The end is in sight. After five brutal, beautiful days in the high Himalayas, Stage 6 of the 2025 Everest Trail Race delivers the final blow and the final reward. It’s 28.5 kilometres fo Lukla, a day marked by more descent than ascent: 2612 meters down, 1578 meters up, and every single step earned.
An early start, the arrival of the sun and soon, the heat will come – not only in the sky but with the bodies of each participant.
The day kicks off with iconic trails that weave from Stupa to Stupa to Namche Bazaar, the buzzing Sherpa hub perched on the mountainside like a fortress.
The backdrop behind, stunning, but the participants don’t get a chance to see it…
Namche brings checkpoint 1, it’s welcome, the early kilometres had worked the body hard with a steep descent, followed by a gentle climb and then an ‘easy’ run to the refreshment.
The early kilometers retrace some familiar ground – Sanasa, Phunki Tenga, and trails edged with mani stones and prayer flags, twisting through pine forests and clinging to cliffs. But don’t call it a repeat. The fatigue, the altitude, and the stakes make every step feel different.
This stage is less about vertical brutality and more about holding form, keeping control as the trail drops fast and hard. Quads burn, knees scream, but momentum is everything.
Soon, the trail funnels runners toward the legendary new Hillary Bridge – a sweeping, high-tension crossing that swings over the Dudh Kosi with views that could stop you in your tracks, if the clock wasn’t ticking.
Past the bridge, it’s Jorsale, where the race starts to feel like it’s dragging runners home. The Phakding checkpoint (CP2) marks another milestone, each bib scanned there is one step closer to Everest Trail Race glory.
By the time runners hit Cheplung, it’s all on the table. Here, a sharp left turn signals the endgame: the final climb to Lukla and oce again, Nepal and the Porters remind us, how lucky we are!
It’s not long, but it bites. After the day’s long descent, this uphill kick demands whatever strength is left in the tank. Runners grit teeth, dig deep, and push toward the town that marks the start of most Everest dreams, and now, the finish of this one.
Crossing into Lukla is like breaking through into another world. Crowds, bells, cheers, and tears—this is where it all ends. For some, it’s a triumphant sprint. For others, a silent, emotional walk over the line. But for everyone, it’s the culmination of six days of relentless racing through some of the world’s toughest terrain.
The 2025 Everest Trail Race is done, everyone earned more than a medal, they earned the mountain’s respect.
Stage 3 of the Everest Trail Race is where the real punishment begins. With 28.3 kilometres of unrelenting terrain and a leg-wrecking descent from the high-altitude village of Kamo (3855m) down to the valley floor at Jubing (1600m), this stage isn’t just tough, it’s a full-body assault.
Runners start high, where the air is thin and every step feels like a negotiation with your lungs. The early climb up to Checkpoint 1 at Kamo is already a grind, but what follows is what defines this stage: a relentless plunge that feels like it goes on forever.
The descent from Kamo to Jubing is not gentle. It’s steep, technical, and unforgiving. The views are spectacular, sure, but most runners will be too focused on staying upright to take much of it in. The drop of over 2200 meters smashes quads and shreds knees. Every rock, step, and switchback becomes part of the battle. If the climbs test your endurance, the downhills here test your durability.
Fortunately, the support is solid. CP1 at Kamo, CP2 at Hewa, and CP3 at Jubing are well-stocked and strategically placed. Runners have every opportunity to refuel and regroup, though few will find much comfort in the knowledge that the real sting comes right at the end.
Just when you think you’ve done enough, the trail throws in a final climb up to the iconic village of Kharikola. It’s a steep, grinding ascent that comes after hours of muscular destruction.
This is where mental strength counts just as much as physical preparation. After hammering down thousands of vertical meters, your legs are begging for mercy, and yet, up you go again.
Kharikola, perched proudly in the hills, is a reward in itself. Not just for the views, but for what it represents: survival. Conquering Stage 3 is a badge of toughness. It’s where the Everest Trail Race shakes out the pretenders from the contenders.
