Monte Rosa Skymarathon 2018 Preview

Posted on June 20, 2018 by talkultra

Mountains dominate the life of Marino Giacometti and Lauri van Houten. It’s not a job; it’s a passion that dominates 12+ hours of every day. They are the visionaries of the sport, Skyrunning. In 1989, Marino set a record running from the village of Alagna to the summit of Monte Rosa. It laid the foundations of the sport and now, 25-years after the first official event in 1993, Lauri and Marino return to the birthplace. Introducing Europe’s highest race. Following in the footsteps of the race where it all began in the Italian Alps, retracing the original course to the summit of Monte Rosa at 4,554m from the town of Alagna.

Iconic names such as Bruno Brunod and Fabio Meraldi are once again being talked about in the same breath as Kilian Jornet.

“Older generations were already Skyrunners. My grandfather crossed the mountains working for example. ‘We’ as Skyrunners added more speed but in essence it has always been the same thing, Skyrunners have always existed.” Bruno Brunod says, “What I liked was going quickly to the summit. I felt the same when I was a kid in the pastures, I always ran up and down the summits that surrounded me. It is something I felt inside, something I liked.”

Marino was a visionary and many like to call him the ‘Father’ of Skyrunning.

“Skyrunning differs to other sports and this is the discipline we launched in the mid 1990’s. Skyrunning has always existed; all across the world it is just that it became a formalised sport. I therefore consider myself the father of Skyrunning for the aspect of race organisation because when it started 25-years ago nobody talked about this.”

So now, 2018, 25-years in the making, the sport’s founders present an exclusive new event, this time in teams of two, roped together to race in true skyrunning style across moraine, snow fields and glaciers for 35 kilometres with an astonishing 7,000m ascent and descent.

Marino and Bruno in the Aosta valley

Just as Bruno Brunod was Kilian’s hero. Kilian followed his dreams from the inspiration Bruno provided, Kilian is now the epitome of Skyrunning and along with Emelie Forsberg, the duo will line-up top international athletes including skyrunning stars – past and present – and ski mountaineering champions aiming to challenge the incredible records set in 1994 by Italians Fabio Meraldi in 4h24’ and Gisella Bendotti in 5h34′.

Fabio Meraldi will be present at the race but not participating. Bruno Brunod unfortunately is unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Marco De Gasperi, the Italian legend, laid the foundations for his incredible Skyrunning career on the slopes of Monte Rosa when just at the age of 16, he was given special permission to run to the summit and back. He will also join the party in Alagna.

Marino and Fabio Meraldi at Trofeo Kima

BREAKING NEWS

Kilian Jornet confirms he will run the race with his partner, Emelie Forsberg. Lauri and Marino first met Kilian in 2006, “he impressed immediately,” Marino says. “He was a natural Skyrunner. We all know the history; he was born in the mountains and as such he has just developed in an organic way. As I said, a natural.”

A timely reminder of Fast and Light

The stage is set for 2018’s most spectacular Skyrunning event.

The course retraces the original route from Alagna Valsesia at 1192m via the Bocchetta delle Pisse (2396m) to the Indren cable car station (3260m). From here the route continues upwards via the Gnifetti Hut (3467m), Colle del Lys (4250m) and then the summit, the Margherita Hut at 4554m. The route re-traces all the way back to Alagna along paths, ski runs, glaciers for a 35km loop and 3490m of vertical ascent.

Friday 22 June

0900 race office open
1800 Mandatory race briefing

Saturday 23 June

0600 Race start (the race has a 24-hour window for bad weather, so, the start may be postponed to Sunday 24 June.
1030 First athlete arrival
1700 Awards

Detail

This race is unique and therefore experienced athletes will only take part. One may almost consider this to be an exhibition event. Athletes are responsible for their own safety and equipment but specific requirements are necessary. For example, from the Indren cable car, teams must be roped together via an approved harness. They must have two carabiners, micro metal crampons are essential and poles are required.

ONES TO WATCH start list HERE

The race brings much experience from the ski and mountaineering world, and therefore, on first glance one may not recognise many of the names listed. Especially if looking at this from a ‘run’ perspective. Therefore, below I will concentrate on the names that crossover from the run/ Skyrunning world:

FORSBERG and JORNET

SYMONDS and OWENS

GERARDI and PAGE

– Hillary Gerardi

Lefort and Rozados

Paloncy and Mann

Tomasiak and Kaars Sijpesteijn

Zanchi and Fernando

and many more….

