RUNshots – an inspired run image a day

Posted on August 20, 2013 by talkultra

Everyday, an inspired run image straight into your inbox.

Pikes Peak Marathon 2013 – Race Preview

Posted on August 17, 2013 by talkultra

Though heavy rains and flooding have caused havoc in Manitou Springs, the famous Skyrunner World Series Pikes Peak Marathon will go ahead as planned with the Ascent starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday and the Marathon at 7 a.m. Sunday.

“Our primary event locations, Memorial Park and Soda Springs Park were flooded and are unusable this year,” said race director Ron Ilgen. “We’ve decided to go with the smallest event footprint we can in order to reduce impact to the city.” Taken from HERE

The Course

The race begins in front of the City Hall in Manitou Springs, 6 miles west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The majority of both races are run on Barr Trail in Pike National Forest. Barr Trail is a US Forest Service trail that is on the east face of Pikes Peak and Rocky Mountain. The course has an elevation gain of (start to summit) is 7,815′ (2,382 meters). The start is at 6,300′ (1,920m) and the summit is 14,115′ (4,302m).

The course for the 26.21 mile Pikes Peak Marathon^® covers the same route as the 13.32 mile Pikes Peak Ascent^® race but returns down the trail from the summit and finishes at Ruxton and Manitou Avenues in Manitou Springs

The Race

MEN

Alex Nichols in the Alps ©iancorless.com

2012 winner Kilian Jornet (3:40:26) will not return to Pikes Peak in 2013 and therefore this leaves the door open for Alex Nichols, (inov-8)2^nd in 2012, to move up the podium to the top slot and potentially improve on his time of 3:47:22. He is a local lad, knows the course like the back of his hand and he is without doubt the hot favorite. Last years third place, Max King will also not race and therefore the main protagonist for Alex will be Cameron Clayton. Cameron raced last weekend at Dakota Jones’s Telluride mountain ascent and won and although he will race in Swiitzerland next weekend at the Skyrunning, Matterhorn Ultraks, I am sure he will bring his ‘A’ game to Pikes Peak.

Cameron Clayton at Transvulcani La Palma ©iancorless.com

Although I have not had 100% confirmation, Fulvio Dapit may well toe the line, if he does, Fulvio without a doubt will push Cameron and Alex all the way to the line and has all the potential to top the podium. In addition, Jokin Lizeaga Mitxelena is very strong and he too will race at the Matterhorn Ultraks.

The rest of the men’s field does have depth and we can see many of the following runners looking for top ten placings: Gary Gellen, inov-8, Narc Caros, FEEC, Mikael Pasero, New Balance, Dai Matsumoto, Hagolfs *injued, Toru Miyahara, La Sportiva, Eric Diaz Martin, FEEC, Josep Vines Soler, FEEC and Oscar Casil Mir, FAM.

LADIES

Emelie Forsberg (4:28:07) 2012 ladies winner will also not return and in addition, last years second, Kasie Enman or third, Mireia Miro Varela will not return, so, who is the hot tip?

Step in Stevie Kremer. Stevie has been on fire for the last twelve months, she has been racing regularly and making consistent podium places. Just last weekend she placed second at the iconic Sierre-Zinal. For me, Stevie is the outright favorite, however, she hasn’t had much time at altitude lately and that may play against her.

Stevie Kremer at Zegama-Aizkorri ©iancorless.com

On the face of it, the ladies field looks wide open, but expect pressure to be applied from, Laia Anfreu Trias, FEEC, Leila Degrave and Ragna Debats.

LINKS:

Skyrunning HERE

Pikes Peak Facebook HERE

In Progress Results HERE

Leadville 100 2013 Race Preview

Posted on August 16, 2013 by talkultra

Leadville 100 kicks off at 0400 on Saturday morning and although the field may not be ‘stacked’, what it does have is the return of Ryan Sandes, the 2011 winner and the return of ultra running legend, Scott Jurek.

If you had doubts about how exciting this race may be, take a read of what Scott Jurek said in my re race interview, “You bet! I am here to do whatever it takes to run my best time and ideally win this race. I have put in the training. I am mentally prepared. My goal is to win…”

So, there you have it. If nobody else turned up to race, a Sandes/ Jurek smack down would be an interesting prospect by any body’s standards.

The Leadville 100 course is a 50-mile out and back all undertaken at high altitude with Hope Pass being the highest point on the course. When a race is almost 2-miles above sea level, the one thing you need to be sure of is the ability to run and race at altitude. Pacers are allowed and importantly they are allowed to ‘mule’ for the runner, a homage to the old mining days.

So, how will this race unfold?

Ryan Sandes is without doubt the number one favorite. After placing second at Western States last year, he was without doubt very excited at returning in 2013 and attempting to go one place higher. However, a sprained ankle in the build up ruled him out and he had no option to rest and recover. He refocused and placed his emphasis on Leadville. Ryan, like his teammate, Julien Chorier, does not do race after race. He focuses, prepares and turns up with the ‘A’ game switched on. Ryan is here to win Leadville and without doubt he is the hot tip for the race.

Image taken from scottjurek.com ©scottjurek

Scott Jurek has been away from competitive running for a few years. Many of us thought that his writing, love and promotion of vegetarian food and his work with Chris McDougall would keep him away from running competitively and therefore a new chapter in his life had started. Apparently not! For sure, he is in the latter years of his racing career and for many of us we had no real idea what his intentions would be. However in my pre race interview with him he made it apparently clear, he is here to race and win! Awesome. We are all excited to have Scott back on a 100-mile start line and it sounds as though Ryan and all the other contenders have a ‘race on’ with a legend of the sport. I can’t wait! To clarify, Scott can in this race, no doubt! Interview with Scott Jurek here

Ian Sharman training in La Palma ©iancorless.com

We have a race within a race at Leadville as Nick Clark and Ian Sharman line up for the third 100-miler in the four race ‘Grand Slam’. Now of course, if Nick or Ian were fresh, you would include them as potential winners of this race, particularly Nick who is used to the high altitude. Both of these guys are without doubt podium potential, of course, they are going to be little jaded and therefore this removes them from the top slot. However, you never know… it only needs other contenders to have a mediocre or bad day and Nick or Ian to have a great day.

Mike Aish ran Leadville in 2012 and was without doubt a dark horse. He was very clear pre race that he would run up front and see what happened. He warned it could go either way, victory or blow up. As it happened, he blew up! One year on he is wiser and older. He has changed his training and done more miles.

Michael Arnstein has ‘Sharmanesque’ speed on the flatter and faster courses. Leadville is a race suits him, he has experience with Leadville, eighth in 2012 and his best performance came in 2011 with fourth. He will need to be in great shape and in fine form to make the podium.

Mike Le Roux ran the Grand Slam last year and that puts him in a good place for this year. With just one race to concentrate on, he will be able to focus and race fresh. He placed third at Vermont 100 last year and as mentioned, this was part of the ‘slam’, so he is what it takes to most definitely get in the top ten and if all goes well, claw at the podium.

Nick Pedatella is also racing the Grand Slam but is some way behind Nick and Ian. His 23^rd at Vermont and 28^th at Western States are solid performances, but with two 100’s in the legs, the third can only be a little more jaded. Having said that, he will probably place in the top twenty.

Other names to watch:

Timo Meyer was sixth at Tarawera earlier in 2013, Craig Howie placed top ten at Leadville in 2012 and Andrew Catalano placed sixth in 2012.

Leadville is the biggest ultra in the US and therefore with no qualification criteria, the 1200 start list can throw up a few surprises.

The ladies race is wide open. In many respects, like the men’s race we have a few clear favorites but then the front-end competition drops off quite quickly. Tina Lewis, the 2012 champion is undecided if she will run. She has had a foot injury and only yesterday she posted on social media, “Alright, I have about 30 minutes to make the call – Pikes Peak Marathon or Leadville 100!!! Leaning towards being a dreamer, hopeful and taking chances!!” I don’t need to tell you, Leadville and Pikes Peak are a world apart and this is not a great sign for Tina’s mental approach, so, if she decides to run her performance is unpredictable. However, she is the defending champ and therefore the nod goes in Tina’s direction.

