Lizzy Hawker to attempt new record!

Posted on April 18, 2013 by talkultra

Lizzy Hawker is going to attempt to break her own 3-day record for running 319km from Everest Basecamp to Kathmandu run.

At 7am on Thursday 18th April internationally renowned endurance athlete Lizzy Hawker began a solo run in the direction of Kathmandu some 319km (198 miles) away.

She is the world record holder for the ‘Everest Mailrun’ the route taken by those carrying letters to and from expeditions at Everest Base Camp before the opening of Lukla airstrip in 1964.

Lizzy Hawker at TNFUTMB copyright Ian Corless

record stands at 71 hours 25 minutes, completed in November 2011. She made her first attempt of the run in 2007 with two friends which took 74 hours 36 minutes with just 4 hours sleep in Jiri.

The last Nepali runner to hold the record was Kumar Limbu in 3 days 7hrs and 10mins set in May 2000.

The route is brutally hilly with more than 10,000m ascent and nearly 15,000m descent.

Hawker, who was named a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2013, won the 100K world championship in 2006, set a 24-hour world record by running 247km at the Commonwealth Championships in September 2011, and set a course record for women in the 250km Spartathlon Ultra Race in Greece last year.

Lizzy Hawker TNFUTMB copyright Ian Corless

“I try to focus on running the very best that I can, literally moment by moment,” Hawker recently told the New York Times, “If I’m in pain or tired, I don’t have to fight it. I can be in myself, in the environment. It’s amazing what you can do running moment to moment.”

Hawker fuels herself on simply banana cake and cheese sandwiches and likes dal but prefers roti to rice.

She is expected to reach Jiri at 4pm Friday and reach the Rangashalla stadium late Saturday night 65 hours after starting at Base Camp.

Earlier this year The North Face sponsored athlete won the 100km Annapurna 100 race and will race the multiday Mustang Trail Race later this month.

Lizzy Hawker blog : HERE

Press Release from : http://trailrunningnepal.org

The North Face Hyper-Track Guide

Posted on April 10, 2013 by talkultra

The North Face have always had a mixed response in the ultra and trail world with it’s running shoes. Some people love them, others are indifferent. The original Single Track model had many features of merit and had a strong following (I was a fan). However, runners like Tsuyoshi Kaburaki and Seb Chaigneau wanted a lighter shoe. The Single Track Hayasa was born (Review here).

The new Hyper-Track Guide in many respects combines aspects of both shoes in what is arguably, The North Faces’s best shoe yet. Read on.

The Hyper-Track Guide are lightweight and like other manufactures the shoe appeals to the market of door-to-trail. In addition, these shoes may very well fit a gap in the market in terms of ‘drop’. The Hyper-Track Guide with an 8mm drop nicely fills a space in the market between other models such as the Salomon Sense Ultra (4mm) and Sense Mantra (6mm) but other manufacturers such as Scott, are still producing shoes with a conventional drop. I have to say, Scott currently have the T2 Kinabalu for trail and some road running and it is setting the bar by how I judge other shoes it performs so well.

As the above image shows, a lower drop promotes a forefoot run style.

The ‘Cradle Guide*‘ helps cushion the impact and canters the heel. The forefoot facilitates the natural supination phase and provides cushion through the force peak.

*The North Face Cradle Guide™ technology offers full Phase Impact Control, a system that guides the foot through all 3 stances of the gait cycle, impact, mid foot and Toe-off. This system is engineered to provide the perfect combination of cushioning, stability and protection for any foot on any terrain, letting the hiker or runner move swiftly and lightly over backcountry trails.

Many conventional trail and road shoes have a drop of 11mm or 12mm and the current trend for improved ‘forefoot’ running is pushing manufacturers to address the need in the market for lower drop shoes. However, a lower drop isn’t for anybody and if you are a definite ‘heel strker’ you will want to ease your way into using any shoe with a lower drop. The Hyper-Track Guide may very well make that transition easier if that is what you require. At 8mm it offers a ‘middle ground’.

