IAN CORLESS

Web – www.iancorless.com

Episode 196 – Kristian Morgan and Jon Albon

Posted on October 2, 2020 by talkultra

Episode 196 – Kristian Morgan talks about setting an FKT on the South West Coast Path and multiple World Champion, Jon Albon, talks about ‘Finding My Feet’ for Endurancesports.tv.

*****

Talk Ultra is now on Tunein – just another way to make the show available for those who prefer not to use iTunes – HERE You can download the Tunein APP HERE

Talk Ultra needs your help!
We have set up a Patreon page and we are offering some great benefits for Patrons… you can even join us on the show! This is the easiest way to support Talk Ultra and help us continue to create!
Many thanks to our Patrons who have helped via PATREON

Donate HERE

****

NEWS
FKT’s posted on last show:
* Franco Colle new FKT on Monte Rosa from Gressoney* Nadir Maguet – Gran Paradiso FKT 2:02:32* Erik Clavery GR10 9 days 9 hours and a few minutes* Davide Magnini Ortles FKT 2:18:15* Kim Collison 24h Lakes achieves 78 Peaks* Sabrina Verjeee Wainwrights (wishes not to claim)* Dylan Bowman Loowit Trail 5:11:49* Josh Pulattie Oregon Coast Trail 12 days 10 hours 25 min* Candice Burt Tahoe Rim Trail 2 days 12 hours 47 min* John Kelly Pennine Way 2 days 16 hours 40 min* Sarah Hansel (57:43) & Joey Campanelli (41:00) for Nolans 14* Tom Hollins Dales Mountain 30 (130 miles, 30 summits) 41 hrsAdam Kimble new FKT on Tahoe Rim Trail, USADamian Hall new FKT for the Pennine Way, UKAdam Jacobs new FKT for Hertfordshire Way, UKCarla Molinaro new FKT for the JOGLE, UKBeth Pascall new FKT for the Bob Graham Round, UK and set 5th fastest time.Rhys Jenkins sets new FKT on the Wales Coastal Path #fkt! 870 miles. Time TBC but 20 days 9hrs 35 mins – 2hr 20mins off the record. Lindsey Ulrich new FKT Pacific Crest TrailMarilyne Marchand-Gouin new FKT Clorado TrailMikaela Osler new FKT Colorado TrailWouter Berghuijs new FKT Via Alpina SwitzerlandChristof Teuscher new FKT Eagles 33
Pau Capell runs UTMB in 21:17Finlay Wild runs the Ramsey Round 14:42Carol Morgan 24hr Lakeland record with 65 topsWonderland Trail in the USA, Kaytlyn Gerbin set a new female FKT. Dylan Bowman (16:58) set the FKT only to have it broken 1-week later by Tyler Green, now 16:40:55Kirsty Hewitson Steve Parr Round 62 fells 117mDiego Pasoz on the Via Alpina new FKTDan Lawson JOGLE 9d 21h 14mRyan Sandes 13 Peaks Challenge 13:41:10Donnie Campbell continues his Munro challengeKilian does a VK in less than 30 min and then follows up with 10km on the road in sub 30 min

NEW UPDATES: Check FKT website for latest updates https://fastestknowntime.com/

ARTICLES:

Embrace Winter HERE

*****

INTERVIEW : KRISTIAN MORGAN

*****

INTERVIEW : JON ALBON

With the NEW documentary featuring Jon Albon (Finding my Feet) live on www.endurancesports.tv as of Friday 2nd October.

We’ve created a special code so that our listeners can access the documentary, and everything else on the channel using a limited edition 50% offer lasting 6 months, click this link http://bit.ly/50offReward and enter the code “50_Reward”.

*****

Please support Talk Ultra by becoming a Patron at www.patreon.com/talkultra and THANKS to all our Patrons who support us. Rand Haley and Simon Darmody get a mention on the show here for ‘Becoming 100k Runners’ with a high-tier Patronage.