*update on Tina – “I am healthy and rested just not perfectly trained for the distance. Don’t we do this because we love it and Leadville is in my heart. I can just go out and try my best, right? I will aim to be smart and stop if my foot hurts.”

Denise Bourassa placed eighth at the 2013 Western States and therefore she is my hot tip for the win. She has had consistently good performances and the only question mark may come if WSER has left Denise a little jaded.

Ashley Arnold placed third at Leadville in 2010 and so therefore she is a tip for the top of the podium. She has all the experience required to run well.

Who else? Well, to be honest, it is wide open. One or two names shine out as contenders for the top ten but as stated, in a field of 1200 I think we will see many ladies names that we have not seen before.

LINKS:

Leadville 100 website HERE

Athlete Tracking HERE

Thule 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge – South Africa

Posted on August 16, 2013 by talkultra

The 11^th THULE 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge in Association with SALOMON takes place on the weekend of the 23^rd / 25^th August 2013. The 24km mountain run is through the beautiful and challenging Witteberg mountain range near Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State. Last year saw the introduction of the ‘Pyramid Challenge’ where athletes have the chance to take on the ‘beast’ 40 % gradient vertical ascent and descent of the first pyramid at Moolmashoek Nature Reserve. The THULE 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge provides a weekend festival of Free State hospitality and an introduction to ‘mountain-running’ where both the accomplished trail runners and weekend warriors get to challenge themselves. The hospitality is rooted in the management of the Moolmanshoek Guest Lodge and the beautiful private nature reserve serves as HQ for the weekend activities.

Moolmanshoek Private Nature Reserve is situated 360km from Johannesburg and 230km from Bloemfontein and the unique scenery with mountain peaks such as Visierskerf, the highest in the Witteberg mountain range, provides a perfect venue to run, to explore and to challenge yourself against the elements. The 24km mountain run is a great introduction to the ultimate running challenge – mountain -running, with the 24km distance being the equivalent of a road ultra-marathon. The THULE 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge is an un-supported off road run, the concept derived from British ‘fell running’ whereby runners will conquer slopes to then enjoy superb vistas that the Witteberg mountain range ridgelines provide. The course is not marked but follows a circular route starting at 1460m, with a total vertical ascent over the race of 1420m to the highest point at 2312m. The concept of mountain running is one of expedition and adventure, where crossing the finish line is about conquering the elements, navigating your way through the rough terrain the course provides and feeling a sense of achivement not matched by any traditional running event. Participants must be totally self sustainable carrying their own fluids and nutrition for the entire race. The top competitors usually complete the race in 3 hours or less with some runners taking up to 9 hours, the cut off, to receive the revered Four Peaks medal.

The weekend see’s the main event, the THULE 4 Peaks Mountain Challenge kicking off at 6am on Saturday the 24^th. Entries received already include Salomon runners such as Thabang Madiba, Ryno Griesel, Jock Green and Matt Kretzmann against the local knowledge of multiple winner Isaac Mazibuko . In the ladies race we expect to see Salomon’s Jackie Moore racing with Takalani Ndandani and Megan Mackensie. This front pack of runners will be followed by the weekend warriors challenging themselves to the next level of running – building some bravery for ‘the ultimate’ the Salomon Skyrun hosted in November each year. After Saturday’s nights festivities, we kick off Sunday morning with the Red Bull Pyramid Challenge which will see runners tackle a net altitude gain of 850m over 3km ascent and descent of the first pyramid.

More details from: HERE

Scott Jurek – Leadville 100 pre race interview

Posted on August 15, 2013 by talkultra

Image taken from scottjurek.com ©scottjurek

Scott Jurek, Leadville 100 2013, pre race interview

It has been some years since Scott Jurek lined up on a 100-mile start line, but he is back! After some time away from competitive running, Scott has recently got married, wrote a book and successfully promoted that book all over the world. He will be 40 in October and although he admits that he may not race competitively for too much longer, he does say he has some good racing left in him…

IC – I am joined by Scott Jurek just days ahead of Leadville 100. Welcome back Scott.

SJ – Thanks Ian it is great to be here.

IC – Scott Jurek lining up on a 100-mile start line causes some interest and we are all wondering what is tempting you back. What is bringing you back to a 100-mile start line again?

SJ – I always had it in the back of my mind to come back to Leadville after I ran here in 2004 as part of the ‘Grand Slam’. Now that I live in Colorado it made perfect sense to run the home course so to speak. I am looking forward to getting back in the swing. I have been very busy for a few years with my book and I had a ton of effort prior to its release to get that done. It has been fun training hard and getting up high again. Leadville is a great race. It has lots of excitement around it. I have done Western States so many times that it made sense to come back to a race that I had not been at for almost a decade.

IC – Is Leadville the start of something new or is this is a one-off?

SJ – Laughs, new as in racing 100’s again?

IC – Exactly.

SJ – I have mentioned before that I will retire. I turn 40 in October. I have a few more goals and I know many people would love to see Scott Jurek race forever. I love to race, I love the sport, and you know it is almost twenty years now since I started. At some point, maybe next year I will wind things down. I have goals, particularly the 24-hour, I want the American record back and I am interested in the world record. We have so many great races now that it is hard to know what to do. I have a few more in me and I want to give it a go!

IC – You mentioned twenty years in the sport. We look back at your career, nobody questions your ability, multiple wins at Western States, in many ways you have created the community and the sport, not single-handed, other people obviously were influential. Do you feel the sport has moved on, although 40 is not old do you feel that at 40 you can’t be competitive anymore?

SJ – It’s a great question. Look at Western States this year! Mike Morton came back after a long hiatus and he was up at the front, he is in his 40’s. He had an incredible race. I believe that we only have so many great races and great years. I want to continue to have a great taste for the sport. I don’t want to burnt out. I want to be involved, help out and run for fun as a mid-packer. From a competition point of view, I would be lying, particularly if you look at research that it is hard to be at the top of the game. My body feels great but mentally it is hard to get out of the door sometimes. Day after day, month after month, particularly if you want to win. You come to a point, maybe it’s physical or mental, but we know muscles and nerves don’t react as quick, so, it’s definitely one of those things. I don’t limit myself but it does get harder, Scott Jurek is getting older and the field is getting younger and younger. I started in my 20’s; it is different to starting in your 30’s.

IC – Yes, you must look back now over you’re career and think to yourself that you are in a great place. You were setting the standard, you have seen the sport grow and expand. Ultra has never been stronger. We have never had so many races. We have never witnessed so many new CR’s. It must be satisfying?

SJ – It’s great. I came into the sport and I remember the old timers saying, ‘things are changing, we need to keep it the same’. I think like anything we have evolution and change, it’s a great thing for the sport. Of course we have some issues. Races are harder to get into. Twenty years ago you could enter Leadville at the last minute, not now! We have drawbacks but we have so many benefits. People are inspired and have great life experiences. We need to share what we have. Obviously we hold on to tradition and the simple aspects of the sport that make it special. More changes will come; prize money, competition and hopefully we will see more drug testing. At the core the sport will remain the same. I want to be involved in that even if I am not racing at the top level. It is something I have life experience with and I want to make sure that is passed on.

IC – I posted on Facebook asking, were people excited Scott Jurek was racing at Leadville. Of course we had great comments and support. Funnily enough, within twenty-four hours I found out that Ann Trason was toeing a 100-mile start line in September, so there is hope you may continue… we never thought Ann would run again.