The sole of the shoe certainly offers more grip in comparison to previous models. Is it enough? Well, if you are heading out in the mud; no!. When a shoe has a selling point as ‘road and trail’ use a compromise is going to be made. The Hyper-Track Guide will work perfectly on hard pack trail or rocks and of course, should you wish to run on the road, it can handle that too. But as soon as you get to mud, the sole has nothing to grip with and you slide. The sole has strategically positioned rubber pods in the outsole to give excellent grip on slick terrain and resistance to abrasion. Certainly on wet road or rocks it does the job well.

The upper is extremely breathable like other models in the The North Face range, on a cold or wet day the shoe can feel a little chilly. But that also means that should you be running in the heat, these shoes will be exceptionally cool. They are also great if you run through any water, they drain very quickly. Lightweight is a key feature and this has been maximised by having a ‘sandwich mesh’ upper. The shoes have no sewing or seams. That has to be a good thing as this reduces any potential rubbing. The upper also has TPU welded support overlays to hold the foot in place when in the shoe. This does provide added security to the foot and for such a minimal approach you can feel it work.

The sole has the key Cradle Guide feature as mentioned above. This helps or should I say ‘guides’ the foot through the three phases of the foot strike; impact, mid foot and toe off. Cushioning, stability and protection for ‘any’ foot on any terrain is what The North Face say but ultimately this shoe suits a neutral runner that is already a mid to forefoot striker OR it suits a neutral runner who wishes to progress from heel striking to mid foot striking. In use the shoe feels a little ‘stiff’ in comparison to other shoes and I put that down to the ‘Cradle’ working but also firm cushioning. IF you need that guidance the Cradle Guide may well be a good thing. If you are mechanically efficient, this may well be a little irritating at first. However, the longer you run and the more you feel the benefit of the cradle. So, ultra runners may find that as fatigue hits, the Cradle Guide may very well be a nice addition to help maintain good form. Cushioning is 16mm at the rear and 8mm at the front.

In Use

The shoe sizes a little large in my opinion. All my previous TNF shoes have been UK9.5 and the Hyper-Track Guide definitely has more room. The toe box has adequate room. But on a first run I did feel my foot move, particularly in the heel area. Laces are superb. They have an elastic stretchy feel and really do hold the foot in place and don’t come loose. The upper with no seams is spot on and breathability is excellent. Weight is 287g for a UK9.5 and this compares well to other comparable shoes.

On the road the shoes felt a little uninspiring. They lacked zip. However, if I started to lift the pace the feel and response certainly became far more pleasurable and responsive. But ultimately they felt hard and at slower speeds I felt as though I ‘slapped’ the ground. What it did encourage was light contact with the ground, so, I thought about my technique all the time while using them. On hard trail the feel was better providing the trail was hard, rocky or sandy. If I went to into mud then the sole offered next to no grip. But, the shoe is not designed for that type of trail. I am merely pointing out that this shoe has restrictions and if you are looking for one shoe to do all then this may well not be it.

So, my impressions are very much around this shoe being used for racing or faster sessions. Of course the term ‘racing’ is relative if we are looking at ultra running, so, if you plan to use this shoe for longer events, you may want to make sure that it will provide the comfort you need over extended periods. The Cradle Guide will certainly help with this.

Jez Bragg used this shoe extensively over the Te Araroa trail, so it does show that you can really run some long distances in them.

Copyright - http://jezbragg.blogspot.co.uk

Quick rating:

The upper is form-fitting and flexible which made for a snug and comfortable fit in the fore and mid foot areas. The heel felt a little loose but it is possible to adjust the feel by adjusting the lace configuration. Laces are superb.

The Hyper Track is a stiff shoe. The stiffness of the sole almost makes this shoe uninspiring at times, particularly on pavement at lower speeds. Running fast in this shoe is when I felt most comfortable. The 8mm drop gets you on your mid to forefoot and you really think about technique.