The 2018 Monte Rosa Skymarathon is a new moment for the sport… As races over the world increase and lines get crossed, the Monte Rosa Skymarathon goes back to the roots of Skyrunning in the place of it’s birth.

A new era of the sport begins…

Race website HERE

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Episode 94 – Glen Coe Skyline and UTMB

Posted on September 3, 2015 by talkultra

Episode 94 of Talk Ultra is all about the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline and UTMB. We have some post race chats with Emelie Forsberg, Florian Reichert and RD, Shane Ohly about Glen Coe and then we have a full and in-depth interview with race winner, Joe Symonds. UTMB was a race of drama and instead of speaking to the top 3, we chat with Damian Hall and Richard Ashton, two Brits who finished in the top 50. Niandi Carmont is my co-host

00:09:30 NEWS

Help Nepal – Nepal images ‘FACES of NEPAL’ – order a print and all funds donated to Nepal charities https://iancorless.org/2015/04/28/nepal-appeal-nepalearthquake/

You will notice a few changes in episode 93 of Talk Ultra. Yes, we have some new music, a new logo and over the coming weeks and months we will start to add some new interview sections.

GLEN COE SKYLINE

1 – Joe Symonds 7:36:21

2 – Mark Harris 7:44:51

3 – Jayson Cavill 7:49:42

00:13:30 INTERVIEW FLORIAN REICHERT

1 – Emelie Forsberg 7:44:12 and 2nd overall

2 – Jasmin Paris 7:54:29

3 – Sarah Ridgway 9:21:44

00:25:15 INTERVIEW EMELIE FORSBERG

00:31:56 INTERVIEW SHANE OHLY

UTMB

1 – Xavier Thevenard 21:09:15

2 – Luis Alberto Hernando 21:57:17

3 – David Laney 21:59:42

1 – Nathalie Mauclair 25:15:33

2 – Uxue Fraille 26:29:35

3 – Denise Zimmerman 27:33:51

LEADVILLE

1 – Ian Sharman 16:33:54

2 – Kyle Pietari 18:16:04

3 – Juan Carlos Sagatsume 18:29:27

1 – Liza Howard 19:34:09

2 – Kara Henry 19:54:08

3 – Danielle Hilson 22:28:00

ULTRAVASEN

1 – Jonas Buud 5:45:08

2 – Max King 6:06:11

3 – Didrik Hermansen 6:08:10

1 – Jasmin Nunige 7:02:35

2 – Ida Nilsson 7:05:56

3 – Petra Kindlund 7:34:02

00:56:31 INTERVIEW

JOE SYMONDS

01:51:05 INTERVIEW

RICHARD ASHTON

02:26:54 INTERVIEW

DAMIAN HALL

UP & COMING RACES

Australia

New South Wales

Great North Walk 100 km | 100 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Great North Walk 100 Miles | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Queensland

Glasshouse 100 km | 100 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Glasshouse 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Victoria

Walhalla Wound-Up – 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Austria

“GRAWE” 50km Lauf | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

“NKE Austria” 100km Lauf | 100 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Wörthersee Trail-Maniac 114 K | 114 kilometers | September 18, 2015 | website

Wörthersee Trail Maniak 114K Superior | 114 kilometers | September 18, 2015 | website

Canada

Alberta

Lost Soul 100 Km Ultra | 100 kilometers | September 11, 2015 | website

Lost Soul 100 Mile Ultra | 100 miles | September 11, 2015 | website

Lost Soul 50 Km Ultra | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

British Columbia

50K Cody Claim Run | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Finlayson Arm 50k Fat Ass | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Golden Ultra | 80 kilometers | September 18, 2015 | website

Mount Robson 50km Ultra Marathon | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Ontario

Haliburton Forest Trail 100 Mile Race | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Haliburton Forest Trail 50 km Race | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Haliburton Forest Trail 50 Mile Race | 50 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Sears Great Canadian Run – Toronto | 141 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Quebec

Chute du Diable 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Chute du Diable 80 km | 80 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Croatia

Ucka Trail – 73 km | 73 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Denmark

Nordjylland

100 Miles – Around the isle of Mors | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

France

Alpes-Maritimes

Ultra-Trail Côte d’Azur Mercantour | 140 kilometers | September 04, 2015 | website

