Absolutely stunning and tough day in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland, for the 2nd edition of the Mourne Skyline MTR and the 6th and final race in the 2015 Skyrunning UK calendar.
Race report, results and full set of images to follow.
Here is a preview of the days action
The Skyrunner® World Series for 2015 for the Ultra distance draws to a close in Spain at the Ultra Pirineu. It’s amazing how time flies; it only seems weeks ago that I was writing about Transvulcania.
Taking place on September 201th, Ultra Pirineu follows on from the RUT and as such, it will be an exciting race.
Runners will assemble in the Cade Moixero National Park to do battle over a very challenging race. The 110km race is the main event and the one that gains the most attention. With 6800m of vertical gain it’s a race that will push each and every Skyrunners’ legs and lungs to the limit.
Luis Alberto Hernando, Skyrunning World and European Champion for the ultra distance will be looking to repeat his victory from 2014. Would you want to bet against him? Luis has been on fire in 2015 with victories at Transvulcania and Ice Trail Tarentaise. Add to this podium finishes at Tromso SkyRace and UTMB and for sure Luis will be a hot favourite for victory.
However, a certain Kilian Jornet running on home ground may well scupper Luis’s plans. Kilian has had a quitter year in 2015 as he has concentrated on his Alpinrunning projects but that did not stop repeating his 2014 victory at Hardrock 100 and in the process he now holds the course record for both directions.
“I am very excited about competing at home again as this was the very first race I competed in. There is an incredible level of competition this year, so a show is guaranteed.” – Kilian Jornet
And Kilian has hit the nail on the head, rising star of the sport Manuel Merillas (winner in 2011) will run. Manuel is still looking for the big win but a string of high placing and podium finishes will almost certainly guarantee that he is pushing the pace with the rest at the front.
Franco Colle just the other weekend won the RUT in the USA and has now decided to miss Tor des Geants to content the podium on Spain. Currently Franco leads the Skyrunner World ~Series for the ultra distance and he will bo looking to gain maximum points and the bonus that come with it to secure the overall position in the ranking, it won’t be an easy task!
Cristofer Clemente was 2nd at the RUT also and now lies 2nd on the ranking for the SWS. He did have some question marks over if he would race here in Spain due to the proximity of the USA race, however, I can’t help but think he will give the race a go and he will see what happens. At 110km it’s a long tough race for this late in the season.
UTMB duo, Miguel Heras and Tofol Castanyer both had troubled races this year on the big loop of Chamonix and so they will no doubt be looking to put the record straight here. As we all know, on their day they are 2 of the best ultra mountain runners in the world. They also both have a great history with this race.
Ricky Lightfoot has once again had another incredible 2015 mixing up his race distances and experiences with diverse races races such as Ultra Skymarathon Madeira, DoDo Trail in Mauritius and of course his local fell races in the UK. *may not race due to illness, me missed the Lakes Sky Ultra?
Jessed Hernandez placed 3rd in 2014 and he will be looking to move up 1 or 2 places in 2015 but the odds may well be stacked against him with such a quality line-up. Yeray Duran, Philipp Reiter and Miguel Caballero will also contend the top 5 but there are more runners than places; who will come out on top?
Nuria Picas has made a home at Ultra Pirineu, it’s ‘her’ race and 2015 will be the 5th time she will toe the line looking for another victory. Her recent blip at UTMB will soon be behind her and she will no doubt looking to put the record straight on home ground. We can all think back to that epic battle between Anna Frost, Emelie Forsberg and Nuria Picas in 2012.
“I am delighted to see that world renowned international athletes are once again coming here, it’s a race that deserves consideration.” – Nuria Picas
Emelie Forsberg ran her very first 80km race at Ultra Pirineu (then called Cavalls del Vent) in 2012. She placed 3rd! What has followed has been an incredible rise in the sport of Skyrunning. While Nuria pursued the UTWT, Emelie has gone on to dominate Skyrunning races worldwide, the 2015 edition of Ultra Pirineu will once again see these two dominant and inspiring ladies once again go head-to-head. It’s an exciting prospect.
Nepalese sensation Mira Rai will also race. Her victory at the Mont-Blanc 80km turned heads and I think it’s fair to say that the 110km distance will suit her running style.
Anna Comet has been a revelation in 2015 and has consistently placed on the podium. Like Nuria, Anna is placing a great emphasis on Ultra Pirineu as she considers it a home race. The ‘home’ advantage really motivates and Anna’s recent non-racing will almost certainly mean that she will be fresh for an epic battle.
Ester Alves, Julia Boetger, Gemma Arenas and Roser Espanol will also be looking to mix it up at the front of the race. Ester in particular has seemed unstoppable in 2015 after going from one race to the next.
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It’s the end of August and that can only mean one thing, UTMB.
UTMB has become one of if not THE mountain races to do. In many respects it is almost a victim of its own success. More and more runners want to participate in the big circular dance around the Mont-Blanc but the trails can only take so many people.
I could enter into a debate about the points system but I won’t. I actually think it’s a solution to an ever increasing problem that UTMB organisation face and as such we all know the score, we know what we need to run the race and ultimately we have a choice.
Should points come from qualifying races? Yes, why not!
Should races pay a fee to supply those points? Yes, why not!
I know my last comment will create some debate but to be honest, the fee to ITRA is relatively small and the cost per head is minimal and the races that offer points gain entries. However, I do think another option exists for points.
Why not let all races provide points? Say 0.5 points for an easy trail race of say 50km and then points increase by 0.5 up to a maximum 4-points for a big mountain ultra. If you then want the points, you the runner pay for each 0.5 point you receive. That way, the person who wants/ needs the points pays and the race and other runners don’t pay. Seems logical to me and in actual fact, I think it would generate even more money for ITRA and the UTMB. I welcome your thoughts on that and boy oh boy what a way for me to start a preview on the 2015 race.
UTMB is part of the Ultra Trail World Tour (UTWT) and as such offers points to a larger circuit. Francois D’Haene and Nuria Picas were 2014 champions.
Well, I was supposed to be in Chamonix for this race but at the 11th hour I have decided not to attend. It was a tough decision and one that I didn’t take lightly. Particularly now that I am seeing all the social media posts of all the runners and spectators arriving in the endurance capital of the world.
The reality is I have been on the road since January with little or no break and next week I travel to the USA for over a week which is then followed by a succession of weekends travelling and providing photography and writing for a succession of races. I personally had great potential to break )ver training one may say), so, home I am staying and for once a relaxing weekend.
