Transvulcania La Palma 2014 – the excitement begins!

Posted on March 19, 2014 by talkultra

Dakota is back! But so are Kilian and Emelie, Anna Frost, Luis Alberto Hernando, Sage Canaday and Timothy Olson…the star-studded cast doesn’t end here however! Read the press release by the ISF on the up and coming, 2014 Transvulcania La Palma.

The Transvulcania Ultramarathon on the Spanish island of La Palma has made quite a name for itself. Just a small speck in the Atlantic ocean, the race chosen to launch the Skyrunner® Ultra Series in 2012 has grown to represent a hub for many of the world’s top ultra runners, and has never looked back. This year, a Vertical Kilometer® up the gruelling downhill, gives a new twist.

The extraordinary line-up is headed by Salomon superstars Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg (Salomon) winners here last year and 2013 Skyrunner® World champions. However, look out for 2012 winners, Anna Frost (Salomon), and Dakota Jones (Montrail), returning to the Transvulcania stage after a year’s absence from the skyrunning scene. Anna’s 2012 record still stands.

Sage Canaday (Hoka One One) 3^rdlast year, arrives fresh from his second win at Tarawera in New Zealand and is joined by Timothy Olson (TNF) 4^th, who successfully started off the season with a third place at the recent Transgrancanaria.

The strong American line-up doesn’t end here, but first, let’s take a look at the other big-league Spanish runners: Luis Alberto Hernando (adidas), always a podium placer, he crossed the line hand in hand with Kilian to share the gold at the European Championships and moved on to win Cavalls del Vent. The question is, can he pare down those 4’ that separated him from Kilian last year? Tofol Castanyer (Salomon), 2^nd at Cavalls, Agustí Roc (inov-8) three-time SWS champion and Jordi Bes (FEEC),CCC winner, join the mix.

From France – UTMB winner Xavier Thevenard (TNF), 11^th in 2013, is no doubt looking to move up for a podium spot; Patrick Bringer (Sigvaris Sports), 5^th, is making a determined come-back, together with Martin Gafurri (New Balance) 19^th and a great top-10 at Tarawera recently and first-timer Sylvain Couchaud (Mizuno), 4^th at the Mont-Blanc 80K.

Among the top ranked talent, Germany’s Philipp Reiter (Salomon) finished an excellent 12^thlast year, despite illness, and Florian Neuschwander (16^th ISF ranking) who, like many other first timers, will fulfil a dream running this iconic race.

Tom Owens – Trofeo Kima

From the UK, an array of impressive newcomers to the race: Tom Owens (Salomon), 2^ndbehind Kilian at Kima 2012, is up and running after a year-long lay-off. Ricky Lightfoot (Salomon), 2013 AIU Champion and 2009 Zegama winner is joined by Stu Air (SCOTT Sports) and Robbie Britton (inov-8).

Robbie Britton – inov-8

From Italy, Giuliano Cavallo (Salomon) 9^th in 2012, returns after a year’s absence from running, together with Fulvio Dapit (Crazy Idea), a consistently top performer in the Sky distance over the years, he now moves up to tackle his first 83K.

Tackling their first “European” style race will be top Americans, Dylan Bowman (Pearl Izumi), Jason Schlarb (Altra), David Laney and Ryan Ghelfi (Nike Trail Team) and Ty Draney (Patagonia), while teammate Luke Nelson is back for more.

Emelie Forsberg – Transvulcania 2013

The women’s field too, represents the deepest in the five-year history of the race with new competition coming from across the Pond. The stacked field is headed by Salomon’s Emelie Forsberg and Anna Frost, respectively 2013 and 2012 winners. Nuria Picas (Buff) UTMB (2nd) and Cavalls winner, after a hard-fought 2^ndplace last year, she returns with a victory from the recent Transgrancanaria under her belt. Look out for Emma Roca (Buff), 3^rd at UTMB, and Uxue Fraile(Vibram) 3^rd here, another Spanish talent who is steadily but surely racking up the podiums.

Nuria Picas – Transvulcania 2013

Italy’s young star Silvia Serafini (Salomon), 4^thon the ISF Sky Ranking, has set her sights on the longest race of her rocketing career. Also from Italy, Federica Boifava, 5^th at the European Championships and new talent Alessandra Carlini, 2^nd in the Mont-Blanc 80K. From France, Aurelia Truel (2^nd IAU and 3^rd at Les Templiers and Maud Gobert, 6^th here in 2012.

