The recent Fast and Light film provides a great insight into Skyrunning and shows how the sport has grown worldwide; the UK has also seen interest grow in a sport where earth meets sky.
Shane Donnelly is a 26-year old runner from Ireland who has had his imagination captured by the sport.
Three challenging races but it’s the Glen Coe event in Scotland that is currently making runners turn their heads and wonder, ‘can I do that?’
Let’s face it, the 2015 first edition of the race had Skyrunning World and European Champion, Emelie Forsberg take part and post race she said:
“Waow! Seriously the best race in this distance. Super technical ridges and gullies (think Trofeo Kima but no via ferrata!) and some parts are very runnable on nice but tricky trails. Glen Coe I’m thrilled to have run this race. Thanks for the amazing organization. Even though it was hard all of the nature and the course made me go fast.”
You can read the full story on RUNULTRA.co.uk HERE
Episode 92 of Talk Ultra – We speak with Tromso SkyRace winner, Jonathan Albon and we have an inspiring chat with ladies Hardrock 100 winner, Anna Frost. The news and Speedgoat is back after a really busy month racing and working.
Listen to a full in-depth interview with Jonathan Albon on
TALK ULTRA Podcast Episode 92 out on Friday 7th August.
There are many reasons Tromsø SkyRace was set to be one of the highlights of my year. Although a race, I was most looking forward to running in the mountains, crossing streams and the wilderness that this event was set to deliver. There were two race distances – the Tromsdalstind (short) and Hamperokken (long). I’d be taking on the full Hamperokken skyrace which is actually classed as an ultra, more for the time it would take to complete as a opposed to the distance, which was only a modest 45km but had a huge 4400m of elevation gain.
Knowing this was what lay before me it was with a sadistic smile that I learnt the night before the race that the ski lift to the start wouldn’t open in time so we would have to make our own way up to the start! ‘A good warm up’ Kilian said – well, he was probably right.
Jonathan’s race stats:
45.1km Distance
4,373m Elevation
5:48:11 Moving Time
8:10/km Avg Pace
5,842 Calories
After reaching the start it wasn’t long before we were off. In an attempt to run my own race (unlike in previous races this year) I tried to start easy, warming up into it. It was hard judging were I was placed anyway as the short course started at the same time so I was content with just running. I started with the mindset that I didn’t care where I would place, I would run in the mountains and enjoy myself. So that is what I did. It wasn’t until the top of the first summit, Tromsdalstind, where we turned for a big descent splitting from the short course that I started to get a feel that I was in the top 10.
The summit was covered in snow and the route turned to just drop of the other side of the plateau over what looked like a cliff. It wasn’t until getting closer that you could see it was in fact an extremely steep snowy slope with a rope to assist descent. Thankfully this section wasn’t long but there were plenty more snow fields to slip and slide down on the rest of the descent. The majority though was on loose rocky terrain and steep muddy tracks. Before long I was reaching the valley floor and out of the thick fog, for the first time I could see further than a couple of hundred meters and the sight was surreal.
I had settled into a position next to a Swiss guy called Pascal Egli. He seemed to have the same happy attitude I had towards the race and we talked, joked and laughed as we crossed one of the only flat sections on the course between the two mountains.
Reaching the base of the big climb, Hamperokken, we were still together. After a third of the climb I let him go. I had by this point learnt he had come third in the Dolomites skyrace and had only finished something like 40 seconds behind Stian Angermund in the Tromsø vertical kilometer. I definitely didn’t feel worthy to be holding with him and felt I was either holding him back or I was pushing too hard. As it happened he never got more than 10m away. Running the majority but hiking the steepest gradients we were making good time…and catching people, passing two on the climb we just got another two as the ridge started. This put us in a group of 4 with only 1 guy ahead in the lead.
I noticed one of our group was Eirik Haugsnes. I’m not sure there would be anyone I would rather be following through what was one of the craziest sections of any race I have ever done. Eirik was last years winner and lives in the Troms area.
Describing the Hamperokekn ridge is difficult. For much of it I was using both my hands and feet for purchase. At one point of the razor edge ridge we had to jump a gap from one rock to another. It was funny to see how our little contingent had gone from racing to simply traversing this dangerous section together. I found myself at the back of the group least experienced in this sort of scrambling and twice found rocks tumbling down towards me from above.
The last 50m ascent to the top was described by Kilian in the race briefing as grade 3 scrambling. I’d describe it as ‘f***ing scary’. With this done it didn’t take long for the race to resume; as soon as we summited the group split as we started to descend. We had crossed paths with the leader, Alberto Hernando, on the way up and were only 2 minutes behind after over 3 hours of racing!
The descent was again as technical as it gets with large boulder fields and steep snowy slides. One particular section that sticks in my mind is where we traversed on snow just 5meters above where it dropped into freezing blue water of a big lake – one slide and you were toast (or ice more likely).