The main event starts at 1800 Friday 28th August. I always feel a little ashamed when I say the main event as a whole series of tough and challenging races take place during UTMB week. For example, the ridiculous PTL, the tough TDS, the challenging CCC and the OCC but I only have so much time and the UTMB draws the crowd and the most stacked field. For the first year, UTMB will not be a TNF event and the new sponsor Columbia, Mountain Hardwear and Montrail has a tough act to follow, I wonder if we will notice any difference?
One thing is for sure, the men’s and ladies’ races are stacked. Darn it, I used that word again! Let’s try again – A plethora of talent has arrived in Chamonix to do battle on this super tough and iconic 100+ mile course that circles Mont-Blanc.
MEN
Tofol Castanyer made the podium last year and with no Francois D’Haene he for me has the nod for victory. He has been quiet lately no doubt keeping the powder dry and although not very experienced over 100-miles he is a super savvy and experienced mountain runner with the solid Salomon team who can offer support and backup.
Luis Alberto Hernando should win UTMB but he won’t. Nothing would please me more to see Luis top the podium in Chamonix but the reality is, he is not a 100-mile runner (not yet anyway). Put him on a course from 50km-80km and he is unstoppable. Put him on a 100km course and he may or may not win but will podium. Put him on 100m route and he will go great for the first 80km and then fade. This is not helped by entering UTMB tired. He won Transvulcania, placed 2nd at the IAU World Trail Champs, won Ice Trail Tarentaise and then placed 2nd at Tromso Skyrace looking distinctly whacked at the end. That was only a few weeks ago and I just don’t see the recovery and training working in Luis’s favour. I hope I am wrong!
Miguel Heras, well who knows? If he is fit and on fire he could win and almost certainly podium. However, he is extremely injury prone and his performances could come with a flick of a coin. In 2015, Miguel has been much more low key, he has raced but without any pomp and circumstance and that was intentionally so. Placing 2nd behind Thevenard in 2013, Miguel WANTS to win the UTMB and this may well just be the year!
The Salomon trio is rounded out with Ryan Sandes. This is a really interesting inclusion into the UTMB mix. Ryan can climb, can run fast and is endurant (Drakensberg Traverse) and therefore may well have the essential credentials to podium at the least and may well just win. Certainly, Salomon could repeat the trio of results that we have seen in pervious years. Ryan has had a mixed 6-months with injury, a last minute withdrawal from Western States and I therefore think he is going to be super focussed on this race. One to watch!
Sage Canaday enters the 100-mile distance for the first time and as great a runner as he is, I don’t see him making the podium. Controversial I know. He has the speed for sure. He has the climbing and descending but I have no reason to think he has the race plan or strategy for what will be at best a 20-hour race. Like Luis Alberto I would expect strength and dominance over the first 100km and then a fade. But he has been in Chamonix preparing and he is a student of the sport. He may very well have hidden himself away, changed everything about his training and come up with the perfect 100-mile training plan? A 5k track session (in 16min) just 3-days before the race suggest otherwise though.
Xavier Thevenard won the race (surprisingly) in 2013 and then seemed to implode with the pressure. Last year he took the attention of himself and ran the TDS and won it. In doing so, he became the only runner to have won the CCC, TDS and UTMB; impressive! So the facts speak for themselves, super talented and obviously can perform with the best if the pressure is off. Will the pressure be on for 2015 is the question? I think it will but less than in previous years and that may just allow him to run his own race and find his 2013 legs and head. Good luck.
Julien Chorier impressed the hell out of me a couple of years ago at Ronda dels Cims with a consummate performance. He loves the mountains and he can run fast too. He was 2nd to Ryan Sandes at Transgrancanaria in 2014 and 2nd to Kilian at Hardrock 100. A recent 6th at Western States shows us that all is in place for a great run and that’s why I give him a nudge over Gediminas.
Gediminas Grinius has been a revelation. His rise in the sport over the last 18-months has been remarkable and you know what, he could win UTMB. He ran a great UTMB last year (5th), won Transgrancanaria and placed 4th at Western States. Expect him to be out of the mix early on and then he will close out super hard and fast.
Stephan Hugenschmidt is my dark horse and potential big surprise of the 2015 UTMB. He had a breakthrough 5th at Transvulcania, won Zugspitz and had a great result at Transalpine.
We are now in the territory of surprise packages and believe me, some of the fellas mentioned below will figure highly in the run for the podium and top-10.
Seth Swanson has been 2nd at Western States 2-years on the run and I still know very little about him. My head says he will need a UTMB run to find his legs before he can comeback and mix it up at the very front. However, nobody expected him to place 2nd at WSER and then go back and do it again!
Sebastien Chaigneau is the old guard of the race, the wily old fox that everyone loves. Seb has had a tough couple of years and as time has passed, the competition has got faster. I’d love him to find some of that old form, that 100-mile sparkle and dish out to the newbies.
Jeff Browning may well be the best prospect from an American perspective as he is a true mountain man. But he may well lack some of the essential European speed.
Franco Colle won Tor des Geants and then earlier this year placed 2nd at Mont-Blanc 80km. In addition, he has been at the IAU World Trail Championships, ran (and won) a Skyrunning exhibition event in Cervinia and recently ran Tromso Skyrace. Potential dark horse for UTMB!
Sondre Amdahl like Gediminas has been a revelation. He is committed, sometimes too committed but I love his passion. He prepared meticulously for Transgrancanaria and placed 4th, went out to the USA to prepare for WSER and placed 15th and has spent recent months preparing in Chamonix for UTMB. Top-10 potential and maybe around 5th if he has a great day.
Best of the rest
Francois Faivre – 7th at UTMB last year.
Carlos Sa – He could win it but more than likely a top-10.
Pascal Giguet – Top-10 at Mont-Blanc 80km.
Ryan Smith – a Brit who may well be a real dark horse.
Robbie Britton – local lad, 3rd at the 24-hour and 7th at Tarawera. Placed just outside top-50 at UTMB last year but has been in Chamonix for months which will either mean he is in fine form or broken. I think the former. Good luck Robbie.
Yeray Duran – Always strong at Transgrancanaria.
Paul Giblin – another Brit with all the potential to spring a surprise.
Kim Collison – Another multi talented Brit who has speed and endurance.
Joe Grant – We all know Joe and what he can do.
Danny Kendall – The UK’s top MDS performer, not new to UTMB and this may well be his best year.
Jesse Haynes – Great at WSER but in Europe, who knows?
John Tidd – Won’t win but absolutely solid performer.
Stone Tsang – Every chance for a stunning or latter ‘teens’ performance.
Yoshikazu Hara – same as Stone?