Bas-Rhin

Grand Trail du HK ” The Magic Trail” | 52 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Bouches-du-Rhône

Grand Raid de Camargue | 100 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Isère

Ultra Trail du Vercors | 88 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Lot

Figeac – Conques | 208 kilometers | September 17, 2015 | website

Trail Vallée Cere et Dordogne – 53 km | 53 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Pas-de-Calais

Trail de la côte d’Opale – 62 km | 62 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Rhône

La Nuit des Carbones – 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 04, 2015 | website

Vendée

Bol d’Air – 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Vosges

L’infernal Trail des Vosges – 160 km | 158 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

L’infernal Trail des Vosges – 72 km | 72 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

P-Weg Ultramarathon | 73 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Rhineland-Palatinate

Dorint-RUN50 | 50 kilometers | September 18, 2015 | website

Greece

Athens-Sparta | 245 kilometers | September 04, 2015 | website

Iceland

Run Iceland Adventure Trail | 110 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

India

Jammu and Kashmir

Khardung La Challenge | 72 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Tamil Nadu

Chennai Trail Ultra Marathon | 50 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Ireland

Munster

Dingle Ultra Marathon | 50 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Kerry Way Ultra | 120 miles | September 04, 2015 | website

Italy

Aosta Valley

Tor des Géants | 330 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Liguria

Avatrail – 54 km | 54 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol

Sellaronda Trail Running | 56 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Veneto

Troi dei Cimbri | 53 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Japan

100 km | 100 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

50 km | 50 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Netherlands

Gelderland

53 km | 53 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

New Zealand

Marton-Wanganui Ultramarathon | 66 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Norway

Telemark’s Toughest | 81 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Poland

7 Valleys Run Ultramarathon of the Festival | 100 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Bieg 7 Dolin – Ultramaraton – 100 km | 100 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Bieg 7 Dolin – Ultramaraton – 66 km | 66 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Portugal

180 km | 180 kilometers | September 04, 2015 | website

Romania

Ciucas X3 Ultramaraton | 105 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Dracula 106K | 106 kilometers | September 04, 2015 | website

Dracula 106K 2-Day Stage Race | 106 kilometers | September 04, 2015 | website

Vlad Tepes 52K | 52 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Singapore

Craze Ultra 100 miles | 100 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Craze Ultra 101 km | 101 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Craze Ultra 78 km | 78 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Slovenia

Marathon Celje-Logarska dolina – 75 km | 75 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

South Africa

Bonitas Sunday Mont-Aux-Sources Challenge | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Hout is Goud Day-Breaker | 80 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Spain

Catalonia

Ultra Trail dels Comtes d’Erill | 82 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Principality of Asturias

Ultra Trail Macizo de Ubiña “Los Güeyos del Diablo” | 64 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Switzerland

Valais

Trail des Dents-du-Midi – Trail découverte | 57 kilometers | September 18, 2015 | website

Vaud

Ultratour du Leman | 173 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

United Kingdom

Anglesey

Ring o’ Fire | 131 miles | September 04, 2015 | website

Argyll and Bute

Tiree Ultramarathon | 35 miles | September 06, 2015 | website

Buckinghamshire

Infinity Run – 100 miles in 24hrs | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Cumbria

Lakes Sky Ultra | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Gloucestershire

Cotswold Way Challenge Multistage Ultra | 57 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Northern Ireland

Titanic Quarter 101k | 101 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Titanic Quarter 50k | 50 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Oxfordshire

Thames Path Challenge 100km | 100 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Thames Path Challenge 50km | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Powys

10 Peaks Brecon Beacons – Long Course | 89 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

10 Peaks Brecon Beacons – Short Course | 58 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Shropshire

Double or Nothing | 70 miles | September 18, 2015 | website

Stockport

Bullock Smithy | 56 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Suffolk

Ultra Tour of Suffolk | 50 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

USA

Alaska

Klondike Trail of ’98 International Road Relay | 175 kilometers | September 11, 2015 | website

Arizona

Paatuwaqatsi Run 50K | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

California

Headlands 100mi | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Headlands 50mi | 50 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Headlands 75mi | 75 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Los Pinos 50K | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Lost Sierra 50K | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Robinson Flat 50k | 50 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Tahoe 200 | 200 miles | September 11, 2015 | website

Colorado

Devil on the Divide 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Flaming Foilage Relay | 160 miles | September 11, 2015 | website