Stage 3 doesn’t just test you, you feel it in your legs for days. You carry it in your mind for longer. It’s beautiful, brutal, and unforgettable. And for every runner who arrives in Kharikola, it’s a hard-earned victory etched into the heart of the Himalayas.
Brutal and Beautiful: Stage 1 of the 2025 Everest Trail Race Sets the Tone
The 2025 Everest Trail Race exploded out of the gates with a punishing Stage 1—23.10 kilometres of raw Himalayan grit, climbing 1,551 meters and descending 1,012 meters across technical trails and high-altitude terrain. From the start line in Dhap (2,950m) to the finish at Chyangsyngma (3,490m), runners were thrown straight into the deep end of this six-stage ETR test of endurance, mindset, and mountain resilience.
There’s no easing into the ETR. Stage 1 wastes no time in reminding runners exactly where they are, high in Nepal, breathing thin air, legs already burning. Early highlights at Sigane and Chyangba delivered sweeping views and traditional village life, but the serenity masked the effort required to get there.
The route dipped and climbed through Khamding, home of the first checkpoint and a welcome chance to refuel with fluids and snacks. But nothing about this stage was easy. The technical nature of the terrain demanded constant focus, one misstep could spell disaster. Warm daytime sun gave runners a psychological lift, but cold nights and the ever-present altitude ensured no one felt too comfortable.
The trail pressed on to Juke, the second checkpoint, offering another chance to grab supplies before the day’s most brutal truth set in, the final 5 kilometres were going to hurt. With around 800 meters of elevation gain packed into that last stretch, the finish at Chyangsyngma felt like a slow-motion battle uphill, but the views help with compensation.
There was no room for rhythm here, just grind, grit, and survival. Poles an essential accessory. Every switchback stung. Every false summit tested patience. But that’s the Everest Trail Race. It’s not just a run; it’s a confrontation with the terrain, and Stage 1 made that clear from the outset what lies ahead.
With five stages still to come, the 2025 ETR has already thrown down the gauntlet. Those who made it through Stage 1 know what’s coming: long days, steep ascents, dizzying descents, and no shortage of mental warfare. But for now, reaching Chyangsyngma was a victory in itself and proof that this race is not for the faint-hearted.
The race start time was a leisurely 0830 after an 0600 wake-up, hot tea delivered to each tent. Remarkably, Nepalee runner, Dal B Kunwar completed the stage in rapid, 2h 40min – there is a great deal to be said for being on ‘home’ turf. The first woman, Nepalee Chhoki Sherpa placed 3rd on the stage in a time of *h *m – full results can be viewed post-race at the ETR website HERE.
The Everest Trail Race is on. And it’s already living up to its legend.
There are races that test your legs. There are others that test your mind. Then there’s the MDS 120 Cappadocia, a four-day,3-stage footrace that breaks down and rebuilds runner’s in one of the most staggering landscapes on Earth.
The second edition of this extraordinary event was nothing short of epic. It fused the spirit of ultra-running with the magic of deep time, where each participant pushed through heat, fatigue, and self-doubt and yet felt part of something much larger, something ancient, something eternal.
Cappadocia is not a place that’s easily explained. Words fall short, pictures get close, but to run through it, that’s where the real story begins. From the first light of dawn to the finish line and the glow of the medal, the 2025 MDS 120 Cappadocia offered an experience that was brutal, beautiful, and of course, unforgettable.
Runners arrived from across the globe with 25 countries represented to stand on the start line beneath towering rock formations that look like they belong on another planet. With female participation at a record 62%!
Trails cut through a high-altitude dreamscape where volcanoes once erupted, empires rose and fell, and entire civilisations carved homes into the rock. To run here is to move through living history, a living museum of geology, culture, and time itself. Cappadocia is the kind of place that feels mythic. Its valleys have names like Love, Rose, and Red.
The format of the race was designed to challenge runners of all levels while still demanding serious endurance. The full race spanned up to 120 kms over three stages, spread across four days with one rest day in the middle. Stage 1 and Stage 3 were the same for all runners, but Stage 2 offered a unique choice: 20, 40, or 60 kms, allowing each participant to tailor their challenge to their ability and ambition. This approach gave the event a powerful sense of inclusivity while preserving the core of what MDS stands for: pushing yourself farther than you thought you could go.