Anna Frost

Three top level American runners taking up the challenge are Krissy Moehl (Patagonia), UTMF winner, Jodee Adams-Moore (SCOTT Sports), 2^nd at Speedgoat, and Cassie Scallon (Salomon) winner at Lake Sonoma and the recent MSIG Sai Kung 50 in Hong Kong.

From Japan, Hiroko Suzuki (Salomon), 2^nd at UTMF last year, may find the distance a little short and the elevation a little high for her long distance running skills.

The Ultramarathon presents a daunting 8,525m ascent and descent over the 83 km course, which starts at sea level on the Atlantic coast and travels along the island’s backbone to the summit of the volcano at 2,423m before descending again to the sea and finishing in the town of Los Llanos. The records to beat are:6h54’09” Kilian Jornet (2013) and 8h11’31” Anna Frost (2012).

The Vertical Kilometer® ascends the steep cliff face from the sea front at Tazacorte for 6.6 km single track with a 40% incline before settling into a “flatter” final section to finish at 1,160m altitude. The overall incline averages 30%.

The world’s top Vertical specialists will race on this newly designed course for the first time, with the super-strong La Sportiva team headed by World ChampionUrban Zemmer and top ranked athletes Marco Facchinelli, Marco Moletto, Nejc Kuhar and Nadir Mague.

Brothers Bernard and Martin Dematteis and Oscar and Marc Casal (Race Land) also stand out in the men’s field.

The women’s field is strongly represented by Salomon with World Champion Laura Orgue together with Emelie Forsberg, Anna Frost, Silvia Serafini and Antonella Confortola, joined by Sierre Zinal winner Elisa Desco.

Kilian Jornet, like his team mates, Emelie, Anna and Silvia, will,of course, race both!

Note the dates:

May 8, Transvulcania Vertical Kilometer®, and May 10, Transvulcania Ultramarathon.

Links:

Follow on Twitter @talkultra

Follow on Facebook – Here

Skyrunning Here

Credits:

Press Release ©ISF
All images ©iancorless.com

Skyrunner® Spain & Andorra Series announced

Posted on January 23, 2014 by talkultra

After France, USA, South Africa, UK and Italy, Spain and Andorra join forces to present an imposing calendar for the Skyrunner® National Series launched today which count some of the best and most popular races on the international stage. Ultras include the Transvulcania Ultramarathon, the 112 km Mitic in Andorra and the new Ultra Pirineu (formerly Cavalls del Vent). Zegama-Aizkorri in the Sky Series and the Cara Amón Vertical KM feature in an important and exciting fifteen-race calendar.

All the races echo the Skyrunning credo where altitude reigns, the courses are steep and demanding and excitement runs high. The Sky Series takes place entirely in “Mountain Parks” a seal of quality for the protection of the environment.

The races in the Spain & Andorra National Series are:

Vertical:

Cara Amón
Transvulcania Vertical Kilometer
Nit Pirineu
and Sitja del Llop

Sky:

Marató Montserrat
Zegama-Aizkorri Marathon
SkyRace Vallibierna
SkyRace Comapedrosa
Marató Pirineu
and Montseny Marathon; and in the

Ultra:

Transvulcania Ultramarathon
Ultra del Montseny
Ultra Mitic Andorra
and Ultra Pirineu (formerly Cavalls del Vent)

The winners of each National Skyrunner Series in the three disciplines will be awarded travel, free entry and accommodation to the first races on the 2015 Skyrunner® World Series calendar.

The much anticipated Series offers the best of Skyrunning in two countries that have a long tradition of high-profile international races and have provided many of the world’s best athletes and champions:

Kilian Jornet, Luis Alberto Hernando, Tofol Castanyer, Agusti Roc, Miguel Heras, Iker Karrera from Spain, the Texeido and Casal Mir brothers from Andorra and, among the ladies, Nuria Picas, Oihana Kortazar, Nuria Dominguez, Nerea Martinez, Emma Roca, Uzue Fraile, Laura Orgue… to name but a few.