Hideaway Hundred 100 Miler | 101 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Hideaway Hundred 50K | 33 miles | September 06, 2015 | website

Hideaway Hundred 50 Miler | 50 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Run Rabbit Run 100 Mile Ultra Marathon | 100 miles | September 18, 2015 | website

Solemates Silverton 100 Miler | 100 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Tommyknocker 100K | 100 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Tommyknocker 50K | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Florida

The Pinellas Trail Challenge | 46 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Wildcat 100 km | 100 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Wildcat 100 Miler | 100 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Idaho

Moscow Mountain Madness | 50 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Illinois

50K | 50 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Double-Ender 25k | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Evergreen Lake Ultra and a Half | 51 miles | September 13, 2015 | website

Evergreen Lake Ultras | 34 miles | September 13, 2015 | website

The Hennepin Hundred – 100M | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

The Hennepin Hundred – 100M Relay | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

The Hennepin Hundred – 50M | 50 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Kansas

Hawk 100 | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Hawk 50 | 50 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Massachusetts

TARC Fall Classic 50K | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

TARC Fall Classic 50 M | 50 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

The Rock Run | 50 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Michigan

Freak 50K | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Hallucination 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 11, 2015 | website

LSD 100K | 100 kilometers | September 11, 2015 | website

Peace, Love & 50 mile | 50 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Minnesota

Superior Sawtooth 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 11, 2015 | website

Superior Trail 50 Mile | 50 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Missouri

Go! KT82 Trail Relay | 82 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Montana

The Rut 50K | 50 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Nebraska

Bohemian Alps 50 Kilometer Ultramarathon | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

New York

Shawangunk Ridge 74-Mile Trail Run/Hike | 74 miles | September 18, 2015 | website

North Carolina

Weymouth Woods 50K | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Oklahoma

3 Half Marathons in 3 Days | 39 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

3 Marathons in 3 Days | 78 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Do-Wacka-Do 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

DoWackaDo 50 Mile Trail Run | 50 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

DoWackaDo Trail 50K Run | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Oregon

McKenzie River Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Pennsylvania

Groundhog Fall 50K | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Pine Creek Challenge 100K | 100 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

Pine Creek Challenge 100M | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Tennessee

Stanky Creek 50K | 50 kilometers | September 13, 2015 | website

Texas

50K | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Utah

Red Rock Relay Zion Edition | 187 miles | September 11, 2015 | website

Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | September 11, 2015 | website

Vermont

Jay Peak 50K Ultra | 50 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Virginia

Iron Mountain 50 mile Trail Run | 50 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Odyssey 40 Mile Trail Ultra | 40 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

The Blude Ridge Relay | 208 miles | September 11, 2015 | website

The Ring – Massanutten Trail Circuit Run | 71 miles | September 05, 2015 | website

Washington

Day Two- (September 7) 50k | 50 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

First Call Veterans Day 50K (September) | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

PCT Bunker to Bonneville 50K | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Plain 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | September 12, 2015 | website

Volcanic 50 Mt St. Helens | 50 kilometers | September 05, 2015 | website

Wisconsin

Lake Michigan Trail 50K | 50 kilometers | September 06, 2015 | website

Wyoming

Sundance 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 12, 2015 | website

03:00:00 CLOSE

03:05:43

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ROCKTAPE sponsor Skyrunning UK

Posted on January 30, 2014 by talkultra

Skyrunning UK is pleased to announce that ROCKTAPE will be the first sponsor to support the Skyrunner® Series UK.

Just like all our participants in the Skyrunner® Series UK, the ROCKTAPE team are avid athletes. ROCKTAPE already supports various UK based events and athletes in a variety of sports; notably Ultra runner and Lakeland 100 winner Terry Conway and Salomon International athlete, Anna Frost.

TerryConway_UTLD100

No matter how carefully we prepare and train, injuries happen and unfortunately they can happen on a frequent basis, especially when pushing at the limits. ROCKTAPE is not just for the injured athlete, it can also be used to help delay fatigue and improve posture/running form.

Today, ‘Kinesiology Tape’ is widely used throughout the world to treat injuries and pain. ROCKTAPE is the only tape specifically engineered to meet the demands of elite athletes. Why is it unique? Stick and Stretch. Its unique glue means that unlike many other tapes ROCKTAPE stays on the skin come hell or high water. ROCKTAPE stretches twice as much as most kinesiology tape and is engineered to mimic human skin. The ‘stretch’ is the secret behind ROCKTAPE!