“The terrain, however, had no intention of making anything easy.”
Each day brought something different, a test of legs, lungs, and willpower. Stage 1 began with a baptism of dust and stone, leading runners through twisting canyons and across ancient paths etched into the volcanic rock. The climbs were relentless. The descents were technical and punishing.
Stage 2, whether 20, 40, or the full 60 kms, was a crucible in the heat, sending runners through sun-scorched valleys and across ridges with no shade and no mercy.
It was here that the Cappadocian sun made itself known. Temperatures soared into the mid-30s Celsius, radiating off the rocks and baking every exposed inch of trail. What began as a scenic adventure quickly became a battle against dehydration, overheating, and sheer exhaustion. The ‘orange’ jackets ensuring that medical protocols and safety for each runner was paramount.
The rest day was welcome, a day to re-charge, relax, eat, sleep and yes, even some yoga was an opportunity to find some zen amongst the chimneys that surrounded bivouac.
Stage 3, the finale, was no victory lap. It was a final reckoning. After the rest day, legs were stiff, feet swollen and raw, but spirits were high.
The route wound past ancient cave dwellings and hidden churches, finishing in a dramatic final stretch that felt more like a pilgrimage than a race. The Love Valley an amazing conclusion to a stunning journey.
Four runners, despite grit and effort, didn’t make it to the end. But in the spirit of MDS, the organization extended them free entry into the 2026 edition, a gesture that underscores the ethos of the race: resilience over results, and community over competition.
What makes MDS 120 Cappadocia unique isn’t just the landscape or the difficulty. It’s the way it all comes together. The suffering is real, but so is the reward. Every runner finished with a story that could never be captured in a finisher’s medal alone. There were tears, high fives, sunburns, hallucinations, and moments of silence that felt like communion with the land.
And just when it seemed the adventure was over, the organisers gave one final gift: a sunrise hot air balloon flight on the last morning. It wasn’t a tourist gimmick, it was a floating tribute to everything the runners had just done. Watching the sun rise over the Göreme Valley, suspended in silence above the trails they’d conquered, was a moment that stitched the entire experience together. From above, the rock valleys, the winding trails, the start and finish lines, it all made sense. It was breathtaking.
After the balloon flight, runners were finally allowed to stop. A full day of rest and recovery followed, giving battered bodies a chance to relax and reconnect. The evening brought everyone back together for a gala dinner, an award ceremony that celebrated not just the fastest, but the toughest and most spirited. Pierre (a single leg amputee) and Leon getting special recognition for personifying the meaning of MDS solidarity.
A film screening that captured the emotion and scale of what had unfolded over the past four days. Laughter mixed with tears. Strangers had become teammates. Solo runners had become family.
The verdict from every corner was the same: this race had delivered something extraordinary. It had pushed people to their edges and rewarded them with a kind of beauty, depth, and meaning that’s rare in the ultra-running world.
MDS 120 Cappadocia wasn’t just a race across Turkey. It was a race through deep time, a personal reckoning, and a reminder of what the human body and spirit can endure when the landscape is fierce, and the story is this good.
The bar is set. The expectations are high. But if the 2025 edition proved anything, it’s that this race is only getting better, stronger, and more awe-inspiring.
If you’re looking for an ultra that leaves a mark, not just on your legs, but on your soul: get ready for the 2026 dates, registration opens July 9th 2025.
Pack your shoes. Respect the heat. And come run through fire and stone in Cappadocia.
The iconic race of sea, to summit and back to the sea has returned to its roots and the people of La Palma. Few races, anywhere in the world, have the magic of Transvulcania.
It’s more than a race, it’s an experience that transcends running. A 360 journey of location, culture, emotion and a journey to the core of what makes the sport of trail and mountain running so special, a unified glory of experience.
From the early morning start at the Fuencaliente lighthouse, the pounding drums and guitar of AC/DC and the words, THUNDER, THUNDER, THUNDERSTRUCK…!