It was shortly after this point that the race started in earnest for me. As the four of us reunited crossing a boulder field it was clear my VJ Irocks were providing far more grip than my competitors shoes. This enabled me to pull away skipping over the rocks bouncing from boulder to boulder. Reaching more even ground with a small lead I just decided to run on and kept putting one foot in front of the other as fast as possible all the way back to the valley floor.
Coming back into the aid station I learnt I was 1 minute 30 seconds behind Alberto in first. Not thinking I had a hope in hell of catching him I continued to run at a comfortable but fast pace enjoying the brief flat section. Just two kilometers later I noticed I was gaining on a competitor traveling in the same direction as me, I double took not believing my eyes but I had just closed a big lead in next to no time. Coming up behind him I startled him as I don’t think he was expecting to see an Englishman popp up to say hello. I moved passed and at the foot of the last big climb heard a yelp from behind. I immediately stopped and turned, starting to head back, but he shouted at me motioning to continue. It looked as if he had gone over on his ankle. Obeying his command I turned back to the climb ahead.
I knew in my head this was a deciding moment. I would either start to climb and feel good or I would feel terrible and my chances would be nil. Either way I would know within a couple of hundred meters…so I started to climb. I can’t say it was easy but I was doing it. Moving uphill I was pleased with the strength I had. This section was too steep to run or even hike in some places, so using hands and feet I steadily clawed my way up.
About half way I hit the first of the snowfields, remembering coming down with such speed I was now confused as to whether I was meant to follow the same line back up. The snow was only just soft enough to dig a little purchase in with my feet and every step forward resulted in sliding half of one back. So wrapping a buff around each hand I started to claw my way up this too. Hand over foot I slowly made progress.
After 900m of climbing and 300 vertical meters from the top I started to hear the whisper of cow bells on the summit. Knowing the climb was nearly done worsened my condition, but slowly, painfully I was getting there, all the while thinking I had competitors hot on my heels. The last 40 meters were back up the same steep snow slope with a rope and thankfully some snow stairs someone had made (legends). Using the rope to help haul myself up I was there. 3rd and final big climb done and all I could say was ‘I’m f***d’ as a response to everyone’s encouragement.
Now for the descent and a slow gradual climb towards the finish. It wasn’t time to relax, energy started to flow back as I took my first few steps downwards and concentration took over brute force. The path was rocky and technical but also twisting. The thick fog made it hard to see the flags and I had to once backtrack 10meters up to find the correct route. Kicking myself, I still thought I was being hunted by my competition.
This technical path soon gave way to a sweeping trail following a small river and down into the woods and the last aid station. Now just 6km of undulating but climbing track remained and I started to play with the idea I had done it.
I managed to keep a run going the entire way and soon found myself going past groups of people cheering and ringing cowbells. I was getting closer but every time the trail dipped I thought it was for the final time to the finish, only to find another rise around the corner. I still had no idea how far back my competitors where but couldn’t bring myself to gun it, so keeping a safe pace where I knew I would have some gas in the legs for a sprint finish I finally crested the last rise and dropped round to the finish. Giving my now wife a hug I then crossed the finish line and had done what I would always have thought to be impossible…I had won a skyrace.
Jonathan Albon is an athlete first known for his success within the up and coming UK obstacle course racing (OCR) scene. He has now taken his exploits global, adding the title of OCR World Champion and Spartan World Champion to his name. Jonathan has enjoyed a busy 2014 where he has proved unbeaten in OCR as well as winning races such as Man v Horse, The Welsh 1000m Peaks Race and TelemarksHelten. He also achieved a remarkable 14th place finish in the Limone Extreme Skyrace and now victory at Tromso SkyRace.
The mountains and fjords were lost in and amongst light persistent rain and cloud for the 2nd edition of the Tromsö Skyrace part of the ultra Skyrunner® World Series.
Not even the 24-hour daylight could illuminate the proceedings, it was going to be a tough grey day. But despite the monotone, colour was in abundance; runners, race staff and marshals added that.
Anticipation worldwide for the Tromso Skyrace was high, and it’s clear to understand why. The race had 2 high profile race directors in Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg, it had a world class field assembled and if offered arguably one of the toughest and most challenging 45km of any race, worldwide!
“It was crazy, but it was awesome! Certainly one of the most difficult race in the world!” – Greg Vollet
4600m elevation awaited the runners but that statistic is only part of the story. It’s the technicality that makes this race hard. Steep descents, challenging terrain and the ridge running at Hamperokken requires 110% focus. This IS NOT a race for everyone. It requires a level of skill, devotion and commitment that not every runner has. 2014 champion, Eirik Haugsness summed it up when he said:
“As you can see on my face – this race is an intense experience.”
Intense it was and I can say, having climbed all the way to the final summit and located myself on the ridge to capture the front runners, the climb or the ridge did not disappoint. On the contrary, at times it was quite intimidating!
400 runners departed from Fjellheisen at 10am and they had to run what looks like a figure of 8 course that takes in 2 mountain summits: Tromsdalstind (1.238m) and Hamperokken (1.404m). Crossing snow fields, rivers, dense forest and of course technical ridges, the race was made even more challenging with the weather and the ‘slick’ conditions underfoot.