SJ – I have known Ann for years particularly in her peak. She retired through injury. I think from what I have heard that Ann has a great attitude. She was even pacing at Western States this year randomly. That is a true champion. I am not sure what her goals are. Will she race or is she racing for fun? She may want to be part of the community. She was a competitive force. It’s just great to see her back out in the community. She also race directed for a few years. It’s a great sign; it is what the sport is about. It is about giving back. We all love to see champs come back and win but maybe Ann does not have that desire, it’s just super to see her back.

IC – One thing I did say when I posted was that as far as I was concerned, it didn’t matter if Ann was first or last. What was important was that she was back racing. That was all that counted. You mentioned that you personally don’t want to stop running and that you are more than happy to be a mid-packer. Do you think that Scott Jurek can ever be a mid-packer?

SJ – Definitely. I have gone to races and paced, I have helped at races. I have run an event for the fun; I have run with my wife. For me I have the right approach to it. It is hard sometimes to be a top athlete and not be pushing for the win. It is healthy for me though. It is nice to cruise along, hang out at feed stations and have fun. I am at the point that I can turn off the competitive juices as and when I want to. I am looking forward to doing the events that I haven’t been able to do. I want to do lower key events and that includes International races. It’s a good place to be and it is a good lesson for all, it is not always about goals and PR’s.

Image taken from scottjurek.com ©scottjurek

IC – Absolutely.

SJ – You can get bogged down. Just go out and embrace the experience. That is why we do it isn’t it? Experiences are what count.

IC – You mention competitive juices and Leadville 100 is about to take place. An out and back course in the Colorado Rockies with plenty of altitude and Hope Pass the highest point. Are you going into this to win?

SJ – You bet! I am here to do whatever it takes to run my best time and ideally win this race. I have put in the training. I am mentally prepared. My goal is to win… Ryan Sandes is here from South Africa, he and I ran together a few weeks back. Nick Clark and Ian Sharman are doing the Grand Slam; they may be a little tired. Nick is a Colorado guy, used to altitude and is tough. Mike Aish dropped last year but he may put it right this year. Leadville has no qualifier, you can literally have never run a 10k and sign up. This can throw up some surprises. Someone may turn up and pull it off. It is an exciting race. Many people don’t realize it is our biggest race, 1200 people will toe the line on Saturday. It has loads of excitement and fun because of the out and back; 50 out, 50 back.

Image taken from scottjurek.com ©scottjurek

IC – Of course you will get to see how the race unfolds on the out and back too. In the past you have paced Anton Krupicka at Leadville, earlier this year you paced Seb Chaigneau at Hardrock 100. Who will pace you at Leadville?

(Laughs)

SJ – Well my old buddy Justin will pace, he has paced and crewed for me at Badwater, and Spartathlon he has seen me in some high moments and some low moments. It’s great to have him back. I have a surprise pacer; I wont release that info just yet. It’s a secret. You’ll see at Hope Pass. I went old school with my pacers, guys who have been around for a few years…

IC – Is Ann Trason going to pop up and pace?

(Laughter)

SJ – I will give you a clue, not Ann Trason! You have to remember at Leadville you can ‘mule’. Pacers can carry bottles and food and whatever may be required. It is in recognition of the miners who used to use mules. So, a pacer may be carrying three bottles. It’s kind of unique. It makes it harder for the pacer…

IC – Sounds like you have got it easy Scott. The pacer has the tough job.

(Laughter)

SJ – Maybe in some respects but they only need to do 25 miles.

IC – Awesome. I am going to let you go. I am taking up precious recovery time getting ready for the race. We will catch up with you after the race and get the lowdown on the action. Obviously on behalf of everyone I would like to wish you all the best. It’s great to see you back on a 100-mile start again.

SJ – I am looking forward to it. It’s gonna be fun and we will catch up after!

LINKS:

Scott Jurek website HERE

Brooks HERE

Eat and Run HERE

Episode 41 – Kremer, Clark, Mills, Whitehead

Posted on August 8, 2013 by talkultra

Episode 41 of Talk Ultra – We speak to Stevie Kremer 12 months on after she burst on the Skyrunning scene with a 2nd at Sierre-Zinal. We have 15 mins of fame with double leg amputee, Richard Whitehead. An interview with Lakeland 100 winner, Stuart Mills. A catch up with Nick Clark on the Grand Slam of ultra. Smiles and Miles with Emelie Forsberg. The news, a blog, up and coming races. Marc is back for Talk Training and of course, Speedgoat co hosts!

00:07:30 NEWS

Speedgoat 50k

Sage Canaday 5:08:07
Anton Krupicka 5:09:36
Jason Schlarb 5:19:34
Max King 5:29:02
Justin Yates 5:42:24
Luke Nelson 5:47:09
Timothy Olson 5:47:10
Jason Loutitt 5:49:35
Michael Barlow 5:53:37
Ryan Smith 5:53:51

Stephanie Howe 6:17:02
Jodee Adams-Moore 6:18:06
Ruby Muir 6:25:54
Emma Roca 6:41:21
Krissy Moehl 6:43:54
Becky Wheeler 6:48:43
Silke Koester 6:52:16
Erica Baron 6:55:46
Anita Ortiz 7:02:18
Francesca Canepa 7:05:14

Stockholm 100k

Steve Way 6:40:14, Linus Holmsater 7:24:18 and Frijof Fagerlund 7:29:01

Trans D’Havet

Men

Kilian Jornet (Spain) 08:59:47
Luis Alberto Hernando (Spain) 08:59:49
Casaba Nemeth (Hungary) 09:43:25

Ladies:

Emelie Forsberg (Sweden) 10:21:32
Nuria Picas (Spain) 10:33:34
Uxue Fraile (Spain) 10:34:20

Lakeland 100

Stuart Mills 22:17:50
Charlie Sharpe 23:02:45
Ed Batty 23:07:40

Lizzie Wraith 24:15:06 (smashed old CR)
Debbie Martin Consani 26:02:00,
Julie Gardner 28:16:47

Lakeland 50

Ben Abdelnoor 7:39:26
Riichard Ashton 8:20:58
Robin Houghton 8:33:30

Katherine Brougham 9:44:10
Alice Briscoe 10:35:42
Rachel Ball 10:43:43

WMRA – 10. WMRA World Long Distance Mountain Running

Mitjia Kosovelj won Andrew Davies from Wales 2^nd and Ionut Zinca 3^rd

Antonella Confortola won Omella Ferrara 2^nd and Anna Celisnska 3^rd. Have to give a shout out to Claire Gordon from Scotland who was 4^th and Anna Lupton from England who was 5th

Hal Koerner and Wolfe – FKT on JMT –HERE

Ann Trason to run a 100 in September – Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival – HERE

Now the iconic Sierre-Zinal is coming up this weekend. I remember being at this race last year… pre race I got chatting to this shy girl who just seemed a little uncomfortable being surrounded by some of the best in the world. Needless to say, this shy girl performed out of her skin and finished second on the podium. One year on, I catch up with Stevie Kremer and find out what the last 12 months have been like and what the future holds.

00:42:38 INTERVIEW Stevie Kremer

01:16:20 BLOG

We have given Stuart Mills, the Lakeland 100 winner plenty of coverage this week with a long interview, however, his interview does go very much hand-in-hand with his blog… so, this weeks blog is ultrastu.blogspot.co.uk

You can read his very unique and in-depth analysis of how he races. Word of warning… make yourself a coffee. It’s a long one!

Blog HERE

01:17:00 15 MIN OF FAME with Richard Whitehead – http://www.richardwhiteheadrunsbritain.com/

HERE

01:32:40 TALK TRAINING – Marc Laithwaite is back after a busy couple of months. Not only has he been training for an Ironman but also he is the RD for the Lakeland 50 and 100.