The National Series is managed by Ocisport, long-time partner of the ISF responsible for the 2006 and 2012 SkyGames® in Andorra and central to the foundation of the Skyrunner® World Series in 2003. The Series is supported by FEDME (Spanish Federation for Mountain and Climbing Sports) and FAM (Andorran Mountaineering Federation), ISF Member nations.

Check out the Skyrunner® Spain & Andorra Series at www.skyrunnerseries.es

Skyrunner® National Series

ISF Ranking

Limone Extreme Race Preview – the 2013 Skyrunner VK and SKY World Series final.

Posted on October 8, 2013 by talkultra

The 2013 Skyrunner World Series comes to an end in Italy this coming weekend at the Limone Extreme amidst the stunning backdrop of Lake Garda. It has been an incredible year, three disciplines; VK, SKY and ULTRA have been raced throughout the world over a total of fifteen races (five in each discipline). The ULTRA championship was decided in Vail, Colorado where Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg were crowned Skyrunner Ultra World Champions. This coming weekend, world champions will be announced in the VK and SKY disciplines.

The Limone Extreme course was designed by Skyrunning legend, Fabio Meraldi. As one would expect, it is a true Skyrunning race with steep, sharp vertical over technical terrain. For example, the VK has 1,100m gain in 3km, climbing from the shores of Lake Garda, the race is extremely unique as it takes place as light fades and the course becomes illuminated by torches.

The SKY course by contrast is very similar to the course in Canazei. At 23.5km it is a short race, however, in contrast to the Dolomites race it does have less vertical ascent. Starting at Lake level runners will tackle 2002m of vertical ascent over a looped course. At the summit, stunning views of the surrounding area and lake are offered, however, participants will have no time to enjoy the view; a long and technical descent to the lake awaits. Often open and exposed, this course requires 100% concentration. Skyrunning legend, Marco De Gasperi set the men’s record of 2:13:34 in 2012 and Deborah Cardone holds the ladies best in a time of 3:02:08.

THE SKY RACE

MEN’S RACE

Kilian Jornet (Salomon) irrespective of his performance at Limone will be crowned World Champion. His three victories in previous races means he is unbeatable. It once again proves Kilian’s ability as a runner but also his ability over multiple distances. One thing is for sure though, he likes to win and he likes to race. The Limone Extreme course will suit his skill levels and it will also fulfill his desires to be at one with the mountain. Without doubt he is an outright favourite for the win.

With the absence of Marco De Gasperi due to injury, Kilian will have his hands full with Luis Alberto Hernando (adidas). Kilian and Luis have had an incredible season pushing each other to new levels and better performances as they both attempted to win the ULTRA and SKY series. Luis currently second overall on the SKY series will be looking to consolidate that position and coming from a recent win at Cavalls del Vent he will be looking to maybe topple Kilian and finish the series by topping the podium ahead of the Catalan.

Following Luis at Cavalls del Vent, Tofol Castanyer (Salomon) will join the party on Lake Garda. Tofol has had a very mixed season. Plagued with injury and bad luck, the latter half of his season has seen a return to form. The Limone course suits his natural abilities. *not racing 08/10/13

Alex Nichols (inov-8) has the skill level and speed to move up from 4^th overall on the SKY series and move ahead of Jokin Lizeaga Mitxelena (EMF). The two are separated by just 32-points. It will require a top performance by Alex. In the past, Alex has often commented that his descending has let him down, however, just recently he flew down the descent at Pikes Peak proving that he has been working on this!

Erik Dagsson Haugsness inov-8

Unfortunately, Nicola Golinelli (Arc’teryx) who is currently 5^th on the ranking will not perform due to injury; this leaves the door open for Erik Dagsson Haugsness (inov-8) to chase his teammate, Alex. Whatever the outcome, UK brand inov-8 will be extremely happy to have two runners in or around the top five in the first season competing in the Skyrunner World Series.

Zaid Ait Malek – Haria Extreme

One name to watch and look out for in the Limone race is Zaid Ait Malek. This quiet Moroccan has had an incredible season consistently making the podium, often behind Luis Alberto Hernando, however he is without doubt a star for the future. He raced earlier in 2013 at Zegama-Aizkorri and placed an excellent 4^th but he has progressed and matured in the following months.

