving in Jordan, delays of 12-hours or even 1-day existed for some! Use reputable airlines with good track history, the cheapest option is not always the best!

The current Israel – Hamas war quite obviously was on the minds of participants and some were concerned about travel. However, while the general advice from most governments was to ‘exercise caution,’ there was no reason not to travel. Having spoken to participants post-race, nobody at any time felt safety or security was at risk. The war however ‘may’ have had some impact on travel, it’s difficult to know?

The MDS team do a fantastic job of facilitating everyones arrival in Amman and they provide a bus transfer to the Crowne Plaza hotel which is located on the Dead Sea. The journey takes under 90-minutes.

The hotel is huge with excellent facilities, a good restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, multiple pools, spa, gym and of course, the Dead Sea is on its doorstep. It’s the perfect place pre and post-race. Another great benefit is that its size allows all competitors and MDS staff to stay at the same location. A great bonus for admin day and the post-race awards and gala dinner.

The Dead Sea is obviously an iconic place, located -430m below sea level. It is land locked between Jordan and Israeli occupied west bank in the west and Israel in the south. It is called the Dead Sea due to high levels of salt that make it impossible for any life form to live.

With admin day done, the race got underway with a very early departure on Monday Nov 4th with an approximate 4-hour journey to Wadi Rum.

Daily Summaries 2024:

Stage 1 Summary

Stage 2 Summary

Stage 3 Summary

Stage 1

Stage 1 was scheduled to start at 0930am with 27.4km and 980m+ with arrival at bivouac. A point-to-point day with two Cp’s and a cut-off time of 2000hrs.

The day was a shock for many! It’s a day of stunning views, epic vistas, remarkable landscape and a great deal of soft sand making the journey very hard work. If you are signed up for a future MDS Jordan, be prepared for a tough day 1.

In bivouac, as per all MDS events, individual tents are in circular pods of 8. This is great for group friendship but also allows some privacy.

While MDS events operate on the same formula: 3-stages over 4-days with full self-sufficiency, the exemption coming with rationed water provision and a place to sleep provided by MDS. I cannot emphasise enough that participants need to be prepared for the challenge they are undertaking. Weather and environmental condition vary from event to event and year on year. Just because Jordan was hot at one edition, it does not mean it will always be hot! Look at MDS Morocco in October, rain, thunderstorms and flooding. The 4th edition of MDS Jordan had a very cold first night. For those who did not bring a warm jacket, a warm sleeping bag or additional layers, they had a very cold and troubled night. My TOP TIP is always bring a windproof jacket such as the WAA wind running jacket as an absolute minimum and my high recommendation is to bring a light weight down jacket. Many down jackets exist these days and the top quality products are well under 200g, the Nordisk Y Strato is 165g for example. The advantage of a down jacket is warmth and comfort while sitting around post-race and in addition, on cold nights, you have a very warm layer to wear inside your sleeping bag should it be required. Make sure you have a Buff and cover your head, most heat is lost here!

One advantage of the tent pods is the creation of a communal fire place, in Jordan, most pods created a fire place and this was used for cooking and warmth.

Stage 2

With a troubled night for many, stage 2 would prove a challenge. However, the great thing about MDS events is the possibility to choose how easy or how hard you want the adventure to be. Of course, all things a re relative based on individual ability and desires. The stage had two starts, 0700 and 0800, the top runner’s in the latter start.

At two key points, participants can have a choice, the first option is to choose 20km’s. The second option to choose 40km’s. At the second option point if you choose not to take 40km’s, you must do 60km’s.

249 chose to take the 60km route, 190 in the 40km and 81 the 70km distance.

It was a challenging day, once again a great deal of soft-sand but considerably less vertical gain. For those who took the 60km route, they were treated to some additional technical terrain. At all times, the impressive Wadi Rum landscape was mind-blowing irrespective of the distance chosen.

The day proved to be a long one for some with the last competitor arriving at 0300am the next day and many of the MDS team there to welcome.

Rest Day

It was a welcome day of rest and an opportunity for everyone to get some rest and recovery.

Competitors as per usual, looked after feet, ate as much as possible, slept and took advantage of the local terrain to get some high viewpoints to take in the amazing landscape.

