Day 2 of the Oman Desert Marathon and after day 1, there was some anxiety. At 55km’s long, the stage was set to be tough. A planned 0630 start with sunrise, would provide participants with extra time in daylight. However, the weather had different plans. An inversion came in during the night and early morning reducing visibility in the valley to zero, the start was delayed 1-hour.
At approximately 0730, the runners were on the way despite some lingering mist. However, the mist was guaranteed to disappear quickly and it did. While it lasted, it gave an eerie feeling to the desert.
Sadly, Mohammed El Morabity was a DNS today. He was tired and feeling under the weather after long delayed travel and a tough first day. Although sad to see a competitor leave, I am sure Salah Al Saidi and Evgenii Glyva were somewhat happy to have one less El Morabity brother to deal with.
Having run a very strong stage 1, Salah Al Saidi took the race to Rachid pushing the pace. As always, Rachid started easy and looked relaxed while following and Evgenii was pushing to hold the pace.
For the women, Aziza Raji must have felt very confident after her stage 1 performance and huge gap. By contrast, Aziza El Amrany was probably wondering how she could pull back any time? Kathleen Leguin who was a pre-race favourite had suffered with sickness on stage 1 but started the day feeling better and the trio ran together with Veronique Messina behind.
Despite 55km’s, stage 2 was billed as a more runnable and easier day, it wasn’t. There was a great deal of soft-sand, several dune section and lots of heat. It was all too much for Kathleen and sadly she withdrew from the race at cp3.
It is never easy to tell if Rachid is suffering, but today there seemed some signs of fatigue and tiredness at cp3. He left with Saleh but looked happy to hold back and let the pace be dictated.
However, in a typical Rachid move, he finally applied pressure and opened a gap crossing the line in 5:47:24 to Saleh in 6:07:43. Evgenii finished 3rd in 6:23:13.
The two Aziza’s were playing truce today and duo ran together all day, Raji happy not to loose anytime to El Amrany and at the same time share the desert with a friend.
With Kathleen out of the race, Veronique finished 3rd, the times of the top 3 8:31:06 and 8:31:07 for El Amrany and Raji, 9:04:37 for Veronique.
Results HERE and GC ranking HERE.
Albert Jorquera and Pol Makuri were battling the day and due for an early evening finish, in darkness.
A long stop at cp3 allowed Pol to get some treatment for his feet and recharge ready for the push to the line; he’s one tough guy!
Tomorrow is stage 3, the night stage. The runner’s will start in two waves. The first around midday, the second early afternoon and they will go in to the night over roughly a marathon distance.
Navigating a different route to the 2023 Oman Desert Marathon, stage 1 of the 2024 edition proved to be a tough challenge and one that saw the lead change in the latter stages to provide victory for Aziza Raji and Rachid El Morabity.
Starting in Bidiyah with a gala presentation of local dignitaries and local music, the event had a mass start for the 4-stage race, marathon, 21km, 10km and 5km.
The main event, the 4-stage 165km race navigating an almost circular route back to Bidiyah was initially lead with a charge from last year’s champion, Mohamed El Morabity with Khalid Al Jabri and Evgenii Glyva.
For the women, an in-form Aziza El Amrany forged away at the front looking very strong and focused.
As per usual, Rachid El Morabity paced himself with a relatively slow start keeping the other three protagonists in sight.
Behind Aziza, Aziza Raji and the French lady, Kathleen Leguin were both looking strong and relaxed.
The opening 25km, post-race, was considered to be ‘easy’ in comparison to the tough and challenging terrain that followed; relentless soft-sand, dunes and rollercoaster terrain that sapped the body of strength, especially as the heat of the day came.
It was here that Aziza El Amrany relinquished the lead to Aziza Raji who looked much more relaxed in the challenging terrain.
Kathleen was also suffering, climbing a steep dune she had continuous moments of sickness and at the summit, she sighed, just 9km to go.
Rachid had now made his move and behind Mohamed El Morabity was fighting hard to hold a very strong Salah El Saidi, no doubt hampered by long travel and a very late arrival before race day.
The 2023 champion could not match the pace and finished 3rd, 3:39:20, 3:39:54 and 3:41:29 separated the men, making for an exciting stage 2.