Finally, David Schneider is making a first time appearance for inov-8 at Limone Extreme and it shows how as a brand, inov-8 are looking to the future. They are already committed to a 2014 season and they are laying the foundation now. David is an accomplished runner and comes from a strong orienteering background. He attracted the attention of inov-8 with an 11^th overall at the highly respected Sierre-Zinal race earlier this year. Limone will be a great initiation into Sky racing and the technicality it brings.

Other names to watch:

~~Dai Matsumoto~~, ~~Ryan Bak~~, Florian Reichert, Eric Diaz Martin, Didier Zago

Fulvio Dapit, and Nicola Golinelli.

LADIES RACE

It is very much a Salomon showdown for Limone with Emelie Forsberg, Stevie Kremer and ~~Silvia Serafini~~ going head-to-head not only for the final race win but the overall title. In real terms, the outright world title will be decided between Emelie Forsberg and Stevie Kremer. These two pocket rockets have had an incredible season and excitement is most certainly building as we anticipate who will come out on top in Italy. Separated by just ten points, 288 to 278, Stevie and Emelie will have a battle royal ahead. I for one can’t wait to see how this one unfolds. Emelie has been Miss Consistent in 2013 showing a skill and ability level beyond her years.

Stevie Kremer has been equally impressive. Stevie produced maybe one of the performances of the year with an incredible win and course record at Mont Blanc Marathon. Stevie’s biggest issue may very well be out of her control, she can actually make the long trip from Colorado just two days before the race.

Silvia Serafini has blossomed into an incredibly consistent and dominant runner. She gives herself quite a punishing schedule, regularly racing and regularly winning at all disciplines. Currently 3^rd in the SKY ranking with 226 points she would need a podium finish and Emelie and Stevie not to finish or finish outside of the points to move up the classification. Irrespective of overall positions, Silvia, racing in Italy will be looking to push as hard as possible and hopefully win the race outright. *injured 08/10/13

Oihana Kortazar returns to SKY racing after a quiet 2013 and has all the ability and talent to push her Salomon teammates all the way and don’t be surprised if she is on the podium at the finish. *not racing 08/10/13

Anna Lupton (inov-8) currently placed 6^th overall will be looking for a strong and consistent performance to consolidate her 2013 season. The podium may just be out of reach but keep an eye on her.

Finally I am going to tip a hat to Brit, Tracy Dean. This will be her first ever Skyrunning race. Tracy is a strong fell runner and has recently represented GB at the world trail championships. I don’t think we will see her up at the front end but it will be interesting to see how she performs.

Other names to watch:

~~Maud Gobert~~ and Tessa Hill.

THE VERTICAL KILOMETER

A race within a race! Our attention splits for the Limone VK, for once, Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg are not in contention for the overall World title. However, they will both most certainly be looking for outright victory in the Limone race. Emelie and Kilian have not placed an emphasis on the VK circuit this year and therefore have not accumulated enough points to qualify, however, when they have raced the VK distance they have performed consistently well. Kilian won in Canazei and placed 2^nd at Mont Blanc, Emelie by contrast was 4^th at Mont Blanc and 2^nd at Canazei; both will be up at the front in Limone.

Urban Zemmer leading at Canazei VK

The men’s race is a who’s who of VK racing with the top seven in the rankings performing. Marco Facchinelli is currently leading with 236-points followed by Ferran Teixido Marti Ventosa 2^nd with 216-points. In 3^rd Joan Freixa Marcelo, 180-points and then the real interest starts, Urban Zemmer, 2012 champion and current VK world record holder is chomping at the bit with 168-points. Interestingly, Marco Facchinelli will need to finish in the top three if he wants to keep the world title, however, should Urban Zemmer win and Facchinelli drop to 4^th, the title could be Zemmer’s. It is going to be an interesting race.

Other names to watch:

Oscar Casal Mir 5^th, Xavier Teixido Marti Ventosa 6th, Marco Moletto 7^{th. And} in addition, Erik Dagsson Haugsness (inov-8) will compete in the VK in addition the SKY race.

Antonella Confortola at Canazei VK

Vanessa Ortega Trancon currently leads the VK series with 236-points closely followed by Alba Xandri Suets on 228-ponts and the 2012 VK champion, Laura Orgue is 3^rd with 188-points. Brit Tessa Hill is 4^th with 156-points and it is all to play for. The addition of Emelie Forsberg and Antonella Confortola will add an interesting element to this race as they are both more than capable of taking the 1^st and 2^nd places, if this happens, 3^rd place and the points awarded will be very important in deciding who will be the 2013 Skyrunner VK World Champion.