The blackness illuminated by the glow of 100’s of headlights and then the upward journey begins through a landscape that makes the most well travelled smile with joy at the magic the GR131 route brings.
Los Canarious offers an opportunity for refreshment before single-track of black sand and rock weaves through pine trees and the eventual magnificence of the route of the volcanoes coinciding with the first light of a new day. A glimpse to the right, the sky a mixture of orange and blue, Tenerife and Teide visible and suddenly you feel like a plane, floating above the clouds in what many considering a life-changing moment.
The route winds and climbs down the spine of La Isla Bonita. From the highest point in the lower sections of the GR131 (1908m) in the Cumbre Vieja, the route drops to the micro-climate of El Pilar, one-third approximately of the route completed.
From here, cloud encapsulates the runner, some easy trails eventually give way to climbing, a myriad of single-track that weaves left and right and finally you break through the cloud to the most amazing views of Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
Reventon arrives, it’s one of the highlights of the route. With 40km’s covered, the GR131 is now above 2000m and ever so slowly the route creeps over the next 10km’s to the highest point at Roques de los Muchachos at 2403m, a rollercoaster ride of undulating and at times technical trails that offer a 360 panorama of this stunning island.
What goes up, eventually must come down and what follows is a 16km drop back to the ocean; a relentless knee, quad and mind blowing war of attrition that must be overcome. The iconic zig-zag descent provides an entrance to Tazacorte beach and the final aid station.
Beach gives way to canyon, canyon gives way to weaving paths through banana plantations before what seems like never-ending road before the glorious arrival in Los Llanos and the roar of the Palmero people.
This is La Palma.
This is Transvulcania.
This is La Palma
The 2024 Race
Men:
Dakota and Jeshrun
As expected, the early pace was fast and a core group of pre-race favourites dictated the pace with 2023 champion, Dakota Jones at the front. Behind, Jeshrun Small, Jon Albon, Tom Evans, Dmitry Mityaev, and more.
Jon Albon leading the chase group
As the km’s passed and the arrival of El Pilar came, Dakota suffered from the early pace and now, pre-race favourite, Jon Albon took over at the front with an inspired Jeshrun Small. Tom Evans, Thibaut Baronian and Dmitry Mityaev followed.
The elastic finally snapped and Jon made his move and opened a gap. It was on the final descent that Jeshrun relinquished second to his adidas Terrex team mates, Tom who had moved up from fifth and Dmitry who were now charging to the ocean in pursuit of The North Face athlete.
Jon arrived at Tazacorte and a course record looked possible. But as the climb to the finish came, the early pace and now heat was taking its toll. Jon was having to dig deep and the behind, the Terrex duo were pushing each other, Dmitry looking stronger than Tom.
But Dmitry did not attack… Maybe he didn’t know the 4-minute gap to Jon at the beach was reducing with each stride?
Victory
Jon crossed the line, exhausted, the 2024 Transvulcania champion. Behind, less than 2-minutes later, the duo arrived, hand-in-hand.
There was no course record but it was darn close. One hell of a race.
Tom and Dmitry
At the finish line, Albon (7h.03:10) crossed first, followed by Dmitry Mytiaev (7h.05:16) and Tom Evans who entered together at de finish line (7h.05:17)
Women:
Ida a three times champion
Ruth Croft set the early pace and what a pace! For much of the day, it was a display of style, power and confidence. The performance only faltered at Roques de los Muchachos when a charging Ida Nilsson, three times Transvulcania champion, closed the gap to seconds.
Ruth – incredible
It gave Ruth the wake-up call to push hard to the line, and push she did, not only resulting in victory but a new course record. It was a stunning performance that only confirms that currently, along with Courtney Dauwalter, Ruth Croft is one of the most exciting and dominant trail runners in the world.
Champ and new CR
It was glory day for Ida Nilsson, a La Palma favourite who ran another stunning race to secure second.
As always happens, there was drama behind and it was Nepali, Sunmaya Budha who finished third looking very fresh… There is more to come from this strong woman!