The upper is light, breathable and holds the foot well. It has no seams and therefore reduces the possibility of rubbing.

In my opinion it sizes a little large so I would recommend trying the shoe on.

Weight is light at 287g for a UK9.5

Best use – Faster running on hard pack trail

Links:

The North Face HERE

Episode 32 – Richard Bowles, Dr Phil Maffetone

Posted on April 5, 2013 by talkultra

Speedgoat makes it no35 out of 60 at Antelope 100… We speak to Richard Bowles who is about to embark on another journey! We have an extended Talk Training with Dr Phil Maffetone. We catch up with Mike Wardian on how his recovery and racing is shaping up. We have a ‘Year in the life of‘, the last episode of our ‘MDS‘ build up, 15 mins of Fame with Tony Di Giovani, the News, Up and Coming Races and a Meltzer Moment.

Show Notes:

00:00:45 Start

00:17:15 Mike Wardian we catch up with TNF athlete Mike Wardian as he gets back into training and racing after a series of injuries.

00:28:25 Back to Karl

00:31:30 A Year in the life of – Tyler has just run a 50km and is now preparing for a 70 miler.

00:38:40 News from around the ultra world

00:53:15 MDS special – as you listen to this we will be in Morocco for the 2013 Marathon des Sables. This episode we catch up with Tobias Mews. You can read a 2013 Race Preview HERE and an interview with Race Director, Patrick Bauer HERE.

01:07:20 Blog – Ellie Greenwood -I know we have had Ellie Greenwoods blog on the show before but just recently she ran Two Oceans in South Africa as she prepares for Comrades. Many think that ultras are about running slow and comfortable pace… Ellie confirms it’s not! Speed matters – HERE

01:10:05 Talk Training – Dr Phil Maffetone Please check on iancorless.com for an article that will coincide with this podcast HERE

01:49:10 Interview with Richard Bowles. Richard has a taste for adventure and running a long way… check out his website HERE you can also read about his next adventure HERE

02:20:20 Meltzer Moment

02:23:15 15 min of Fame with Tony Di Giovani – I met Tony (and his friends) at The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica. He has an inspiring story…

02:36:15 Races

2:38:50 Close

02:44:14 End

Show Links:

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TNF UTMB mandatory kit

Posted on April 2, 2013 by talkultra

The North Face Ultra Trail Mont Blanc are emphasising early the need to be prepared for the challenge that will undertake all participants in 2013.

Do not underestimate this course!

The last three years have largely shown that in the mountains, even in summer, it can be very cold, it can rain or snow and temperatures can drop below -10 degrees.

In brief conditions even if not extreme can make an event a lot more complicated than if it were taking place in good weather. Over the years, we have tried to progress in an attempt to make certain that you are always safe, and that you will find all along the route teams of doctors, nurses and general assistance should you need them. However nothing replaces your aptitude to avoid or overcome dangerous situations. You are the first and most important element as far as own safety due to your preparation, your experience and the equipment which you carry with you.

The North Face^® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc^® is a trail which will lead you to spend more than 24 hours in the mountains including at least one entire night.

Be prepared!

Obligatory material

mobile phone with option enabling its use in the three countries
(put in one’s repertoire the security numbers of the organisation, keep it switched on, do not hide one’s number and do not forget to set off with recharged batteries)
personal cup or tumbler 15cl minimum (water bottle not acceptable)
stock of water minimum 1 litre,
two torches in good working condition with replacement batteries,
survival blanket 1.40m x 2m minimum
whistle,
adhesive elastic band enable making a bandage or a strapping (mini 100cm x 6 cm),
food reserve,
jacket with hood and made with a waterproof (recommendation: minimum 10,000 Schmerber) and breathable (recommendation: RET lower than 13) membrane (Gore-Tex or similar) which will withstand the bad weather in the mountains.
long running trousers or leggings or a combination of leggings and long socks which cover the legs completely,
Additional warm midlayer top: One single midlayer long sleeve top for warmth (cotton excluded) with a minimum weight of 180g (Men, size M)
OR a two piece clothing combination of a long sleeve baselayer/midlayer for warmth (cotton excluded) with a minimum weight of 110g (Men, size M) and a windproof jacket* with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) protection
cap or bandana
warm hat
warm and waterproof gloves
waterproof over-trousers