An exciting weekend of racing is about to unfold; the VK takes place on Friday and the SKY race Sunday.

LINKS

Follow the action as it unfolds on twitter @talkultra on Facebook HERE and via this website.

Skyrunning HERE

Limone Extreme HERE

Episode 43 – Kilian Jornet, Anton Krupicka, Joe Grant, Jez Bragg, Rory Bosio, Nuria Picas and Jo Meek

Posted on September 6, 2013 by talkultra

EPISODE 43

Sept 6th

Episode 43 of Talk Ultra and on this weeks show we have an extended and in-depth interview with Kilian Jornet about his Matterhorn Summit record. We have a selection of audio from the TNFUTMB – Rory Bosio, Anton Krupicka, Joe Grant, Nuria Picas and Jez Bragg. We speak to Jo Meek who placed 2^nd lady at MDS and what the future holds for her. We have Talk Training, the News a blog, smiles and miles with Emelie Forsberg and of course, Mr Speedgoat.

NEWS

UTMB

Xavier Thevenard (ASICS/France) – 20:34:57 New course record; Old course record: Kilian Jornet – 20:36:43 – 2011
Miguel Heras (Salomon/Spain) – 20:54:08
Javier Dominguez (Spain-Basque) – 21:17:38
Timothy Olson (The North Face/USA) – 21:38:23
Mike Foote (The North Face/USA) – 21:53:19
Julien Chorier (Salomon/France) – 22:08:11
Bertrand Collomb-Patton (France) – 23:14:16
Arnaud Lejeune (Hoka One One/France) – 23:18:05
John Tidd (Spain) – 23:18:27

Jez Bragg (The North Face/United Kingdom) – 23:50:01

AUDIO with Jez Bragg and Anton Krupicka/ Joe Grant

Rory Bosio (The North Face/USA) – 22:37:26 New course record; Old course record: Krissy Moehl – 24:56:01 – 2009
Núria Picas (Buff/Spain-Catalana) – 24:32:20
Emma Roca (Hoka One One/Spain-Catalana) – 24:48:14
Katia Fori (Technica/Italy) – 27:48:45
Silvia Trigueros (Spain) – 28:13:12
Gill Fowler (La Sportiva/Australia) – 28:50:30
Maria Semerjian (France) – 29:34:30
Manuela Vilaseca (Brazil) – 30:17:02
Juliette Blanchet (France/Raidlight) – 30:24:08
Audrey Meyer (France) – 30:50:47

AUDIO with Rory Bosio and Nuria Picas

CCC

RESULTS 1 – Jordi BES 2 – Sébastien CAMUS 3 – Daniel GARCIA GOMEZ

WOMEN RESULTS 1 – Caroline CHAVEROT 2 – Mercedes ARCOS ZAFRA 3 – Delphine AVENIER

TDS

RESULTS 1 – Arnaud JULIA BONMATI 2 – Antoine GUILLON 3 – Mattia RONCORONI

WOMEN RESULTS 1 – Nathalie MAUCLAIR 2 – Claire PRICE 3 – Lisa BORZANI

Ring of Fire thanks to sam Robson for the info

1st Richard Ashton (no. 04) 22hrs 56 min

2nd Gavin Felton (no. 30) 23 hrs 30 min

3rd Christoph Pistek (no. 81) 23hrs 41 min

4th James Ashworth (no. 06) 24 hrs 22 min

5th Richard Heath (no. 44) 24 hrs 25 min6th

Michelle Bowen (no. 10) 25 hrs 33 min

UTWT News so the UTWT was announced.

January 18th Vibram Hing Kong 100
March 1st The North Face Transgrancanaria
March 15th Vibram Tarawera 100km
April 4th to 14th Marathon des Sables
April 25th Ultra Trail Mt Fuji
June 27th The North Face Lavaredo Trail
June 29th Western States
August 29th The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

The UTWT will propose an international competitive circuit in partnership with the International Trail Running Association. The events should already be open to the widest public and will offer ‘everyone’ a unique chance, throughout each year, to participate. Question: How does that relate to Western States with limited capacity and demand far outweighing places available? Also, Marathon des Sables… UK entrants for example are on a three year waiting list.