Skyrunner® World and European Champion for the Ultra distance, Luis Alberto Hernando was the odds-on favourite for victory and it was no surprise that he dictated the pace from the front. His arrival at Hamperokken ridge in 1st place was no surprise, however, the proximity of 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th was. They were only minutes behind! The charge was lead by Eirik Haugsness but Jonathon Albon was hot on his heels, as was Pascal Egli and Rolf Einar Jensen.
Post race Haugsness commented that this group of 4 had agreed not to ‘race’ the ridge. It was a wise choice. It offers no room to pass and crossing from one end to the other is all about being comfortable with the challenge and doing so at ones own pace.
“At about 1100m the famous Hamperokken ridge proper starts, this is like a combination of the Aonach Eagach (Scotland) and Crib Goch Ridges (Wales) but with fewer escape paths. It is solid grade II scrambling in parts with a few very short sections that are maybe grade III” – Shane Ohly, RD for the Glen Coe Skyline
On the descent though Albon moved ahead and went in pursuit of Hernando.
“I was running with the group and I thought, I can go quicker than this so I did,” said Albon after the race.
Albon caught Hernando before the final climb and then slowly but surely opened up a gap as the Spaniard started to seize with tiredness and fatigue. Albon took victory 17-minutes clear and although he came to this race a relative unknown, his win has turned heads. Coming from an obstacle racing background where he has been a world champion, this course suited him perfectly. It was a stunning win and boy-oh-boy is great to see a Brit on top of the podium. Hernando held on for 2nd and Einar Jensen took the final podium place.
The ladies race actually had a very similar feel to the men’s race. Race director, Emelie Forsberg had decided some time ago that she would run her own race and formulated a plan with co-race director Kilian Jornet and the team of marshals and helpers to facilitate that. Like Hernando, Forsberg is the current Skyrunner® World Champion and European Champion for the ultra distance, so although victory was a distinct possibility it was not guaranteed.
Forsberg arrived at Hamperokken ridge in 1st just like Hernando but was closely followed by Maite Maiora and Mira Rai. Norwegian Malena Haukøy was in 4th place but looked strong and composed.
Over the final half of the course Forsberg slowly extended a small lead and Mira Rai pursued. Maite Maiora took a tumble on the descent from Hamperokken and although she received no permanent injury, it did impact on her race causing her to slow. Rai moved into 2nd (who also fell) and local girl Malena Haukøy moved ahead of Maiora and took an excellent 3rd on the podium.
111 runners completed the course before the midnight cut-off time. Of course the stories and experiences of an epic day in the mountains will continue to be revealed in the coming days and weeks. One thing is for sure, Kilian and Emelie have created something quite special in Tromso. It’s a race that harks back to the roots of Skyrunning. It’s alpinism without the clutter. But be warned, this race is not for everyone and as such, just like Trofeo Kima in Italy, you need to ensure that you are prepared for the challenge that the Tromso Skyrace will throw at you. Roll on 2016.
As a footnote, it was incredible to see how Kilian and Emelie used their passion for running to provide this experience for all. Of course no event can happen without an incredible team of volunteers and helpers and at Tromsö they had this help in abundance. But Kilian was a man possessed. He was course marking, writing reports, taking photographs ensuring everyones safety on the route and to top it all off he was at the finish to welcome everyone with a smile and a medal. It was impressive to see. Bravo! And as Emelie would say:
What an incredible day in the mountains. Kilian and Emelie really did add some mountain meat to the bones of the Skyrunning calendar and the Skyrunner World Series.
It was a wet, grey, misty and claggy making mountain conditions difficult for all. In the ladies race, Emelie Forsberg came out on top in a highly competitive race and for the men, Jonathon Albon from the UK turned quite a few heads with an incredible performance.
Tromsö, Norway was shrouded in mist and low cloud today. Ironic considering that the previous days had glorious sunshine and blue skies. At 3pm, leaving the sea of the Ersfjord fjord runners faced a vertical climb of 1.044m reaching the top of Store Blåmann; the first VK in Tromsö.
It’s a technical course that mixes many different terrain types to make this an ultimate challenge for the VK specialist and novice. 117 runners made it to the top having crossed several sections on large rocks, boulders, scrambling sections and snow.
From the beginning of the race, a small group of strong athletes pushed at the front with local, Stian Angermund pushing ahead of Pascal Egli and Remi Bonnet. Slovenian Nejk Kuhar and the Norwegian Thorbjorn Ludvigsen chased hard but were loosing ground at the mid point. Angermund obviously wanted victory on home soil and sealed the top podium slot with a strong finish in a remarkable 35:20. Remi Bonnet moved up into 2nd an Pascal Egli completed the podium.
Yngvild Kaspersen from Tromsö followed up a great run at Dolomites SkyRace and pushed race director Emelie Forsberg all the way to the line. But Forsberg managed to win (43:41) by just 1 second after a sprint on the last rocky section before the summit. Maite Maiora took the final podium place.