Aziza Raji was super strong in the latter stages of the day and crossed the line in 5:22:36. Aziza El Amrany arrived in a surprising 5:49:18 and Kathleen was overtaken by Veronique Messina to finish 3rd in 6:18:55.
While the fast raced at the front, as in every race, stories begin to form behind. A notable one, Albert Jorquera who raced here in Oman in 2023, who this year runs with Pol Makuri who has Cerebral Palsy in the right side of his body. An inspiration to watch!
The duo finished the day in a brilliant time of 7:41.49, 19th and 20th.
As darkness arrives, the battle for the line continues. It’s been a tough first day here in Oman.
On a recent work trip I had a run shoe disaster. To cut a long story short, I was left with no run shoes.
Dropping in to the best run store I could find, I was rest assured with a great selection of trail shoes and gladly, they had options from which to choose. It would have been easy to purchase shoes I have already owned used and liked, and in all honesty, had they had a pair of Hoka Torrent I would have got them; a great all-rounder.
I needed a shoe with cushioning, protection, and a good outsole.
As it happens, I had three excellent choices and none of the shoes I had used before, a NNormal Tomir (23/31), a Hoka Speedgoat 5 (29/33) and a Merrell Agility Peak 5 (25/31), based on stack heights, three very comparable shoes. Interestingly the NNormal with 8mm drop, the Hoka with 4mm drop and the Merrell sitting in the sweet spot of 6mm.
I will be honest, I was instantly drawn to the NNormal, I had been waiting to test a pair for sometime and in my head, before trying any of them on, I had already made up my mind. I am getting the NNormal.
However, slipping them on, they just didn’t make me smile. The lacing was less than optimal, foothold was kinda ok but the overall feel was lifeless. The Hoka Speedboat 5 by contrast had life, had great foothold and was just solid. That’s it, I will get the Speedgoat…
But then the assistant said, you should really try on the Merrell, particularly if you like the Hoka.
So, I slipped the Agility Peak 5 on whoa, what a revelation. Foothold superb, heel comfort excellent, toe box space great and there was a bounce and life not present in the other two. The addition of Vibram Magagrip added to the package, to be fair, this was on the other two shoes too, but here on the Agility Peak 5 it was aggressive and with 5mm lugs.
I purchased the Merrell.
MERRELL
I had heard a great deal about Merrell shoes, nearly all of it positive, so, I don’t really know why it had taken me so long to eventually get a pair. Certainly trying on against the NNormal and Hoka only confirmed that my decision was coming too late, I had been missing out!
Superb cushioning 25mm front, 31mm rear.
A great looking shoe that means business. The side profile, the outsole and 5mm lugs, a visible rock plate, it’s clear that this is shoe is for the rough stuff.
Red rock plate showing through the Vibram MegaGrip outsole.
When a shoe is in version 5, I always get a little nervous. The plus side is this is a shoe that works and is loved, otherwise Merrell would not adapt, change and make a new version. But sometimes, the ‘need’ to make new version can sometimes spoil what was good about the previous ones. Having not tried an Agility Peak before, I was a blank canvas – a good thing!
THE SHOE
With reduced weight, increased rocker, increased heel grip and comfort, this shoe on paper was ticking all the boxes.
A breathable upper, excellent lace placement, gusseted tongue, a toe cap protection, EVA foot bed, FloatPro foam midsole, rock plate, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm traction lugs.
5mm lugs by Vibram MegaGrip.
A D-ring gaiter attachment at the front and velcro attachment at the rear,
Velcro tab at the rear for gaiter.
The Agility Peak 5 is a feature packed shoe. A 6mm drop with cushioning 25mm at the front and 31mm at the rear makes this a shoe ideal for long days out in gnarly terrain.
Slipping the shoe on I had an instant comfort factor that made me smile, I knew immediately I was going to like this shoe.
Great lacing and D-ring for gaiter.
Lacing up, foot hold was superb without any nasty pressure on the navicular bone. Holding the rear of the shoe.
Lifting my foot, there was no slippage and the gusseted tongue just added to the cozy comfort factor.
Spacious toe box.
The toe box is spacious, a 3, maybe a 4, on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being wide and spacious.
Standing up, there was a definite bounce and life as I moved backwards and forwards, up and down.