TOP TIP – space blankets that are gold/silver provide excellent options for keeping tents cooler in the day, silver side out. And at night, if required, use them gold side out to keep a tent warmer.

In the afternoon, local fisherman gave a music show and then ice cold drinks arrived for every participant via a camel.

Of course, Born To Be Alive was played and bivouac turned into a desert rave.

Stage 3

Once again, two starts, 0430am and 0630am. Ahead, 26km’s and 733m+ on a point-to-point route that would provide everyone some of the best views that Wadi Rum has to offer. The large dune and the views from the top a highlight.

Once at the finish, tears, joy and laughter, a hard earned medal the reward.

A transfer to Petra post-race for an opportunity to experience one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Everyone was back at the Crowne Plaza for around 2000hrs. Of course, it’s all about priorities, several showers, fresh clothes and then dinner in the restaurant.

Final Day

Was relaxed, a lazy breakfast, time by the pool, a swim in the Dead Sea and then at 1600hrs the awards ceremony took place followed by the MDS Jordan movie.

Dinner followed outside with remarkable night time views of the Dead Sea. DJ Robin as per usual played some banging tunes and the party and disco went on into the night and the early hours of the morning.

Another MDS Jordan complete.

Finally, while many things are transferable between all MDS events: clothing, pack, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, food etc, one thing is important and it cannot be emphasised enough, be prepared.

Plan for the best and worst case scenarios, plan for intense heat, plan for the cold, imagine your worst case scenario and have a solution. MDS events are self-sufficient for a reason, they bring a challenge and dynamic that is not present at other races, how you deal with it is very much part of the event.

Looking ahead!

Now is time to recover, recoup and plan ahead for 2025. There are no shortage of events. Here is hoping we get to share more time at a MDS event soon:

MDS Atlantic Coast January 25th to Feb 1st
MDS The Legendary April 4th to 14th
MDS Raid Namibia April 26th to May 3rd
MDS Jordan May 9th to 16th
MDS Cappadoccia June 21st to 28th
MDS Fuerteventura September 28th to October 5th
MDS Morocco Oct 12th to 19
MDS Trek Morocco date tbc
MDS Jordan November 1st to 8th
MDS Peru November 29th to December 6th.

WAA clothing, apparel and Ultra bag HERE

Marathon des Sables website HERE

Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.

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MDS Morocco 2024 – Stage 2

Posted on October 15, 2024 by talkultra

A sunny afternoon, some heat and strong winds brought a welcome end to stage 1, however, on the horizon, storms were visible from bivouac. Gladly, they never appeared and everyone had a calm night after a beautiful sunset.

The impact of the weather on stage 1 however, caused a complete re-working of the stage 2 route, as key sections were still under flood water.

With two starts for stage 2, 0800 and 1000 (for the top 50) the day started with some light rain, needless to say, there was concern within the whole bivouac. However, after a cloudy start, the weather started to clear and by mid-afternoon, we were back to a normal Sahara day with temperatures close to 30deg and blue skies. The main difference coming with some extra humidity.

The route was a wonderful mix of climbs, soft-sand, stoney plateau all in an area that is considered a highlight of the Sahara.

With three route options available, 20km, 40km or 60km the full results from the day will only be known when all participants have finished and the timekeepers have collated the data, so, please check the results via the link below.

Full MDS Morocco results are available to be viewed HERE

One thing we do know is that Rachid El Morabity crossed the finish line, hand-in-hand with Abdekkader Elmouaziz.

The landscape in the Sahara is very different at the moment

The HANDI race started with the masses as they did on stage 1 and proceed for 1km before transferring via vehicle to Cp1. They then raced to Cp2. Once at Cp2 they then transferred back to the final km to finish under the MDS arch.

Tomorrow is a rest day and an opportunity to re-charge before stage 3 on Thursday.

Marathon des Sables website HERE

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‘What I Wish I Knew When I Started Photography’ with Ian Corless

Posted on September 27, 2023 by talkultra

Luis Alberto Hernando, adidas Terrex ©iancorless

Article by Christian Bessey

As I get deeper into my love for photographey, I want to speak to those whose work is not only technically profound but unique. Being unique is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities and experiences that others can learn from and see what is possible. That is why I reached out to connect with Ian Corless.