Tromsö and race directors, Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg pulled out all the stops to make this VK a very special occasion. It was like a group of friends assembling and undertaking a fun day of running in a very casual and informal way. But the planning and experience was well established ahead of the race and all went smoothly. Kilian post race said:
“Everyone was very positive and happy and I am really pleased we had no issues. It was a success!”
Many of the runners will now rest and look to do ‘the double’ and get ready for Sunday’s events; The Hamperokken SkyRace, part of the for the Ultra SkyRunner® World Series and the Tromsdalstind SkyRace of 21km. Both races will start at 10am.
Results
1.Stian Hovind-Angermund 35:20 2.Remi Bonnet 35:42
3. Pascal Egli 36:05
It’s the 2nd edition of the Tromsö Skyrace and although the 2 race directors won’t thank me for adding a spotlight onto them, one has to admit that Emelie Forsberg and Kilian Jornet as RD’s really does add a plus to an event.
If you were a cynic, you may well think that the race just uses the two Skyrunning stars as a vehicle for promotion! If you do, you could not be more wrong! Just a glance at Facebook this last 2 weeks has provided us all with a real insight into how ‘hands-on’ Kilian and Emelie have been in getting this race off the ground and ready for an increased audience.
The duo brings a true love of the mountains and a desire for technical terrain to a larger audience and with the Tromsö Skyrace the challenge is a tough one! Edition 1 had many a runner saying that it was the most extreme and technical 45km’s they had ever run. That I am sure would place a big smile on Kilian’s and Emilie’s’ faces. Using inspirational race like Trofeo Kima as an influence on the Tromsö Skyrace, the race is set to be a classic that will run for a great deal of time.
Located in Tromsö, Norway, the race embraces the wilderness and 24-hour days with fjords and glaciers as a backdrop. In the words of Kilian and Emelie, it is “Soul running between the sky and the sea!”
In summary:
Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg: two world-class race ambassadors
Tromsö, a remarkable landscape
Three races
International yet familiar race
Eco-responsive race
300 runners in total will arrive in Tromsö for what I am sure will be an amazing, awe inspiring experience that they will hold and cherish for a long time to come. After all, the race does take place in the Norwegian Arctic Circle.
“First we just started to talk about how cool it was that in the north we can run 24 hours in light during the summer. And then we started to talk about what we think Skyrunning is and how we would like a race that includes all the key ingredients; trails, summits, ridges off trail aid stations, a consideration for the environment and so on! We decided to make a course that comes close to the city but still has all the key ingredients that we want in a race, summits, wilderness and technical parts! We are so happy about the route!”
Friday will start with a Blamann VK, 2.6km in length and 1044m of vertical gain make this race a true challenge for those who like to push themselves on a steep gradient.
The Tromsdalstind Skyrace has 19km length and 1600m elevation and the key race for the weekend is the Hamperokken Skyrace which is part of the Ultra Skyrunner® World Series and has 42km length and 4100m of vertical gain.
So who is running?
VK
Nejc Kuhar heads up a strong VK race and as Skyrunner® World Series leader for the VK distance he is a firm favourite for the title in Tromsö.
However, Eirik Haugsness and Thorbjorn Ludvigsen are almost certainly going to want to represent themselves highly and what is a ‘local’ race.
Rising star, Remi Bonnet will also be a key contender as will Ferran Texeido but the dark horse may well be Stian Hovind so keep an eye on him, he is my dark horse for the top of the podium.
The ladies VK race is wide open and maybe not surprisingly, Emelie Forsberg may well be a hot favourite for victory.
Azara Garcia will almost certainly contend the podium, as will Therese Sjursen and Ekatarina Mityaaeva.
Mira Rai will also run but I think the Nepalese runner is still finding her feet in these short vertical races. I am sure she will be looking to the Ultra on Sunday for her best performance.
ULTRA
I fully appreciate that 42km is not an ultra, so please don’t email in and point this out! The Tromso Skyrace gains ‘ultra’ status due to the demanding course, technicality and because of the time it will take to complete the course. As we said earlier, this is NO easy race! If in doubt, the winning time from 2014 was 6:38:30!
Men
Skyrunning World and European Champion for the Ultra distance, Luis Alberto Hernando will toe the line in Tromso and one has to say, he is the man to beat. He has been on fire in 2014 with victory and Transvulcania, Ice Trail Tarentaise and 2nd place at the IAU World Trail Championships.
Franco Colle equally has been a revelation in 2015. His victory at Tor des Geants in 2014 placed him on the radar for any race over 100-miles but this year he has nailed Mont-Blanc 80km and Ice Trail Tarentaise. One to watch!
Last years winner, Eirik Haugsness is going to have his work cut-out to top the podium in 2015 but Tromso is a race that holds a special place for him and that always adds so those essential extra percentages when you need to dig deep.