*****

Spotify HERE

ITunes HERE

Stitcher

You can listen on iOS HERE,

Android HERE or via a web player HERE

Libsyn – HERE

Tunein – HERE

Website – talkultra.com

The MIRA RAI Initiative

Posted on February 26, 2020 by talkultra

I was fortunate in November 2019 to visit the home of Mira Rai in a remote part of Nepal.

I first met Mira, in 2015 as she rose through the racing ranks in Europe. Her ensuing story of success on the trails and then giving back to her community is the stuff of dreams. From our first encounter, I knew she was special. She was strong, dedicated and had a strength of character based on survival, perfect for long-distance running. She spoke no English, had a huge infectious smile and laughed when we couldn’t communicate, simply saying “Namaste.”

My images and story of the journey is now available in Trail Runner Magazine in the USA. Spread over 5-spreads/ 10-pages.

I met her parents, walked the trails, visited her school, shared meals, fed the animals and shared a magical time in Bhojpur.

As I went through the doorway, the bright and intense outside light gave way to darkness. It took a while for my eyes to adjust. A small window on the left allowed some light to penetrate the darkness and behind a pillar, I could see the outline of a woman, a glowing fire and simmering pan to her right.

Mira Rai’s mother looked up and her smile broke the darkness. Huge white teeth with a gap in the middle provided the warmest welcome. She gestured to the floor and we sat.

“Namaste” was universally offered with hands pushed together, palm against palm as though praying. Three metal plates were laid out and large portions of sticky rice were added, then vegetables and small pieces of chicken. Dahl was added to a small bowl for each person and we enjoyed our first dahl baht.

We were deep in Nepal, isolated in the green verdant lands of Bhojpur, the home of Mira Rai.

Trail Runner Magazine available HERE

The Mira Rai Foundation HERE

VIEW THE FULL IMAGE GALLERY HERE

Follow on:

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

ARRAN SKYLINE joins the 2020 Skyrunner UK and Ireland Series

Posted on October 28, 2019 by talkultra

ARRAN SKYLINE brought to you by Ultra Trail Scotland joins the Skyrunner UK & Ireland series for 2020.

The Ultra Trail Scotland team of Andrew Falconer, Noreen Devine and elite mountain runner, Casey Morgan bring an out-and-out pure mountain running experience that harks back to the heritage of skyrunning races in Italy.

Royal Ultra SkyMarathon Gran Paradiso 2019 Summary

Posted on July 22, 2019 by talkultra

With 10-peaks to ascend and descend over a 55km course and 4141m of vertical gain, the Royal Gran Paradiso Ultra SkyMarathon is not an easy race, not by any stretch of the imagination. But add more snow, in comparison to the 2017 edition, searing heat and intense competition, it was fair to say that every runner who toed the line in the 9^th race of the Migu Run Skyrunner World Series knew they had been in a tough edition of the race.

Starting at 0630, Andre Jonsson pushed the early pace ahead of Pere Aurell, Gautier Airiau, Ruy Ueda, Cristian Minoggio, Hannes Hamberger, Dani Jung, Andy Symonds, Benat Marmisolle and more. With the second peak coming at around 12km with just over 2-hours elapsed on the clock, they were all separated by minutes, each matching each others moves.

By contrast, in the women’s race, Myriam Guillot Boisset took a surprise strong lead ahead of pre-race favourite, Ragna Debats with Antoniya Grigorova chasing.

The summit of Colle della Porta at 3002m saw some key changes with the two early powerhouses of Andre and Pere showing signs of fatigue. It was Gautier Airiau who pushed the pace in the snow looking fast and impressive.

Now, we were seeing Cristian Minoggio and Ruy Ueda show their form as they worked through the field along with Hannes Hamberger, Andy Symonds and Dani Jung.

Myriam still led the women’s race but Ragna looked in control keeping her pace consistent, behind, Antoniya Grigorova chased followed by a group of four that included Oihana Azkorbebeitia and Silvia Puigarnau.

As the race moved into the latter third, Cristian Minoggio had taken the lead with Ruy, Gautier and Hannes hunting him down. Unfortunately Andre and Pere were now struggling, the duo both having bad days, but they did not give in, they both battled to the finish.