* The windproof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket with hood

Lizzy Hawker 2013 Adventurer of the Year

Posted on March 28, 2013 by talkultra

Image copyright National Geographic – Tim Kemple – The North FaceUltrarunner Lizzy Hawker

ULTRARUNNER – LIZZY HAWKER

Ultra trail runner and adventurer Lizzy Hawker wins the holy grail of epic trail races for the fifth time.

When Lizzy Hawker first entered the famed Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a staggering 103-mile race with 31,168 feet of uphill running—more than the equivalent of running up Everest—through the mountains of France, Italy, and Switzerland, it was a simple afterthought to a ten-day climbing vacation. Just ten days before the race, she decided it would be wise to purchase trail running shoes.

“It was my first mountain race,” says the 36-year-old Brit, who now lives in Switzerland. “When I entered in 2005, I had absolutely no idea whether I would even finish. I’d never done anything like that before.”

She did more than finish. She won. Since then, Hawker has won the UTMB an unprecedented five times—a feat that no man or woman has done in a sport where it is difficult to stay uninjured and continually run at the highest levels.

You can read the full post HERE

National Geographic HERE

AK Stormy Trail Jacket by The North Face

Posted on March 28, 2013 by talkultra

You can read the full review on Mud, Sweat & Tears HERE

Episode 30 – Owens, Reiter & Bottger

Posted on March 9, 2013 by talkultra

Episode 30 of Talk Ultra – We bring you interviews with Philipp Reiter and Julia Bottger from Gran Canaria. We have a main interview with Brit, Tom Owens. Talk Training is about nutrition and was recorded live with an audience in Lanzarote. We have all the usual features, the news, up and coming races, ‘A Year in the life of…’ our MDS special, Speedgoat Karl and of course the up and coming races.

SHOW NOTES

000000

000044 start

000408 ‘A year in the life of…’ with Tyler. It has been a while since Tyler was on the show. He has an excuse though… a wedding. His own!

001218 News with Karl Meltzer

002315 An interview with Salomon athlete Philipp Reiter just before he ran an incredible 2nd place at the 83km race at Transgrancanaria. Website HERE

005510 News

005600 An interview with Julia Bottger. Julia was 3rd lady at the 2012 Diagonale des Fous (Raid de la Reunion) and this year plans to run Ronda del Cims. Website HERE

012300 News

012956 Trail Atlas Tafraout had it’s first edition race in February and Niandi Carmont attended to feed back how this inaugural event.

014015 News

014126 Blog – http://sebmontaz.com video blog. The man behind so many incredible films about adventure. Of course many of you will know him from his efforts with Kilian Jornet and Salomon running but take a look… he is quite the inspiration.

014210 Talk Training – On this weeks talk training Marc Laithwaite and myself took advantage of being in the same location at our training camp in Lanzarote. We decided to do a talk on nutrition and include the audience…. We hope you enjoy!

022415 Our main interview is with Brit Tom Owens. Tom Owens is at home in the fells or the mountains. In 2012 he achieved new heights with a series of impressive results in the Skyrunning series.