Philipp Reiter has had a quiet 2015; no doubt university has placed a demand on his time. Tromso however will suit the young Germans skill set and I am almost certain we can expect to feel his presence at the front of the race.
Cristofer Clemente adds to the front-end action and has consistently performed well in 2015 with a string of top 10 placing.
Salomon team manager, Greg Vollet can never be ruled out of the front end action and I see that Canadian Adam Campbell is on the start list but I am not sure if he will run after a sterling effort at Hardrock 100.
Local talent will provide a huge surprise factor and here Emelie provides me with some valuable inside information:
Lars Eirik Skjervheim is a member of the Norwegian ski mountaineering team and a very good runner. He has had a struggle with an injury but if he is in good shape he could be on the podium, I think?
Ola Hovdenak was 2nd in 2014 and loves technical trail.
Sven Are Paulsen is a Tromsö X- country skier, that last year got really into Skyrunning! Top 10!
Kristian Ulriksen is a fast roadrunner from Tromso; lets see how he handles the technical trails.
And finally,
Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz, Zigor Iturrieta (in hospital for an operation), Florian Reichert, Jan Bartas and Stu Air will all figure in or around the top 10 and my dark horse tip goes to Dan Doherty who may well be the surprise package of the whole race.
Ladies
Mira Rai may well excel in the tough and challenging conditions of Tromso. Her victory at Mont-Blanc 80km was a revelation but recent races at the Dolomites VK and Dolomites Skyrace were mixed. Maybe they were too short? Tromso may well be short in distance but in time, it’s a long race that will play into Mira’s hands.
Maite Maiora is a Skyrunning specialist and specializes in the Sky distance. However, she nailed Transvulcania in 2014 and that therefore elevates her up the ‘one-to-watch’ to THE one to watch.
Australian rising star, Lucy Bartholomew will also run the race and this will be a big test. But I strongly believe it’s a test that she will rise too. The podium may well be a long shot this early in her career but I don’t think she will be too far off.
Malene Hakoy is a Norwegian ski mountaineer, she won Hornidal runt this year and placed second overall… one to watch!
Hilde Aders placed top 10 in the Dolomites VK and placed 2 in Hornidal Runt this year.
Finally, a real dark horse shout out for Shiri Leventhal; I am sure she won’t thank me for pointing a spotlight at her but she made the podium at Everest Trail Race a few years ago and may well be a surprise package. Also, Heather Ohly from the UK may well make an impact on the top-10.
Needless to say, Tromsö Skyrace is going to over a seriously exciting weekend of running in an amazing part of the world and what almost certainly will be and incredible course.
It’s with great pleasure that I can announce that Salomon International Athlete, Skyrunning Ultra World Champion and recently crowned Skyrunning Ultra European Champion, Emelie Forsberg, will run the first edition of the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline (Scotland) in August 2015.
Speaking after the Dolomites VK and just before the Dolomites SkyRace (where she placed 4th) Emelie confirmed that she will travel to the UK on August 20th to participate in the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline.
Emelie in recent years has become one of the most important mountain/ skyrunners in the world after a string of high profile victories and podium performances in distances ranging from VK to 100-miles.
Ironically, it all started in 2012 when Emelie raced The Three Peaks (UK) where she placed 2nd behind Sarah O’Neil. This race was quickly followed by running the iconic Zegama-Aizkorri where she placed 3rd after an incredible display of downhill running behind Oihana Kortazar and Nuria Picas. We knew then that Emelie was special!
Arguably, Emelie was unstoppable in 2013 and victory at Transvulcania Ultramarathon, Trans D’Havet and other high profile races only confirmed that a new multi-talented star was amongst us.
Known for her incredible strength, endurance and break neck downhill running, she has also become an inspiration to men and ladies all over the world by her infectious passion and love of life which she daily shares via social media. No matter how hard the race, no matter how tough the conditions are, no matter how bad she is feeling, Emelie is guaranteed to provide a smile.
Emelie recently has an incredible start to 2015. A last minute decision to run Transvulcania Ultramarathon (off skis) was rewarding once again with a dominating victory. This was followed with a new course record and victory at the iconic Mount Marathon in Alaska.
Just days after the Mount Marathon victory, Emelie raced the VK Face Bellevarde in Val d’Isere (as a loosen up) and then 2 days later won the 65km Ice Trail Tarentaise and was crowned Skyrunning European Champion 2015.
“What a week! Mount Marathon and now European champion in ultra-distance Skyrunning! I’m really happy. I climbed summits and glacier and ran on beautiful trails. Thank you everyone standing along the course talking to me and cheering me on.”
Never one to rest, 5 days after the ITT, Emelie ran the Dolomites VK and then placed 4th at the highly competitive Dolomites SkyRace just 2 days later.
“I need a little rest now but I am so looking forward to Scotland and this incredible course!”