01:57:55 SMILESandMILES with Emelie Forsberg – smilesandmiles@yahoo.com

02:20:40 INTERVIEW

This week’s interview is with Brit, Stuart Mills. Stuart as you will hear has a very unusual approach to running… or should I say, training and racing. Without doubt it works! Just the other week, Stuart once again won the Lakeland 100 for a second time. In this in-depth interview we discuss everything. I am sure you will find it fascinating.

03:23:30 MELTZER MOMENT – It’s good, good, good this week

03:29:52 CLARKY’S CORNER – It’s two down and two to go for Clarky and the other ‘Slammers’. Leadville is just around the corner. We catch up with Nick, discuss how Vermont went and what lies ahead…

03:44:22 RACES

Belgium

Trail des Fantômes – 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website

Canada

British Columbia

Arc’teryx Squamish 50 | 50 miles | August 10, 2013 | website

Arc’teryx Squamish 50K | 50 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website

Ontario

Iroquoia Trail Test – 50K | 50 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website

Quebec

XV de la Vallée- Trans Vallée | 66 kilometers | August 16, 2013 | website

Denmark

Hovedstaden

Ultra Marathon Bornholm | 100 kilometers | August 11, 2013 | website

France

Hautes-Pyrénées

Grand Raid des Pyrénées – l’Ultra | 160 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website

Isère

Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs | 160 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website

Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs – 90 km | 90 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website

Savoie

Tour de la Grande Casse | 62 kilometers | August 18, 2013 | website

Trail du Galibier | 55 kilometers | August 18, 2013 | website

Germany

Bavaria

Allgäu Panorama Ultra Trail | 69 kilometers | August 18, 2013 | website

Berlin

100MeilenBerlin | 100 miles | August 17, 2013 | website

Ireland

Ulster

Quadrathon | 169 kilometers | August 15, 2013 | website

Kenya

Kenya Highlands Race | 75 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website

Mongolia

Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 100K | 100 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website

Sweden

Björkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 16, 2013 | website

Björkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon 70 km | 70 kilometers | August 16, 2013 | website

Trans Scania | 246 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website

Switzerland

Grisons

Swiss Irontrail T141 | 136 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website

Swiss Irontrail T201 | 201 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website

Swiss Irontrail T71 | 66 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website

Trail Marathon 70 KM | 70 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website

Obwald

MOUNTAINMAN full | 80 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website

Vaud

Ultra Trail du Barlatay | 81 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website

United Kingdom

England

ashmei 33 Mile Trail Run | 33 miles | August 18, 2013 | website

North Downs Way 100 | 100 miles | August 10, 2013 | website

USA

Alaska

Resurrection Pass 100 Mile Ultra Trail | 100 miles | August 09, 2013 | website

Resurrection Pass 50 Mile Ultra Trail | 50 miles | August 10, 2013 | website

California

Rattlesnake 50K Ultramarathon | 50 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website

Run-de-Vous 100M | 100 miles | August 17, 2013 | website

Run-de-Vous 50M | 50 miles | August 17, 2013 | website

Run on the Sly 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | August 18, 2013 | website

Colorado

GORE-TEX TransRockies Run – Run3 | 59 miles | August 13, 2013 | website

GORE-TEX TransRockies Run – TRR6 | 120 miles | August 13, 2013 | website

Leadville Trail 100 Run | 100 miles | August 17, 2013 | website

Michigan

Marquette Trail 50 Kilometer | 50 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website

Marquette Trail 50 Mile | 50 miles | August 17, 2013 | website

Minnesota

Ragnar Relay Great River | 200 miles | August 16, 2013 | website

Nevada

Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight 51 km | 51 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website

New Jersey

Wildcat Ridge Romp 100k | 100 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website

Wildcat Ridge Romp 50k | 50 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website

Wildcat Ridge Romp 50M | 50 miles | August 10, 2013 | website

New York

Beast of Burden Summer 100 Miler | 100 miles | August 17, 2013 | website

Oregon

Where’s Waldo 100k Ultra | 100 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website

Utah

Kat’cina Mosa 100K Mountain Challenge Run | 100 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website

Vermont

100on100 Heart of Vermont Relay | 100 miles | August 18, 2013 | website

Washington

Angels Staircase 50K | 50 kilometers | August 11, 2013 | website

Angels Staircase 60K | 60 kilometers | August 11, 2013 | website

Wyoming

El Vaquero Loco 50K | 50 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website

03:46:44 CLOSE

03:51:01

LINKS

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

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

Website – talkultra.com

Matterhorn Ultraks Race Preview

Posted on August 8, 2013 by talkultra

image copyright Matterhorn Ultraks – www.

On the Italian border of the Canton of Valais in the west of Switzerland, at the end of the 30 km-long Nikolaital, lies Zermatt, the village at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world. Zermatt epitomizes their image of Switzerland; high alpine, awe-inspiring and original. Almost one-third of the 4,000-metre mountains in the Alps are grouped around this word-famous health resort, which has been visited by mountaineers from all around the world since the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. The hotels and restaurants are world-class, and the ski area is not only the highest in the Alps – it is also one of the best developed and most convenient in the world. The climate is of an excellent quality; with 300 sunny days a year, there is less rainfall than anywhere else in Switzerland. The air in Zermatt is clear, dry and clean, because, since 1947, only electric cars without a combustion engine are allowed to operate in the village. Things are a little different in Zermatt. Zermatt – A world of its own.

The ISF Skyrunning Matterhorn Ultraks is the penultimate race in the SkyUltra series. It will be a magical race, 46 km long with  D+ : 3’600 m | D- : 3’600 m. It has a great combination of wild open spaces, high mountains and a course that will require a thrilling combination of speed and technique. The highest summit of Gonnergrat at 3100m will be a test for all, however, at the summit it offers incredible panoramic views and of course, the ever-present Matterhorn will dominate.

Want to race? limited places are still available at ultraks.com

Men

Kilian Jornet comes to this race the outright favorite. At the ISF Skyrunning European Championships he came away with three gold’s in VK, Sky and Ultra. Post Trans D’Havet he moved over to Cervinia (Italy) and he is now preparing meticulously for his next ‘Summit’, a speed attempt up and down the Matterhorn itself. He will be prepared and adapted for everything that the Ultraks can throw at him.

Breaking news just in, 14th August. Luis Alberto Hernando to join the line up at Ultraks. Of course this is great news. Luis is one person that has pushed Kilian Jornet throughout 2012. He placed second at Transvulcania, he pushed Kilian to the line at Zegama, placed third at Mont Blanc and of course, Kilian and Luis crossed the line together to be crowned European Skyrunning Champions at Trans D’Havet. One thing is for sure, Luis will push Kilian and all the other contenders for the top spot right to the line!

Tofol Castanyer has had a troubled early 2013 with a series of injuries, however, a win at Salomon Four Trails and a second place at the recent Giir di Mont means he is coming back in form. If he has a good day, he will certainly be up at the front pushing with Kilian.

Michel Lanne secured a joint win with teammate, Francois D’Haene at the Mont Blanc Marathon ultra event but then had to miss Trans D’Havet due to an injury. Michel, along with Tofol, Philipp, and Cameron will dictate the early pace at the front and as his reputation confirms, he has all the ability and potential to make the podium. *injured

Philipp Reiter romped to a great podium place at Ice Trail Tarentaise and was ready to repeat his performance or move up the podium at Trans D’Havet, however, a bad fall in the first 30% of the race unfortunately meant some time in hospital and recuperation. At this stage his recovery is progressing well and we hope that he will toe the line in Zermatt.

Cameron Clayton has had a very impressive rise in the ultra world. He is young and races just one-way; hard! He applied that principal at Transvulcania La Palma and lead the race in the early stages but later faded to still secure a top placing. At Western States, his first hundred miler, he applied the same principal but came unstuck. Just the other weekend he raced at Speedgoat 50k but I am sure this was very much ‘getting back into racing’ race post Western. If he is making a trip from the US to Zermatt, you can be sure of one thing; he will turn up to run hard and win. Question is, will he be able to? Most certainly he has all the ability to mix it up at the front and push his peers. Cameron is an exciting addition to the race line up.