Sunmaya
Ruth Croft (8h.02:49, record) won, Ida Nilsson (8h.16:32) finished second, and Sunmaya Budha (8h.20:31) closed the podium.
The Story:
As with all races, we have champions and we celebrate them. But the story of the 2024 Transvulcania is a return of the race to the island and people of La Palma.
“I didn’t have the day I wanted today,” said one runner. “But how can I be disappointed? It’s such a privilege to be on this island with these people enjoying what is one of the greatest races and places in the world.”
It was a sentiment that was echoed by many. There is something special here on this Canary Island.
I for one am already waiting for the 2025 countdown. This race should be a fixture for every dreaming trail runner and trust me, once experienced, one edition is not enough.
The boss, Luis Alberto Hernando, his last victory.
Finally, I give a special (personal) mention to a true inspiration of Transvulcania, the Maestro ‘Luis Alberto Hernando’, a three time champion of the race. He told me before the start, I am now 1-hour slower and I will be happy with top-20. He placed 12th after Thibaut Baronian acknowledging ‘The Boss’ on the line, bowing, and allowing the master to pass. What a moment.
The 2024 and 38th edition of Marathon des Sables is here! MDS The Legendary, the longest edition in the history of the race, 252km’s over 6 timed stages.
Close to 900 participants will toe the line, exact numbers will be confirmed at bivouac 1. With 60 countries represented, France and the UK lead the with 267 and 178 participants respectively.
From the 900 starters, 27% are women; a record. The youngest participant will be Lionel Schneider (16) and the oldest, Harry Hunter who has just turned 75 on April 15th.
Runner’s will arrive in Morocco on April 12th for a transfer to the desert.
Saturday 13th is admin day and then the race schedule is as follows:
April 14 – STAGE 1 – Departure 0700 31.1km and 282m+
April 15 – STAGE 2 – Departure 0700 40.8km and 550m+
April 16 – STAGE 3 (The Long day which will go through to April 17) – Departure 0600 and 0730 for the top 50. 85.3km and 1154m+
April 18 – STAGE 4 – Departure 0630 and 0800 43.1km and 390m+
April 19 – STAGE 5 – Departure 0700 31.4km and 252m+
April 20 – STAGE 6 – Departure 0630 and then transfer back to Ouarzazate 21.1km and 160m+
April 21 – Ouarzazate
April 22 – Home travel
THE ROUTE
Unlike previous editions of MDS, the 2024 route will concentrate on one key area of the Sahara. It makes sense, it is the most beautiful. Therefore the race will not be a point-to-point but a series of journeys and participants will stay in the same bivouac on multiple occasions.
Importantly, Jebel El Otfal, Jebel Joha Baba Ali and the oasis of El Maharch will feature on the ‘long day’ however, there will be no Merzouga dunes during the race.
In summary:
Stage 1 B1 to B1 31.1km and 282m+
Stage 2 B1 to B2 40.8km and 550m+
Stage 3 Is an elaborate series of tracks, B2 back to B2 85.3km and 1154m+
Stage 4 B2 to B3 43.1km and 390m+
Stage 5 B3 to B3 a looped route that makes a heart shape 31.4km and 252m+
Stage 6 B3 to finish 21.1km and 160m+
ONES TO WATCH
MEN
MOHAMED EL MORABITY
As in any MDS, there are the front contenders who will do battle for overall honours, in the men’s category, three obvious names are stand out: Mohamed El Morabity, Rachid El Morabity and Aziz Yachou. All eyes will be on Rachid, he is looking for a 10th MDS title and after the disaster in 2023 when he received a 2-hour time penalty, Rachid will be looking to make amends and make history. Mohamed, Rachids brother took the reigns in 2023 and won, but will this be allowed in 2024? Aziz Yachou gets stronger and stronger every year, he has a battle against the brothers though.
Petter Restrop, Yoann Stuck, Roberto Mastrotto, James Miller, Alessio Zambon, Ahmed Ouikhalfen, Stéphane Ricard,Mérile Robert, Hamid Yachou, Anthony Ginter, Romain Laguigner Abdelhadi Elmoustahli are also ranked as the top contenders, as always, there will be surprises.