IN USE
I was committed and out-of-the-box I went straight in to a gnarly coastal run over very rocky and abrasive terrain, 37km and 1531m+. It was a great test! The Agility Peak 5 excelled.
The notable takeaways were all-day comfort and protection.
I never had to adjust the laces, my foot was held secure all day. The cushioning allowed for great ground feel but not at the compromise of comfort, especially with the rock plate protecting from all the sharp rocks and obstacles.
At 25/31mm in cushioning, I was concerned that maybe I would be a little too high from the ground, but this shoe has a wide footprint and this compensates for the additional stack height wonderfully. I had no rolling issues at all.
Notably, when walking and hiking, the bounce and comfort at the rear of the shoe was superb. When running, the flex behind the metatarsals was ideal giving a great propulsive phase. The toe box allowing enough space for toe splay but not at the compromise of precision. When climbing, my foot was secure, no movement, a combination of the new heel cup and the rear sling lock.
The outsole by Vibram is tried and tested, MegaGrip appears everywhere, but this is the first time I have used or seen the 5mm lug version and it is brilliant. The grip was superb. I have yet to try in the wet!
Was there a downside? In all honesty, no. It’s arguably the most complete shoe I have tried in a very long time and if I was to be picky, for a shoe that is so obviously designed for rough stuff, the toe bumper could maybe be a little more protective.
Despite the mean business looks, the Agility Peak 5 has plenty of life, speed and comfort for those wonderful single-track runs with little or no technicality. The rocker helping to propel you forward with excellent comfort.
Fitting true to size, this shoe is one of the best I have tried and tested.
CONCLUSION
Shoe technology gets better all the time and now there are sooooo many good shoes, it’s often difficult to pick a best one. Of course, this is a great position to be in. I have countless shoes that I would be happy to run in on any given day. But, some shoes have very specific uses. If I wanted guaranteed mountain grip in wet and dry, I would choose a VJ MAXx. I I wanted a fast shoe for single-track, I’d go for an Adidas Speed Ultra. If I wanted a just one shoe that could do all things and do them well, my choice has normally been a Hoka Torrent, that is until the Merrell Agility Peak 5 cam along.
The rock plate and grip is excellent.
This shoe has been a revelation. All day comfort, great grip, great foot hold, fast when you need them to be, secure when the terrain demands it and all wrapped up in an excellent good looking package.
The Agility Peak 5 is my shoe of 2024! A shoe that has balanced cushioned comfort with speed and versatility for all running, be that on trail or mountain terrain.
My recent podcast interview with Cyril Gauthier (available HERE) discussing the new development and progression for Marathon des Sables has now been transcribed and translated in to French. Superb job by Emmanuel Lamarle.
It is available on the marathondessables.com website by following the link HERE.
Make sure you you click on the flag (top right) as the copy will be inFrench or English.
The iconic Marathon des Sables is entering a new phase, the past 37 editions have been under the aegis of Patrick Bauer, who, back in 1984, filled up a pack with food and water and trekked off alone into the Algerian Sahara to cover 350km’s on foot in a self-sufficient manner. Little did he know at the time, but this journey was the start of something incredible, the Marathon des Sables, or MDS as it is affectionately known.
Now under new ownership, the 38th edition taking place in April 2024 will see some significant changes while sticking to the main format and principles of the past 37-editions.
It is therefore timely, to update my Ultimate Guide to Marathon des Sables and acknowledge these key changes.
A recent podcast with one of the new co-owners, Cyril Gauthier, can be heard HERE.
Cyril ran the Marathon des Sables in 2009, created the brand WAA and is instrumental in the growth of the HMDS (Half Marathon des Sables) format. Moving forward, the HMDS format will no longer have the ‘half’ title, for example, HMDS Morocco will become MDS Morocco, HMDS Jordan will be MDS Jordan and the key, full distance race of the past 37-years will be called ‘LEGENDARY‘ – The Legendary Marathon des Sables.
Marathon des Sables offers more than just running, it offers a challenge, it offers something quite unique – the Sahara and the MDS strips the runner back to basics and deprives them of all luxuries so that they are stripped raw. Runners find themselves in the desert.
However, this challenge can often daunt a new participant with the challenge that is ahead and therefore, my Ultimate Guide to the Marathon des Sables is provided to settle nerves, provide initial information and provide a level of knowledge that you can use as a base from which to build your own plan and decide on what equipment to purchase and use.