Nicola Golinelli had a great race at Mont Blanc Marathon and then placed in the top fifteen at Dolomites Skyrace. It wasn’t a great race for him; he certainly would have expected to be at the front end of the race. So, with that in mind, Nicola will be looking to put the record straight at Ultraks.

Florian Reichert and Didier Zago, both had similar stories to Arc’teryx teammate, Nicola Golinelli. Great racing and top ten placing’s at Mont Blanc and then below par performances in Canazei at the Dolomites Skyrace. Didier is experienced and will bounce back, Florian however is new to Skyrunning and once again found the Dolomites and its combination of steep gradients and snow another learning curve. However, he is a sub 2:30 marathon runner and the Ultraks course will suit his abilities.

Ben Abdelnoor is coming to Zermatt after an impressive win and new course record at the Lakeland 50 in the UK. For sure he is going to relish the opportunity to push against some of the best in the world. Joining Ben we have his new inov-8 teammate, Erik-Dagsson Haugsness. Erik from Norway placed fifth at Mont Blanc Marathon and is certainly a name to watch in the future.

Tadei Pivk has consistently performed in 2013 with great results at Zegama and Dolomites Skyrace; without doubt he will be coming to Zermatt to move from third place on the podium to second or even the top. Watch this space, without doubt he will add spice to the front of the race.

Stuart Air from the UK is starting to get a reputation for himself within the Skyrunning calendar. With little fanfare he turned up at the brutal Ronda dels Cims and placed thirteenth overall, he then followed this up with nineteenth at Ice Trail Tarentaise. He will participate at Matterhorn Ultraks as a guest for Scott Running. At 46km, the race may very well be a little too short and too fast for him, but it will be great to see how he performs.

The men’s field at Ultraks has great depth, Nicolas Pianet, Dai Matsumoto and representation from Russian Skyrunning, Diedre-Matxacuca, Euskal Herriko Mendi Lasterkarien Selekzioa and the FEEC will mean that an iconic and fast race awaits us.

Ladies

Emelie Forsberg, how can you bet against her? Her rise in the sport is meteoric and after winning at San Francisco in late 2012, Emelie has rarely been off the top of the podium. Her 2013 result sheet is incredible and like Kilian, she is becoming a dominant leader in the sport. Her recent results and performance ability at any distance from VK to Ultra puts her way ahead of the competition at Ultraks. I honestly don’t see anyone coming close, particularly if Emelie decides to push.

Silvia Serafini does offer a glimmer of hope at the front of the race and like Emelie, Silvia has also had a speedy rise in the sport. Just recently everything has started to click. A podium place at Dolomites Skyrace and while Emelie was dominating Trans D’Havet; Silvia topped the podium at Giir di Mont. For sure, Silvia will be Emelie’s biggest rival at Ultraks.

Anna Lupton had a troubled performance at Zegama and then found some consistency at Mont Blanc Marathon. She has recently raced in Poland and will be coming to the Matterhorn with several weeks’ recovery and training, so, she may well perform as she would expect and add some pressure to the front of the race.

Ragna Debats, Aitziber Ibarbia Beloki, Anna Comet Pascua, Paloma Lobera Grau and Eugenia Miro Figueras all have the potential to make the podium and it will be interesting to see who has the strength on the day to push the outright favorites to the line.

LINKS:

Skyrunning HERE

Race start list HERE

Matterhorn Ultraks website HERE

Race start 0700 am 24^th August 2013.

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Images and photography HERE

Trail running for me is?

Posted on August 5, 2013 by talkultra

“TRAIL RUNNING, FOR ME, IS NOT ABOUT RUNNING.”

Kilian Jornet very kindly signed a copy of his photo book, “TRAIL RUNNING, FOR ME, IS NOT ABOUT RUNNING.” I realised that this would be something that many listeners to Talk Ultra and followers of my website would like, so, with that in mind, I asked the question, “What is trail running?”

The winner will be selected and the signed book by Kilian Jornet will be posted to you. This is the last chance to add to this list. The winner will be announced on Friday August 9th.

Here are the responses:

Michael Roberts Trail running is living and everything else is just waiting.
    Kevin McFaul Trail Running is peacefully, a way to escape the every day.
    Bazimus Dunn Infinite horizons and broken limitations.
    John Gaivin Trail running for me is a release…a time to just let go and zip through the trees and rocks and fell without a worry in the world!
    La cave à Jaife Trail running is my way to discover the beauty of nature!
    Benj Lance Trail running is freedom and pure bliss. Trail running is hard lessons and suffering that makes the rest of life seem much easier. Trail running is exploring the world and tapping into your primal self to move quickly through the mountains and woods. Trail running is an attitude and a lifestyle.
Kevin O’Rourke Trail running for me is about kissing goodbye to asphalt and saying hello to nature .
    Andrew Morley Trail running is getting away from burks in cars!
    Christopher Wiley Trail running for me is the opportunity to experience God’s creation and have an adventure!
    Sarah Lo trail running is breathing .
    Iain Wallace Trail running is moving through nature, swiftly, lovingly, and peacefully.
    Torsten Stuart Norgate Trail running is using your physical body, your strength, your sweat, your ability to push yourself, to take your spirit into new landscapes and adventures.
    Henrik Modin It’s my escape from health-issues and work-related stress. A valve through which I can release tension. A way to get closer to nature. And my legs look great!
Robert Nelson for me it’s all about the fun of jumping in muddy puddles.
    Franz Dill A reconnection to true origins, primordial places, to distill to basics, and appreciate the simplicities in life.
    David Monge Garcia Lol Simon Edwards, funnily enough we see trail running as opposites (forgetting / finding.
    Nate Blouin it’s about seeing what I’m made out of physically and mentally. It started as a way to see more of the mountains I’m used to skiing and has become so much more.
    Simon Dick Trail running is nuts, bonkers, and crazy. So I stick to pub-crawls…
    Steven Stainthorpe Trail running has become my new adventure!
    Marco Balsarini Trail running for me is a way to experience nature in total freedom!!!
Santiago Fernandez Indefinable  Like · Reply · July 23 at 7:44pm via mobile
 Chris Valenti 1. To do what should not be possible, to be free, to explore an unknown, forbidden place. It is about using one’s physical body to transcend its own existence. The first thing that happens as you deplete yourself is that you find you have another self in there, trying to control you. Then, as you further your relationship with your dual self, and if you are lucky, you transcend both selves and become a…fleetingly…another consciousness.
    Nicola’s Holy Trail running is nowhere, with everybody .
    Graeme Waterworth Peace.
    Shannon Koch Simplicity .
    Charlie Hunsberger Trail running is my commune with nature, the very necessary nourishment my soul demands to remain sane.
Sabrina Moscatelli Trail running brings me back to the origin of human move on earth .
    Adam Briggs Trail running to me is about finding myself, testing my limits, and hopefully making my heart donor proud, as I thank him on every run.
    Cait Morgan It is my release, my liberation .
    Dan Ripple For me, the trails are simply an analogy for life. Along those paths, whether it be high in the mountains of Chamonix or at the start of Badwater, I, along with others, come to find and connect with ourselves, with others, and with life itself. I can either be in a race with 2000 other runners or be completely alone in the mountains; I am, with each step, with each breath, and with each heartbeat, humbled and forever grateful to be given such an opportunity.
Darren Hutchings Friends for life .
    David Eastham Trail running is a means to stay in touch with Mother Nature and help me remember what’s important .
    Transvulcania, isla De La Palma Uff…difficult to say and to answer…. It’s everything for us!
    Mikey Pm Trails are my temple and running is my religion together I’m practicing my religion in my temple as much as possible.
    Jordi Nunez Freedom. Disconnection.
    Tony Branam For me, trail running is The Way – If you are in The Way, you are of The Way and not in the way but are one with The Way. If you are not of The Way, you are in the way, and must be moved out of the way and toward The Way. We who are in The Way know The Way and follow therein. Those in the way know not The Way and must be shown The Way lest they remain in the way. Some seek The Way and need guidance. Some seek The Way and need no help to find their own way to The Way. Some seek not The Way and need guidance to see their need lest they remain in the way. We of The Way must seek our way to guide those poor wayward souls not in The Way to The Way so that they may become one with The Way the way we of The Way are now.
Kate Newman Freedom, peace, breathing.
    Marlon Voorn Trailrunning is for my freedom and are one with the nature!!!
    Pablo Aznar It’s a place without time where you can meet yourself. At the same time that you enjoy all around and get worried on the basics: breathing, eating, and drinking.
    Ronan Hickey It’s about leaving the crowds behind. We all start in the same place, but trail runners reach heights no one else can.
    Gavin Markey Trail time is dreamtime. Everything that a dream can hold is within reach while on the trail/mountain.
    Amanda Hyatt Trail running is the runner’s mirage; always calling, forever a little further away; filled with dreams and possibilities and maybe, just maybe, if you take just one more step, there’s a runner’s oasis on the other side.
    Jp Syverud Trail running is my religion. There is no place I feel more alive and happy as when I am outdoors exploring nature and running. Most people go to church on Sunday mornings. I hit the trail.
Emanuel Simoes trail running is a way out of myself, a way to forget the world’s problems and merging with Mother Nature. I feel as small as an ant when I run in the mountain, and that feels so good.
    Daniel Henderson Trail running is about the adrenaline fuelled terrifying descents.
    John Eden Getting away from point A.
    Ewa Crazychick it’s a desire. With you every minute.
    Eje Carlos Navarro Trail running is another way to stay in the mountains…
    Phil Beeston Trail running is an escape. An escape from the urban jungle and cluttered life that man has created that takes us back to the ‘real world’. A world where we can take a moment to breathe, to see, and where our soul is stripped bare.
    Antonio Moreno Trail running is going back to the roots, to a time when being fast on your feet meant the difference between life and death, between progress and decay. If we are here today it’s only because our ancestors ran… in nature. It’s only natural that we crave to follow in their footsteps!
Reece Ingram Trail running is about being at one with yourself & nature!
    John Bryant Trail running is always a “get to know you” session with myself. I rediscover who I am, gain perspectives that probably wouldn’t be gained anywhere else, and simplify my life to it’s barest essentials. It allows me to strip away the fluff of the world and emerge free and satisfied, yet yearning for more.
    Claire Akin-smith Being out on the trail: Space to think, feel & move at the same time.
    Shirley Treasure Trail running clears my mind; quality time on some single track makes me ready to take on the FWY’s of life.
    Bernhard Rohrbacher Trail running is about freedom. Yes, you can follow a trail but the beauty is making a trail of your own.
    Keith Crook Trail running is the air I breathe .
    Pablo Cascante Barahona Trail running is the beginning of the rest of my life…
Craig Calderwood Trail running is pain, sweating, sore quads; lost toenails, skin knees, blisters and chafing. Fun though.
    Gabriel Drilea Trail running gives you the opportunity to be with yourself away from the life low-level distractions. It brings you closer to God and humanity.
    Mark Johnston a good reason to exist!
    Kerstin Grupinski Trail running is the heart of my life.
    Rute Roque It’s being one with the earth accepting the final union .
    Dewayne Tim Stephens To Trail Run = To Be.
    Lior Sion Trail running for me is freedom in a busy world .
    Amanda Hyatt Trail running … Comfort food for the sole(s)
    Justin Rea Road running exercises the body. Trail running exercises mind and body
Mark McGinn It’s about the five foot of trail ahead of you and constantly scanning it to decide where your foot will land in 3 steps time. Until you lift your head and discover you 15 miles from where you started. People who admire the views when trail running have too much free time on their hands!!
    Paul Hart Trail running is simply escaping from the man made and trying to reconnect with nature and our inner-selves .
    Tammy Clauser Wuerth I wrote this several years ago… When I run the trails. I feel alive. I feel and believe I can conquer anything life throws at me… I am a free spirit who can soar to the highest mountains… endure distances unlike any other, and I can just “be” me…. w/o judgment, as I just flow and go deep into my soul… and, run… run. And run… through it all… conquer my deepest fears. And, just be…. and that my friends… is a beautiful thing…. to have found in this lifetime…. ahh. Yes. The “essence of trail running”
    Simon Edwards Trail running is finding myself among the chaos, and learning to like what I find .
    David Monge Garcia Trail running is forgetting myself.
Amanda Crozier Trail running for me is my peace, my link with nature.
    Albert Franklin Miller Jr Trail running, pure bliss powered by “PRE”!
    Nico Meunier Trail running is feeling like a superhero.
    Larry Lobb Trail running is my silence. When I get to check my thoughts at the trailhead and just exist. It allows me to lose myself, settle myself, and find myself. A return to innocence. Trail running is my moment of Zen.
    Sanja Jugovic Burns One of the greatest ironies. An insane sanity…
    Amanda Shumway Grimes for me trail running allows my soul to grow.
    Miriam Riba Rossy It’s about being ourselves. It’s the way of mountain lovers. Trail Running are all days of our lives when rain, snow, thunder and lightning get together to test us, to feel what we love with our soul and what we are. What I am. It’s a beginning of my new life. Regards Catalonia, Miriam Riba-14 years old
Radu Milea Trail running for me is a way of life!
    Mike Saporito Trail running for me is a return to the basics of what life should be about – nature, simplicity – one with the world. It is at the same time very physical and very mental – it exhausts me and it rejuvenates me.
    Ana Čufer Trail running is a gift, given to few. Every step brings us closer to becoming worthy of it, yet we never quite reach it. The trick is to never stop running.  Like · Reply · 6 · July 23 at 8:11pm
    Eric Ahern Trail running is what I do to work on becoming the best possible version of myself. (All respect to Rich Roll.)
    Katie Simpson Trail running is perfect clarity .
    Thomas Lelu Trail running is enjoy the life in all of its aspect s.
 Suzanne F. Stroeer Trail running is the freedom, the ability to choose. Trail running is running fast to be completely still.
Paul Weir Trail running run for me is the ability to explore nature, to escape the trappings of human beings and become one with nature, the sights and smells and not to see a single sole for miles and hours
    Sabine Heiland Trail running is loosing myself in nature.
    Ben Brindley Trail running is letting go!
    Mark Warner I call it “trail meditation” Tune in, free your mind and the body will follow….
    Mark McGoldrick Felling of been free, & clearing the mind, sense of adventure, meeting new friends & exploring new places .
    Jono Mervis Trail running to me is the ability to leave the day-to-day world behind. It allows me to experience the numinous. To wonder at the incredible world & universe that we call our home. To feel true freedom. To feel the wind on my face and blood flow through my veins. To feel at one with myself, with the world and the people around me. It allows me to experience the joy of movement, the joy of health, the joy of nature and, more than anything before it, the joy of life. Every step, every breath and every meter out on the trails are the best of the day.
Ally Speirs The freedom to go where few can go, the silence at the top, and the peace within .
    Mario Perez Bautista Trail running is all about free your mind and move your soul according with nature .
    Richard Hurdle Trail running for me is about finding new amazing places, sometimes far away, sometimes on your doorstep, always in your soul .
    Ian Campbell Running the way you feel. Taking a familiar route or exploring the options of new trails. I love running the same trails throughout the year, spring, summer, autumn or winter, day or night. They are all different and you experience everything that nature and this earth has to provide and it creates a love of this earth much more so than in the cities on Tarmac.
    Abhishek Sengupta Trail running for me is about searching for those pockets of silence where I can root and grow.
    Chris Schultheiss Trail running fro me is about the community of runners, I love the people!
Martin Pether Trail running is ‘special’, simple as .
    Picos Xtreme Trail running is a lifestyle and a way of live that we love!!
    Emanuel Simoes trail running is a way out of myself, a way to forget the world’s problems and merging with Mother Nature. I feel as small as an ant when I run in the mountain, and that feels so good.
    Michael Roberts if you’re trail running, you’re living and everything else is just waiting.
    Andrew Titus trail running for me is knowing that I am the part of the forest that is breathing.
    David Eastham Trail running for me is about finding my ‘self’…. Who I am.
    Marlon Voorn Trail running is for my…. freedom and are one with the nature!!!
Asmina Piškulić Being I.
    Nicola’s Holy It’s like explore myself everywhere .
    Ellie Mackin Trail running is different things on different days: a chance to escape, a chance to push myself, a chance to meditate, a chance to sweat it out. Trail running is what you need it to be on the day.
    Trailrunning Osttirol trail running isn´t a lifestyle. It´s life!
    Wlodec Da Lukas This is my way.
    Martin Pether Trail running is ‘special’, simple as .
    Picos Xtreme Trail running is a lifestyle and a way of live that we love!!
    Emanuel Simoes trail running is a way out of myself, a way to forget the world’s problems and merging with Mother Nature. I feel as small as an ant when I run in the mountain, and that feels so good.
Alessandro Vigano’ exploring the world!!
    Angie Zee quiet .
    Curt Krieger Hitting the trails each day is like hitting the reboot button and getting that fresh start!
    Jill Buckenham Trail running teaches me to open my mind… to listen… to see… to be patient… to find peace and energy.
    Geoff Smyth Being in the midst of beauty finding my inner self-losing the hectic world around us. If I were fit enough I would stay on the trails day and night.
    Charlie Hunsberger Trail running for me is about re-convening with nature, and nurturing my soul!
    Kristin Jossi Zosel Trail running is about freedom and celebrating life!
    Ron Castillo Finding my peace.
d’Jo Vander Linden Trail running is one of the millions of ways to find sensations you are looking for, find yourself, freedom, escape from stress, break routine, get stronger and fitter…. But most of all, a motivation to live life, there’s always a new track for tomorrow .
    Dave Deason Trail running is about the clean air, the freedom and the feel of a mountaintop as we summit .
    Steven Stainthorpe trail is my way of meeting new people and new runs; it’s my new adventure .
    Chris Tack is about not having to answer questions about what things are about!
    John Dayton Trail running is pushing beyond your comfort zone and testing your limits all while being surrounded by nature. And sometimes she’s a mother.
    David Monge Garcia What about ‘trail running is increasing the flavor of a beer x5’??? Everything smells and tastes of heaven after a trail LR!!!
Rannelle McCoy Trail running is harmony of mind, body and spirit, in the nurturing embrace of Mother Nature.
    Holly Miller It’s my moving meditation.
    Stephan Roos Trail running for me is about freedom and connecting with nature and friends.
    Brian Watson Trail running …feel alive were all signs of man disappear. (Somewhere in the Australian bush).
    Rubén Quesada López Trail running is MOUNTAIN LIVE .
    Tefal Trailrunner T – Trepidation, taking the first steps in to the wilderness – Rejoicing in what Nature can offer us. A – Adventure, going where you want, when you want. I – Inspiration, from all the scenery and experiences you run through. L – Laughing out loud during a fast descent or when on your own in the middle of nowhere.
    Jorge Laustalet Trail running is returning to nature .
    Les Hall Trail running is my ALIVE time.
Richard Lendon Trail running quieting the voice inside
    John Meijberg Trail running is living your life and leave the trails.
    Omar Rodríguez Rodríguez Trail Running brings you freedom when you’re running through the mountains and trees, while you’re breathing fresh air in the morning or in the evening. It doesn’t matter where you do it, always it feels the same. This is because Trail Running is a life way. Everyone can touch the sky, there’s no limit.
    Mayte Pach Trail running for me is a mix of inside peace, mental relax and love the nature.
    Pablo Cascante Barahona For me trail running is the beginning of the rest of my life.
Phillip Gibb Freedom
    Sophia Tam Trail running is a way to know myself and enjoy the moment in the nature.
    Andrew Bowen In a word Therapy! A path to leave the world behind, think clearly and to do more than you ever thought you could.
    Alain Riedacker Exploration of our environment and own limits in peaceful settings .
    Richard Ferron is about getting out of the city for real pleasure, not artificial.
    Joeri Van den Brande being completely free as a person and completely connected to nature as a being.
    Josep M. Vileu Freedom.
Martin Stacy Escape.
Darren Gillman It’s the part of my life that I love, and that keeps me just about sane enough to survive those parts of my life that I have to do.
    Marcelo Jiménez Roqhuett Trail Running is about exploring my life thru that experience, and finding more inspiration around every corner I turn.
 Gemma Carter Trail running is where I experience a deeper sense of myself- its the opportunity to dig down deeper. Under the layers that our superficial life can build around me that cause me stress and worry. It’s where I feel simply most me. Pure. Calm and free…