In each race points are awarded to every runner and therefore at the end of the year, a male and female UTWT world champion will be announced. To attract elite athletes, certain events will have Ultra Trail Series status and these will offer more important weighting in the ranking. (I assume this will be for races like Western States?)

Runners will be presented with a Passport. This can be ordered online before the end of the year, it was not made clear if these passports need to be paid for? When you complete a race, you are awarded a visa, this is added to your passport and shows your completion.

The minimum race distance will be 100km, races must have had two previous editions to qualify and already have 500 minimum participants (again, Western States has less than 400). A minimum of twenty countries will be represented and be emblematic venues.

So, how do you become World Champ?

All finishers in every race will be awarded points according to his performance. These points will be added to the International ranking and updated after each race. This ranking will be available on line at the UTWT website. The circuit will be an International competitive circuit in partnership with the ITRA (International Trail Running Association).

As mentioned, a limited number of races will be called Ultra Trail Series and you may only use two best performances from these races in building up points for the world title. In total, three races score, so, you could have two UTS races and one other.

A world champion lady and male will be announced each year.

READ MORE HERE

Wasatch this weekend… plus will Nick have his ‘Slam’ confirmed. Oh dear, Steve Baugh, why didn’t you just phone him… $80! Posted on the Grand Slam website at the end of August!

The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning™ Committee and the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run Committee do not endorse, recognize, or ratify anyone or their times involved in the so-called “unofficial” grand slam of ultrarunning. Likewise we do not support, encourage, or sustain anyone involved in this pursuit.

We continue to recognize, applaud, and award the runners who are legitimately registered in and officially complete The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning™.

We also remind all who are observing or otherwise involved that the term “Grand Slam of Ultrarunning™” is a trademark of The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning™ entity, and only those who are official entrants and finishers of The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning™ are entitled to use the term “Grand Slam of Ultrarunning™” in whatever form (including in any form that might cause trademark confusion) in connection with their running endeavors.

BLOGS

Stoke the Fire by Joe Grant at Alpine-works.com

I would tell them inspire instead of trying to win races. Don’t even worry if you finish first or 100th. It doesn’t make any difference because there’s going to be another race later. If you win, everybody forgets it in a few days anyway, and if you lose, nobody remembers, but the inspiration you give will last forever because you’ll get other people to run well. We try too hard to run well and be logical. And I think it’s much better if you go out and make it so everybody gets to the first mile very fast and they’re wildly afraid because the logic has been thrown to the dust. Gerry Lindgren (advice to distance runners)

INTERVIEW with Jo Meek

TALK TRAINING – Marc Laithwaite

MAIN INTERVIEW

This week’s interview is with Kilian Jornet about his incredible Matterhorn Summit record breaking run. I have to say that I feel very honored that Kilian provided so much of his free time to discuss this in such great depth. It’s a fascinating interview.

MELTZER MOMENT – Good, Bad and Ugly

SMILESandMILES with Emelie Forsberg – smilesandmiles@yahoo.com

RACES

Australia

New South Wales

Altra Centennial Park Ultra100km | 100 kilometers | September 15, 2013 | website

Altra Centennial Park Ultra 50km | 50 kilometers | September 15, 2013 | website

Queensland

Glasshouse 100 km | 100 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Glasshouse 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

Austria

“GRAWE” 50km Lauf | 50 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

“NKE Austria” 100km Lauf | 100 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

Belgium

Ecotrail de Bruxelles – 80 km | 81 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

Canada

Alberta

Lost Soul 100 Km Ultra | 100 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Lost Soul 100 Mile Ultra | 100 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

Lost Soul 50 Km Ultra | 50 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Ontario

Haliburton Forest Trail 100 Mile Race | 100 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

Haliburton Forest Trail 50 km Race | 50 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Haliburton Forest Trail 50 Mile Race | 50 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

Quebec

The North Face Ultra-Trail Harricana de Charlevoix (UTHC) – 65 km | 65 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

France

Bas-Rhin

Grand Trail du HK ” The Magic Trail” | 52 kilometers | September 15, 2013 | website