Iconic balloons, landscape and early morning light.
You’ll have seen the images, two in particular appear everywhere when you do a search on the internet, one will be the unique fairy towers and the other, hot air balloons gliding over the aforementioned landscape with the glow of early morning light.
Running and racing is a wonderful double edged sword, we look for new destinations to practice our sport and then when in these locations, we get to explore them in the best way possible, by foot!
Hoodoo – an epic backdrop
Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail, now in it’s 10th edition provides the opportunity to mix the best of both worlds.
The races start and conclude in Ürgüp (closest airport Kayseri) in Nevşehir province. It’s the perfect hub for exploration. Located at 1044m, access to key tourist attractions and hot air balloon flights, are just a phone call away, particularly if you communicate with Argeus Travel, who also happen to be the team behind Cappadocia Ultra Trail.
Other than say Montserrat, Colorado and north America, the landscape of Cappadocia is unique. The ‘Hoodoo’ (fairy chimney) actually translates to tent rock or earth pyramid is in abundance and a key feature of the landscape here. Created by earth erosion, they typically consist of soft rock topped by harder rock. These Hoodoos became home to Troglodytes (cave dweller) who carved into the formations to create a place to live. Varying in size, Hoodoo can be up to 10 storeys high and they are unique with a conical shape. Today, there are no permanent settlements but Persians, Ottomans, Romans, Byzantines and others, over time, have used these Hoodoo as shelter. Notably, Christians fleeing persecution made their homes in Cappadocia and they built churches. This was a key phase in the development of the Hoodoo, they ‘added’ to the natural structure and also built a network of underground cities and caves.
And so, Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail offers a unique opportunity to run through history.
With three key races, CUT at 119k,, CMT at 63km and CST at 38km, there is a race distance for all. While CUT provides the full and immersive 360 experience, the CMT arguably provides the most spectacular and concise journey. The CUT and CMT cover the same trails starting in Ürgüp and passing on a circular route through key locations such as Ortahisar, Ibrahimpasa, Göreme and the Rose and Red valley, where surreal rock formations, pinkish-red colours, and ancient cave churches make this a highlight. Ürgüp follows and the CMT concludes, for the CUT they continue on for a tough and arduous loop passing through Mustafapasa, Damsa Dam, Cemil, Taskinpasa, Karlik, Egrim Tepesi and finally Ürgüp for the finish.
The CST passes through Ibrahimpasa, Göreme and concludes in Ürgüp and while the route has its moments, it’s less spectacular than the CMT.
With over 2400 runners from over 70 nations, Cappadocia Ultra Trail has become Turkey’s key trail running event. It sets the bar for how an event should be. Talking with the team at Argeus, they have a simple philosophy, they wanted to create an event for Turkish people that was of the highest standard and importantly, affordable. The growth of the event and the landscape on offer has made this one of the key events in the world to travel to and it’s easy to see why. Ürgüp in itself has grown through the tourism generated and as such, accommodation is in abundance and much of it with a boutique style, I for example stayed inside a cave at Deer Suites.
Racing was fast and furious and the presence of the Adidas Terrex Team certainly provided a new impetus to the racing with Dmitry Mityaev and Ekaterina Mityaeva winning the CUT, Ekaterina also 3rd overall. Kim Schreiber winning the CMT and placing 3rd overall! Martin Dematteis and Dion Gorla both placing 2nd in the CST. Full results HERE.
Dmitry Mityaev
CUT – Dmitry Mityaev completed the 360 degree journey of Cappadocia in a course record time of 10:59:32 with Farkhad Isakov and Mohammadreza Jelodar placing 2nd and 3rd, 12:14:25 and 13:12:15 respectively. Ekaterina Mityaeva also set a course record 13:00:23 and placed 3rd overall, a stunning run. Ksenila Avdeeva was 2nd in 14:23:45 and Sergio Baysal 3rd in 15:24:41.
Ekaterina Mityaeva
CMT – Kim Schreiber was the star completing the 63km in 05:38:39 and placing 3rd overall. Behind, the Terrex athlete was followed by Varvara Shikanova and Aysel Yalac Dolay. 06:02:58 and 06:24:50 respectively. Mestan Turban set a blistering pace for the men and set a convincing victory in 05:03:49 followed by Irem Can Ayaz in 05:17:40 and Ryan Farrugia in 05:42:15.