YOU HAVE TIME TO ADD A COMMENT BUT YOU WILL NEED TO BE QUICK!

Ronda dels Cims 2013 – Trail Magazin, Germany

Posted on August 4, 2013 by talkultra

The latest edition of Trail Magazin is available on line and can be downloaded for just 4€ from HERE

Transcript:

Julien Chorier and Francesca Canepa dominate the 177km 2013 Ronda dels Cims.the second race in the Skyrunning Ultra series.

It was without doubt an incredible and dramatic race in Andorra. Due to late season snow and potential storm risk on Friday night of the race, certain safety measures had to be made and the course was modified to ensure runners safety. It did mean a little less elevation, however, this was compensated for by the race organisers adding additional km’s, making the final distance 177km with a total elevation gain of 12,200m.

An International field lined up in Ordino, Andorra on Friday 21^st June for the 0700 start. The awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon affirmed the International representation present at the race with five different nationalities on the podium.

Described as one of the hardest 100+ mile races in the world, it did not disappoint. Warm sunshine in the early stages of the race where followed with torrential downpours of rain and cooler temperatures as night arrived. However, the weather cleared and as the full moon glowed in the night sky, temperatures dropped. It was a long and cold night for the runners turning many sections of the course into unpredictable slippery sections. A new dawn and a new day, the sun burnt the mist away and temperatures rose revealing blue skies and a perfect day and night in the mountains to welcome runners home.

Frenchman Julien Chorier dominated the race from the front and I have to say, it is possibly one of the most impressive performances I have been fortunate to witness. He looked so calm, relaxed and focused. Kenichi Yamamoto from Japan placed second and along with his impressive entourage of photographers and camermen proved not only his ability to run but also how popular he is with the crowds and supporters. Matt Copper from Australia completed an impressive podium and produced a really solid run. He had been at the front of the race over the initial twenty kilometers and then settled in third, however, a fall into a stream during the night meant extended time at a refuge to warm up, this saw him loose a couple of places and drop to fifth. However, as daylight broke his batteries became recharged and he pushed as hard as he could to gain places and eventually finish third.

For the ladies, Francesca Canepa from Italy dominated after 65km’s and never looked back. She is a specialist in long distance races such as TNF UTMB and Tor des Geants, so, a top performance was expected here; she didn’t disappoint. She did say after the race that it was the hardest race she has ever done!. A late surge by Olga Mankò from the Ukraine elevated her to second on the podium and Emilie Lecomte, from France, after leading the race over the first 35% of the race faded but bravely battled for a hard won final podium place.