Haute-Garonne

Trail des Olympiades du Canton d’Aurignac – 60 km | 60 kilometers | September 15, 2013 | website

Isère

Ultra Trail du Vercors | 80 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Lot

Figeac – St-Cirq-Lapopie – Conques : du 20 au 24 septembre 2013 | 208 kilometers | September 20, 2013 | website

Pas-de-Calais

Trail de la côte d’Opale – 62 km | 62 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Saône-et-Loire

Com Com Trail 68km | 68 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Savoie

Ecotrail – trail long | 50 kilometers | September 15, 2013 | website

Vendée

Bol d’Air – 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 08, 2013 | website

Vosges

L’infernal Trail des Vosges – 160 km | 158 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

L’infernal Trail des Vosges – 72 km | 72 kilometers | September 08, 2013 | website

Georgia (საქართველო)

Kazbegi Mountain Ultramarathon | 53 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Germany

Baden-Württemberg

Stromberg Extrem 54,4 KM | 54 kilometers | September 08, 2013 | website

Bavaria

Chiemsee-Ultramarathon September | 108 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

North Rhine-Westphalia

P-Weg Ultramarathon | 67 kilometers | September 15, 2013 | website

Rhineland-Palatinate

Dorint-RUN50 | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2013 | website

India

Khardung La Challenge | 72 kilometers | September 08, 2013 | website

Indonesia

Indo Ultra | 130 miles | September 15, 2013 | website

Italy

Aosta Valley

Tor des Géants | 330 kilometers | September 08, 2013 | website

Veneto

Troi dei Cimbri | 53 kilometers | September 15, 2013 | website

Malaysia

Most Beautiful Thing Ultra Trail Marathon – 100K | 100 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

Most Beautiful Thing Ultra Trail Marathon – 50K | 50 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

Poland

7 Valleys Run Ultramarathon of the Festival | 100 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Switzerland

Valais

Trail des Dents-du-Midi | 50 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

United Kingdom

England

Bullock Smithy | 56 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

XNRG Toad Challenge 2013 | 90 miles | September 20, 2013 | website

Scotland

River Ayr Way Challenge | 44 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

USA

California

Diablo Trail 50K Run | 50 kilometers | September 15, 2013 | website

Endure the Bear 100 Miler | 100 miles | September 06, 2013 | website

Endure the Bear 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Headlands Hundred | 100 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Headlands Hundred 50 Mile Endurance Run | 50 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Ragnar Relay Napa Valley | 186 miles | September 20, 2013 | website

Colorado

Flaming Foilage Relay | 160 miles | September 13, 2013 | website

Ragnar Relay Colorado | 200 miles | September 06, 2013 | website

Rocky Mountain National Park Traverse | 39 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

Run Rabbit Run 100 Mile Ultra Marathon | 100 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Run Rabbit Run 50 Mile Ultra Marathon | 50 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Illinois

Evergreen Lake Ultra – 43 Miles | 43 miles | September 15, 2013 | website

Kansas

Hawk 50 | 50 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Hawk Hundred 100 mile Trail Run | 100 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Hawk Hundred 50 mile Trail Run | 50 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Maryland

BRRC Gunpowder Keg Ultra 50K Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

Michigan

Freak 50K | 50 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Hallucination 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 06, 2013 | website

LSD 100K | 100 kilometers | September 06, 2013 | website

Peace, Love & 50 mile | 50 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

Minnesota

Superior Sawtooth 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 06, 2013 | website

Superior Trail 50 Mile | 50 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

Nebraska

Bohemian Alps 50 Kilometer Ultramarathon | 50 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

New Hampshire

Pisgah Mountain 50K Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 15, 2013 | website

Ohio

Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic 50K | 50 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

Oklahoma

Do-Wacka-Do 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Oregon

McKenzie River Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Pennsylvania

Pine Creek Challenge 100K | 100 kilometers | September 07, 2013 | website

Pine Creek Challenge 100M | 100 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

South Carolina

Long Cane 50K Ultra Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

Long Cane 55M Ultra Trail Run | 55 miles | September 15, 2013 | website

Tennessee

Bartlett Parks Ultras 40M | 40 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Bartlett Parks Ultras 50K | 50 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

Bartlett Parks Ultras 50M | 50 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Utah

Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | September 06, 2013 | website