Ragna had now taken the lead for the women and the writing was on the wall, but, there was still a long way to go and the heat was getting hotter and hotter.

The 55km course wound through the Gran Paradiso National Park in the royal hunting grounds, hence the ‘Royal’ title. After starting at a lake at an altitude of 2000m at 0630am, the participants had traversed five passes with the magnificent Gran Parasido mountain providing a stunning backdrop towering over the race at 4061m. Moraine, rocks, streams and snowfields provided an ultimate extreme challenge but the end finally came to a conclusion next to the lake in Ceresole Reale.

Cristian Minoggio held off a late surge by Gautier Airiau, the duo crossing the line in 6:50:04 and 6:51:01 respectively.

Ruy Ueda completed the podium in 6:56:49 with Hannes Hamberger and Andy Symonds having a late surge to place 5^th.

Ragna Debats flew over the course and in the process set a new course record, 7:52:40. Myriam Guillot Boisset most certainly was the courageous runner of the day having battle alone up front for so long, she obviously payed the price in the latter stage but her second place was well earned in 8:14:53. Third place went to Oihana Azkorbebeitia in 8:45:35 with Antoniya Grigorova and Silvia Puigarnau placing 4^th and 5^th.

FULL IMAGE GALLERY WILL BE LOADED HERE

Follow on:

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

Monte Rosa Skymarathon 2019 AMA – Race Summary and Images

Posted on June 24, 2019 by talkultra

What a difference a day makes! The 2019 race should have taken place on Saturday, however, weather conditions through the Friday night made the high ground above 3000m dangerous and therefore the race was postponed to Sunday. The sister event, the AMA VK2 did take place – HERE.

Race departure on Sunday was brought forward to 0530 from the scheduled 0600 start, a loop of the village for the 400 runners from 25 countries provided a warm up before they were released onto the mountain. In essence, Monte Rosa SkyMarathon is a simple race. Start in Alagna, run to the summit of Monte Rosa and then return as fast as possible. With a positive incline of 3500m and a distance of 35km for the round trip, this event is extreme.

Runners run in teams of two and from a certain point on the course (weather and conditions dependent) they must rope together and use crampons. At key sections, they must also attach to fixed ropes using a via ferratta harness.

The early slopes are simple trail and then as one moves up the mountain, rocks and ridges giveaway to snow and ice. This year, due to Friday’s inclement weather, approximately 30-50cm of fresh snow had covered the upper sections making running and hiking considerably harder. Another factor to consider, the great weather on Sunday of ‘less cloud and more sky,’ brought with it plenty of sun.

As the day progressed, this sun heated the snow making for a very soft and tricky descent from the summit which was constantly monitored by the races’ mountain safety. Despite the sun, temperature at the summit was -5, with the strong wind, this felt like -20. It was cold.

The day was truly incredible, from the summit and throughout the course, the views were magnificent. In particular, the Matterhorn clearly visible.

Founded on the slopes of Monte Rosa in 1992 by Marino Giacometti, skyrunning is the epitome of moving fast and light in the mountains, Monte Rosa SkyMarathon is the flagship.

Marino Giacometti, founder of skyrunning also made the summit on race day – ‘for fun!’

Combining mountaineering, running and skimo, this race is alpinism without the clutter and as such, the assembled runners come from all three backgrounds.

In 2018, William Boffelli and Franco Colle blazed a trail up and down the mountain and until four day’s before the race, we were once again expecting the duo to lead from the front. However, Franco Colle had to withdraw from injury. This left William searching for a partner. Luckily, Jakob Herrmann stepped in – an experienced ski mountaineer who has partnered Kilian Jornet. It was a big ask of Herrmann, however, he stepped up to the mark and in 2018 style the duo were the first to the summit with a lead of 25- minutes ahead of Beccari and Felicetti. Known for strong uphills, Herrmann was tested on the descent as Boffelli set a blistering pace. ‘He is not used to running descents…’ Boffelli said, ‘…but he gave his all to keep up.’ Keep up he did. The team arrived back in Alagna in 4:51:58 some way of last years time and the fastest time recorded, however, in the conditions it was quite remarkable.