WOMEN
AZIZA RAJI
Aziza Raji and Aziza El Amrany fly the Moroccan flag and are of course, top contenders for the podium. The UK’s Gemma Game is returning, she has placed 3rd twice in 2018 and 2019 – is this the year?
Lai King Chan, Adriana Moser, Saskia Plaucheur, Marie Houdusse, Amélie Ginter, Ninette Banoun, Magdalena Kalus, Alexandra Bailly, Annę Godefroy, Nina Stein and Katherine Beckingham are all in with a shout of top-10 and maybe the podium.
STORIES
AMY PALMIERO WINTERS
The MDS is always a place for stories, challenges, inspiration and adventure and the 38th edition will be no different. Often, these stories unfold as the race happens.
Mr MDS, Christian Ginter is back for his 36th edition, yes, his 36th! Rory Coleman from the UK return for his 16th and in and amongst these two highlight names, we will have new stories to follow and inspire us.
INTERESTING FACTS
In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of such a huge race, the MDS has taken some key measures.
In 2023 50 lorries were used, for 2024 this will be 20. In 2023 157 4×4 vehicles have been reduced to 78. A helicopter as per usual will be available for emergency use only. This equates to a 47% reduction I carbon emissions.
In addition, chartered flights were reduced to just 3 planes with an encouragement for participants to choose commercial options.
The use of local services has been increased using local staff, vehicles, trophies made in Morocco, and the catering team for staff will be all Moroccan with 100% of produce local and a reduction in chicken and beef.
In addition, checkpoints will have solar power and all communication relays utilise solar too.
Waste management has been improved and a key move has been to eradicate 1.5ltr bottles and replace with 5ltr.
Safety has always been a key concern and for 2024 there is an increase in medical staff, 65 up from 56, there 9 SSV rapid response vehicles, up from 4 in 2023. There will be 9 4×4 vehicles and new for 2024, 3 MTB riders and 9 runner’s who will participate on the race route offering immediate medical response. A medical point will be in the centre of bivouac so that immediate attention can be given if required.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
The 38th edition is now waiting to unfold. It’s a new era for the race. Let the adventure begin, MDS The Legendary makes history.
You can receive daily updates and reports on this website. Follow on IG @iancorlessphotography and @mdslegendary
Navigating a different route to the 2023 Oman Desert Marathon, stage 1 of the 2024 edition proved to be a tough challenge and one that saw the lead change in the latter stages to provide victory for Aziza Raji and Rachid El Morabity.
Starting in Bidiyah with a gala presentation of local dignitaries and local music, the event had a mass start for the 4-stage race, marathon, 21km, 10km and 5km.
The main event, the 4-stage 165km race navigating an almost circular route back to Bidiyah was initially lead with a charge from last year’s champion, Mohamed El Morabity with Khalid Al Jabri and Evgenii Glyva.
For the women, an in-form Aziza El Amrany forged away at the front looking very strong and focused.
As per usual, Rachid El Morabity paced himself with a relatively slow start keeping the other three protagonists in sight.
Behind Aziza, Aziza Raji and the French lady, Kathleen Leguin were both looking strong and relaxed.
The opening 25km, post-race, was considered to be ‘easy’ in comparison to the tough and challenging terrain that followed; relentless soft-sand, dunes and rollercoaster terrain that sapped the body of strength, especially as the heat of the day came.
It was here that Aziza El Amrany relinquished the lead to Aziza Raji who looked much more relaxed in the challenging terrain.
Kathleen was also suffering, climbing a steep dune she had continuous moments of sickness and at the summit, she sighed, just 9km to go.
Rachid had now made his move and behind Mohamed El Morabity was fighting hard to hold a very strong Salah El Saidi, no doubt hampered by long travel and a very late arrival before race day.
The 2023 champion could not match the pace and finished 3rd, 3:39:20, 3:39:54 and 3:41:29 separated the men, making for an exciting stage 2.