Virginia

Odyssey 40 Mile Trail Ultra | 40 miles | September 07, 2013 | website

The Blude Ridge Relay | 208 miles | September 06, 2013 | website

Washington

Plain 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

Wisconsin

The North Face Endurance Challenge Madison 50 Km | 50 kilometers | September 14, 2013 | website

The North Face Endurance Challenge Madison 50 Mile | 50 miles | September 14, 2013 | website

CLOSE

LINKS:

http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkultra/Episode_43_-_Jornet_Krupicka_Grant_Bragg_Bosio_Picas.mp3

ITunes http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk-ultra/id497318073

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

Website – talkultra.com

The North Face UTMB video

Posted on September 5, 2013 by talkultra

Quality video highlight of the 2013 The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc.

Enjoy

HERE

RACE IMAGES The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

Posted on August 31, 2013 by talkultra

Once again, the races of The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® have gathered at the heart of the valley more than 50 000 people who came from around the world to be a part of this celebration of ultra running. Today early afternoon, the young frenchman, Xavier Thévenard from the Jura région won the TNFUTMB, along with an absolutely incredible performance by TNF athlete, Rory Bosio who not only set a new course record but placed 7th overall.

: Timothy Olson, TNFUTMB ©iancorless.com

The start of the 2013 UTMB

Posted on August 30, 2013 by talkultra

Transvulcania Press Conference

Posted on May 9, 2013 by talkultra

Press conference Transvulcania 2013 - copyright Ian Corless

Fernanda Maciel, Timothy Olson, Emelie Forsberg, Kilian Jornet, Nuria Picas, Anton Krupicka and Luis Alberto Hernando attended the 2013 Transvulcania La Palma press conference at Hotel Sol Palma on the morning of Thursday May 9th.

It was a buzz of activity as press from all over the world discussed the exciting prospect of the battles that would unfold on the beautiful trails of La Palma.

Timothy Olson Transvulcania 2013 - copyright Ian Corless

Timothy Olson, “I am just excited to be able to race in Europe. I have spent many days in the last two weeks running the trails here and it is fantastic. A beautiful island and beautiful trails”.

Anton Krupicka Transvulcania 2013 - copyright Ian Corless

Anton Krupicka was in La Palma for the 2012 edition of the race but was unable to race. “I am thrilled to be back” he said, “I decided last year when I watched the race that I would return and test myself on this course. It’s a course that just makes so much sense and of course, it is beautiful”.

Fernanda Maciel Transvulcania 2013 copyright Ian Corless

As we all know, Anna Frost will not be running in the 2013 edition of the race. Fernanda Maciel, Emelie Forsberg and Nuria Picas all expressed sadness that the 2012 winner and course record holder would not be able to race.

Nuria Picas Transvulcania 2013 copyright Ian Corless

Emelie said, “Of course we are sad. I have raced and run with Anna so much. Not to have her with us is a great shame but a priority for Anna is that she gets well and thinks about running and running well into the future”.

Emelie Forsberg Transvulcania 2013 - copyright Ian Corless

Luis Alberto Hernando had some laughs with the press and Kilian Jornet at the prospect of running his first ultra against some of the best in the world. Kilian also smiled and teased his sparring partner. It will be great to see how this battle unfolds.

Kilian Jornet Transvulcania 2013 - copyright Ian Corless

Luis Alberto Hernando Transvulcania 2013 - copyright Ian Corless

A common bond was expressed by all. Transvulcania is a beautiful race on a beautiful island. In just 48 hours runners will be spread all over the 83km’s of the GR131 between Fuencaliente and Los Llanos and we will be rewarded with two new champions.

Follow @talkultra on Twitter and Talk Ultra on Facebook for updates.

Transvulcania La Palma – The Elites

Posted on May 6, 2013 by talkultra

Just five days to go to the 2013 Transvulcania La Palma on the island of La Palma in the Canaries. Without doubt one of the racing highlights of the 2013 calendar. It is a who’s who of ultra running and here is the current confirmed line up for May 11th.

Make sure you follow all the race build up by Talk Ultra. I will be uploading images and commentary to Facebook, Twitter and this website. In addition, I will be conducting pre race audio and video interviews.

On race day we will keep you informed of all the action, phone connections allowing. Rest assured, we will be providing all the information and excitement as this iconic event unfolds.