Beccari and Felicetti placed second ahead of Carrara and Montani, 5:10:41 and 5:30:02 the respective times.

The women’s race looked set to be dominated by Giuditta Turini and Laura Besseghini. The duo led from the start and were first to the summit. On the descent they were running so well and then Besseghini started to have problems, most likely from fatigue and the altitude. Unfortunately she took a fall and needed to be taken from the course.

This opened the door for Tomasiak and Solinska from Poland. They arrived at the finish ecstatic thinking they had placed second, only to be crowned champions. Just 16-seconds later, Witowska and Januszyk arrived for second. Quinteros and Campos completed the podium, the times for the top three were 6:38:14, 6:38:30 and 7:15:59.

It may have taken 25-years for skyrunning to return home to Alagna, but one thing is for sure, the AMA (Alagna – Monte Rosa – Alagna) is here to stay. In just two editions, it has become ‘the’ race to do like the iconic ‘Kima!’

While experience of the mountain may be required to participate, the dream to journey to a summit and back in less than one day is now well and truly alive. And if the summit is a step too far in 2020, there is always the AMA VK2 to whet the appetite.

RACE IMAGE FULL GALLERY AVAILABLE HERE

Follow on:

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

BREAKING NEWS‼️SNOWDON SKYLINE appointed the qualifying race for SWS SKYMASTERS

Posted on May 22, 2019 by talkultra

BREAKING NEWS‼️

SNOWDON SKYLINE has been appointed the qualifying race for the SKYMASTERS which will take place in Limone, Italy in October.

The MALE and FEMALE winner of Snowdon Skyline will receive a coveted spot to race alongside the best skyrunner’s of the 2019 season.

The route:

The first ever SkyMasters! A course made to be very challenging and technically demanding – 27 km long with 2,600m vertical climb. The start and finish are lakeside. A two-kilometre stretch passes through the old town of Limone and ascends through olive groves. From here, the course climbs up a rocky limestone path, zig-zagging it’s way up the Passo Rocchetta, to Cima Mughera.

Then things a getting serious! After climbing a section of the historical VK course, a very technical section with unique views on the lake have been will bring the athletes to the top of Monte Carone, the summit of the race.

Other ways to gain entry:

Be in the Top 30 Men/Women of the Season General Ranking (standing before the Masters)

Be in the Top 30 Men/Women of the 52-Week Ranking two weeks prior to the SkyMasters

Be a Top-10 Man/Woman of a SuperSky Race

Be a Top-5 Man/Woman of a Sky Race

ENTRY for SNOWDON SKYLINE HERE

40km 3700m+

Follow on:

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

YOU CAN READ THE ARTICLE HERE

ISF Skyrunning World Championships 2018 Summary

Posted on September 25, 2018 by talkultra

“Gale force winds, torrential rain, freezing cold and the occasional burst of sunshine tell the story of the 2018 Skyline Scotland series of events. For the first time, the ISF skyrunning world championships were held on UK soil combining of the classic VK, SKY and ULTRA distances. On the 4th day, the event center in Kinlochleven was transformed for the skyrunner world series, Glen Coe Skyline – 4 days, 4 events and 1000’s of runners; a truly memorable experience for running in the UK.”

I wrote a summary of the 2018 World Championships for IRUN4ULTRA

You can view image galleries form the VK, SKY, ULTRA and EXTREME races HERE

Follow on:

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com

Glen Coe Skyline 2018 – Skyrunner World Series

Posted on September 17, 2018 by talkultra

Kilian Jornet and Hillary Gerardi win the 2018 Glen Coe Skyline 2018.

Report via Lauri van Houten, ISF

With wild and windy weather in the Scottish Highlands, the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline was run on a reduced course, but it didn’t take any of the excitement away from the star line-up that battled right to the finish line. The sixth stage of the Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series, valid for the Sky Extra category, was won by Kilian Jornet and Hillary Gerardi.

Probably one of the toughest races on the Series, it was run on the “bad weather route” which is just 32 km long with 2,700m vertical climb avoiding the exposed scrambling terrain. (The original course was 55 km with 4,700m vertical climb). 203 runners from 28 countries participated.