Emelie’s presence in the UK is something that fans of mountain and trail running have wanted for some time, so, to finally have this come to fruition is extremely exciting. From day one my aim and desire with Skyrunning UK has been driven in providing UK runners challenging courses that would give them an insight into what is available in Europe. However, with careful planning and some great work with quality race directors, we are slowly but surely building a series of races that can offer a challenge to anyone! This was proven in 2014 when Stevie Kremer raced the Mourne Skyline MTR. Emelie’s presence in Scotland later this year is a dream come true but it’s only the beginning. I had a plan that in 3 years we would bring a host of world class talent to the UK to race and I can now see that coming to fruition, it’s a really exciting time!
Shane Ohly form Ourea Events along with Gary Tompsett have worked tirelessly to put the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline race together and it hasn’t been without some raised eyebrows and concern (excellent article HERE). But the plan has been very clear from the start:
“We are not creating another mass participation fell or trail running event, but rather a world class Skyrunning course for experienced and competent participants. 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.”
On hearing that Emelie would run the inaugural Salomon Glen Coe Skyline, Shane was very clear in his thought process:
“It is an honor that Emelie has decided to race at the inaugural Salomon Glen Coe Skyline and I am delighted that this world class Skyrunning course we have conceived has attracted a Skyrunning World and European Champion.”
Emelie will not have an easy race! Finlay Wild, Es Tressider, Jim Mann and Dragons Back Race 2015 ladies champion (also 2nd overall) Jasmine Paris will also run the race.
‘We 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,” said Ohly.
“I would love to see the same kind of community engagement and atmosphere at a UK SkyRace as I have personally experienced at European skyRaces like Zegama-Aizkorri. Certainly this is my goal for the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline and we will be working hard to achieve this.”
The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline™ follows in the finest tradition of the most prestigious Skyrunning races, fusing mountain running and alpinism in a pure test of speed, endurance and skill on an uncompromising, world-class course.
The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline™ will take place on Saturday 22nd August 2015 and will be part of the Skyrunner UK Series. The event is only suitable for highly experienced competitors and all aspirant entrants will be vetted for experience.
Entries are limited to 200 max. The current entry list is HERE.
The second edition of the Tromsö Skyrace to be held the first weekend of August in northern Norway was presented today. This year’s event will include a vertical kilometre race but will still keep the essence of the first edition: technical routes for lovers of skyrunning and a family atmosphere.
There will be a Skyrace, 45 km and 4,600m climb and a Miniskyrace, 21km and 1,600m D+. In addition, a new circuit has been added: a Vertical Skyrace of 2’6km and 1,044m D+. All of them are ‘very technical circuits designed for experienced runners who enjoy the wilderness’ declared athletes Emelie Forsberg and Kilian Jornet who, once again, will be ambassadors of the event. This year the Skyrace and the Vertical Kilometre will score towards the Skyrunner® World Series, and some of the best athletes in the world will take part in it.
After the excellent reception last year, in which inscriptions were sold out within hours, the number of runners has been increased by 600 -200 per race- but not too many to crowd the race with runners, and always with the mountains taking centre stage.
Like last year, athletes will enjoy a route with the Norwegian fjords in the background as well as wild paths, technical trails and glaciers. A unique landscape in a race that remains very respectful of the environment and very familiar. The bond between the sea and the mountains, with participants from all over the world. Last year there were up to 25 nationalities present, and this number is expected to increase this year.
The event will have two star athletes: world champions Emelie Forsberg and Kilian Jornet, who are very excited about this second edition ‘we are looking forward to returning to share those circuits, at a very special time when it never gets dark.’
Emelie and Kilian are actively involved in the Tromsö Skyrace by helping out the organizers, designing the circuit and in a rather curious and original way: by cooking cinnamon pastries for all participants. Emelie explained: ‘We want this to be a race where all runners feel looked after. Last year I had a great time cooking and sharing moments with the participants. The race is growing but we still want to maintain this spirit.’
Nature is the most important thing in the Tromsö Skyrace and, therefore, the environment is taken care of by marking the circuits with biodegradable tape, setting up the checkpoints in shelters and crossroads and avoiding paper notices.
Registration for this event, which is the dream of every Skyrunner, is now open.
The event will take place on July 31st, 1st and 2nd August 2015 and will be part of the Skyrunner World Series.
Registration for 600 places opens today and the event hopes to be as successful as last year.
A technical route in a unique setting with Norwegian fjords.
Episode 70 of Talk Ultra and on this weeks show we speak with the winner of Superior Endurance Runs (Fall Races), Adam Schwarz-Lowe, Eirik Eirik D Haugsnes talks Tromso Skyrace and Daniel Doherty tells us all about placing in the top-10 at Tor des Geants. Talk Training has part 2 of our Navigation 101 and we have the News, a Blog, Up & Coming Races and I am pleased to say… Speedgoat Karl Meltzer is back as co host with an in-depth chat on his AT attempt.
NEWS
Run Rabbit Run
wow – KRAR!