Achievements:
1st Senterio delle Gringe Skyrace 2011
3rd Transrockies Race 2011
4th Giir di Mont Skyrace 2011
1st Salomon 4 Trails 2011
2nd World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge, Slovenia 2011
2nd Zegama Skyrace 2011
1st Yorkshire 3 Peaks Race 2011
1st Mournes Peaks Race 2011
1st TransGrancanaria Marathon 2011
1st Carnethy 5 Hill Race February 2011
1st TransAlpine Race 2009 & 2010
1st SkyRaid®World Championships 2010
6th Giir di Mont Skyrunning World Championship
1st Trail du Ventoux 2009
1st Scottish Hill Running Championship 2009
2nd British Hill Running Championship 2009
2nd World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge 2008
2nd TransRockies Race 2008
2nd Mountain X Race 2008
3rd in British Hill Running Championship 2007
1st ToughGuy Race 2006

Occupation: Ecologist/ Environmental Advisor
Based: Glasgow, Scotland
Coached by: Malcolm Patterson
Type of Runner: Persistent!
Favourite Salomon Shoe & why: Speedcross. Super comfy & good grip. Ideal for trails.
Favourite distance: 2 – 5 hour hill races
Favourite race or event: Multi-day mountain races e.g. TranAlpine Race
Favourite Training session: Recce of a long hill race
Favoured pre- race meal/ snack: Flapjack
Best piece of advice for beginners and young athletes: Try to run with others – even better join a running club.
Interests and Hobbies: Cycling, racket sports & football. Travelling.

025500 A Meltzer Moment with Speedgoat Karl

Video link – Is ultra running bad for us? – HERE

030130 Mds Special with Tobias Mews – just less than 4 weeks to go….

030850 Races – Up and coming races for the coming two weeks.

031038 Close

031353 End

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The North Face Transgrancanaria – Press Release

Posted on March 1, 2013 by talkultra

The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2013

More than 2500 runners from 30 different countries will take part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria, a race that aims to bring the mountain closer to everyone.

Marco Olmo, Sébastien Chaigneau, Miguel Heras, Ryan Sandes, John Tidd, Philipp Reiter, Julia Boettger, Gustavo Reyes, Santiago Obaya, Marta Prat, Emilie Forsberg, Carlos Sá, Yeray Durán and Nerea Martínez are some of the great runners that will be fighting to win the race.

The North Face® Transgrancanaria has become a real challenge for all the ultra race lovers. This Saturday 2^nd March 2013, at midnight, one of the most anticipated ultra trail events in Europe will begin. Each year, more and more people come from all over the globe to Gran Canaria to face this race, now established as one of the most renowned mountain races in Europe.

This ultra trail race, which besides will be marking the start of the great European season, celebrates its 10th anniversary and once more Gran Canaria will turn into the meeting point for the best ultra trail runners in the world, for whom the diversity of the landscapes and the sheer spots of the island make the race even more attractive. Among the great events of that kind that take place over the world, The North Face® Transgrancanaria is internationally well known for its complexity.

In this edition, 2170 people will take part in the 4 types of races available: 420 will be running the Transgrancanaria (119km), 350 will face the Advanced (83km), 700 will run the Transmaratón (42km) and 700, the Starter (24km).

Some of the most famous professionals taking part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2013 are: Sebastien Chaigneau, current champion of the event, and other runners of his kind such as Ryan Sandes, Miguel Heras, Gustavo Reyes, John Tidd, Zigor Iturrieta, Philipp Reiter and Carlos Sa, all favourites to achieve the title.

Additionally, a real ultra trail legend will participate in the race, the Italian man, Marco Olmo, who keeps running the most difficult races at the highest level at his 64 years old. Others top runners such as Aitor Leal, the Llorens Brothers, Emelie Forsberg, Nerea Martínez and Julia Boettger, will attend the race, as they always do.

Miguel Heras copyright Ian Corless

They all have the same goal to face the Nature and push their limits to their ends, challenging the mountains of the island to become the champion. Pablo Criado, Santiago Obaya, Chelis Valle, Lidia Gómez, Nuria Domínguez and Marta Prat are also some of the Spaniards that confirmed their participation. On the other hand, Yeray Durán, David Lutzardo, Carlos García, Evaristo Almeida and Esteban García, among others, will represent the Island. In the women category, the runners Esther Fernández, Diana de la Rosa and Yurena Castrillo, among others, will do the same.