I could go on….
LADIES
Neck on the line, this race is for Nuria Picas and I personally think she is going to have the race of her life and win it with a consummate performance. This is no way a reflection on the competition, just an observation of Nuria and an understanding of how this lady ticks. For the past 2-years, Nuria has raced a ridiculous schedule and still placed 2nd twice behind Rory Bosio. This year, Nuria has been quiet. Very quiet. A win at Transgrancanaria and then what? I will tell you, training and preparation. She will be on fire!
Caroline Chaverot though has also been on fire! In the last 18-months Caroline has exploded with a series of remarkable performances that would suggest a solid UTMB is on the cards. Her victories at Lavaredo and the Eiger confirm that she can perform on the big days out.
Nathalie Mauclair beat Caroline at the IAU Word Trail Championships but that really draws no comparison to UTMB. However, Caroline beat Nathalie at Lavaredo. Take your pick! On paper, I would say Nathalie will be better over the longer distance and time that UTMB will offer and her victories at Diagonale des Fous will put her in a great place both physically and mentally for that.
The upset may well come from Stephanie Howe and I am sure that TNF and the USA would like nothing more than Steph picking up where Rory Bosio left off. Stephanie’s 3rd at WSER left her feeling tired but by all accounts, she has prepared well for the circle of the big white mountain. She has the speed, I just wonder if she has the legs for the climbs and descents and a 24+ hour run in her?
Francesca Canepa may make the podium? I have always been impressed how Francesca can race UTMB and then just a week later race Tor des Geants. One thing is for sure, I don’t think we will see Francesca at Tor this year after last years’ controversy. 2014 was a great year for the Italian (until Tor) and then it all seemed to go to bits. Understandable really. So coming into UTMB we have little to go on, other than 3rd at the Eiger but she was 30min of the winning time. UTMB may well be a redemption year!
Uxue Fraille has always impressed with her patience and calculated running. She is a diesel. Expect her off the pace early on and close well. She placed 5th last year and a repeat performance is a distinct possibility.
Fernanda Maciel is solid on the UTWT circuit and although I don’t see her taking the top slot on the podium, top-5 is a distinct possibility and if she has a great day, the podium may well be hers. Fernanda spent a great deal of time at altitude over Christmas (too long) and this tired her. Let’s hope she is recovered and ready to race hard in Chamonix.
Darcy Piceu is an interesting addition and after that ding-dong with Frosty at Hardrock I am really eager to see what she can do here in France. She placed 3rd in 2011 in just under 29-hours, she will need to run much faster than that this year! One thing is for sure, the distance and time on feet will be no issue, the question mark will be recovery post Hardrock?
Ester Alves from Portugal has already raced a great deal in 2015 with a string of top placing’s and I have no reason to think that a strong performance is a distinct possibility here. But by strong I mean top-10. A recent tumble at Ice Trail Tarentaise won’t have helped her preparation but she is strong and committed.
Lisa Borzani races and races and races. At TDS in 2015 she placed 2nd. I see her a consistent performance for a top-10 but not victory or the podium.
Nicole Struder ran 14:22 at Rocky Raccoon 100-mile. That’s fast! But she will need to add 10-hours of running to that Rocky time at a minimum for UTMB and through in some serious mountains. So although I see her potentially having a good race, I don’t think that those USA trail legs will handle the European mountains.
My dark horse for the ladies is Veronica Bravo. She is a super strong adventure racer, has the mind for the long game and 100% commitment. She may not win but I expect she may turn a few heads and UTMB race day looks like it will be a hot one; she loves the heat! Earlier this year she won The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica.
Amy Sproston is a tough one to call. She won Hurt 100 but UTMB is a faster race with tougher competition.
Sally McRae may well offer the best prospects of a top USA performance outside those of Howe. Sally has been top-10 at WSER twice and although UTMB is a big step up from Western, she may well have the race to mix it up.
Gill Fowler from Australia may well rock the apple cart. She was 4th at Lavaredo, yes somewhat off the front pace but a top-10 at UTMB is on the cards.
Ones to watch
Shona Stephenson – Top-10 at UTMB before.
Sarah Morwood – 11th at UTMB previously.
Manu Vilaseca
Caroline McKay
Denise Bourassa
And so many more….
RACE WEBSITE HERE
Schedule HERE
Ultratrail TV HERE
Follow LIVE HERE
The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline is just one week away. One of six races in the 2015 Skyrunning™ UK calendar, the ‘SGCS’ is arguably one of the most anticipated races in the UK in recent years. It was thought by many that the UK could not produce a race that would hark back to the roots of Skyrunning as seen at Trofeo Kima, the Dolomites SkyRace or Ice Trail Tarentaise. They were wrong! The UK may lack the altitude of the Alps or the Dolomites but we have mountains, routes and scrambles that will test the most experienced competitor.
Shane Ohly and Gary Tompsett, course recce May 2015
Shane Ohly from Ourea Events and course planner Gary Tompsett have come up with a beast of a course, a course that epitomizes the ethos of Skyrunning and in doing so, the race has turned the heads of not only the running world but also the media.
‘We are not creating another mass participation fell or trail running event, but rather a world class Skyrunning course for experienced and competent participants,’ said Shane Ohly in a recent interview with the the BBC. ‘The Glen Coe Skyline is a fusion of mountain running and alpinism where competitors need to be skilled at both disciplines to negotiate the course.’
Never a true word has been spoken and to that end, the SGCS arguably has one of the most experienced fields assembled in any race that has taken place in the UK. A race that has required participants to ‘prove’ competence to take part has made interesting reading for the race directors and Skyrunning UK.
Looking through the 170+ runners who will toe the line on Saturday August 22nd has confirmed the depth and talent of each and every Skyrunner. A familiar thread is noted, buzz words such as Bob Graham Round, Cullin Ridge, experienced climber, Skyrunning, Dolomites and Trofeo Kima appear regularly in the entry list. It makes highlighting some of the key runners for the race difficult.
However, one name clearly stands out, Emelie Forsberg. Emelie is the current Skyrunning World and European Champion for the Ultra distance. In less than 3-years, Emelie has risen through the Skyrunning ranks to be the female face of the sport and her presence at the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline is more than a confirmation that this race is well and truly the ‘Dogs Bolx’ as one keen entrant stated!
‘I love the mountains and I love technical courses. This Salomon Glen Coe Skyline route looks amazing and a challenge. Ridge running and scrambling; I can’t wait!’ said Emelie after finishing 4th at the Dolomites SkyRace.