How does it work? When applied properly, ROCKTAPE lifts the skin away from the muscle, which promotes positive changes in the body’s fluid, mechanical and neurological systems. Commonly people wearing Rocktape report less pain, swelling and tightness, greater awareness of the area and later onset of fatigue.

Paul Coker, Medical Director, Rocktape UK explains, “We are really pleased to be able to support the Skyrunner® UK series in its inaugural year, we hope it’s the beginning of a long term-relationship. ROCKTAPE offers lots of great benefits to runners, this partnership is a perfect way to showcase our product and increase awareness of ROCKTAPE amongst the trail and ultra running community. As a very enthusiastic but distinctly average runner myself its also a great reason to be at Sky races and witness some of the worlds best athletes run.”

Skyrunning UK is well aware of the benefits that may be obtained both pre-exercise, during exercise and post exercise from ROCKTAPE.

“We strongly believe that our partnership is a great step forward not only for the Skyrunner® Series UK but also all our athletes who will perform in our series” explains Ian Corless, Director of Skyrunning UK “Paul and myself have had plenty of communication over the past 2-years. I have used ROCKTAPE to help recover from injuries and I have also used products in training to prevent onward injuries. I fully understand and believe in the product. It’s great to have a sponsor on board that will directly benefit every participant in a Skyrunner® Series UK event. Why is this? Well, ROCKTAPE will be present at our events and provide on hand advice, show taping techniques and directly get involved with each and every runner. It’s a really exciting prospect.”

BenAbdelnoor_inov8

The 2014 Skyrunner® Series UK is developing each and every day. Skyrunning UK has already announced two ULTRA events, the V3K in Wales for June and the 3×3 in the Lakes for October. With the imminent announcement of new events to the 2014 calendar and the sponsorship of ROCKTAPE the Skyrunner® Series UK is already proving to be one of the most exciting race series prospects for those who love to run over technical and demanding terrain with plenty of vertical gain within the UK.

Less cloud. More sky!

Skyrunning UK website – www.skyrunninguk.com

ROCKTAPE – www.rocktape.net

V3K Race Website – http://www.vegan-welsh-3000s.co.uk

3×3 Ultra Website – http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/24.html

Skyrunning UK announce the 3x3ULTRA

Posted on January 6, 2014 by talkultra

A new year and what better way to start than with the announcement of the first race in the new Skyrunning UK ‘Skyrunner® National Series’ – the ‘3x3ULTRA’ by High Terrain Events.

Over 4000m (13,000ft) of ascent await participants of the 3x3Ultra. “It’s an opportunity to cover three classic Lakeland peaks in an accumulative distance of 80km’s”, says High Terrain Events race director, Ian Mulvey.

Salomon athlete, Ricky Lightfoot (IAU World Trail Champion 2013 and Otter course record holder) has been instrumental in combining his skills and knowledge in designing a course that will bring Skyrunning UK an event that ultimately will create the perfect flagship for the Skyrunner® National Series (SNS) within the UK.

Based on the classic ‘Lakes 3000’s’ the 80km route will include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Skiddaw. An amazing circular route over the best mountains available within the UK, it promises to be a tough challenge.

Lauri van Houten, executive director for the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) has been instrumental in providing the backing and support to enable Skyrunning UK to become a reality. When asked about Skyrunning in the UK, Lauri had this to say:

“Some of the world’s top athletes come from the UK! Andy Symonds, Tom Owens, Ricky Lightfoot, Robbie Simpson, Tessa Hill, Anna Lupton and past SWS (Skyrunner® World Series) Champions Angela Mudge and Rob Jebb… British races are known for being tough and challenging. Skyrunning captures the spirit and tough technical challenges runners are looking for today. That’s the ‘feel’ we’d like to bring to the UK.”

The race route combines all the elements of a classic Lakeland run with aspects of European racing. “Skyrunning UK offers a great opportunity, we already have the main ingredients; technical terrain, beautiful mountains and hills” said Tom Owens (UK based Salomon athlete) “The UK has brilliant and committed athletes who love racing. We may not have the required altitude that a Skyrunning race would require in Europe but this is compensated for with the amount and steepness of climb that we can accumulate over distance, the 3x3Ultra is a great example of this.”