Rob Krar 17:40:05
Josh Arthur 18:33:05
Jeff Browning 19:06:43
Ryan Gelfi 19:38:24
Nick Clark 19:50:15
Sage struggled with the technical second half favoured by Kilian, closed second in 5h20’27”. Kilian finished a fast 5h09’33”. Manuel Merillas (Mammut), a new young talent from Spain leading the Series, climbed from 4th position at 30 km to finish third in 5h29’20”. Britain’s Tom Owens (Salomon) was an excellent 4th and American Paul Hamilton (The North Face) last year’s race winner, took 5th
Emelie Forsberg was race winner in 6h32’42”. Kasie closed in 6h38’05” and Anna in 6h49’25”. Canadian Ellie Greenwood was 4th and American Hilary Allen, 5th. Series leader, Italian Alessandra Carlini, took 8th.
Ultra 168 had a round up of results for the Southern Hemisphere HERE
Surf Coast Century: Saw a fantastic new course record from Kellie Emmerson in the ladies 100kms, taking it out in 9:29. In the men’s race, it was a tie for 2nd place As Dave Eadie and Brendan Davies held hands over the line. We often joke about joint finishes, but there’s no malice there
Glasshouse 100km :Cameron Munro took out first place in a speedy 17:17, nearly two hours ahead of second place. While Deb Nicholl did the ladies proud finishing in 19:31.
GNW 100-mile :Clarke McClymont celebrated a big birthday by notching up a cracking win in the 100 miler in a time of 20:56. The ladies title was taken out by Sonia McDermott in an excellent time of 25:39.
INTERVIEW
We caught up with Eirik Haugsness to discuss Tromso Skyrace and his 2014 season
BLOG
For the first time in Talk Ultra history, I am actually going to put forward one of my own posts here – Minimal, Maximal or the curious question of Drop – HERE
INTERVIEW
Adam Schwartz-Lowe won the Superior 100 after placing 2nd twice before, we caught up for a chat about the race and his previous running.
TRAINING TALK
We follow up from our ‘Basic’ Navigation 101 with ‘Intermediate. Once again Charlie Sproson co-hosts this segment
UP & COMING RACES
Australia
Queensland
Spiny Cray Ultra – 58 km | 58 kilometers | September 21, 2014 | website
South Australia
Yurrebilla Trail 56km Ultra | 56 kilometers | September 28, 2014 | website
Western Australia
Waterous Trail on Foot 50 | 50 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Austria
Wörthersee Trail-Maniac 114 K | 114 kilometers | September 19, 2014 | website
Wörthersee Trail-Maniac 57 K | 57 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Wörthersee Trail Maniak 114K Superior | 114 kilometers | September 19, 2014 | website
Wörthersee Trail Maniak 57K | 57 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Brazil
Jungle Marathon Brazil – 100 km | 100 kilometers | October 02, 2014 | website
Jungle Marathon Brazil – 240 km | 242 kilometers | October 02, 2014 | website
Canada
British Columbia
Frosty Mountain Ultra Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Great Lake Walk and Ultramarathon | 56 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Ontario
Run Off the Grid 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Sears Great Canadian Run – Toronto | 141 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
That Dam Hill – 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Quebec
Tour du Massif – 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Chile
Patagonian International Marathon – 63K | 63 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
France
Aveyron
100 km de Millau | 100 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Côte-d’Or
Alésia Trail – La Vercingétorix | 51 kilometers | September 28, 2014 | website
Haute-Loire
Le Grand Trail du Saint Jacques | 70 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Le Trail du Gévaudan | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Haute-Savoie
Trail des Aiguilles Rouges | 50 kilometers | September 28, 2014 | website
Ille-et-Vilaine
100 km de la Vallée du Semnon | 100 kilometers | September 28, 2014 | website
50 km de la Vallée du Semnon | 50 kilometers | September 28, 2014 | website
Loir-et-Cher
Ultrail de Beauval | 65 kilometers | September 28, 2014 | website
Lot
Espagnac – Conques : du 20 au 24 septembre 2013 | 208 kilometers | September 19, 2014 | website
Morbihan
Ultra des vagues – Le tour par les sentiers côtiers | 83 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Nord
La Contrebandière | 65 kilometers | September 28, 2014 | website
Savoie
Ecotrail – trail long | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2014 | website
Seine-et-Marne
Impérial Trail – 64 km | 64 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Germany
Baden-Württemberg
KuSuH Trail 100 | 100 miles | September 26, 2014 | website
Bavaria
Churfranken Trailrun | 73 kilometers | September 21, 2014 | website
Mittelbayerische Landkreislauf | 61 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Lower Saxony
Volkslauf ” Gesund beginnt im Mund” – 52.8 km | 52 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
North Rhine-Westphalia
50 km von Hitdorf | 50 kilometers | October 03, 2014 | website
Rhineland-Palatinate
Dorint-RUN50 | 50 kilometers | September 19, 2014 | website
South Africa
100 Capital Classic – 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 19, 2014 | website
100 Capital Classic – 50 Mile | 50 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Cape Town Festival of Running 100K | 100 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Cape Town Festival of Running 100 Miler | 100 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Spain
Catalonia
Matagalls-Montserrat | 83 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
RialpMatxicots Extrem | 82 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Ultra Pirineu | 103 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Madrid
100 km Madrid-Segovia | 100 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
50 km Madrid Trail | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Sweden
Black River 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Black River 50 Mile Endurance Run | 50 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Switzerland
Valais
Humani’Trail Les Diablerets | 55 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Trail des Dents-du-Midi – Super Trail | 57 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Trail des Dents-du-Midi – Trail découverte | 57 kilometers | September 19, 2014 | website