The high level and motivation displayed each year by the hundreds of runners from over 30 different countries (such as Japan, France, Turkey, South Africa or USA) when taking up the challenge of The North Face® Transgrancanaria, together with the spectacular nature of the race itself provide the event with a great dose of emotion and competitiveness. That’s why the event can only bring surprises and experience that all participants, as well as the public attending the race, will remember.

The North Face® Transgrancanaria got to strengthen its commitment to society, doing its best so that the participation to the race grew bigger each year and also making possible for runners of all ages and conditions to take part. The children’s and junior categories were thought to get all the family involved in the project and to teach to the youngest ones the Sport and Nature values. 400 kids between 6 and 17 years old will run among the Kid, Infantil and Junior categories

This is the second consecutive year in which people with physical, mental or sensory impairment can participate in the Transcapacidad race. This race had a great reception and high turnout last year.

The increase in the number of participants to the race leads to an increase in the number of visitors who come to Gran Canaria to take part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria. This confirms that the event is an excellent way to promote the fact that Gran Canaria is a many-sided destination that counts with a great variety of landscapes that go from the coast to the mountains and that provides its visitors with a wide offer of leisure activities.

The North Face® Transgrancanaria is sponsored by The North Face®, Patronato de Turismo and Consejería de Deportes del Cabildo de Gran Canaria, organized by Arista and will be held with the co-production of Overstim, Sonocom and Loype, and the support of some companies from Gran Canaria.

THE NORTH FACE® TEAM’S RUNNERS INFO SHEET

Seb Chaigneau copyright Ian Corless

SEBASTIEN CHAIGNEAU (France)

Sébastien Chaigneau was born and brought up in the ‘flatlands’ of France (La Vienne) and from an early age he heard the call of the mountains, and he looked for the limits of the far horizon.

Over the last years, Sébastien has found his strength in ‘ultra-races’ and has achieved great successes, most particularly in the Libyan Challenge and the 2009 edition of The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®. In 2010, he won the Chilean The North Face® Endurance Challenge and the Olympus Marathon. In 2011, he placed third in The North Face® Transgrancanaria and in The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®. And in 2012, Chaigneau became the champion of The North Face® Transgrancanaria, beating a time record, passing the finish line in a bit more than 13 hours.

ZIGOR ITURRIETA (Spain)

Zigor Iturrieta is one of Spain’s best mountain runners. He was born in Guipúzcoa, Basque Country. He has travelled around the world from race to race enjoying a long running career already at the age of 36.

In 2009, he participated in six races including a win at the Copa de Euskadi. This was the year he entered the world of ultra trail running – with great results: 4th in the Travesera Integral of the Picos de Europa, 5th in the Vent Cavalls, and 9th in the Ultra Trail Aneto.

2010 was one of his most successful years. Taking part in four races and three ultra trails, he premiered at the eighth edition of The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® where he reached podium 3rd place with a time of 21 hours and 6 minutes. Zigor achieved first place win at The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2011 in Gran Canaria.

THE NORTH FACE® TRANSGRANCANARIA INFO SHEET

Name: The North Face® Transgrancanaria

Dates: March 1st, 2nd and 3d 2013

Organizer: Club Deportivo Arista

Place: Gran Canaria

Route: Agaete, Tamadaba, Artenara, Bentayga, Aserrador, Presa de Las Niñas, Presa de Chira, Garañón, Teror, Santidad, Tenoya, Plaza de la Música (nearby the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium)

Race categories:

– TRANSGRANCANARIA: 119 km long, positive incline of 7.300+ meters. Duration: 30 hours. Starting time 00:00 from Agaete.

– ADVANCED: 83 km long, positive incline of 4.700+ meters. Duration: 24 hours. Starting time: 06:00 from Agaete.

– MARATHON: 42 km long, accumulated slope of 4.000 meters. Duration: 12 hours. Starting time: 10:00 from Garañón.