No stranger to Skyrunning, Salomon International athlete, Andy Symonds has performed with the best-of-the-best all over Europe, his podium finish at Transvulcania La Palma in 2012 a particular highlight also offered his approval of the 3x3Ultra:

“Skyrunning is about running high up on rough ground. Getting up, over and along big mountains with big views. The 3x3Ultra does just that and it’s great to see it finalized on the all new Skyrunning UK calendar, it’s an exciting time”.

The Skyrunner® National Series will bring a new race series to the UK. Made up of five races in each category (Sky and Ultra), runners will accumulate ranking points by competing in at least three out of five races over the SkyRace® and Ultra SkyMarathon® distances. Respective male and female winners of the ‘SNS’ in 2015 will be rewarded with the ultimate prize; not only they will they be crowned champions of the ‘SNS’ but they will also receive the opportunity to race in the final of the Skyrunner® World Series.

Ian Corless, director for Skyrunning UK has been working for months in conjunction with the ISF Athlete Commission to bring this moment to fruition, “It’s about progression and development. Having witnessed Skyrunning from every level for the past 2-years and seen the growth, the excitement, the opportunities; to not be part of this in the UK would be a shame. The sport is growing at all levels. In time I hope we will have a series of UK based Skyrunning teams similar to the model that inov-8 have created. A Skyrunner® National Series will provide not only a great structure for the sport but it will also provide a springboard for UK athletes to race in other countries but equally, we hope to attract foreign athletes to race on home soil. The announcement of the 3x3Ultra clearly states our intentions for what a Skyrunning event should be in the UK.”

Lauri van Houten continues, “The only setback has been the difficulty in finding the right person to represent Skyrunning in the UK and bring it in line with other countries. It’s been hard to find a replacement but Ian Corless has embodied that and with his contacts and know-how we’re confident he’ll pull a great movement together.”

The stage is set for the 3x3Ultra.

Ian Mulvey, race director for the 3x3Ultra explained his thoughts and vision:

“It will showcase what we have to offer in the UK and hopefully attract international runners enabling the top UK athletes to race against the world’s best on their home terrain.”

When asked about the benefits Skyrunning will bring to the UK race circuit, Ian replied:

“Having raced in Europe I can see the potential of bringing Skyrunning to the UK. In terms of raising the profile of UK ultra running, I think this will take ultra running to the next level and give us recognition on an international scale. Now is the perfect time for this type of event, runners are looking for tougher challenges to strive for. Being part of the Skyrunning UK series I hope will raise the profile of the event & attract international athletes.”

Seize the opportunity now and sign up for what will become an iconic Skyrunning UK event.

Enter online here: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=1222

Details:

Race date: 4^th October 2014
Distance: 80km
Elevation: 4000m +/-
Race venue: Keswick, Cumbria.
Race website: http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/24.html
Event flyer: http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/resources/3×3+ultra.pdf

Get involved with Skyrunning UK

Website: http://skyrunninguk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyrunningUk
Twitter: @skyrunninguk
Email: skyrunninguk@yahoo.co.uk

Trail running in America & mountain races in Europe

Posted on December 30, 2013 by talkultra

Are there really any differences when it comes to racing in Europe & America? Runners from both sides of the Atlantic have their say about trail running on both continents.

When Michel Poletti, president of ITRA, spoke recently at the presentation of the Spain Ultra Cup about what type of international race organizations would de targeted for future membership, he affirmed that the ITRA would be particularly hoping to attract “organisations with long-distance races taking place in natural scenery“. Although this definition may sound a little vague, it is in fact quite difficult to find a common denominator that might aptly describre races taking place on both sides of the Atlantic.

Are we talking about the same kind of race on both continents? It doesn’t seem that way from what some of our top runners have to say. In any case, surely the “variations on a theme” are what make this sport so appealing, right? What are the differences anyway, between trail running & mountain running? According to the ISF, “The difference lies in the terminology itself: trail & montain“.

We’ve asked some of the top runners about what it is that makes racing different on both sides of the Atlantic. Here are their answers, together with our conclusions:

American races, much faster

The main difference, which everyone seems to agree on, is the greater technical difficulty of races in Europe and the faster speed of races run in the US.

As Tòfol Castanyer points out, this means that“American races are more runnable” suggesting that faster ultra-distance racers have the advantage, as opposed to mountain running specialists.