Mestan Turban passing through Ibrahimpasa
CST – Alejandro Forcades and Martin Dematteis had a hard fought battle for victory, Alejandro finally crossing first in 02:39:40 to Martin’s 02:41:34. Yury Shtankov rounded the podium in 02:48:29. The women’s race also had a tight battle for victory with Simone Brick edging out Dioni Gorla, 03:25:53 to 03:26:35. Tugce Karakaya placed 3rd in 03:31:24.
Hidden caves
In addition to the stand-alone races, the CUT, CMT and CST were also done in relay format. Results CUT, CMT and CST.
Ürgüp was a stunning location and hub for the 2023 Cappadocia Ultra Trail, in conjunction with excellent organisation from Argeus, many are now already looking ahead to 2024. See you there I hope!
As trail and mountain running grows worldwide, races with a 1000 or even 1000’s of runner’s are becoming normal. It’s great to see this boom and long may it continue. However, raw and local events have a place, they are a hark back to the ‘why’ we run, travel, adventure, culture and an immersive experience in a new place with new people.
Now in its third edition, the race has grown from humble beginning to 100’s of participants over four races, VK, 17km, 24km and 50km.
Oliena
Deep inside Sardinia, the wild territory of Supramonte is explored, on foot. The beauty of this region comes in its primitive, harsh and beautiful terrain which makes up the challenge to be endured from VK to 50km. This rough terrain in softened by the people and their warmth. Rough and smooth, Oliena is a must visit destination.
Looking up from the centre of town, the church towered by an epic backdrop of mountains that is reminiscent of the Dolomites, provides a hub for the weekend of events. Saturday afternoon, the VK and 17km get underway at 1500 both taking the same trail to Prado where they then split, the 17km heading right for a wonderful trail journey back to town, the VK turning left for a steep conclusion at Punta Carabidda. Sunday, an 0700 start for the 50km and at 0900 the 24km gets underway, the two races sharing some of the same trails to and from Prado but in opposite directions.
Some would say, they are brutally beautiful.
Battle for VK first place
The VK covers 6.5km’s and 980m+ of tree covered trails until finally opening up to mountainous terrain as Prado looms. Now the terrain is tough, challenging and more technical. VK’s burn the legs and lungs and here in Oliena, Alex Baldaccini and Frederico Nicolini pushed each other to the line, crossing together in 41:06. Lorenzo Rostagno placed third. Elena Nicolini crowned the podium for the women in 54:23, also good enough for fifth overall. Camilla Calosso and Giudy Turini completed the podium.
Giudy Turini
Starting at the same time as the VK, the 17km Corassi Trail covers 1250m of vertical gain with the opening km’s matching those of the VK to Prado. From here the route heads right towards Monte Corassi (1463m) and a magical loop that eventually concludes back in Oliena. Salvatore Ragonese dominated with a 01:59:01 performance ahead of Nicolas Orrù and Davide Barattini. Lena Zellman from Germany took the top honours for the women in 02:28:42 with Valentina Nazarov second and Francesca Visconti third.
A night of rest for the runner’s, for the Oliena staff, a busy night preparing for the Sunday action.
The Supramonte backdrop
The Ultra Sky Supramonte covers 50km’s with 3700m of vertical ascent, it’s a tough race and one that would test all the participants. Going in a clockwise direction, the route concludes with a climb to Monte Corrasi but from the opposite direction of the 17km and 24km races. It came as no surprise that top skyrunner, William Boffelli dominated the race.
Franco Collé
A potential challenge from Tor des Geants record holder, Franco Colle disappeared when Franco withdrew from the race – It was just soon after Tor! Williams time of 06:03:07 an impressive conclusion to a masterclass performance. It was almost 40-minutes later when second placed Tizano Scatolin arrived. Martin Blathusiak placed third. Radka Litajova placed in the top-10 overall and won the women’s race in 08:04:21 ahead of Katerina Sulikova and Marta Poretti.
50km has steep and challenging terrain
Starting 2-hours after the 50km, the 24km Humidor SkyTrail got underway, 1700m of positive gain to be conquered.