Jasmin Paris, fresh from victory at the Dragons Back Race will without doubt provide Emelie with a race. Jasmin’s experience of British fells and mountains may well provide a distinct advantage of the Skyrunning world champion?
Jasmin Paris – The Berghaus Dragons Back Race
Sharon Bird is an Irish International athlete, Gabriel Lees is a British Ski Mountaineering Champion and Victoria Moseley has excelled at Scaffell Pike and the 3 Peaks Race. But the female talent does not stop here, recent V3K winner and experienced Sky and mountain runner, Sarah Ridgway will be in the mix and we also need to keep a close eye on Liz Barker, Gillian Caldwell and Sarah Ryan. The ladies race is brimming with talent and the podium is wide open.
‘The mountains provide a wonderful natural playground and non more so than those in and around Glen Coe, the 2015 edition of the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline is going to be a spectacle like no other race that has taken place within the UK. We are fully aware that this race is not for everyone,’ said Ian Corless, Director for Skyrunning UK. ‘However, just like the top European races we want to invite people to come and join us for the weekend. We want a party, a celebration of running and in the process Ourea Events has in place opportunities to go into the mountains with guides and experience the race as spectators but in a safe way. This is going to be very special!’
Es Tressider in Glen Coe
Esmond Tressider may well be the odds on favourite for the men’s race as he is a previous record holder for the Cullin Ridge and has had very recent experience of racing in Europe on the Skyrunner® World Series. The last minute withdrawal of Finlay Wild increases Es’s chances but Joe Symonds will without doubt have other thoughts. Joe like Es, understands the UK mountains and fells and has extensive experience of racing in Europe.
Jim Mann – The Berghaus Dragons Back Race
Jim Mann won the 2015 Berghaus Dragons Back Race with a world-class dominating performance makes him a podium favourite and potential race winner.
Florian Reichert – Tromso SkyRace
Florian Reichert has been racing on the Skyrunner® World Series for several years and has had great success at VK and SKY races. He recently ran the Tromso SkyRace so the ridges and scrambling at Glen Coe will play into his hands. He is however a runner a runner that loves to go fast. Expect Florian to make places in the latter stages of the race.
Konrad Rawlik recently raced at the Dragons Back race and still produced a great performance despite injury. If fully recovered, we can expect Konrad to dictate the early pace and a podium place is a distinct possibility.
Scott Forbes, Anthony Alasdair, Andrew Barrington and Edward Hamer all may prove to be dark horses on a course that will test each and every participant to the limits. The race may only be ‘just’ over a marathon in distance but the accumulated ascent of over 4000m, technical ridges and scrambling make the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline THE race of 2015 and one that looks set to create a stir for years to come.
A celebration of running, a celebration of climbing; the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline will bring to distinct sports together in a pure celebration of Skyrunning that offers a tribute and homage to the pioneering days of Marino Giacometti, Bruno Brunod and Fabio Meraldi. To that end, on Friday night before the race, 2 films will be shown: ‘THE SKY’S THE LIMIT’ that provides an insight in to Skyrunning and the yet to be released (Oct 20th), Salomon SRTV episode, ‘FAST and LIGHT.
The future of Skyrunning in the UK is very exciting and Shane Ohly sums it up when he says:
‘I sincerely hope that aspirational races like the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline will contribute to the growth of the sport both in terms of participation and general awareness within the wider running and outdoor community within the UK and worldwide, this is my goal for the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline and we will be working hard to achieve this.’
Put the dates in your diary: Friday August 21st to Sunday 23rd 2015
Race Day is August 22nd
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Photography and reports on iancorless.com
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Montrail have been making run shoes for some time, 1997 actually. In all those years I have never tried or used a Montrail shoe. Criminal I know. It’s not because I didn’t want to, it’s just a case of never having the chance. They have always appeared to be (wrongly?) a US shoe.
I have many US based friends who have used Montrail and loved them but getting hold of a pair in the UK was never easy. So I guess I need to thank Columbia Sportswear (Montrail’s parent company) for stepping in where The North Face pulled out and becoming headline sponsor for the UTMB in France.
To signify this new collaboration, Montrail have released a limited edition of the Bajada II Trail Shoe – The UTMB.
Now information seems a little mixed at the moment how it will be possible to get these shoes. My contact at Mountain Hardwear (also part of Columbia Sportswear) has informed me that they are a ‘limited edition’ if so, I may keep my pair for years so that in the future they are worth millions…
Joking aside the Bajada II is an appealing trail shoe for longer distance races or training.
Drop is 10mm, so the more more ‘natural’ runners out there who prefer a low drop shoe will soon be clicking off this post. However, before you do, read on a little!
I love 4mm and 6mm drop shoes (not lower though) and I love the feel that these shoes provide. However, when I run longer and my technique gets sloppy, 8mm is my sweet spot. It allows a little more flexibility and certainly I can understand why Montrail have picked the Bajada II as the UTMB shoe.
20mm rear cushioning, 10mm front cushioning, 10mm drop, good grip and a rock plate make this a great all rounder for the ‘neutral’ runner when running a long on the trail. The Bajada II will excel when time on feet is without question going to be 20+ hours and anything up to 40 ish hours or longer.
My standard shoe size is UK 9.5 and the Bajada II is true to size. Weight for the UK 9.5 is 12.5oz/ 353g to draw comparison, the TNF Cardiac (in the same size is) 10.6oz/ 300g and the Scott T2 Kinabalu is 11.6oz/ 328g. So the Bajada II is not the lightest shoe on the market!
It’s a comfortable shoe to wear. The heel box is plush, padded and holds the heel well.
The toe box has plenty of room but not too much room and protection at the front is good with a hard wearing reinforced stitched on section to protect from rocks.
Lacing is threaded through nylon hoops stitched onto the upper and the laces are relatively standard but hold tight when tied. The tongue is stitched into the upper with elasticated panels on either side to allow some flexibility but most importantly to hold the tongue in place with little or no movement. The tongue is also well padded and when laced up provides a nice secure foothold.
Reinforced panels on the side of the shoe provide structure and foothold. It works! Your foot feels nice and secure.
The sole uses ‘FluidFoam.’ It may sound like a fancy name but I love Montrail’s description: ‘No midsole gizmos. No gels, airbags or plastic parts. Just pure, responsive foam from heel to toe.’ Praise be. Finally a straightforward description of cushioning in a shoe.