– STARTER: 24 km long, accumulated slope of 1.800 meters. Duration: 10 hours. Starting time: 11:00 from Teror.

– TRANS-INFANTIL: Playa de Las Canteras

– KIDS: from 6 to 9 years old – 1500 meters long.

– INFANTIL: from 10 to 13 years old – 2 km long.

– JUVENIL: from 14 to 17 years old – 6 km long.

Te Araroa Episode 2 – Jez Bragg

Posted on February 26, 2013 by talkultra

After 53 days 9 hours and 3,054 km of running, Jez Bragg crosses the finish line of Te Araroa trail arriving in Bluff — lands end on the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island.

“I’m just so proud of that because, it was bold, and I did pull it off. And that’s cool.” Jez Bragg

The North Face – AK Stormy Trail

Posted on February 22, 2013 by talkultra

As the main sponsor of the TNFUTMB, The North Face fully understand the needs of every runner when embarking on the epic alpine journey. Irrespective of distance, the mountains can be a cruel and hard place.

Look at the history of the race. For several years the TNFUTMB has been hampered by bad weather. Just last year, 2012, the race was shortened at the last minute and ‘mandatory’ kit was increased to 4 layers to ensure the safety of every runner.

Two pieces of mandatory kit are a fully waterproof jacket with hood and taped seams but also over trousers. Now many runners, particularly the elite runners think… “I will never wear over trousers”. The 2012 edition of the TNFUTMB confirmed to many that mandatory kit, (although sometimes one may think it is over the top) is absolutely necessary,

To this end, The North Face have created two items that tick all the boxes. The AK STORMY TRAIL JACKET and AK STORMY TRAIL PANTS. Available in Black & Yellow

Key Features

It’s simple really…. a tailored fit to reduces excess material and flapping. A reduction in ‘extras’ as these only add opportunities for onward problems or areas were leaks may appear. Lightweight and small pack size.

Box TICKED

The AK STORMY range do all the above and then some. Of course that doesn’t come cheap. At £160 for the jacket and £110 for the pants this is an investment. But you get what you pay for and I certainly wouldn’t want to compromise when I am several thousand feet up in the rain and snow.

SPECS

AK JACKET – The North Face® Men’s AK Stormy Trail Jacket is a waterproof, breathable, hooded running jacket for maximum protection in the foulest weather. Featuring The North Face® FlashDry™ technology, microporous particles improve and accelerate the removal of excess moisture from the skin, allowing drier and more comfortable performance for longer, in a range of weather conditions. Used and recommended for endurance races such as The Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, the jacket is constructed with a reflective brimmed, stay-put hood, an adjustable hood cinch and a reflective drop-tail hem for increased coverage and weatherproofing. Easily stowed in a backpack and with a glued zip chest pocket for secure storage, follow the athletes in The North Face® Men’s AK Stormy Trail Jacket.

Reflective brimmed hood with stay
Adjustable hood cinch
Glued chest pocket
Reflective drop-tail hem
Stowable

available S,M,L,XL

AK PANTS – The North Face® Men’s AK Stormy Trail Pant is a waterproof, windproof, breathable running trouser for maximum protection in the foulest weather. Featuring The North Face® FlashDry™ technology, microporous particles improve and accelerate the removal of excess moisture from the skin, allowing drier and more comfortable performance for longer, in a range of weather conditions. Used and recommended for endurance races such as The Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, these performance fit pants are constructed with an elasticized waist with adjustable drawcord and articulated knees for increased mobility. Easily stowed in a backpack and with reflective logos for increased security on night and low level visibility runs, follow the athletes in The North Face® Men’s AK Stormy Trail Pant.

Elasticated waist with adjustable drawcord
Performance fit
Articulated knees, Ankle zips
Reflective logos
Packable

available S,M,L,XL

A full test of the AK range will follow soon. Initial impressions are superb. Fit is excellent. The attention to detail really is spot on and both garments are a real joy to wear but ultimately, they are a pleasure to run in… that is what counts!