Lorenzo Beltrami
Lorenzo Beltrami fought of a challenge from skyrunning legend, Tadei Pivk, to take victory in 02:21:02 just over 4-minutes ahead of Tadei.
Tadei Pivk
Paolo Bonanomi placed third. Pina Deiana repeated success from 2022 with another victory, stopping the clock in 03:07:17. Ivana Bruckova and Ludovia Rossi completed the podium.
Epic terrain and views
As the runner’s completed their journeys in the centre of Oliena, a party welcomed them with celebratory crowds, local atmosphere and a live band. Oliena SkyTrail may be small, but it’s big on atmosphere and emotion. For many, two days is just not enough… These mountains and trails need exploring, maybe at a more relaxed pac with a hike and picnic. There are no shortage of adventures too, a ‘must-do’ is Su Cologne for lunch, a visit to the area and canoe trip on Lago del Cedrino.
Trust me, I am going back in 2024, but this time for a week. I need to explore more.
Episode 238 of Talk Ultra – After 37-years, the iconic Marathon des Sables will move ahead with new owners, the legacy of Patrick Bauer is there for all of us to see. With new owners comes change and in this episode of Talk Ultra, we discuss these changes with co-owner and CEO Cyril Gauthier.
This in-depth podcast discusses the history and background of Cyril Gauthier and then organically follows through to discuss the brand WAA, the growth of HMDS and the future and changes for Marathon des Sables.
UPDATE – This was not addressed in my podcast, at the time, I did not have the facts. However, post podcast I have had questions raised by some who had concern about medical support and the Doctor team, so I reached out for an answer, and I quote:
“We will try to do better than with Doc Trotter. I have been contracted with DoK Ever since the beginning of HMDS. They were also the ones who managed MDS Peru. They are among the leaders in Europe and I believe we can increase the quality. We have the same number of doctors, podiatrists and nurses: 60. I am going to modify the management of vehicles by keeping the current system but adding a rapid intervention force with SSVs. Always with the helicopter as back up.” – Cyril Gauthier
It’s suggested you read this article written Jube 2023 in advance of this recording.
Are you up for an adventure in an incredible part of the world?
If the answer is yes, Home Of The Giants is for you!
JULY 21ST TO JULY 28TH 2024
A multi-day adventure through the magical and amazing playground that is Jotunheimen, Norway. Unlike a race, this journey is a finely balanced exclusive trip for just 12 participants. A challenge at a more relaxed pace, taking in an amazing route whilst moving light in a semi self-sufficient mode.
The iconic ‘The Church’ we go to the summit on day 2
Spread over 5-days, our journey starts from Bygdin Fjellhotel with an overnight stay, the following morning we depart via the iconic M/B Bitihorn boat covering the length of Bitihorn lake to our start point at Eidsbugarden. A magical journey, on foot, covering 100kmand 4774m+
Snow fields, water crossings and morraine
You will encounter snow, water crossings, airy and exposed sections, plenty of climbing and descending and full days on the trail. Each day will conclude at a DNT cabin where you will have a bed, shower facilities, 3-course dinner and breakfast included.
Rock and snow transitions to lush green and single-track
WANT TO JOIN US?
Only 12 places are available for what will be a journey of a lifetime.
Episode 235 of Talk Ultra and we speak with Katie (Catherine) Young who placed 6th lady and 1st Brit at the 2023 Marathon des Sables in 34h 21m 18s.
The 2023 Marathon des Sables will go down in the 37-year history of the race as a tough one. With second longest stage in the race history (90km), a tough course and excessive heat, 30% did not make it to the finish.
Katie Young from the UK, running her first stage race had an incredible run placing 6th woman and 1st Brit.
Are you planning on running Marathon des Sables or a similar race in 2024 or beyond? Why not join us in January for our LANZAROTE TRAINING CAMP which runs from the 11th to 18th. More information HERE.
Marathon des Sables 2024 #MDS – The New Features Discussed
2024 Marathon des Sables entries are due to open on June 30th. Moving forward, some changes will be made to the race. Read a summary of points HERE.
NEED A NEW PACK?
Are you looking for a new pack that is suitable for fastpacking and stage racing? We are currently testing the Camelbak Octane 25 and it is proving a real favourite. It’s full of features, has great storage and is extremely comfortable. Check out our first impressions HERE.
IAN CORLESS 