This difference has already been discussed in our article in Spanish, la diferencia entre trail running, fell running y carrera de montaña. In the US the sport is called “trail running“, whereas in Europe, terms such asmountain running, skyrunning or fell running (UK) are used. The term “trail running” obviously refers to the kind of track or path followed, whereas in Europe it’s all about “mountains“. Whereas “trail running” doesn’t necessarily imply elevation gains.

“In Europe the elevation gains are usually greater“says Miguel Heras,“I think that this difference is motivating for us Europeans when we go there, as it is for the Americans when they come over to Europe to compete.

Stricter rules in the US

Many of the races held in the US run through national parks, which follow a stricter legislation than we’re used to in Europe, regarding how hikers & runners should use the footpaths or trails. All these measures are imposed with the greater benefit of protecting the lanscape & natural habitat of the species found in the parks. This means that anyone wondering off the trail will be sanctioned (usually with disqualification), something that Europeans are simply not used to.

As Emelie Forsberg jokes, “I think it´s like with everything in America; trail races aren’t any different you know“. Rules are rules!

In Europe, things are very different, where, in most cases,the race course simply follows the most direct route across the mountain.

“In Scotland“, for example, says Andy Symonds,” the hills are steep, there are great open spaces without trees, there is grass and bog all over the place. The result is that fell races go straight through fields and up and down hills. Race routes are driven by the shortest lines rather than by path networks”.

Consecuently, European trail runners find that they have to change their whole approach to racing, as Silvia Serafini states, “I know that in the US there are very strict rules about ‘shortcuts‘. You are out of the race if you don’t follow exactly the signed trail“. Kilian Jornet can testify to this, as he was stripped of his prize money and course record, in last year’s Speedgoat 50k for cutting switchbacks.

In Europa, it’s more competitive

So what’s Dakota Jones take on the subject? He interestingly points out that “ In America, trail running came out of a culture of hiking and mountain climbing that has its roots in solitude and escape“. Whereas, “Europeans accept mountain running more and are allowed to have more people in their races, so the scene is much more professional than anywhere else”. ” When Americans race, they are almost afraid to say they are racing, because they don’t want to betray traditional values about the purity of the sport“.

Sportswear

In an episode of Kilian´s Quest we can see how the young Catalonian runner meets up with running legend, Pablo Vigil. It’s interesting to compare how the two are dressed; Kilian with his specialized gear –Suunto GPS heart rate monitor, Salomon technical shorts & training shoes, while Pablo Vigilcan be found wearing the traditional runners sorts and a pair of Nike road trainers. Although this is a simple anecdote, it does undeline the point that, in general, European runners seem to get moredressed up for the occasion!

Anna Frost comments that “Clothing differs…with fashion and trends. Euro wearing more technical lycra and USA wearing looser fitting comforts.

What’s in common? People, volunteers, the spirit of racing

There seems to be a common agreement among runners that there is one characteristic to be found on both sides of the Atlantic: the spirit of running, be it trail running in the US or fell running (UK), mountain running or skyrunning in Europe, “our mutual appreciation for the mountains & outdoor spaces”, says Alfredo Gil, Spain’s national champion. “I think we all have that in common“.

American, Stevie Kremer, also emphasises this point & recognizes the efforts of all the people, behind the scenes, who support the races: “both have incredible supporters and volunteers, without which these races would never be successful!”

It seems that, as more and more runners make the jump, from one continent to another, things are changing. As Jonathan Wyatt observes, ” We see a lot of North American runners who have learnt a lot from the European style of trail running and they are excited to bring some of these elements to North America including the more technical running trails“.

Finally, let’s just remember the words of Silvia Serafini, who defines the atmosphere of our sport perfectly, “I can’t really choose which I like most, racing in America or in Europe. I love the atmosphere, the welcome of the people, which I have found on both continents“.

LINKS & CREDIT:

This article is a re post from : corredordemontana.com

It is reproduced with the full approval of corredordemontana.com and Nigel John Wilson and has not been altered or adjusted in anyway. The original article is available HERE should you wish to view it.

It is also available in Spanish HERE

Skyrunning UK – the first steps

Posted on October 24, 2013 by talkultra

It has been a long season… the 2013 Skyrunner World Series came to a close in early October on the shores of Lake Garda at the impressive Limone Extreme race. The Skyrunner ULTRA title had been concluded just weeks earlier in Vail, Colorado at the Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) but at Limone Extreme, VK and SKY champions were crowned confirming the closure of an incredible 2013 season.