Aziza Raji was super strong in the latter stages of the day and crossed the line in 5:22:36. Aziza El Amrany arrived in a surprising 5:49:18 and Kathleen was overtaken by Veronique Messina to finish 3rd in 6:18:55.
While the fast raced at the front, as in every race, stories begin to form behind. A notable one, Albert Jorquera who raced here in Oman in 2023, who this year runs with Pol Makuri who has Cerebral Palsy in the right side of his body. An inspiration to watch!
The duo finished the day in a brilliant time of 7:41.49, 19th and 20th.
As darkness arrives, the battle for the line continues. It’s been a tough first day here in Oman.
On a recent work trip I had a run shoe disaster. To cut a long story short, I was left with no run shoes.
Dropping in to the best run store I could find, I was rest assured with a great selection of trail shoes and gladly, they had options from which to choose. It would have been easy to purchase shoes I have already owned used and liked, and in all honesty, had they had a pair of Hoka Torrent I would have got them; a great all-rounder.
I needed a shoe with cushioning, protection, and a good outsole.
As it happens, I had three excellent choices and none of the shoes I had used before, a NNormal Tomir (23/31), a Hoka Speedgoat 5 (29/33) and a Merrell Agility Peak 5 (25/31), based on stack heights, three very comparable shoes. Interestingly the NNormal with 8mm drop, the Hoka with 4mm drop and the Merrell sitting in the sweet spot of 6mm.
I will be honest, I was instantly drawn to the NNormal, I had been waiting to test a pair for sometime and in my head, before trying any of them on, I had already made up my mind. I am getting the NNormal.
However, slipping them on, they just didn’t make me smile. The lacing was less than optimal, foothold was kinda ok but the overall feel was lifeless. The Hoka Speedboat 5 by contrast had life, had great foothold and was just solid. That’s it, I will get the Speedgoat…
But then the assistant said, you should really try on the Merrell, particularly if you like the Hoka.
So, I slipped the Agility Peak 5 on whoa, what a revelation. Foothold superb, heel comfort excellent, toe box space great and there was a bounce and life not present in the other two. The addition of Vibram Magagrip added to the package, to be fair, this was on the other two shoes too, but here on the Agility Peak 5 it was aggressive and with 5mm lugs.
I purchased the Merrell.
MERRELL
I had heard a great deal about Merrell shoes, nearly all of it positive, so, I don’t really know why it had taken me so long to eventually get a pair. Certainly trying on against the NNormal and Hoka only confirmed that my decision was coming too late, I had been missing out!
Superb cushioning 25mm front, 31mm rear.
A great looking shoe that means business. The side profile, the outsole and 5mm lugs, a visible rock plate, it’s clear that this is shoe is for the rough stuff.
Red rock plate showing through the Vibram MegaGrip outsole.
When a shoe is in version 5, I always get a little nervous. The plus side is this is a shoe that works and is loved, otherwise Merrell would not adapt, change and make a new version. But sometimes, the ‘need’ to make new version can sometimes spoil what was good about the previous ones. Having not tried an Agility Peak before, I was a blank canvas – a good thing!
THE SHOE
With reduced weight, increased rocker, increased heel grip and comfort, this shoe on paper was ticking all the boxes.
A breathable upper, excellent lace placement, gusseted tongue, a toe cap protection, EVA foot bed, FloatPro foam midsole, rock plate, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm traction lugs.
5mm lugs by Vibram MegaGrip.
A D-ring gaiter attachment at the front and velcro attachment at the rear,
Velcro tab at the rear for gaiter.
The Agility Peak 5 is a feature packed shoe. A 6mm drop with cushioning 25mm at the front and 31mm at the rear makes this a shoe ideal for long days out in gnarly terrain.
Slipping the shoe on I had an instant comfort factor that made me smile, I knew immediately I was going to like this shoe.
Great lacing and D-ring for gaiter.
Lacing up, foot hold was superb without any nasty pressure on the navicular bone. Holding the rear of the shoe.
Lifting my foot, there was no slippage and the gusseted tongue just added to the cozy comfort factor.