Photography enthusiasts, if you’ve ever scrolled through Ian Corless’s Instagram feed, you’ll understand why I was eager to connect with him. His extraordinary work stands out, but it’s not just his talent that sets him apart. Ian’s remarkable willingness to engage and network, both with clients and during this interview, is a testament to his character. He takes photography to the extreme, whether it’s capturing high-profile commercial assignments, scaling a mountainside for a passion project, or sharing as much knowledge with the photography community as he can. Check out his work and the words he shared with me about his journey in photography.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Stranda Fjord Trail Race 2022

Posted on August 10, 2022 by talkultra

It was burned in my memory, waiting at Fremste Blåhornet at 0430, daylight was already arriving, but the sun had not risen, there was just a promise of what was to come. The first runner arrived quite literally as the sun peaked over the mountains and a glow of orange started to come illuminating Stranda Fjord, the mountains ahead and the runner. It was one of ‘those’ days you wish for as a runner and photographer.

The 2021 Stranda Fjord Trail Race and, the 100km event was truly magical. Norway, Stranda, Slogen and the whole route has never looked so good.

Jump ahead one year and the 2022 edition was a completely different story. Ahead of race day, the weather forecast was greatly discussed both by runner’s and race team. A decision was made, the 48km and 25km races would go ahead as planned but the 100km event would have two key sections removed, the technical and airy ridge after Fremste Blåhornet would be removed and the out-and-back to the summit of Slogen – both considered too risky and dangerous in the expected weather.

With all the attention on the Golden Trail Series 25km event, the 100km was very much a secondary event. Starting at 0200, the 100km race would have already been going for 9-hours before the start of the GTS race. Yes, the 100km event is THAT tough.

Epic, beautiful and brutal are three words that sum up the racing and route here in Stranda, that is in good weather. In bad weather… Well, you can work it out. The physical and mental challenge is huge.

However, the Stranda Fjord Trail Race located in Møre go Romsdal, is one of the most truly spectacular experiences. The 100km distance offering a full and immersive 360 experience of what this magical area of Norway has to offer.

The 25km, 48km and 100km races are tough, challenging, and brutal and should not be underestimated. There is little easy running here, the climbing is hard and steep, the descents even on a dry day can be horrendous, in the wet, they are as one person said, “Terrifyingly slippery despite what shoes you use!’

Let’s be honest, Norway as a location is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world, and as a runner or outdoor enthusiast, the options and possibilities are endless, be that in the south or north.

Stranda is located on one of the west Norwegian fjords, part of the Sunnmøre region, often accessed via ferry from Liabygda. It can also be accessed by road via Lom. For most, the easiest way to travel is to fly to Ålesund and then travel 50km by bus.

2022 was significant with the 25km being a stage of the Salomon Golden Trail Series, this event alone brought in more than 600-participants and many of the world’s best mountain and trail runners. The 4000 population of Stranda increased by approximately 30% over race weekend, an amazing boost for the local community. GTS brought a European razzamatazz to the event with live broadcasts, commentary, interviews, group runs and huge social presence – it was arguably the biggest promotion of trail running in Norway since the inception of the Tromso SkyRace which ironically was taking place on the same day further north.

There was huge anticipation of how the racing would go, key favourites such as Sara Alonso and Manuel Merillas would have a hard job of beating ‘local’ favourites of Jon Albon (Brit living in Norway) and Emelie Forsberg (Swedish) who has been living and running in Norway for many years. The inclement weather, challenging conditions and brutally slippery rock only played into the hands of those with local knowledge.

Jon Albon won the race in a new course record – amazing in the challenging conditions. Manuel Merillas (Esp) and Bart Przedwojewski (Pol) placed 2^nd and 3^rd ahead of Frederic Trancard (Era) and Davide Magnini (Ita)

For the women, we saw the rise of Sophia Laukli (USA) who won the event ahead of Elise Poncet (Fra) and Emelie Forsberg. Blandine HIrondel (Far) placed 4^th and Sara Alonso 5^th.

The stories post-race was truly mud, sweat and tears. Arguably the most challenging and technical race of the GTS and what a way to shine a light on Norway and its incredible landscape. I am sure there are many runners now thinking and planning future adventures in this epic playground.