The outsole of the shoe is interesting and very different to what other brands are using at the moment. Made up of a series little squares, the ‘Gryptonite’ is used in different ways to enhance grip. Closed and condensed around the heel, rows of 2 all around the outer edge and the front and then groups of 5 spaced out in the mid section. It’s definitely a grip for trail running and not muddy or fell type racing. On hard trail and rocks the shoe runs and feels really great. It’s a soft outer sole but not too soft. One would almost be mistaken in thinking this was a Vibram sole. I’m impressed. Also the sole is flat (no cut aways) and that is very reassuring. Montrail say: ‘Sticky carbon rubber with multi-directional lugs delivers aggressive traction across a variety of surface conditions.’
The blue section clearly visible in the outsole is ‘Trail Shield’ and this is Montrail’s rock plate. It works! I had little or no discomfort running on irregular surfaces and that is a real plus, especially when running long. Say at UTMB! This doesn’t compromise the shoes flexibility too. I found running mid to forefoot still had good feel and flex that allowed me to run in my natural way. Montrail say: ‘Trail Shield is a lightweight, flexible material that is co-molded between outsole and midsole for underfoot protection.’
The upper is open mesh over the toes that allows some breathability but at the sides of the shoe it is much denser and reinforced. They feel a little over engineered to me and that is almost certainly why the shoe is on the heavier side. BUT and this is a big but, the shoes will almost certainly withstand a battering on rough terrain and if you are a bigger or heavier runner, they will hold your foot firm and add some welcome security.
Conclusion
I need more time in the Bajada II to test longevity, wear and tear and how long the sole lasts but on first impressions, it’s a great shoe that is pleasing to use and wear. It is without doubt a robust shoe and that is reflected in the weight. A 10mm drop and with plenty of cushioning (20/10), it will certainly suit runners who are going to spend a great deal of time on their feet (even though they are heavier) and the overall plush feel is welcome after many hours.
I need to be clear that the Bajada II already existed before this ‘limited edition’ UTMB version came out. As I understand it, this shoe will also be the same price as the normal Bajada II. Yes folks, you are not paying a premium for the UTMB badge! RRP £80
Finally, like it or not, the UTMB logo on the tongue…
and on the insole…
…will not make the shoe any better, lighter, faster or will allow you to fly with ease over the mountainous 100 miles that the Chamonix course will throw at you. But it is a nice touch and what I honestly feel is a good trail shoe at a very good price. Many comparable shoes are well over the £100 mark.
The Bajada UTMB will only be available in the UK from Accelerate and will be the only introduction from the Montrail range to UK shores in 2015. I also believe that the Bajada II will be available at the UTMB expo.
What a night! The wind blew, gusted and lifted tents off the ground. We were told yesterday that the last time it rained in the Richtersveld was August 2014. Well believe me, when the weather changes; it really changes!
The excitement continued into the morning and although the rain subsided (for a little while), the wind was going to be with the runners all day. Starting in three separate groups, 0800, 0830 and 0900 the field were split based on finish times from day 1; slower runners starting first at 0800 and faster runners starting last at 0900.
James Cracknell, the 2-time Olympic Gold Medallist for rowing finally joined the race after an epic journey of 48 hours. He departed Poland at 1900 on Sunday after commentating at the Rowing European Championships. He flew back to the UK, then flew to Joburg and followed with a connecting flight to Upington. The journey was finished off with 10 hours in the car to the race day 2 start line.
James arrive at 0800 in camp just giving him 60 minutes to sort out his equipment and get his head ready for a day on South African trails.
As expected, Thabang Madiba showed everyone a clean pair of heels as he slowly pulled away from Katya Soggot, Dayle Wheeler, Nikki Kimball and James Cracknell. Conditions were tough throughout the day and the beautiful Richtersveld landscape was shrouded by mist and permanent rain that varied in intensity.
Climbing and descending to Cp1 the runners once again climbed up and over the pass at Tswayiberg before then dropping down into the technical riverbed that would lead to the finish.
Thabang at this stage was already leading by over 10 minutes, behind Katya Soggot, Nikki Kimball and Dayle Wheeler pursued with James Cracknell not far behind. James was certainly struggling on the slick wet rocks as he slid from left foot to right with the occasional shout of ****ing hell! A groin strain picked up at London Marathon adding to his frustrations.
At the line, Thabang Madiba completed the 36km stage in 3:14:03 with Soggot, Wheeler and Kimball crossing the line together in 3:33:35. Cracknell held on fighting some severe discomfort to finish in 3:41:56.
Georgina Ayre who had run well on day 1 frustratingly repeated Nikki Kimball’s error and made a navigational mistake by taking the wrong riverbed. This mistake was costly, as she finished the day 1 hour behind Soggot and Kimball. Karoline Hanks was 3rd lady on the day in 4:03:23.
As the day came to a close, a break in the weather came and with it the sun, a welcome return! Everyone has fingers crossed for a warm and sunny day 3 at the Richtersveld Wildrun.
Results Overall
Thabang Madiba 6:45:35
Dayle Wheeler 7:14:49
Katya Soggot (1st lady) 7:25:22
Karoline Hanks (2nd lady) 8:13:05
Nikki Kimball (3rd lady) 8:13:06
Filippo Faralla (3rd man) 8:13:10
Episode 88 of Talk Ultra and on this weeks show we speak with Scott Hawker about 2nd place at TNF100, we interview Joe Fejes about running 606.24 miles in 6 days and we speak with Dan Lawson about his record breaking 145 mile run at GUCR. The News, a Blog and Speedgoat Karl.