Spacious toe box.
The toe box is spacious, a 3, maybe a 4, on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being wide and spacious.
Standing up, there was a definite bounce and life as I moved backwards and forwards, up and down.
IN USE
I was committed and out-of-the-box I went straight in to a gnarly coastal run over very rocky and abrasive terrain, 37km and 1531m+. It was a great test! The Agility Peak 5 excelled.
The notable takeaways were all-day comfort and protection.
I never had to adjust the laces, my foot was held secure all day. The cushioning allowed for great ground feel but not at the compromise of comfort, especially with the rock plate protecting from all the sharp rocks and obstacles.
At 25/31mm in cushioning, I was concerned that maybe I would be a little too high from the ground, but this shoe has a wide footprint and this compensates for the additional stack height wonderfully. I had no rolling issues at all.
Notably, when walking and hiking, the bounce and comfort at the rear of the shoe was superb. When running, the flex behind the metatarsals was ideal giving a great propulsive phase. The toe box allowing enough space for toe splay but not at the compromise of precision. When climbing, my foot was secure, no movement, a combination of the new heel cup and the rear sling lock.
The outsole by Vibram is tried and tested, MegaGrip appears everywhere, but this is the first time I have used or seen the 5mm lug version and it is brilliant. The grip was superb. I have yet to try in the wet!
Was there a downside? In all honesty, no. It’s arguably the most complete shoe I have tried in a very long time and if I was to be picky, for a shoe that is so obviously designed for rough stuff, the toe bumper could maybe be a little more protective.
Despite the mean business looks, the Agility Peak 5 has plenty of life, speed and comfort for those wonderful single-track runs with little or no technicality. The rocker helping to propel you forward with excellent comfort.
Fitting true to size, this shoe is one of the best I have tried and tested.
CONCLUSION
Shoe technology gets better all the time and now there are sooooo many good shoes, it’s often difficult to pick a best one. Of course, this is a great position to be in. I have countless shoes that I would be happy to run in on any given day. But, some shoes have very specific uses. If I wanted guaranteed mountain grip in wet and dry, I would choose a VJ MAXx. I I wanted a fast shoe for single-track, I’d go for an Adidas Speed Ultra. If I wanted a just one shoe that could do all things and do them well, my choice has normally been a Hoka Torrent, that is until the Merrell Agility Peak 5 cam along.
The rock plate and grip is excellent.
This shoe has been a revelation. All day comfort, great grip, great foot hold, fast when you need them to be, secure when the terrain demands it and all wrapped up in an excellent good looking package.
The Agility Peak 5 is my shoe of 2024! A shoe that has balanced cushioned comfort with speed and versatility for all running, be that on trail or mountain terrain.
Arrival in to the Sahara for many was harsh, with strong and relentless sand storm lasting several hours, gladly they subsided for Patrick Bauer’s welcome to the desert.
Saturday, is admin day. Each runner passes through protocols of equipment checks, health checks, bib collection and once dinner has been completed, self-sufficiency begins.
It has been a good first day with a great deal of apprehension, positivity, excitement and of course, an urge to ‘get underway!’
Stage 1 covering 36km with 2 aid stations is split in to 3 distinct sections. The early section is flat with a passing through Jebel Mech Irdane followed by soft-sand and Oued Rheris. Cp1 is followed by harde, faster terrain and small rolling hills that leads to dunettes and the arrival of Cp2. From here in, the running is good and fast to complete a potentially challenging first day of the 2023 MDS.
Episode 233 of Talk Ultra – YES we are back! With Speedgoat Karl co-hosting and an in-depth interview with Courtney Dauwalter.
It has been a long time, and we can only apologise. Life, family and extensive travel had an impact on available time and while it’s always possible to ‘find some time’ somewhere, the podcast had to be sidelined for the beginning of 2023.
Lanzarote Training Camp, Oman Desert Marathon, The Coastal Challenge, Black Canyon Ultra, a photoshoot for adidas and lastly Transgrancanaria, it was a hectic start to ’23!’
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IAN CORLESS 