The 48km race, a big challenge but considerably more achievable than the 100k uses much of the opening miles of the 100km route, however, after reaching the summit of Fremste Blåhornet at 1478m returns to Stranda via Heimste Blåhornet, Løfonnfjellet and Rødesthornet. The route passes through Stranda start/ finish and continues on another loop summiting at Roaldshornet at 1230m and then following on to Blåfjellet and Skurdahornet before descending all the way down to the finish line.

Lasse Aleksander Finstad placed first ahead of Tolga Rambovski Olcay and Torbjørn Breansœter, 6:34, 6:50 and 7:07 respectively.

Mirjam Saarheim placed 7^th overall and clinched female victory in 7:26. Jingling Tang and Anna Louise Astand Sørlie ran 7:50 and 8:02 to round out the podium.

Offering a 360 counterclockwise experience of this stunning area of Norway, the 100km route is a beast. It is quite simply stunning, even in bad weather. However, the physical and mental tenacity required to complete the race cannot be fully explained. This is reflected in only 33 participants finishing.

VIEW THE IMAGE GALLERY HERE

The course does contain some areas where you can switch off and just run, but they are few and far between. The opening miles may offer an illusion of the severity to come. The hard work starts to really kick in with approximately 20km covered at Liavarden. What follows are walls of grass, rock, scree, stone slabs, technical ridges, relentless vertical climbing, and challenging descending.

Reaching the summit of Fremste Blåhornet at 1478m and 23km the route was changed to avoid a technical ridge. The terrain that followed was rocky, slow, and brutal especially in the persistent rain and cold temperatures.

The aid station on the road of Dalevegen at 28km distance was followed by easy running before an extremely steep and challenging out-and-back climb to Storhornet at 1309m.

Liasætra aid station followed and then easy trail running to Patchellhytta DNT cabin. Here, the out -and-back to the summit of Slogen was removed – a shame but absolutely the correct call in the conditions.

Left in the valley and runners make their way to Velleseter, Brunstadsætra, Storevatnet, and then the road section crossing and aid station that leads to the final section of the course, 80km covered.

The climb to summit Roaldshornet at 1230m is long and relentless, the summit at 86km and it would be easy to think it’s all downhill from here. Considering what has gone before, it’s fair to say that it is. Eventually the 100km joins with the final section of the 48km track and the run in to the finish is welcome and hard earned.

Mathis Dahll Fenre battled with Vermund Upper Garden for victory, the duo separated by just 1-minute, 16:00 and 16:01 respectively. Thomas Wallin-Andersen placed 3^rd in 16:59.

For the women, Wenfei Lie had led the early sections of the race ahead of Alexandra Narkowicz and although the duo was together on the climb to the final summit at Roaldshornet, Alexandra had more reserves to take victory in19:13 to 19:55 for Wenfei. Margrethe Fjetland rounded the podium.

VIEW THE IMAGE GALLERY HERE

One thing is for sure, running 25km, 48km or 100km in this area of Norway is not easy, ask anyone who toed the line of the respective distances. There is something truly magical here, 2021 opened up this area of Norway to the world, 2022 has elevated Stranda as a ‘must go’ location. I can only encourage and emphasise that you ‘need’ to add Stranda Fjord Trail Race to your bucket list. You will not be disappointed with the experience, BUT come prepared, you are going to earn that finish medal.

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2020 Summary and Review

Posted on December 31, 2020 by talkultra

The view from the iconic Besseggen Ridge

Nobody is going to forget 2020. For most of us, the year did not go as planned or as expected. It was a year of survival and already, the ‘I survived 2020’ tee-shirts are available.

It has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

I started the year ‘as normal’ with my Lanzarote Training Camp… We had 40-athletes join us at Club La Santa and life was good, just like normal!

From here I travelled to Morocco with Abelone, we had a few days in Marrakech and then climbing planned in the Atlas Mountains summiting Toubkal and the surrounding peaks. It was a perfect kick-start to what looked like was going to be a perfect year. This trip alone was a highlight of 2020.

One of the many summits in the Atlas Mountains with Abelone.