Race winner Kilian Jornet was in his element. “The Scottish Highlands really inspire because you can run everywhere. It’s got good ridges and good elevation and even though it’s not high altitude you can find all the challenges you want. I ran with André [Jonsson] for a big part and then I took the lead to be a bit more relaxed in the last part. He’s a very strong runner. For me it’s more for the participation than winning. These are races that I love.” Jornet closed in 3h40’33” followed in 3h42’33” by Sweden’s André Jonsson. In third in 3h45’03”, a first podium for ItalianDaniel Jung.

“I got a good position so I feel good. I pushed myself to the limit. It was a great course, technical. I live in the Alps but here it’s more slippery. I love it when it’s raining,” commented Jung. “When you see Kilian and André Jonsson in front, the world champion and second world champion, what more can you ask? It’s a dream for me to be on the podium and so… I love Scotland!”

With less kilometres, vertical climb and ridges, there was still plenty of action in the stacked field especially in the women’s race where a fierce battle raged concluding in a tight sprint.

Winner Hillary Gerardi from the USA, who closed in 4h17’48”, summed it all up. “I was really pleased to be at this race although disappointed not to be able to do the whole ridge but it was the right call on the part of the organisers to cut it short. It was pretty cold and wet and very, very windy at the top. I gave it my best. I was a little faster than Jasmin [Paris] on the uphills but she definitely dominates on the downhills and it was really a pleasure to be out there with her.

“Either of us could have won the race. We were together on the last downhill and I said to her ‘What do you think will happen if I manage to hold on to you and we go through the finish together?’ and she said, ‘Oh no! It will come down to a sprint!’ So I just gave it everything I had and in the last 200m I was able to pull ahead of her.

“I will definitely be back next year to do the full ridge. Last year when I came here I was hitting a low point in my season and I found joy in running again in Scotland.”

Briton Jasmin Paris lost the sprint by just seven seconds. “It would have been nice to win to be honest. I gave it my best shot but going to the end I couldn’t make up on the downhill and I knew I didn’t have the speed in my legs.”

Third lady was another American, Brittany Peterson. “For me I actually never got cold, it was all a matter of arm sleeves up, arm sleeves down. I was definitely tired by the end just tried to stay strong for third. It was a great race! I love it! I feel like I suddenly got a new element of technical terrain – wet and slippery and mossy which just added a new element of fun. I fell three or four times and just popped right on back. I got really muddy,” she said. “I’ve heard great things about the ridge so I can imagine what the full race would be like. Just doing the Skyrunner World Series I feel it brings a lot of energy!”

André Jonsson climbs to third on the Sky Extra ranking and is 55 points from leader Dmitry Mityaev while Pere Aurell holds onto second. Kilian Jornet ties with Jonathan Albon in fourth place.

Hillary Gerardi now leads the women’s ranking with Ragna Debats right behind. Brittany Peterson secures third position while Malene Haukøy and Jasmin Paris rise to fifth and sixth respectively.

There are no significant changes in the Overall ranking except that Jornet is the new leader.

Next stop on the 2018 Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series is the Salomon Ultra Pirineu in the Spanish Pyrenees on September 29 where the Ultra specialists will be heading for the longest race on the circuit valid for the Sky Extra category.

Salomon Glen Coe Skyline results
Men

Kilian Jornet (ESP) – 3h40’33”
André Jonsson (SWE) – 3h42’33”
Daniel Jung (ITA) – 3h45’03”
Andy Symonds (GBR) – 3h45’03”
Cody Lind (USA) – 3h45’41”

Women

Hillary Gerardi (USA) – 4h17’48”
Jasmin Paris (GBR) – 4h 17’55”
Brittany Peterson (USA) – 4h25’44”
Malene Blikken Haukøy (NOR) – 4h30’10”
Aitziber Ibarbia Beloki (ESP) – 4h34’40”

Image gallery available HERE

Follow on:

Instagram – @iancorlessphotography

Twitter – @talkultra

Web – www.iancorless.com