If you enjoy Talk Ultra, consider a donation to help finance the show HERE
Fiambala Desert Trail 50K | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Fiambala Desert Trail 80K | 80 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Endura 50K | 50 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
Gold Coast 50 Miler | 50 miles | June 07, 2015 | website
Runners ConneXion 100 km | 100 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
Macedon Ranges 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
Kep Track 100km Ultra Marathon II | 100 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
Kep Track 75km Ultra Marathon II | 75 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
Trail des Vallées du Chevalier – 62 km | 62 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
The Last Secret | 200 kilometers | May 29, 2015 | website
UAI Ultra dos Anjos Internacional 135 km Hard | 135 kilometers | June 03, 2015 | website
UAI Ultra dos Anjos Internacional 235 km | 235 kilometers | June 03, 2015 | website
UAI Ultra dos Anjos Internacional 65 km Easy | 65 kilometers | June 03, 2015 | website
UAI Ultra dos Anjos Internacional 95 km Medium | 95 kilometers | June 03, 2015 | website
Blackfoot Ultra 100KM | 100 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Blackfoot Ultra 50 Km | 50 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Blackfoot Ultra 50 Miler | 50 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
Calgary Marathon 50K Ultra | 50 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
Vancouver 100 km | 100 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Vancouver 50 km | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Vancouver 62.5 km | 62 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Vancouver 75.8 km | 75 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Vancouver 87.9 km | 87 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Gobi March 2015 | 250 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
Chicamocha Run 108 km | 108 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Chicamocha Run 166 km | 166 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Craft Gemini Maraton | 84 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
Mammut Ultramaraton | 85 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Nordisk eXtrem maraton X50 | 50 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Nordisk eXtrem maraton X70 | 70 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Perniön 60 km | 60 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
SUOMI-RUN 100 km | 100 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Trail de la Chaussée des Géants – 53 km | 53 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
La Mythique International Run | 250 kilometers | June 04, 2015 | website
Tour du Canton de Fronsac 60 km | 60 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
Le Puy-en-Velay – Conques (Juin) | 208 kilometers | June 04, 2015 | website
Trail du Gypaète | 73 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Trail du Lac d’Annecy – Technica Maxi Race | 86 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
Trail du Lac d’Annecy – XL Race | 87 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Trail du Hautacam – 50 km | 59 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
La Transju’trail – 72 km | 72 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
Trail du Massif d’Ecouves en Pays d’Alançon – 61 km | 61 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
Trail des Pyramides Noires – 100 km | 100 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Ultra Trail de Côte-d’Or – 105 km | 105 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Oxfam Trailwalker France | 100 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Schefflenzer Ultralauf – 100 km | 100 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Schefflenzer Ultralauf – 50 km | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
WiBoLT | 320 kilometers | June 03, 2015 | website
Bödefelder Hollenlauf 101 KM | 101 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Bödefelder Hollenlauf 67 KM | 67 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Lauf zwischen den Meeren | 94 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Ultrabalaton | 212 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Trail del Monte Soglio – Gir Lung | 63 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Sardegna Lakes Trail | 150 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Vigolana Trail | 65 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
100km del Passatore | 100 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Gran Raid delle Prealpi Trevigiane | 72 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
100 km | 100 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
71 km | 71 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
Hida Takayama Ultra Marathon -100 km | 100 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
Hida Takayama Ultra Marathon – 72 km | 72 kilometers | June 07, 2015 | website
Richtersveld Wildrun | 150 kilometers | June 02, 2015 | website
Mount Everest Extreme Ultra Marathon | 60 kilometers | May 29, 2015 | website
Pieter-ROG-pad Special Waddeneilanden | 300 kilometers | June 04, 2015 | website
Romerike 100 | 100 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Romerike 50 | 50 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Jungle Ultra | 220 kilometers | June 05, 2015 | website
OMD – Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela – 100 Milhas+ | 100 miles | June 05, 2015 | website
OMD – Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela – K100 | 101 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
OMD – Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela – K70 | 70 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Ultramaratona Caminhos do Tejo – 144 km | 144 kilometers | June 12, 2015 | website
Ultramaratona Caminhos do Tejo – 57 km | 57 kilometers | June 12, 2015 | website
Fundu Moldovei 3-day staged 115km ultra | 115 kilometers | June 05, 2015 | website
Fundu Moldovei Ultra Romania | 115 kilometers | June 05, 2015 | website
Dubna – Dmitrov Trail. 2015 – 50K | 50 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
Ultra Trail Stara Planina 122 km | 122 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Ultra Trail Stara Planina 73 km | 73 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Comrades Marathon | 89 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
Euskal Herria Mendi Erronka | 65 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Riaza Trail Challenge 70 km | 70 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Quixote Legend | 166 kilometers | May 29, 2015 | website
Trail Els Bastions® | 52 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Ulldeter Ultra | 52 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Ultra Els Bastions® | 90 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Ultra Trail Aldeas do Courel | 84 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Boras Ultra Marathon – 100 miles | 100 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
Boras Ultra Marathon – 87 km | 87 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
100km run Biel | 100 kilometers | June 12, 2015 | website
Calderdale Way Ultra (long) | 50 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Dragon’s Back | 200 miles | June 08, 2015 | website
Dartmoor Discovery | 32 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Aston Subedge Ultra Run | 56 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Northants Ultra | 35 miles | June 07, 2015 | website
Mourne Way Ultra Marathon | 84 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Oxfam Trailtrekker GB (North) – 100 km | 100 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Oxfam Trailtrekker GB (North) – 65 km | 65 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
The Omen 66.6 | 67 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Severn Path Ultra | 58 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
Severn Plod Ultra | 45 miles | May 29, 2015 | website
Severn Way Ultra | 58 miles | May 31, 2015 | website
Rockin Choccolocco 50K | 50 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Adrenaline 65K Night Run | 65 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Solemates Arizona 200 | 214 miles | June 10, 2015 | website
War Eagle Tail Twister Trail 50k | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Loco 50K | 50 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Loco 50K | 50 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Rim to Rim Trail Run – 50M | 50 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
San Diego 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
San Francisco 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
San Francisco 50 Mile Endurance Run | 50 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
Shadow of the Giants 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Ultimate Direction Dirty 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Help Support Us | 1000 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Lake to Ocean 100K | 100 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Rogue Yeti 50K Run | 50 kilometers | May 29, 2015 | website
Rogue Yeti 50 Mile Run | 50 miles | May 29, 2015 | website
Scout Mountain Ultra Trail 100k | 100 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Scout Mountain Ultra Trail 60k | 60 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Heartland Relay 200 | 205 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Heartland Relay 75 | 75 miles | June 07, 2015 | website
Flint Hills Trail 40 Mile | 40 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
Yankee Springs Trail Double Marathon | 84 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Mayapple 100K Trail Run | 100 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Mayapple 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 30, 2015 | website
Cayuga Trails 50 | 50 miles | May 31, 2015 | website
Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie 50 Mile | 50 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Buckeye Buster 50 | 50 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Buckeye Buster 50K | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Mohican Trail 100M Trail Run | 100 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
Mohican Trail 50M Trail Run | 50 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
Bend Beer Chase | 70 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Gloridays | 44 miles | June 07, 2015 | website
El Diablo | 220 kilometers | June 05, 2015 | website
Family Tree 100 Relay | 100 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Forest Freak 50k | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Hell Hole Hundred – 100K | 100 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Hell Hole Hundred – 100M | 100 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Hell Hole Hundred – 60K | 60 kilometers | June 05, 2015 | website
Knock on Wood 100 Mile | 100 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Squaw Peak 50 Mile Trail Run | 50 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Ultra Advantures Bryce Canyon 100 Mile | 100 miles | June 05, 2015 | website
Ultra Advantures Bryce Canyon 50K | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Ultra Advantures Bryce Canyon 50 Mile | 50 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Coyote Scramble Ultras 40 Miler | 40 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
Old Dominion 100 Cross Country Run | 100 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Echo Valley 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | May 31, 2015 | website
Echo Valley 50 Mile Trail Run | 50 miles | May 31, 2015 | website
Rainier to Ruston 50K Ultra | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Rainier to Ruston 50M Ultra | 50 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Vashon Island 50K Ultramarathon | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Race Across Virginia – Nation’s Capital (4 Marathons) | 114 miles | May 30, 2015 | website
Kettle Moraine 100 km Trail Run | 100 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
Kettle Moraine 100 Mile Trail Run | 100 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Kettle Moraine 38 Mile Night Fun Run | 38 miles | June 06, 2015 | website
Kettle Moraine 50 km Trail Run | 50 kilometers | June 06, 2015 | website
02:49:25
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The world trail championships are this coming weekend. Yes! This weekend. What, you mean the same weekend as Comrades? I am afraid so. So while Ellie Greenwood looks to do the double we are going to need to keep an eye on Annecy too… yes! But wait a minute, isn’t Sage Canaday and Max King also running at Comrades?