Late January, I was on a flight to Hong Kong for another year working on the 9 Dragons. As I departed the UK, rumors about a virus were escalating but the level of concern, at this stage was still very low. As I arrived in Hong Kong, I settled with my friends Mo and Janine and that evening we had a dinner planned with race directors, Michael and Steve. By the end of the dinner, the race was almost certainly going to be cancelled.

This set the stage for 2020. Race cancellations, disappointment and an escalated level of worry and concern.

Leaving Hong Kong on and empty flight back to London, January 2020.

Information provided by the UK Government as I landed in London from Hong Kong, January 2020.

My immediate concern was firstly getting out of Hong Kong, the lockdown came quickly and while face masks are a regular sight here, they came compulsory. I changed my flights and made my escape.

February I once again returned to The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica. The race was normal. We discussed Covid-19, we expressed concerns but many of us were of the mindset it will be okay, Spring should be fine! How wrong we were!

Transgrancanaria concluded February and now, the impact of Covid-19 was becoming very real.

March signified a lockdown of the world.

I have to say, I cannot complain about 2020. My work life was pretty much shut down but on a personal level I made the most of free time that I would never normally have. I became elastic constantly stretching and contracting as situations around the world changed.

Needless to say, as the pandemic took over the world, it was hard to remain positive with the rise of infection and deaths globally.

One constant was my website, my podcast, photography and writing articles. I thought it timely to look back and list all the content from the past 52-weeks.

If you enjoy the content provided here on this website and in other media, please consider supporting me on Patreon. For as little as the cost of a take-away coffee, a monthly stating donation of £3.00 helps me to keep the content free for all.

Please support me on Patreon HERE.

2020 IN SUMMARY

Kilian Jornet the Matterhorn Interview HERE

Lanzarote Training Camp 2020 Days 1 to 3 HERE

Timothy Olson Interview HERE

Lanzarote Training Camp 2020 Day 4 HERE

Lanzarote Training Camp 2020 Day 5 and 6 HERE

Lanzarote Training Camp 2020 Day 7 HERE

Lanzarote Training Camp 2020 Day 8 and 9 HERE

Geoff Roes Interview HERE

Ellie Greenwood Interview HERE

Fastpacking in Morocco, Toubkal and the Atlas Mountains in winter HERE

Dean Karnazes Interview HERE

The Coastal Challenge 2020 Preview HERE

Top 10 Tips for Multi-Day Racing HERE

Bruce Fordyce Interview HERE

Episode 182 of Talk Ultra – John Kelly and Damian Hall HERE

The Coastal Challenge 2020 Stage 1 HERE

The Coastal Challenge 2020 Stage 2 HERE

The Coastal Challenge 2020 Stage 3 HERE

The Coastal Challenge 2020 Stage 4 HERE

The Coastal Challenge 2020 Stage 5 HERE

The Coastal Challenge 2020 Stage 6 HERE

Audiofuel running to music HERE

Scott Jurek Interview HERE

Mira Rai Initiative HERE

Covid-19 Basic Advice HERE

Transgrancanaria 2020 Preview HERE

Episode 183 of Talk Ultra – Kaytlyn Gerbin, Cody Lind and Janine Canham HERE

ISF announce new VK Circuit HERE

David Horton Interview HERE

Race Cancellations and Covid-19 HERE

Phil Maffetone Interview HERE

Covid-19 a simple guide HERE

inov-8 Trail Talon 290 V2 review HERE

Tom Evans 0 – 100 HERE

Episode 184 of Talk Ultra – Stephen Goldstein HERE

Michael Wardian and the Israel FKT HERE

Unbreakable – The Western States 100 HERE

Marco de Gasperi VK Hints and Tips HERE

IRUNATHOME HERE

Episode 185 of Talk Ultra – Kilian Jornet, Albert Jorquera and Michael Wardian HERE

The Immediate Future of Racing post Covid-19 HERE

Episode 186 of Talk Ultra – Rickey Gates, Kevin Webber, Abelone Lyng and Stevie Kremer HERE