Men

1. Julien Chorier (FRA) – Salomon – 28h41’06”

2. Kenichi Yamamoto (JAP) – Houdini) – 31h12’00”

3. Matt Cooper (AUS) – Salomon – 31h24’54

Women

1. Francesca Canepa (ITA) – Montura-Vibrio – 36h18’55”

2. Olga Mankò (UKR) – 38h19’47”

3. Emilie Lecomte (FRA) – Quechua -39h30’14”

Zeagama-Aizkorri 2013 – Trail Magazin, Germany

Posted on August 4, 2013 by talkultra

The latest edition of Trail Magazin is available on line and can be downloaded for just 4€ from HERE

Transcript:

Zegama-Aizkorri

When asked about Zegama, Kilian Jornet replies, ‘It’s Zegama’. In other words, no explanation is needed. The word itself is enough. Zegama-Aizkorri is THE ultimate mountain race.

Located in the heart of the Aizkorri nature reserve, Zegama village is the hub for the Zegama-Aizkorri race. On July 7^th 2002 in conjunction with the Amezti Mountain Society, the Zegama-Aizkorri Alpine marathon was created, its main goal to promote and revitalize the Zegama region in terms of economics, culture and tourism.

The race is now one of the most prestigious alpine marathons in the world. It was the European Mountain Race Championship event in 2008 and is now a key race in the Skyrunning World Series.

At 42.195 kilometers it is a classic Sky marathon. The route has an accumulated height gain of 5472m over the Aratz massif and the Sierra of Aizkorri which includes the four highest peaks in the Basque Autonomous Region; Aratz, Aitzkorri, Akategi and Aitxuri at the highest point of the course at 1551m. Starting in the town of Zegama at 296m runners climb to Otzaurte at 652m. From here, following paths and mountain tracks with stunning natural beauty, participants are confronted with forest; rocky slopes, technical ridges and high grazing pasture land. It’s a tough and technical course. A capped field of 450 must cover the terrain within the eight hour cut off.

The Race

It is the race that many want to do… like London Marathon or an Ironman event; the race has far more demand than places available. The 2013 allocation of 450 participants saw over sixteen countries represented.

After several years of very wet and cold weather, a race day with good conditions could see the long-standing records of 3:54:18 by Rob Jebb in 2005 and 4:38:19 by two-time world champion, Emanuela Brizio set in 2009 challenged.

However, snow and rain in the days before race day ruled out ‘good conditions’ underfoot. As it happened, race day was a glorious, warm and sunny day. Maybe even a little too hot for some. As 450 eager participants departed from the start line, the early morning mist lifted and what lay ahead was a stunning day of mountain racing by the best in the world.

Kilian Jornet and Luis Alberto Hernando had placed one and two respectively at Transvulcania La Palma just two weeks earlier. Emelie Forsberg and Nuria Picas also had the same result on the island of La Palma, would we see a repeat in the Aizkorri nature reserve?

Last minute entrant, Marco De Gasperi dictated the early pace in the men’s race with Kilian Jornet and South African, AJ Calitz close on his heels. Marco, a world champion in his own right had been injured in the build up to Zegama and although he started the race, his long-term plan was always to pull out at halfway.

On the climb to Otzaurte Kilian and Marco had dropped AJ and pushed the pace. Hands on knees, bent double; they pushed from left leg to right leg at a relentless pace while all behind suffered. Pre race favorite, Luis Alberto Hernando running with ‘poles’ was minutes back.

Stevie Kremer from the US (now living in Italy) pushed hard in the early stages of the ladies race. She is the current long course world mountain running champion and although new to Skyrunning, she was not letting this daunt her. Stevie said post race, “I am new to Skyrunning and although I love to climb I was worried by the technical aspects of the descents, in particular the last descent which dropped from 1551m to the finish line. I wanted a time buffer!”

Behind Emelie Forsberg followed patiently. She looked calm, relaxed and focused. A surprise came from Nuria Picas. Nuria had placed second in 2012 at Zegama and was now lying in seventh place minutes behind the front of the race.

US runner, Dave James who is a USATF 100m champion had his first experience of a Sky Marathon, post race said, “The ridgeline I crawled over would make a great place for a trail if they would move some of those jagged rocks out of the way he laughed. Welcome to Skyrunning in Europe; an entirely different “sport” that combines the ascent and descents of the mountain in its purest form! Poles, hands on quads, people descending on their butts, knee-deep mud and power hiking! Was I at a mountain trek or a running event? Or was it a perfect mix of the two? The most historic off road race in the Basque Country, Zegama has it all, and for me is the toughest marathon in the world!”

As Marco dropped from the race, Kilian was left alone. He was running within himself. Enjoying the views, the blue skies, the incredible support.

“I drifted away a little,” said Kilian, “I was enjoying a wonderful day in the mountains and then suddenly I heard deep breathing. As I looked around I saw Luis Alberto Hernando, he had caught up with me along the ridgeline, and he was focused. I suddenly realized I had a race on my hands”.

Kilian was correct. Luis Alberto had the bit between his teeth and he was pushing harder than ever before… he wanted to move up from second and top the podium. If Kilian was going to win this race, he was going to have to earn it. From the final summit at Aitxuri the two dropped some 1300m on technical, twisty, muddy and very slippery terrain. Pushing each other to the limit they would alternate the lead. This race could come down to who makes a mistake!

With just a couple of kilometers to go, trail turned to road and Kilian made his move. He opened a small gap over Luis Alberto and at the line he had a handful of seconds to spare. It was an incredible finish and one that was reflected on the faces of both. Bent double, hands on knees they gulped for air. Each a spent force! They had raced hard and the best man had won

Behind, Tadie Pivk from Italy flew around the final bend, arms outstretched. He had made the podium.

The ladies race also reflected the excitement of the men’s race. Early leader Stevie Kremer was caught and passed by Transvulcania La Palma winner, Emelie Forsberg. Emelie was in her element, she just loves the mountains and you can see it reflected in her smile. Stevie was joined by teammate, Silvia Serafini and the two pursued as fast as they could.

Behind, Nuria Picas was having a stunning race, she moved up from eighth on the first climb to now catch Silvia and Stevie and go past them. As Stevie had predicted it was all going to come down to that final descent! Pushing the pace Silvia twisted an ankle and although not out of the race it hampered her ability to chase.

Emelie ultimately was a comfortable winner of the race. Nuria in the final meters of the finishing straight waved to the crowd and high fived… suddenly Stevie appeared! She had made up time on that final drop from the summit. Had Nuria been facing the wrong way, she may very well have lost second place. Nuria turned and ran for the line. It was close, so close that only three seconds separated Stevie and Nuria in the final results.

Zegama is without doubt a highlight of the mountain running racing calendar. The course and the crowd support are like a stage of the Tour de France. Although weather conditions were perfect for race day, underfoot was less than perfect. Despite this, Kilian missed the course record of 3:54:18 by only twenty seconds. The ladies record of 4:38:19 was very safe with almost 10 minutes to spare.

Race results

Men

1. Kilian Jornet (Salomon Santiveri) – 3h54’38”

2. Luis Alberto Hernando (Adidas) – 3h54’50”

3. Tadei Pivk (Crazy Idea) – 3h58’07”

Women

1. Emelie Forsberg (Salomon) – 4h48’12”

2. Nuria Picas (FEEC) – 4h49’55”

3. Stevie Kremer (Salomon Agisko) – 4h49’58”

Technical details:

DATE: 26th of May, 2013
START AND FINISH: Zegama ( Guipúzcoa ) –09:00 Start.
TOTAL LENGTH: 42.195 km.
CONTROL POINTS: 14
REFRESHMENT POINTS: 13
FLYING SPRINT: Aizkorri ( 22.58 km )
ACCUMULATED HEIGHT GAIN: 5.472 metres
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 1.551m Aitxurri
MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 296m Zegama.
TECHNICAL PERCENTAGE OF COURSE: 70% approx.
CLIMATE: Medium mountain, possibilities of intense heat, strong winds, fog or rain.
TIME LIMIT: 8 Hours
DIFFICULTY: Very high.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 450