Yes.
Okay, okay, split screen computer screen required.
I joke of course and ironically while the World Trail Champs kick off in Annecy and Comrades kicks of in Durban, South Africa I will be in another part of SA at the Richtersveld Wildrun with Nikki Kimball, James Cracknell and a whole host of talented runners.
It’s going to be a busy weekend!
The last world championship was in the UK. Wales actually and it took part over a lapped course. Ricky Lightfoot won for the men and Nathalie Mauclair for the ladies.
This year, the Worlds takes place on a course that in my opinion is a proper trail running race. At 85km in length and with 5000+m of climbing the race should test the men and ladies from the boys and girls.
However, the race is not without controversy.
The race will take place on the Technica Maxi-Race course with two starts! Yes folks, the world championship race starts 90-minutes before the annual open race. Wait a minute! I thought trail running was all about being inclusive?
Well it would appear that I am not the only one thinking that way. Francois d’Haene (Salomon), unbeatable in 2014, made it quite clear that he would not race. Anna Frost today (28th May) posted this, and I quote:
I will not be at one of my favourite races – the Maxi-Race – because I do not want to support the IAAF movement in our sport.
The sport will officially become an international ‘athletic’ discipline at the IAAF conference in August and I believe that changes will be implemented to make trail running fit into the IAAF philosophy rather than following the values that our trail running community have created.
Don’t know what I am talking about? Here are some examples:
• You race to be part of a running community? To have an oportunity to line up with the best of the best? I do too! But that does not happen in this race. The elites will start seperatly to all of you. It is no longer an open race.
• You like the freedom to enter any trail race you want? I do too! But that does not happen in this race. I need to be selected. I can not race for the brand that supports me. And if I do, and I manage to get a podium finish time…I wont be on the podium.
• If you have done the race course before it was fabulous. But not in this race. They have changed the course to faster, easier, flatter trails for access. That does not inspire me.
Trail running is fun, we can share it with everyone from volunteers, supporters, family and friends. It is open, we are free and inspired!
Read this great post by Andy Symonds http://www.andysymonds.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/trail-politics.html?m=1
So what we have is a world championship race, with selected individuals racing ahead (90 minutes) of the open race. But what if someone in the open race runs quicker than the world championship race? Unlikely I know but not impossible?
Annecy is an amazing place and quite the setting for a stunning race like this. It really is an adventure playground.
Staring at 3:30am (really?) on Saturday May 30th the best in the world will do battle on the trails in and around Annecy.
Ricky Lightfoot, Max King, Anton Krupicka, Sage Canaday, Kilian Jornet, Rob Krar, Francois d’Haene, Michel Lanne, Jason Schlarb, Tofol Castanyer, Iker Karrera, Ryan Sandes, Emelie Forsberg, Nuria Picas, Anna Frost, Rory Bosio, Lizzy Hawker….
Will NOT toe the line.
So if this is a World Trail Championship race; who is running?
For the Ladies:
Nathalie Mauclair is the reigning champ and will look to defend her title and I expect her to do well and more than likely win again.
Caroline Chaverot had a great run at Transgrancanaria earlier this year placing 2nd and she placed top 5 at the Skyrunning world championships in Chamonix.
Aurelia Truel placed 2nd behind Mauclair in 2013 but I don’t think this course will allow her to make the podium.
Cassie Scallon on paper has the race speed for a great result but Annecy has its challenges that I am not sure Cassie will be prepared for.
Uxue Fraille would probably prefer this race to be longer; she will play the waiting game and then pick people off.
Maud Gobert, has great potential for victory, particularly on home soil. On her day she can make it happen, don’t rule her out!
Lisa Borzani also has some great results coming into this race, 2nd at Tor des Geants being one of them, but there is a big difference between TDG and 85km in Annecy.
Krissy Moehl, Anne Lise Rousset, Andrea Huser, Ester Alves, Lucy Bartholomew, Sally Fawcett, Simona Morbelli and many more will contest top honours but lets give out a shout to Brit Lizzie Wraith.
Lizzie is the Lakeland 100 course record holder and currently preparing for the Dragon’s Back Race. Notable runners missing from the UK are Jo Meek and Holly Rush. Prety darn sure had these ladies been fit they would have raced well.
For the Men:
Luis Alberto Hernando well and truly heads up the men’s field after his recent victory at Transvulcania Ultramarathon and as we all know, over 80km he is the one to beat as he proved at the Skyrunning World Championships in Chamonix.
Tom Owens at Trofeo Kima
Manuel Merillas had a great 2014 and was a revelation and a hot-tip as a star for the future. At the recent Transvulcania he detonated and moved from top 5 to outside the top 15. Showing incredible recovery, just one week later Manuel made the podium at Zegama-Aizkorri. I do wonder though if 85km is outside his race at the moment.
Alex Nichols is a fast guy and on his day, he recently beat Rob Krar at MoabRed Hot and he placed 3rd at Templiers in 2014. No stranger to racing Europe on the Skyrunning circuit. Alex may well make an impact at the front.
UTMB winner Xavier Thevenard has seriously blown hot and cold over the last couple of years. He did win the TDS last year and in doing so became the only runner to win CCC, TDS and UTMB. Racing on French soil must have his passions and desire to do well very high, but maybe they will be too high?
Gediminas Grinius nailed Transgrancanaria recently and that is backed up by an incredible series of results and races in 2014. I can’t help but think though that he will probably just be getting warm as the finish arrives!