One Only Sees with The Heart HERE

Max King Interview HERE

RAB Kaon Jacket Review HERE

Is Virtual Here to Stay? HERE

adidas Terrex Agravic Flow Review HERE

Hal Koerner Interview HERE

Episode 187 of Talk Ultra – Ben Bardsley, Crowley and Goldstein HERE

Zach Bitter 100 Treadmill Preview HERE

Episode 188 of Talk Ultra – Zach Bitter HERE

ISF announce MYSKYRACE HERE

Getting High in Norway HERE

Fastpacking – A Guide HERE

Episode 189 of Talk Ultra – Marcus Scotney, Elisabeth Borgersen and Spartan HERE

Scarpa Spin Review HERE

Exploring Norway – Hardanger HERE

Episode 190 of Talk Ultra – Superior 100 FKT HERE

Exploring Norway – Jotunheimen HERE

Scott Supertrac RC2 Review HERE

Episode 191 of Talk Ultra – Jodie Moss HERE

Fastpacking – Fast and Light HERE

Episode 192 of Talk Ultra – Kim Collison HERE

Nemo Hornet Tent Review HERE

VJ Sport iRock 3 Review HERE

Fastpacking Guide (Video) HERE

inov-8 Terraultra G270 Review HERE

Freedom in a Pandemic HERE

Episode 193 of Talk Ultra – Damian Hall HERE

Attaching a Front Pack (guide) HERE

Katadyn BeFree Review HERE

Photoshoot with Didrik Hermansen, Oslo

Rondane 100 Race Preview HERE

Sea to Summit Sleeping Mat Review HERE

Episode 194 of Talk Ultra – Beth Pascall, Sabrina Stanley and Tom Evans HERE

Molly Bazilchuk on her way to victory, Rondane 100.

Rondane 100 Race Summary HERE

Photoshoot with Yngvild Kaspersen for Adidas Terrex

Scott Kinabalu Ultra Review HERE

RED S article HERE

Episode 195 of Talk Ultra – John Kelly HERE

Exploring Norway – Møre og Romsdal HERE

Ultra-Trail Snowdonia HERE

Embrace Winter article HERE

Episode 196 of Talk Ultra – Jon Albon and Kristian Morgan HERE

Fastpacking and Camping in Winter HERE

UTS was cancelled at the last minute, but roll on 2021.

Ultra Trail Snowdonia HERE

How to find the correct Run Shoe Size and Fit HERE

Hytteplanmila 10km Preview HERE

Kilian Jornet running his first official road 10km.

Kilian Jornet and Hytteplanmila 10km HERE

VJ Sport Xante (ice shoe) Review HERE

Episode 197 of Talk Ultra – Finlay Wild, Speedgoat, Kilian Jornet and Stephen Goldstein HERE

Kilian Jornet to Run 24-Hour on the Track HERE

inov-8 Roclite Pro 400G Review HERE

Moonlight Headlamps HERE

La Sportiva VK Boa Review HERE

Episode 198 of Talk Ultra – Molly Bazilchuk, Mike McLean and Jack Scott HERE

Phantasm 24HR Kilian Jornet HERE

Getting Layered HERE

Silva Free Headlamp Review HERE

Choosing a Headlamp HERE

Episode 199 of Talk Ultra – Hayden Hawks and Camille Herron HERE

Andrea Huser RIP HERE

Running on Ice HERE

Tessa Philippaerts canicross world-champion.

Photoshoot Non-stop Dogwear

Episode 200 of Talk Ultra – Seb Conrad and Jill Wheatley HERE

inov-8 Terraultra G270 Long-Term Review HERE

inov-8 Mudclaw G260 Review HERE

Fuelling for a Multi-Day like Marathon des Sables HERE

And finally, on a personal level, a big thank you to Abelone Lyng who made 2020 a very special year. We shared countless trails, many mountains and countless summits.

Please support this website. I believe everyone deserves to read quality, independent and factual articles – that’s why this website is open to all. Free press has never been so vital. I hope I can keep providing independent articles with your help. Any contribution, however big or small, is so valuable to help finance regular content. Please support me on Patreon HERE.

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Michael Wardian and FKT Israel in RUNANDTRAVEL.pl

Posted on July 26, 2019 by talkultra

More exposure for Michael Wardian‘s incredible FKT Israel. This time in runandtravel.pl

The 13-page article will go online HERE please check it out!