Vaud
Ultratour du Leman | 173 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
United Kingdom
Cornwall
Atlantic Coast 3-Day Challenge | 78 miles | October 03, 2014 | website
Derbyshire
High Peak 40 Mile Challenge | 40 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Glasgow City
Clyde Stride Ultra Marathon | 40 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Gloucestershire
Cotswold Way Century 100mi | 102 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Northern Ireland
Causeway Coast Ultra Marathon | 39 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Northumberland
Pennine Way 1 Ultra | 77 kilometers | September 21, 2014 | website
Redcar and Cleveland
Hardmoors 60 | 60 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Shropshire
Double or Nothing | 70 miles | September 19, 2014 | website
USA
Alabama
Autumn Equinox 32 Mile Ultra | 32 miles | September 21, 2014 | website
Birmingham Stage Race – 2 Days | 36 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Birmingham Stage Race – 3 Days | 53 miles | September 26, 2014 | website
Alaska
Equinox Ultra Marathon 50 km | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Arizona
Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line 100 mile Ultra & Relay | 100 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Mogollon Monster 100 | 106 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
California
Berkeley Trail Adventure – 50K | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Coastal 50K | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Kodiak 100 Mile UltraMarathon | 100 miles | September 19, 2014 | website
Kodiak 50 Mile UltraMarathon | 50 miles | September 19, 2014 | website
Noble Canyon 50k | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Ragnar Relay Napa Valley | 186 miles | September 19, 2014 | website
Tahoe 72 | 72 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Tahoe Double Marathon | 52 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Colorado
The Bear Chase Race 50K Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 28, 2014 | website
The Bear Chase Race 50 Mile Trail Race | 50 miles | September 28, 2014 | website
Georgia
Georgia Jewel 100 Mile Run | 100 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Georgia Jewel 35 Mile Run | 35 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Georgia Jewel 50 Mile Run | 50 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Idaho
Priest Lake 50K Ultra Marathon | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Kansas
FlatRock 50K | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
FlatRock 50K Ultra Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Maryland
Ragnar Relay Washington D.C. | 200 miles | October 03, 2014 | website
Massachusetts
Hancock Shaker Village 50 Mile Race | 50 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Michigan
DWD Hell 50K | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
DWD Hell 50M | 50 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Hungerford Games 50-Mile Ultra Marathon | 50 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Montana
Yellowstone-Teton 100-Mile Endurance Race | 100 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Yellowstone-Teton 50 Mile Endurance Race | 50 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
New Hampshire
Pisgah Mountain 50K Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2014 | website
New Jersey
The Mountain Madness 50K | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
New York
Chautauqua Ultras 50K | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Chautauqua Ultras 50 Mi | 50 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Ragnar Relay Adirondacks | 210 miles | September 26, 2014 | website
Shawangunk Ridge 32-Mile Trail Run/Hike | 32 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Shawangunk Ridge 74-Mile Trail Run/Hike | 74 miles | September 19, 2014 | website
Virgil Crest 100 Mile Ultra | 100 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Virgil Crest 50 Mile Ultra | 50 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
North Carolina
Run for the Horses 50 Mile Ultra-Marathon | 50 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Ohio
100 Not Yo Momma’s – 100K | 100 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
100 Not Yo Momma’s – 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
100 Not Yo Momma’s – 50K | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
100 Not Yo Momma’s – 75K | 75 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Hocking Hills Indian 60K Run | 60 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Oregon
Columbia River Power 50K | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Flagline 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 21, 2014 | website
Mountain Lakes 100 | 100 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Pacific
Sac River Ultramarathon | 50 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
Pennsylvania
Trails 4 Tails Ultra Run | 40 miles | September 20, 2014 | website
Texas
Lighthouse Hill Ranch 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
Lost Loop 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Utah
Bear 100 | 100 miles | September 26, 2014 | website
Elk 50K | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Grand to Grand Ultra | 160 miles | September 21, 2014 | website
Vermont
Vermont 50 Ultra Run | 50 miles | September 28, 2014 | website
Virginia
Belmead Trail Fest 50K | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Belmead Trail Fest 50M | 50 miles | September 27, 2014 | website
GrindStone 100 | 101 miles | October 03, 2014 | website
Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions 100K | 100 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Uber Rock 50K Trail Race | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Washington
Cle Elum Ridge 50K | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Wyoming
Sundance 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | September 27, 2014 | website
Vietnam
Mountain Marathon Vietnam – 70 km | 70 kilometers | September 20, 2014 | website
IAN CORLESS 