Dani Garcia just rocked the field at Transvulcania with 2nd place ahead of serious competition so who knows what he can do in Annecy. A real surprise package.
Kim Collison at Mourne Skyline MTR
Patrik Bringer has solid results at Transvulcania (5th in 2013) and has been on the podium in Annecy before, so he knows what he needs to do, always an advantage.
Julien Rancon, Fabien Antolinus (won Templiers, 2nd at Ice Trail and 2nd in Annecy – one to watch) and Sylvain Court head up the local French talent and then we have Pablo Vila, Iain Ridgway, David Laney, Paul Giblin, Eirik Haugsness and a whole host of other talent that will be looking to take top honours.
In particular I think the Norwegian entries will make a few people turn their heads. They often fly under the radar but Lars-Erik Skjerveihm and Didrik Hermansen (2nd at Transgrancanaria) will rock the top end of the race.
But the complete dark horse may well be Iain Don-Wauchope from South Africa. He is a complete unknown in Europe and having watched him race in SA and in Costa Rica, he is the real deal and if his travel goes well, watch out!
Race website HERE
You can follow the racing HERE live
News and reports on FACEBOOK HERE, TWITTER HERE, INSTAGRAM HERE
Multiple meetings, trips backwards and forwards to London and I am pleased to say that I can now announce that I will have a new book available in late (September tbc) 2016.
It has been a long term dream to find the backing of a publisher and I am pleased to say that Aurum Press Ltd (Here) have had the trust to allow me to produce a book on a sport I love through photography and words.
An added bonus is that Kilian Jornet has agreed to write the foreword.
A work in progress, I anticipate some long days and nights as I evolve this project. I hope through imagery and words it will be an inspiration to those who look at it and read it.
Grubby pages with repeated use, I’d like to see multiple ‘post it’ notes marking races for future ‘bucket lists’ and most of all I hope it will be a book that allows you to dream.
Wish me luck as I put this together. Many thanks for the continued support and most importantly, thanks to Aurum Press Ltd, Kilian Jornet and all the wonderful races and people around the world who have afforded me the opportunity to make a dream a reality.
Ian
*Please note the cover is just an illustration. I anticipate a new cover for the actual book.
Following on from Transvulcania, attention this coming weekend turns to Zegama-Aizkorri and Menorca for the COMPRESSPORT TRAIL MENORCA CAMI DE CAVALLS 2015.
The Menorca Cami De Cavalls takes place on 15, 16 and 17th May on the beautiful island of Menorca. A series of races are offered that provide all those involved to see the beauty of this majestic island.
The island is known for its collection of megalithic stone monuments: navetes, taules and talaiots, which speak of a very early prehistoric human activity. Some of the earliest culture on Menorca was influenced by other Mediterranean cultures, including the Greek Minoans of ancient Crete . For example the use of inverted plastered timber columns at Knossos is thought to have influenced the population of Menorca imitating this practice. The location of Menorca in the middle of the western Mediterranean was a staging point for different cultures since prehistoric times. This Balearic Island has a mix of colonial and local architecture. Menorca’s cuisine is dominated by the Mediterranean diet, which is known to be very healthy. Whilst many of the locals have adopted modern attitudes they still uphold certain old traditions.
As a small island, large sporting events are seldom seen. However, in recent years, a couple of sport events have managed to gather hundreds of participants; Extreme Man Menorca triathlon and the single-staged ultra marathon race Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls.
The TMCDC embraces the small island and utilizes the trails to full affect offering a series of races (five in total) that allow runners to participate in a race of 32km or a traverse of the whole island in 185km.
TMCDC 185km
Trail Menorca Cami de Cavalls (TMCdC) is an ultra distance of 185,3 km and a positive slope of 2,863 m where each runner will discover their limits and enjoy an idyllic landscape on this island in the Mediterranean Sea, you will find beaches, cliffs, and incredible views.
TMCN 100km
The Trail Costa Nord (TMCN) explores the North of Menorca over a distance of 100 km. A positive incline of 1796m, runners will discover precious places in Menorca, beautiful trails and incredible views.
TMCS 85km
In the Trail Menorca Costa Sud (TMCS) you will visit beaches of white sand lapped by turquoise water and enjoy ravines and forests.
TCS 55km
The Trail Costa Nord (TMCN) provides an opportunity to discover Menorca’s wilder side; high cliffs, constantly changing terrain and beaches that leave you speechless.
TCN 32km
32 km Trekking Costa Nord (TCN) runs through the beautiful scenery of the Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau.
The first edition of the race was held in May 2012 with 270 participants. In recent years the amount of participants has been continuously increasing with 287 in 2013 and 646 in 2014. The 2015 edition will once again se the race reach a new level with a strong participation from respected trail, ultra and mountain runners such as:
ELISABET BARNES – 1st Marathon des Sables 2015
EMMA ROCA – results here
VANESSA RUIZ – Winner Trail Menorca CDC 2014
JAVIER CASTILLO– 3rd Utratrail Collserola 2014
JOEL JALLE CASADEMONT – 2nd Yukon Arctic Ultra 2105, 1st Goldsteig Projekt 500 2014, 5th spine race 2014
EUGENI ROSELLO – winner Spine race 2013, winner VCUF 2014/2013
SERGI COTS – Winner VCUF 2014 (made same finish time with Eugeni)- Third Ultra trail Catalan Cup 2014
IGNASI RIURO – Winner (team) and world record at Oxfam Trail Walker 2015
RAMON GARCIA – 4rt Trail Menorca CDC 2014 – Winner Tabernes Ultratrail 2015
JORGE IVAN CANO BERRIO
DANIEL ALFONSO ZUBIETA
VIVIAN ANDREA ALVAREZ FORERO
AYDE RAIDA SOTO QUISPE
BARBARA KOCH RAMIREZ
Course records are as follows:
TCDC – Zigor Iturrieta 21:10:04 and Laia Diez Fontanet 27:16:33
TCN – Xavier Garcia 10:12:01 and Marta Comas 11:35:11
TCS – Joan Noguera 8:03:31 and Brigitte Eggerling 9:53:28
TCN – Paco Arnau 2:34:22 and Maria Fiol 3:18:30
TCS – Juan Jose Mateos 5:17:36 and Daniela Carolina Moreno 6:42:37
The racing starts on Friday at 0800 for the TMCDC and TMCN – you can see a full race program HERE
I will be working on the race capturing images and stories so please follow on this website, via Twitter @talkultra on Facebook at facebook.com/iancorlessphotography and on Instagram @iancorlessphotography
Race website HERE
IAN CORLESS 