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WHY WE RUN with Lizzy Hawker and Ian Corless

Posted on July 11, 2019 by talkultra

“…For Ian, Ultra Running is not about the race, so much as the race is an excuse for the real limelight that is the humility of the people in the locations of the races. In his photographs, the runners become a part of the landscape; creating an honest vision of unison between earth and person. The runners do not dominate the pictures but rather majestically intertwine with the scenery; showing how the runners are simultaneously merging with their location and going beyond the landscape. The runners are found to be a discrepancy to the sites they are in; it is this discrepancy that highlights the nature of running as natural and yet an oddity to what is natural. The dichotomy between natural and unnatural is a demonstration of basic human life, where we live our routines, yet we aim to achieve more and to become better versions of ourselves. Running, as such, becomes a representation of life. Running is not a reaction to the natural but an enhancement of it. To run is to evolve and to become better than your previous self.” – Yara Kair

WHY WE RUN

It’s 6 pm on a Wednesday, and a keen audience gathers in London’s The Conduit to listen to Lizzy Hawker and Ian Corless talk about their experiences as runners, Lizzy as a competitive long-distance runner and Ian as an extreme sports photojournalist. Most, if not all, of the people in the room, were either runners themselves or interested in becoming runners. Whichever the case, the theme of the evening was to understand the reason behind running.

Read the full articleHERE

Many thanks to Lizzy Hawker for her inspiration, hosting by Sophie and the support of myRaceKit for an incredible evening in London with like-minded people at The Conduit.

You can view highlight portfolio of my photography on the HOME screen of my website

HERE

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The Coastal Challenge #TCC2019 – PHOTOGRAPHS

Posted on February 16, 2019 by talkultra

PHOTOGRAPHS #TCC2019 The Coastal Challenge

A portfolio of TCC2019 race images are now online, they ‘web’ resolution only.

High resolution images will be uploaded in due course when suitable wifi is available.

GO : HERE

Everest Trail Race 2018 Kharikhola to Phakding #ETR2018

Posted on November 11, 2018 by talkultra

Day 4 Everest Trail Race #ETR2018

Kharikola to Phakding is very much a transition stage. The first 3-days have been quiet with an occasional glimpse of life. From here on in, the experience changes, the trails become busier – mules and yaks are seen regularly and they must be respected… It can be a confusion for a runner, as they force a slower pace and one must wait for the correct time to pass. In addition, Porters are seen regularly, these people are the hub of this area of Nepal, without them, supplies would not reach the lodges and shops.

The diversity is incredible. Children play, parents work and the runners navigate a way through this section to finish at what many consider to be the gateway to Everest, Phakding.

At just under 30km’s, stage 4 of the ETR is arguably the most runnable. Leaving the monastery, a short twisting descent leads to the river and a long climb to aid station one at Kari La. It is here that the first real glimpse of the high peaks becomes real. They are no longer distant specs but now feel very real and surprisingly close.

The descent to Surke (Cp2) is a 17km rollercoaster series of switchbacks of technical trail with occasional short climbs to sap the legs and lungs.

From Surke, the trail now flattens a little, with a series of small climbs and descents that lead all the way to the finish at Phakding.

Today was once again all about Jordi Gamito and Rai Purnimaya, the duo led from the front and were untouchable, they crossed the line in 3:34 and 4:25 respectively and now have strong leads for overall victory with two stages to go.

Joan Soler and Sergio Arias once again were 2nd and 3rd, 3:52 and 3:58 for the men and Manuela Vilaseca was 2nd in 4:49 ahead of Becks Ferry in 5:31 who picked up and injury on stage 3.

Tomorrow, stage-5 is a short day of just 20km’s and 2124m of vertical gain. It culminates at the monastery at Tyengboche with Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam providing arguably the most impressive finish line of any race!

‘What it Takes’ to Get the Shot

Posted on September 20, 2018 by talkultra

I was recently approached by LIFE OUTSIDE to provide a little insight into what it takes to, ‘Get the Shot!’

To be honest, it something that cannot be answered in just a few words.

It would be impossible to introduce Ian Corless, and describe his passion for photography, and involvement with ultra running better than Killian Jornet’s words in Corless’ recent book Running Beyond…

However, HERE is the article. I hope you find it of interest.

I recently also wrote an article on shooting in Morocco, HERE.

For those who may be looking to travel. I am speaking in October at TRF – Trail Running Festival HERE (in Poland) – Be great to have you come and say hello!