It would be nice to sit back, relax and reflect. Oh no, time stands till for nobody, the 2014 Skyrunner World Series needs to be confirmed and announced, in addition, 2014 has the Skyrunning World Championships taking place in Mont-Blanc (here) at the Mont-Blanc Marathon weekend. Champions, male and female will be announced for the distances of VK, SKY and ULTRA.

An exciting year awaits!

Luis Alberto Hernando at Matterhorn Ultraks

The growth os Skyrunning has exploded in the past 2-years, the catalyst, Transvulcania La Palma in May 2012. Arguably, the worlds ‘best’ descended on a small island in the Canaries and although the ULTRA distance was new to Skyrunning, a transformation was made and suddenly, Skyrunning became the next big thing! The foresight of Marino Giacometti (President ISF) and Lauri Van Houten (Executive Director ISF) was rewarded with a big thumbs up from all who attended!

La Palma, Transvulcania La Palma 2012 ©iancorless.com

Skyrunning today is growing and at an alarming rate. The Skyrunner World Series has now established itself as one of ‘the’ series to do and we are seeing this reflected in the diversity of the nations taking part but also the diversity in the athletes. We are seeing many runners participating in several disciplines and in certain scenarios, such as Kilian Jornet, we are also seeing them crowned champion in multiple disciplines.

We are not only seeing the ‘regulars’ perform. Skyrunning are being rewarded with new athletes and teams, take a look at Arc’teryx and inov-8. They have taken the bull by the horns and seized an opportunity, not only have they created teams to perform at this high level but they have created apparel and shoes that work in this demanding sport. In 2013, Arc’teryx had UK based athlete, Tessa Hill create some stunning results in the VK and SKY distance, in addition, inov-8 had great success with UK based Anna Lupton and with Alex Nichols (USA) who placed third on the Skyrunner SKY World Series podium.

Tessa Hill and Anna Lupton, Limone Extreme ©iancorless.com

For years, the UK have provided a hard core of athletes who have raced and won on this world stage; Angela Mudge, Ricky Lightfoot, Andy Symonds, Tom Owens and so on… in many respects, these UK runners progressed from a minority sport in the UK, ‘Fell Running’ and participated in a minority sport in Europe called ‘Skyrunning’.

That is all changing and the time is now right, for the UK to progress and not only create a UK based series but also create stimulus within the UK to encourage UK based runners to travel to Europe and farther afield to experience Skyrunning on a global scale.

Salomon athlete, Andy Symonds sums it up very well,

‘Skyrunning was born in Italy, twenty years ago. For me it’s always represented the best of European and until recently – mainly Italian – racing. It’s about racing high up, on real mountains, on real mountain terrain. The fun comes from the race courses which go to summits, along exposed ridges, gaining incredible views, and from moving fast in a competitive environment over this sort of terrain.

Andy Symonds Trofeo Kima ©iancorless.com

The UK may lack the altitude of the Italian Alps, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t do the same thing on our own moderately sized mountains, fells and hills! It’s great to see the sport branching out of Italy, with national series now launching in France, Australia/NZ the UK and no doubt shortly elsewhere.

The future of proper mountain running will probably lie in the hands of the Skyrunning Associations and I’ll be supporting that growth and hoping to help guide things in a good direction!’

Andy is right! the time is perfect.

Welcome to Skyrunning UK

It is early days for Skyrunning UK and 2014 will almost certainly be a transformative year. We are well aware that Skyrunning in the UK will be a challenge… we don’t have too many 2000m+ peaks! However, as Andy says, ‘The UK may lack the altitude of the Italian Alps, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t do the same thing on our own moderately sized mountains, fells and hills!’

To that end, an athlete commission has been created to help guide the sport within the UK from a grass roots level. We already have established and respected runners signed up and confirmed:

Ricky Lightfoot (Salomon)
Anna Lupton (inov-8)
Tom Owens (Salomon)
Ben Abdelnoor (inov-8)
Andy Symonds (Salomon)

Within the coming weeks, several other athletes will be added to the commission and this will guarantee that the direction of Skyrunning in the UK is not only in good hands but will also consider the well established traditions of fell and trail running.

Skyrunning UK will work in harmony and respect existing races and traditions within the UK.

To interact and get involved, please make sure you: