“…it kind of draws upon my all around hill skills really. My ability to look after myself in tricky weather situations, navigate my way between checkpoint stations and just generally manage myself and be safe. Whilst it is a race there’s a kind of survival element, there’s definitely a lot of appeal in all that. I think that UK ultra-running traditionally drew upon all those skills with mountain marathons and similar events. It’s nice to go back and do a big event based on those elements and test myself in different ways. It brings excitement and gets my adrenaline going.” – Jez Bragg
You can read the full article on Jez Bragg on RUNULTRA HERE
The Berghaus Dragons Back Race™
The legendary Dragon’s Back Race™ follows the mountainous spine of Wales from Conwy Castle to Carreg Cennen Castle. This incredible 5-day journey is approximately 300 kilometres long with 17,000 metres of ascent across wild, trackless, remote and mountainous terrain. It is not a trail race.
The original Dragon’s Back Race™ happened in September 1992 and ever since, it has been whispered about with a mix of awe and trepidation. Its reputation had reached legendary status with fell, mountain and ultra runners the World over by September 2012 when the second Dragon’s Back Race™ happened.
The Dragon’s Back Race™ is one of the hardest mountain races in the World.
The next race will be the 22nd-26th June 2015. If you are considering entering or just want to experience the awesome challenge offered by the Dragon’s Back Race™ we strongly recommend that you watch the multi award winning film of the 2012 race.
Potential competitors should read the information here>>>.
RUNNER tells a story, it uncovers a journey of the physical, mental and emotional challenges that runners go through at the edge of human endurance. From a school girl running on the streets of London to breaking records on the worlds mountains and toughest races, Lizzy Hawker is an inspiration to anyone who would like to see how far they can go, running or not.
“Lizzy never ceases to enthuse, inspire and amaze! She knows what it truly means to live life to the absolute fullest, step out of your comfort zone and truly test your limits. So much more than a book about running, this memoir is about an enthralling life journey replete with peaks and troughs, highs and lows and many twists and turns. Most importantly, Lizzy reminds all of us to never stop exploring, discovering and challenging ourselves to do more than we think possible.” – Chrissie Wellington MBE
Lizzy Hawker needs no introduction. Often called the Queen of UTMB, her running has inspired many… me included. Her ability to run tough, relentless mountain trail races has also been matched with road running.
100km Women’s World Champion, five times winner of the UTMB, record holder for the 24-hour and the first woman to stand on the overall winners’ podium at the iconic Spartathlon; Lizzy is a formidable force irrespective of the distance or terrain.
Lizzy’s remarkable spirit was recognised in 2013 when she was awarded National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award for running 320km in the Himalayas from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu.
RUNNER provides an insight into the mind of one of the most inspiring ladies in the ultra world, Lizzy Hawker.
Nikki Kimball, current female champion of the 254km Marathon des Sables and three-time Western States 100 miler winner will be taking part in the four day, 150km Richtersveld Wildrun™ held during the first week of June 2015 in the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park in South Africa.
Kimball, a resident of Boseman, Montana in the USA, is one of the most respected female ultra-runners in the world and her presence at the Richtersveld Wildrun™ is a fantastic opportunity for top South African runners to measure themselves against one of the best in the world.
A few of Kimball’s achievements include:
1st female at Western States 100 miler in 2004, 2005 and 2007 (the only woman to win this race three times)
1st female at the 166km Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc in 2007
1st female at her first ever attempt at the 7 day, 251km Marathon des Sables 2014.
The women’s supported speed record for completing the iconic Long Trail, a 438km hiking trail in Vermont, Canada. It took her 5 days, 7 hours and 42 minutes – one of the fastest five runners to accomplish this feat.
Closer to home, Nikki finished the Comrades Marathon in 2010 in an impressive 7:26:37. She is over the moon to return to South Africa before she heads to another Western States 100 later this year:
“South Africa has had a special place in my heart since 2010 when I visited the country with teammates Kami Semick and Michael Wardian to race Comrades Marathon and raise money for Vukukhanye, an AIDS orphan charity in Chesterville near Durban,”
While the distance of the Richtersveld Wildrun™ is what Kimball is used to racing non-stop, she is excited by the opportunity to explore the truly unique landscape of the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park – one of only 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
“During my one and only visit to South Africa in 2010, we never reached the lands near the border of Namibia. Each of us wanted to explore the stark beauty of this area, and my one regret from our trip was the fact that we did not tour this area. Thus when given the chance to run Richtersveld Wildrun™, I had to change my race schedule to include this amazing event. I cannot wait to play in the arid beauty of this rocky, hilly, truly wild piece of Africa!”
The 150km Richtersveld Wildrun™ takes place in the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park over four days from 2 to 5 June. Starting and finishing at Sendelingsdrif, runners will get to experience a world of geological splendour. From the heights of Hellkloof pass, to the granite slabs of Tatasberg, the green swathe of the Orange River, the gargoyles of Halfmens Ridge and the crystal fields of the Sendelingsdrif plateau – every kilometre is unforgettable and participants are sure to leave the Richtersveld changed people. The Richtersveld experience is unlike any other in the world. Botanically, this area holds 40% of the world’s succulent species, many with incredible adaptations to the harsh mountain desert environment.
Wildrun™ stage races have become known as some of Southern Africa’s premier multi-day trail running events, and Owen Middleton, founder and managing director of the organising company, Wildrunner, is proud to see the interest in Wildrun™ events shaping up internationally, particularly with top-class runners such as Kimball.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Nikki on the start line this year! I have no doubt she will be enthralled and inspired by the magnificence of the Richtersveld mountains, the people and the event,” says Owen. “The Wildrun™ events offer a unique opportunity to run in truly wild places together with a limited field of 80 other adventurous and likeminded people.”
Since its inception in 2014, the Richtersveld Wildrun™ has had amazing support from Boundless Southern Africa and marketing manager, Roland Vorwerk was equally excited about Kimball’s decision to join this adventure.
“We are looking forward to Nikki joining the field of runners experiencing the unique natural and cultural landscape of the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and meeting the communities associated with this innovative event. The Richtersveld Wildrun™ route includes many of the Park’s most spectacular features, and includes trails that very few people get to traverse.”
Peter McKuchane, general manager of Business Tourism in the Northern Cape said:
“We are excited to once again host the Richtersveld Wildrun™ and to welcome exceptional world-class athletes of the calibre of Nikki Kimball to our province. Athletes will have an opportunity to experience the incredible beauty and warm hospitality of the people of the Northern Cape. The vast openness and rugged landscapes of this remote corner of the Northern Cape will create unforgettable memories for the participating athletes and visitors. We wish all the participants the best of luck in this destination of Extreme Adventure, Nature and Culture.”
Nikki Kimball is one of the most highly respected ultra runners in the world, Her running CV is beyond comprehension. It all started in 2000 with a win at Escarpment Trail Run 30k at the age of 29.
In 2004, Nikki had a break through moment with victory at the iconic Western States. Nikki also won again in 2006 and in 2007 she did the ultra double winning Western States and UTMB in the same year.
An ever present in the world of ultra running, Nikki has often been referenced as a true pioneer of the sport. In 2014 Nikki ran the Marathon des Sables for the first time and won! The Marathon des Sables is 30+-years old this year so I wondered, what knowledge could Nikki pass on before the next edition.
Join our Multi-Day Training Camp in Lanzarote, January each year. Booking and details available HERE
It’s been a while Nikki, when did we last speak?
No, we spent a week together in Morocco.
Exactly… April, not that long ago I guess. A great place to start: was that your first multi day race?
I have done Jungle Marathon in Brazil, very similar to MDS but a lot less comfortable due to humidity. I did that in 2009. You need to carry all your gear just like MDS and I have done Transrockies too which is like summer camp.
I knew you had done Transrockies but not the Jungle Marathon.
Oh yeah, Transrockies is a vacation.
What enticed you to Morocco and MDS, great way to start a year?
Yes, I guess. I thought it would be great training for Western States. That was my initial goal. The UTWT helped me get me to Morocco so I must thank them. I had wanted to do MDS for some time but the financial side was an issue. I got the opportunity and wow; it was just awesome. It was so much more than what I expected. I was overwhelmed by the race. It is so professional, so impressive it is quite mind blowing. It was an incredible week of running.
So many have a perception of what MDS is. From a UK perspective it is an expensive race… USA also. The entry fee is high; I guess travel from the UK is okay but less so from the USA. It costs thousands of pounds and dollars. I am often asked: why does it cost so much? But having experienced it, it is the biggest circus I have ever seen.
Oh yeah. It’s amazing. The logistics are amazing. They have full medical teams and so on… There is a good reason why race entry is so much. It is beyond impressive. It is an unbelievable undertaking.
From your perspective, the ‘Batchens’ (Lisa-Smith and Jay) are heavily involved as USA agents. Lisa-Smith has won the race. Did you speak with them pre race?
Oh for sure. I stayed with them and asked every question possible.
So you came well prepared?
Yes I think so. I also spoke and spent time with 2013 ladies winner, Meghan Hicks, so, between Lisa and Meghan I was well looked after. They understood the race and they could pass that on. You know, the feel of the race. Races have a feel and MDS definitely has a unique feel.
Great that you should get advice from the other Americans who have won the race?
Oh yeah, we all live relatively close together so it was great.
Talk me through the 2014 race. Give me some highlights!
Wow, the first couple of days were fun. I didn’t push it hard and I enjoyed the atmosphere. I was kind of having some depression problems prior to MDS. I have major depression anyway and I was kind of not doing too well going into the race. I remember on the first day… I was climbing a dune and I could see nothing but sunshine and happy people. My mood lifted. It was just amazing. The depression broke and it was really instrumental to setting the stage for the race. Day two and three was easy and then I guess it was the long day that I made my move. I had planned beforehand that I would try to win the race that day.
Yes I remember pre race when we chatted that you said you would make a push that day. You expected Laurence Klein to be faster on the short days but the long day would play into your skill set and 100-mile experience.
I have never had a race go so well. It went perfect. Exactly to plan; easy couple of days and then ramp it up. I’m really happy with how it all went.
Did you get nervous early on? You know, thinking that you were giving time away to Laurence or did you have complete confidence?
I had confidence that I was racing the best way for me and that my strategy would give me my best performance. I had no idea how Laurence would race. I couldn’t control her pace, so I just ran my own race. I didn’t know I would beat Laurence but equally I wasn’t convinced I would loose to her either. After day two one of the French reporters asked me, “At this point do you think that you could possibly beat Laurence?” Big mistake… I was polite but I thought, ‘I will show ya!’
Well it’s a French race and Meghan won in 2013 so I guess they were hoping they would have a French lady back on the podium.
I guess so.
You upset the apple cart. Once the long day was done, did you just consolidate?
Absolutely! I have just completed sixteen years of ultra running. That is a long time. Once I took that lead on the long day, I knew I had no need to push. I could just defend and race smart. I don’t even know how many ultras I have done… but I know I don’t need to destroy myself.
Great tactic. No extra points or extra prestige for winning by more hours. A great lesson for us all here!
I knew I had races coming up so I wanted to be sensible.
It’s a new year and MDS is not far away… Runners are now suddenly panicking. The race is just months away. So may questions. What rucksack, what shoes, what sleeping bag, what food, tell us about bivouac and so on. What tips do you have for everyone that worked for you?
I had a very light sleeping bag and that was all I needed. I was warm in that but I do believe 2014 was a warm year. It didn’t really get cold at night, so, you may need to be careful on that. If you are racing and want to be competitive then weight is everything. You must go as light as possible. I didn’t have a sleeping pad, no luxuries, and no creature comforts. But if you want to ‘complete’ it makes sense to have a few comforts but don’t go crazy, remember you have to carry it!
How about food, what strategy did you use. You need a minimum calorie allowance.
Yes, I carried the minimum.
How did you break those calories down? It’s always a big debate; fat v carbs, dried food, bars, liquid, gels and so on. What did you do?
I took advice from Lisa and Meghan and a woman called Susan Hunt who had done loads of research on MDS. I went with what I thought would work for me. That is what you have to do. For me, I did one freeze-dried meal at night, which provided good calories. I rolled out all my food before I went to Morocco and mad it as small as possible and then put it in new bags. I just added water and then put them back in the sun to warm it so I didn’t need a stove. I also took a great deal of calories in peanut oil. It’s oil that lasts (it doesn’t go rancid) and it has loads of calories.
How did you carry that peanut oil?
I decanted it to small plastic bottles. I had over 1000 calories of peanut oil and I added it to my food. It was easy calories. If I go to MDS again I would take more. It worked really well.
So you had 1000+ calories to last the week?
Yes, I wasn’t eating 1000 calories of oil a day but I would definitely take much more for another trip or race like this. It’s great; just add to food and it really works.
What did you do for breakfast?
I had dehydrated potatoes but it didn’t really work for me. I don’t eat a high carb diet anyway so it was a struggle. They tasted great for a couple of days and then I couldn’t stand it. I was throwing my breakfast away, crazy.
Yes, so many struggle with what they thought was safe food and then they can’t eat it. I remember Meghan saying she had a favourite bar that she loved. It was a bar she could eat anytime, so she took them to MDS. After day one (I think) she couldn’t face them! It is funny how your palette changes so quickly when under stress.
Exactly. I’m not sure how you find out what works though? I think variety is good. You need to play safe to a certain extent.
What would be a breakfast choice now?
I would still take potato but only for a couple of days and then I would take some other freeze-dried option.
On the trail each day, how did you get calories?
I ate dried mango. I loved them and I never got sick of it. They were really great. I also had little packets of ‘Vespa’ for amino acid. That helped too. I knew I would burn my own fat for calories. You can’t race on 2000 calories alone so you will burn fat. I didn’t need to eat all that much really.
Great point! You have already mentioned you don’t eat much carb so am I correct to assume that you have a low carb and low sugar diet. You look to be fat adapted.
Not always but yes, for the last few years I have raced this way. I let myself go a little in the off-season but when I am racing I need to be 100% on my nutrition game. It’s all about balance, running is important but not all consuming.
I guess you prepared for MDS when the New Year started, what was training like. Did you do anything specific so that you knew you would be performant in Morocco?
When I signed up for MDS, I got invited to India to do a run. That wasn’t planned so I had to fit that in. This race was in February. It was a 100km in the heat in a salt desert on the Pakistan border; that was perfect! It was a great jump-start. I had no heat training at all really from that point onwards but I did run in the snow and that worked great. Running in the snow is very similar to the sand and dunes.
Yes, sand and snow very similar feel when running.
Yes, I have been running in the snow this winter and it has reminded me of MDS. Obviously running in the cold isn’t ideal but snow-running technique was brilliant. I have however always run well in the heat. My Western States performances confirm this.
What about back-to-back runs, speed sessions and running with a pack?
I didn’t run with a pack at all… I had one of those WAA packs and they are incredible. It fit me like a glove. I recommend people train with a pack but I do ski mountaineering and I always use a pack so I don’t need to adapt. I am 100% used to it.
I mentioned speed work and back-to-back runs. I guess you have been running so long that running a multi day is second nature?
Yes. I did no back-to-backs or speed. I have been doing this running thing for years.
You have an incredible running history. You’ve won Western States and UTMB and so many other incredible races, so where does MDS fit. Is it one of the best?
Oh yes. It’s up there. It was a surprise for me. I didn’t expect it to be as fun and as challenging as it was. As I mentioned, I was a little depressed pre race and so therefore I was a little down. But the race kicked me out of that and I had a ball. I’d love to go back some day. It was a wonderful learning curve too. I met so many amazing people. It holds a special place in my heart.
I agree, MDS is quite special; I feel fortunate to witness the race from the outside looking in. Documenting each participant’s journey through images and words. Final question; how difficult do you rate MDS?
It’s no easy race if you are pushing at the front. But it’s as easy or as hard as you want it to be. The cut offs are generous and that provides so many with an opportunity, which is great. But if you are looking to be at the front, you have to be fit, dedicated and focused. It’s not the hardest race I have done but it is also not the easiest.
*****
Nikki will race The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica (HERE) in February and will hopefully peak for the 2015 Western States.
Nikki has a new film about to be released called FINDING TRACTIONthat documents her journey on the Long Trail (see Here)
If you require any photography, words or articles re Marathon des Sables please email using the contact form below.
Another year draws to a close and with it many races, many experiences and many highlights. I don’t need to tell you but our niche sport is progressing at an alarming rate: more runners, more races and more standout experiences, what a year!
It is no easy task being at the top of your game in our sport anymore. Competition is high at every race and past scenarios where a runner could return to a ‘fave’ race year-after-year and win it are long gone! I don’t think we will ever see a Scott Jurek or Ann Trason dominate the sport as they did in their times.
Runners at the top of the game now need to be specific, peak for races; recover and then re peak if they want to perform. The ISF (International Skyrunning Federation) and the UTWT add to the complexity of the race calendar by adding a ‘series’ element to proceedings. The need to be at your best for a series requires planning, commitment, dedication and patience. It’s way to easy to burn out… a good year, maybe two good years and then boom, gone! We have seen this happen time-and-time again. Ask Geoff Roes, ask Anna Frost, Tony Krupicka and so on. The need to balance racing and recovery is now more than ever a key component of the ultra runners weaponry and so therefore when I review a year, I do it with a sense of hesitation.
For sure, I am going to write about several runners who have excelled, who have repeatedly blown my mind with stunning performances and against all logic have recovered, come back and won again. So as I write this, please keep in mind the above. A long ultra running life must come with balance.
Also, the following summary and notes are my highlights of 2014 so I welcome your thoughts and feedback..
2014 in summary
Jo Meek followed on 2nd place lady in the 2013 Marathon des Sables (2013) with a course record performance in The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica. Showing meticulous preparation and dedication, Jo just gave us all a glimpse of what was about to come!
Ryan Sandes and Nuria Picas laid out a stall at Transgrancanaria and put on two consummate displays of ultra running prowess. Nuria lead from the front showing all the ladies a clean pair of heals whereas Ryan played the waiting game and moved through the field slowly but surely to grasp the race by the scruff of the neck in the latter stages and take a superb victory.
Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel did the DrakTraverse and in doing so they showed us that big projects in the mountains are just as exciting as racing. FKT’s love them or hate them are here to stay and I for one love the concept. Ultimately it gets back to why we all run. Ryan and Ryno with considerable help of Red Bull really put South Africa on the map and the fellas at The African Attachment produced a great film called Trevelyan to document the record.
UTMF (Ultra Trail Mt Fuji) confirmed that Nuria Picas was going to be the lady to beat in 2014. Nuria’s strength, powers of recovery and ability to push beyond the norm elevated her to a new level. Equally, Francois d’Haene showed us that he had recovered from Raid de la Reunion in 2013 and when it came to 100-miles in mountainous terrain he would be the man to beat.
Nikki Kimball on her way to victory in the 2014 MDS.
Nikki Kimball arrived in Morocco and for the 2nd year running put an American on the top of the ladies podium and in doing so she confirmed her status as one of the best female ultra runners in the world.
I mentioned Anna Frost above and after 12+ months in an ultra wilderness the ever smiling lady from New Zealand returned to the volcanic island of La Palma and produced not only one of the best comebacks in our sport but in the process set a new course record for the Transvulcania La Palma course.
As Frosty made that comeback, up the trail in La Palma, Luis Alberto Hernando was having one of the best races of his life as he went toe-to-toe with Kilian Jornet. He pulled it off! He beat Kilian and in doing so he achieved something that so few have done. His emotions on the line in Los Llanos provided a special moment in the sport.
Zegama-Aizkorri had all the excitement and buzz of previous years and Kilian started a winning streak that placed his career on an all time high. By comparison, Pocket Rocket, Stevie Kremer took top honours confirming that her 2013 results were no flook (never in question) and that a repeat performance for the Skyrunning World Series was on the cards
Ellie Greenwood did it… she won Comrades and achieved the ultimate tick for her own bucket list but inspired so many Brits, Canadians and Americans in the process. It was quite a run and one that Ellie will take to the grave as a defining moment of her running. Jo Meek followed up victory in January’s The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica with 5th in South Africa; the ultra community looked on and asked the question: who is Jo Meek?
Kilian Jornet obliterates the record for Denali in Summits of my Life (11:48) – nuff said!
Luis Alberto Hernando bolstered by his Transvulcania performance laid it all on the line in Chamonix for the Skyrunning World Champions in the 80Km Ultra event. Collapsing on the finish line not only had Luis achieved a lifelong dream but he had relegated the almost unbeatable Francois d’Haene into 2nd place. Emelie Forsberg won the ladies race against Anna Frost and Kilian Jornet proved what an incredible athlete he is by working his craft in the VK and SKY race just days after setting a new Summits of my Life record on Denali. Elisa Desco became ladies SKY world champion in a highly competitive and exciting race and Laura Orgue confirmed her outright climbing ability and was crowned VK world champion.
Steve Birkinshaw produced the ultimate FKT and broke a long-standing record for the Wainwrights (518km) in the English Lakes. Summiting 214 tops with an elevation gain/loss of 36,000m Steve set a new record of 6-days and 13-hours.
Ice Trail Tarentaise in the stunning resort of Val D’Isere allowed Francois d’Haene to once again excel in the snowy and cold mountains of this tough, technical and amazing Skyrunning course. Running head-to-head with Luis Alberto Hernando (again) with less than 20km’s to go, Francois moved ahead and took top honours. Emelie Forsberg took a back-to-back victory at the race and confirmed that her ability at the 80km distance was unmatched.
Hardrock 100 will go down in the history books as one of THE runs of all time. It was the most stacked field ever, it was a who’s who of ultra running and the prospect of Kilian Jornet finally getting an opportunity to test himself on what many consider to be the ultimate course was just way too exciting. Like a script from a screenplay, Kilian bided his time, pulled away, hung out waiting for Julien Chorier and then by his estimations ‘wasted’ 55-minutes in aid stations and still smashed the record. KJ’s victory guarantees an entry for next year when the course is run the opposite way; I wonder… could we see Kilian set two CR’s?
Western States was all about Rob Krar doing his thing and coming back for a repeat victory (14:53:22). This quiet unassuming man let his legs do the talking and produced what was the start of a trio of 100-mile successes. Max King in his first 100-miler set a blistering pace early on and eventually placed 5th… more on him later! Stephanie Howe was crowned ladies champion in 18:01:42.
The Skyrunning Dolomites Skyrace was remarkable for two reasons. Laura Orgue progressed from a VK specialist to a SKY victor and remarkably Kilian Jornet, just 7-days after Hardrock ran the VK on Friday (placing top-10) and then won the SKY race on Sunday against the best in the world; ridiculous.
Sierre-Zinal, the epic mountain race in Switzerland was finally won by Pocket Rocket herself, Stevie Kremer after placing top-3 on two previous attempts. It was a defining moment for the little lady from Crested Butte and post race she said if she could only win one race, Sierre-Zinal would be it. A pattern is forming… yes, those two words: Kilian Jornet. Yes, he did it again!
Trofeo Kima (Italy) only happens every 2-years and is arguably the jewel in the Skyrunning crown. It’s a kick-ass race of epic proportions and if I could only ever cover one race as a photographer, Kima would be it. Combining running, climbing, descending, chains, ropes, ladders and vertical drops it is a course that is made for Kilian Jornet. Needless to say the Catalan won and in doing so, he set a new course record. Emelie Forsberg look set to take the ladies crown but a lapse of concentration mid race took Emelie of course and loose approximately 1-hour. Despite chasing like a demon, Emelie could not pull back the time on ladies winner, Kasie Enman.
The British Ultra Trail Championships crowned Jo Meek and Kim Collison as respective champions in two exciting races on the Lakeland 50 course.
Iker Karrera and Nura Picas won Buff Epic Trail in ‘testing’ conditions.
UTMB provided confirmation that Rory Bosio is one of the best female mountain runners in the world. Her 2013 course record performance was epic but as we all know, to come back and win again confirms the accolades. Nuria Picas placed 2nd and gets a nod here as her list of performances and results (on the UTWT) are off the scale. If anyone questioned who is the best 100-mile mountain runner in the world at the moment – Francois d’Haene backed up his incredible UTMF performance with an outstanding UTMB run against a stellar field.
Rob Krar backed up victory at WSER with a stunning Leadville 100 victory and set the stage for a repeat ‘Ultra Runner of the Year’ award.
Run Rabbit Run came pretty close after Leadville and to my surprise we saw Rob Krar toe the line. I was a little surprised. Rob has always been one of the more savvy runners on the circuit in that he peaks, recovers, trains and then re peaks. For Rob to run 100-miles so soon after Leadville was a surprise! Maybe the big prize bucks were a motivating factor? Anyway, what do I know… he took the win and the bucks! Nikki Kimball followed up 5th at WSER with the biggest payday victory of her career and she shed a few tears to show how much it meant.
Skyrunning Limone Extreme confirmed Stevie Kremer as Skyrunner® Word Series Champion for the 2nd consecutive year but the big news came via Kilian Jornet. His victory in the VK confirmed him as Skyrunner® World Series Champion in all 3 Skyrunning disciplines – VK, SKY and ULTRA. If any of us needed confirmation of the Catalans all around ability, this was it!
Ultra Pirineu (Cavalls del Vent in the past) had Nuria Picas and Luis Alberto Hernando take top honours – unstoppable!
USA’s The Rut set the benchmark for Skyrunning in the USA with universal accolades about the course. It may come as no surprise that Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg took top honours and respective Skyrunner® World Series titles.
Raid de la Reunion became the Francois d’Haene show. He followed up his 2013 victory with a repeat consummate performance. Dare I say, ‘he makes 100-miles in the mountains look easy!’ Nathalie Mauclair also produced a quality back-to-back victory and along with great runs on the UTWT circuit set herself firmly at the top of the best female ultra runners in the world.
Doha finally became the venue for the 100km world championships and Ellie Greenwood backed up an incredible Comrades victory and placed herself on top of the world with a stunning performance. Big shout here too for the British ladies, Joasia Zakrzewski and Jo Meek who both placed in the top-5 ad took home team gold. Max King showed amazing depth of ability, speed and performance in taking the male victory ahead of some of the fastest men in the world.
Iain Don Wauchope smashes the Salomon SkyRun record in South Africa and Landie Greyling tops the ladies podium.
Rounding out the year, Sage Canaday and Magdalena Boulet took top honours at San Francisco 50.
Phew…
Wait a minute! Kilian Jornet gets the last word. As I write this Mr Jornet is attempting another summit, Aconcagua. Only appropriate that we should end a year on a real high… Just below 7000m to be exact.
Get involved:
I am going to have missed races, missed performances and no doubt you will remind me of what they are. I welcome that. I’d love you all to comment (below) on what 2014 has meant to you and what/ who in your opinion deserves a tip of the hat.
MY 2014 AWARDS
Male ultra runner of the year – FRANCOIS D”HAENE (Rob Krar came close)
Female ultra runner of the year – NURIA PICAS
Best male performance – KILIAN JORNET for Hardrock 100
Best female performance – ANNA FROST for Transvulcania La Palma and ELLIE GREENWOOD at Comrades
Best single stage race – TROFEO KIMA
Best multi day race – EVEREST TRAIL RACE
Best FKT – STEVE BIRKINSHAW, The Wainwrights
Biggest surprises of 2014 – ZACH MILLER and the rise of JO MEEK. The AUSSIES at the Skyrunning World Championships.
Stand out athlete of the year – KILIAN JORNET
Best cinematography – The African Attachment and Seb Montaz
Best film – Dejame Vivir
Anything else worthy of a mention?
Personal message:
On a personal note, 2014 has been an incredible year! I have travelled the world and in the process I have attended and worked on 31-races. From the humidity of Costa Rica, to the heat of the Sahara and the cold of the Himalayas, my job has afforded me the privilege to watch, observe and photograph the best runners in the world work their craft.
I am eternally grateful to each and every race, race director and of course I must give huge thanks to Lauri van Houten and Marino Giacometti from the ISF for the continued support and opportunities they have afforded me in allowing me the opportunity to work on and cover the Skyrunner® World Series.
I must also give a huge thanks to every single person who listens to my podcast, Talk Ultra, reads this website and ‘likes’ or ‘follows’ my respective Facebook and Twitter feeds.
Delivery will be guaranteed the first week of December.
The calendar has highlights from a great 2014 racing season and includes images of ISF president, Marino Giacometti, Maite Maiora, Stevie Kremer, Jo Meek, Marco De Gasperi, Luis Alberto Hernando, Emelie Forsberg, Zaid Ait Malek, Martin Gaffuri, Kilian Jornet, Francois D’Haene and Anna Frost.
Cost will be £20.00 inc post and package within UK.
(An additional £5.00 for postage outside UK.)
To pre order, please fill in this request form, importantly, please specify postage within UK or outside UK. You will receive an invoice via Paypal.
Payments are accepted via debit card, credit card or Paypal account.
Episode 72 of Talk Ultra has a full and in-depth interview with Jason Schlarb after his recent 4th place at the 2014 UTMB. Donnie Campbell talks about his running career and winning the recent 3×3 80km High Terrain Events in the UK and Claus Rasmussen talk about running Spartathlon… in sandals. The News a Blog, UP & Coming Races and Speedgoat Karl Meltzer.
NEWS
Kilian is King! Skyrunner World Series Champion for VK, SKY and ULTRA
Limone Extreme SKY results:
Petro Mamo 2:14:25
Kilian Jornet 2:14:55
David Schneider 2:19:58
Maite Maiora 2:47:05
Stevie Kremer 2:49:03
Elisa Desco 2:52:40 3×3 80k
Donnie Campbell 8:28:56
Lee Kemp 8:38:49
Ed Batty 9:00:17
Ed Catmur 9:23:48
Stephen Birkinshaw 9:29:24
Lizzie Wraith 10:42:23
Sally Ozanne 10:50:18
Kerstin Rosenqvist 11:12:21
Jamie Aarons 11:18:02
Lauren Woodwiss 12:15:08 INTERVIEW with Donnie Campbell GRINDSTONE 100
Jeff Browning 18:34:40
Brian Rusiecki 19:08:01
Michael Owen 19:32:26
Robin Watkins 22:53:13
Megan Stegmiller 23:35:41
Jacqueline Palmer 25:04:56
BLOG Jez Bragg on the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa –HERE INTERVIEW
Carl Rasmussen ran the 2014 Spartathlon in sandals INTERVIEW Jason Schlarb placed 4th at the recent UTMB GOOD, BAD & UGLY
UP & COMING RACES
Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Stromlo Running Festival – 100 km | 100 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Stromlo Running Festival – 50 km | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
New South Wales
Hume & Hovell 100 | 100 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Hume & Hovell 50 | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Washpool/Gibraltar World Heritage Trails 50 km | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
South Australia
Heysen 105 | 105 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Victoria
Go the Extra Mile Melbourne | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Ned Kelly Chase 100km – Wangaratta Fitness Fun Addicts | 100 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
Austria
Bécs-Pozsony-Budapest Szupermaraton | 317 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Cameroon
Challenge des Montagnes F4 | 160 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
Costa Rica
Q50 Costa Rica Ultramarathon | 86 miles | October 18, 2014 | website
France
Aveyron
Endurance Trail | 106 kilometers | October 24, 2014 | website
La course des templiers | 71 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
Corse-du-Sud
Corsica Coast Race – 95 km | 95 kilometers | October 29, 2014 | website
Haute-Corse
Corsica Coast Race – 170 km | 170 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Ille-et-Vilaine
Entre Palis et Mégalithes | 64 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Saône-et-Loire
Com Com Trail 68km | 68 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Savoie
Grand Trail du Lac – 72 km | 72 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Röntgenlauf Ultramarathon | 63 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
Greece
Rodopi Advendurun 100 miles | 100 miles | October 17, 2014 | website
India
Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race | 100 miles | October 31, 2014 | website
Israel
Ultra Marathon Sovev Emek – 100 Km Run | 100 kilometers | October 24, 2014 | website
Ultra Marathon Sovev Emek – 100 Mile Run | 100 miles | October 24, 2014 | website
Ultra Marathon Sovev Emek – 200 Km Run | 200 kilometers | October 24, 2014 | website
Ultra Marathon Sovev Emek – 61 Km Run | 61 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Italy
Campania
Amalfi Coast Trail | 79 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Emilia-Romagna
Tartufo Trail 50 km | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Tartufo Trail 66 km | 66 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Ultramaratona del Tricolore – 100 km | 100 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Cormorultra | 69 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Piedmont
Lago d’Orta Ultra Trail – 55 km | 55 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Lago D’Orta Ultra Trail – 80 km | 80 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Sardinia
Sardinia Ultramarathon | 81 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Japan
Inagawa 100km Ultra “TOASHI” Fun Run | 100 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Mexico
Carrera de Baja Mexican Trail | 100 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Morocco
Trans 333 | 333 kilometers | October 31, 2014 | website
Ultra Runners Race 777+++ | 777 kilometers | October 31, 2014 | website
New Zealand
Blackmores XTERRA Trail Challenge Waihi Ultra Marathon | 60 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Portugal
Ultra Trail das Aldeias do Xisto | 100 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Réunion
La Mascareignes | 67 kilometers | October 24, 2014 | website
Le Grand Raid | 164 kilometers | October 23, 2014 | website
Trail de Bourbon | 93 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
South Africa
Bonitas Golden Gate Challenge | 70 kilometers | October 23, 2014 | website
Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon | 250 kilometers | October 30, 2014 | website
Ultra-Trail® Cape Town – 100 km | 100 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Ultra-Trail® Cape Town – 62 km | 62 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Spain
Andalusia
Ultima Frontera – 166 km | 166 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Ultima Frontera – 55 km | 55 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Ultima Frontera – 83 km | 83 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Ultra-Trail Gran Vuelta Valle Del Genal | 125 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Canary Islands
Tenerife Bluetrail 60 km | 59 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Tenerife Bluetrail 94 km | 94 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Castile and León
Ultra de Gredos | 82 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Catalonia
Ultra Trail de la Serra de Montsant | 100 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Sweden
Markusloppet | 50 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Stage Run | 260 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Zanzibar Ultra Trail | 100 kilometers | October 24, 2014 | website
United Kingdom
Cumbria
Ennerdale 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Derbyshire
Dusk’til Dawn Ultra | 50 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
Devon
East Devon Way Ultra | 53 miles | October 21, 2014 | website
Two Moors Way Ultra | 50 miles | October 20, 2014 | website
Dorset
Wessex Ridgeway Ultra | 52 miles | October 22, 2014 | website
Durham
Original Mountain Marathon | 52 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
Hampshire
Sussex Border Path Ultra | 49 miles | October 24, 2014 | website
Rotherham
Rowbotham’s Round Rotherham International Trail Event | 50 miles | October 18, 2014 | website
Suffolk
Coastal Trail Series – Suffolk – Ultra | 34 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
West Berkshire
Winter 100 | 100 miles | October 18, 2014 | website
West Sussex
Vangard Way Ultra | 44 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
Wiltshire
Clarendon Way Ultra | 48 miles | October 23, 2014 | website
USA
Arizona
Cave Creek Thriller 50K | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
California
100 Mile Endurance Challenge | 100 miles | October 18, 2014 | website
Coyote Ridge 50 Km Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Lake Hodges 50K | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
Stinson Beach 50 km | 50 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Whiskeytown 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Connecticut
Bimbler’s Bluff 50k | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Delaware
Sinnemahone Ultra Marathon 50K | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Florida
Mutual Mine 50K | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
“Running for the Bay!” 50K | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
Illinois
Des Plaines River Tail 50 Miles | 50 miles | October 18, 2014 | website
Forest Glen 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Kansas
Lake Perry Rocks! 50K | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Prairie Spirit Trail “Fall Classic” 50K Ultra Race | 50 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Prairie Spirit Trail “Fall Classic” 50 Mile Ultra Race | 50 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
Maine
The Pounder | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
The Punisher | 50 miles | October 19, 2014 | website
Maryland
Fire on the Mountain 50K | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
Massachusetts
TARC Fall Classic 50K | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Minnesota
Surf the Murph 50K | 50 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Surf the Murph 50M | 50 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
Missouri
Dogwood Canyon 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
Spirit of the Osage 50K Endurance Run | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Nebraska
G.O.A.T.z 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
Nevada
Las Vegas 100K | 100 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Las Vegas 100 Mile | 100 miles | October 18, 2014 | website
Las Vegas 150K | 150 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Las Vegas 50K | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
North Carolina
Table Rock Ultras 50K | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Table Rock Ultras 50 Miles | 50 miles | October 18, 2014 | website
Triple Lakes Trail 40 Mile Run | 40 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
Ohio
Stone Steps 50k Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
Oklahoma
Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd 100K | 100 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd 100 Mile | 100 miles | October 18, 2014 | website
Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd 50K | 50 kilometers | October 18, 2014 | website
Pennsylvania
Quad State Quad Buster | 46 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK | 50 miles | October 19, 2014 | website
Tennessee
Ragnar Relay Tennessee | 196 miles | October 24, 2014 | website
Texas
Cactus Rose 100 Mi Trail Run | 100 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
Cactus Rose 50 Mi Trail Run | 50 miles | October 25, 2014 | website
Utah
Goblin Valley Ultra 50K | 50 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Pony Express Trail 100 | 100 miles | October 17, 2014 | website
Pony Express Trail 50 | 50 miles | October 17, 2014 | website
Washington
Ft. Steilacoom 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2014 | website
SCOTT Cougar Mountain Series 50k | 50 kilometers | October 26, 2014 | website
West Virginia
Run Around the Gorge | 69 kilometers | October 25, 2014 | website
Discover how Anton Krupicka experiences mountain running and challenges himself running ultra distances on the trails.
Why do we decide to explore mountains, trails and the wilderness? Perhaps because “we can never have enough of nature” as Henry David Thoreau once described. The Ingenuous Choice features mountain runner Anton Krupicka exploring the wilderness of the mountains, racing 100 miles and reflecting on what makes mountain running essential to him.
Credits:
Produced by Outdoor Live – outdoor-live.com
Story, filming, edits and distribution: François Tornier & Maxime Tornier
Female voice over: Kylie Whitehead
Texts based on works by Henry David Thoreau, including “Walden; or, Life in the woods”
Music: Bradford Cox (under Creative Commons licence) and “Symbols and Maps”, courtesy of Circulatory System
Gary Robbins has an incredible story… like all Canadians he played Hockey, his first race ‘off the couch’ was a 10-miler but in his late teens the lure of a good party and soft white snow saw him become a ski bum.
Like many, he had a cathartic moment. A moment when you look in, shake yourself up and decide that you need to get a grip. Gary travelled and travelled extensively. It was the millennium and those magic numbers, ‘2000’ provided a stimulus for many, not just Gary.
The process of finding fitness and health was a gradual one. When back home in Banff the partying continued but it was now on a back burner. Running became a normal activity and the mountains provided an incentive for adventure.
2002 ultimately was a key year, Adventure Racing was booming and Gary had seen the EcoChallenge. What followed was a journey into the unknown and Gary raced with his team the Raid the North Extreme, Mind Over Matter Adventure Racing and the booming Primal Quest.
In 2008 a shift to purely running came and for many, this is the Gary Robbins we all know. His history and story around Hurt 100 makes incredible reading and listening. In 2010, Gary tackled Hurt and not only won the race in 20-hours 12-minutes but broke a Geoff Roes course record… that doesn’t happen very often!
What followed is possibly one of the greatest comebacks in sport. Whilst out training with Geoff Roes and Max King, Gary broke his leg on the Hurt 100 course. At first he thought it was no big deal, however, what followed was a period of his life that may well have seen Gary never run again.
But mile by mile, Gary eased his way back into the sport with help of fellow ultra runner, Luke Nelson. In 2013, Gary went full circle and returned to Hurt 100, a place of so much glory and so much pain. He had a point to prove and prove it he did. He won the race and a little like Roy Hobbs in the the film, ‘The Natural’ Gary had his moment once again. A moment he followed up in 2014 with a repeat victory.
Hurt 100 holds a special place in Gary’s heart and it is his experiences in Adventure Racing, triumphing over the 100-mile distance, his incredible comeback that will now see him toe the line at the Salomon SKYRUN in South Africa.
IC: How have the last couple of months been from a racing perspective?
GR: From a racing perspective I built out my year to attempt to peak for The Salomon SkyRun and as such I’ve had an unusually low mileage summer of running. I raced the Cascade Crest 100 miler on August 23rd. It wasn’t my best day, especially after a sleep deprived week of race directing my own Squamish 50 just six days prior. I ended up sitting in an aid station just 30 miles in for over twenty minutes after walking for the hour prior. It wasn’t pretty. I stuck with it though and had a great second half rally in which I managed to climb my way back up to finish 3rd overall. Seth Swanson (2nd WS100) took the win in a CR time.
IC:Do you have any targets between now and your trip to SA?
GR: My target is a big month of training and to show up in peak fitness and injury free. I will be racing Rocky Man Brazil on November 8th though, before flying straight to South Africa.’RMB’ is a relay event in which teams compete by Nationality. It’ll be the first time a Canadian team has competed at Rocky Man and I’m quite excited with the team we’ve built. For me it’ll be a 35km mountain run along with a team based outrigger canoe paddle. The team if five members and the disciplines include surfing, skate board half pipe, SUP, mountain bike, men’s run, women’s run and a team outrigger canoe and team run stage.
IC: How has training gone, you are a busy race director yourself?
GR:It was quite the summer of race directing to be honest. I now oversee twelve races and it’s certainly kept me on my toes. I had a very successful first seven months of training, followed by a few months of non-structured training with lower overall mileage. I’ve just now started bumping up the distance again with a successful three day circumnavigation of the 150km long Wonderland Trail at Mount Rainier. That capped off a 110 mile week and thankfully all systems seem to be a go right now.
IC: Navigation is a key component of the Salomon SKYRUN have you been looking at some maps of the Drakensberg?
GR: I unfortunately have not, and navigating was never my strong suit in adventure racing. I hope to work this in in October.
IC: You have a great adventure racing background, are you intimidated by the navigation element of the SkyRun?
GR: Thus far no, I’ll just follow the route Ryan Sandes did for the course record…!
IC: The course sounds extreme, particularly if the weather turns. Have you researched the course?
GR: I struggle to look past the next event on my calendar and typically work through one event at a time, as such I haven’t been able to put much focus on my SkyRun research just yet. I direct my final trail race of the year this Saturday and following that it’s 100% focus on South Africa.
IC: A strong local contingent will be toeing the line… Iain Don Wauchope, AJ Calitz and so on… do you know much about them?
GR: I do not know much about these runners personally, but what I do know is that South Africans in general are incredible tough and talented runners. There’s no doubt in my mind that South Africans could very literally run away from the rest of us on race day. Home field advantage is certainly a reality over any terrain in which flagging isn’t utilised.
IC: Michael De Haast (race director) has put up a great prize purse should somebody post a great time, is that an incentive for you?
GR: I think it’s great that Michael has been able to put up such a prize purse. Personally I’ve never targeted an event due to a prize purse and am more driven by the aesthetic of a race. Prize purse or not, I can’t wait to run in South Africa! My wife will be joining me for two out of the three weeks that I’ll be in South Africa and we’ve been looking forward to this trip together all year long!
IC: This trip will provide two great opportunities – travel and racing!
GR: In terms of the race itself, I’m really excited to do a slightly non-conventional and more challenging form of a trail race. It seems more akin to an adventure run and I do love me a good adventure run. From a travel perspective, I’m stoked to run in a completely new country, while Linda and I are both really looking forward to taking in a safari while we’re there. Her face also tends to light up real bright when she says the words “dinosaur footprints,” which we hope to check out at some point as well.
The Salomon SKYRUN takes place on 20th-23rd of November and an exclusive package is available for those who may like to join us for the trip of a lifetime. Info HERE
‘I really like what the Salomon SkyRun is as an event, an honest to goodness bad ass mountain race. A lot of races out there like to brand themselves as such, but the Salomon SkyRun appears to be fully legit in this regard.’ Gary says as a parting shot, ‘I think few places in the world would embrace and even sanction an event such as this and I believe that offers great insight into the people, both behind the scenes and those lining up to tackle the race itself. This won’t be easy, as is evidenced by Ryan Sandes course record of almost twelve and a half hours.’
Having said all that, there’s an undeniable element of intrigue that emanates from everything surrounding the Salomon SkyRun.
You can listen to interviews with Gary Robbins below:
Episode 54 of Talk Ultra – Gary Robbins once again returned to the tough and gnarly Hurt 100 and came away with another victory, in this weeks show he tells us all about it and his plans for 2014. HK100 took place just a couple of weeks ago and young Australian sensation, Vlad Ixel placed 3rd overall in a top quality field, we interviewed him about his running and what the future hold. Talk Training as ‘Hint’s n Tips for running from Speedgoat himsel, the News, a Blog, Up and Coming races.. another great show in store!
Episode 29 – has come back man Gary Robbins telling us what it’s like to return from 2 years of injury to not only win Hurt 100 but to set a new CR. Jez Bragg tells us about completing ‘The Long Pathway, Te Araroa’ in New Zealand. Joe Grant says goodbye and heads off to the Iditarod. Colourful Catra Corbett tells us about drugs, alcohol, running, tattoos, clothes and Truman. In addition to all that, we also have… phew; Talk Training about the long run, ‘A year in the life off…, part 3 of our Marathon des Sables special, A Meltzer Moment, Up & Coming races and of course the News.
It’s UTMB time and the race kicks off today at 1730 and currently the lights are green for go… phew!
As one would expect, a quality line up and men and ladies will toe the line to run the circular route around Mont-Blanc.
As was shown last year in the men’s race, predicting a winner, even a top-3 can be a tricky thing. One thing is for sure; Thevenard will not do the double as he won TDS just the other day. In doing so, he has become the first runner to win CCC, UTMB and TDS. I like that, it shows a level of skill and speed over multiple distances and terrain.
So, UTMB will roll out and without doubt we will see some drama on the trails. Unfortunately, last years 2nd place, Miguel Heras will not run. Once again injured! Will he ever get a break?
Francois D’Haene is a past winner on the shortened course and for me he has blossomed into one of the best 100 runners out there. His Raid de la Reunion last year and his early season win and sub 20-hours in Japan must make him a hot fave!
Luis Alberto Hernando is one guy who I would love to see make the podium. For 12-months he has been building up to this race and wins at Transvulcania and the 80km Skyrunning World Champs must put him in a great place. BUT, he hasn’t run a 100 before and he does like to push. He will need to be patient for 100km and then start racing if he wants any chance of success.
Tofol Castanyer like Luis is stepping up to the 100. Winner of the CCC he has all the skills and ability to do something special.
Iker Karrera completes a strong Salomon line up and is a hot favourite for the win. He is a beast on tough and technical races and for sure having disappointment with course cancellations in the past, Iker will be looking to make this one count.
Dakota Jones is due a big race. Dropping from Hardrock 100 will certainly have stoked the fire for a great performance here but maybe the ankle isn’t 100%? He has done some epic days with Kilian in and around Mont-Blanc; so, let’s hope he has his day.
Mike Foote consistent at UTMB and a great record over long distance races. You won’t see him in the top-10 early on but he will close hard (as usual) eat up those who are struggling and move up the ranks. I don’t see him winning put podium is always a possibility.
Timothy Olson put his eggs in the Hardrock basket and they got smashed with one of those gutsy, ‘I’m gonna finish no matter what days.’ Respect! Of course, Timmy can win this race, his success this year will all come down to how well he has recovered from HR100. If he is in shape, podium potential and of course a win is a distinct possibility.
Anton Krupicka had the race sewn up for me last year. He was on fire looking relaxed and incredible at every moment. However, the relentless injury problems ruined his day and he has been in and out of injury for 2-years. He had a couple of great early season results, Lavaredo in particular and then dropped from Speedgoat with injury. I have a feeling that Anton will win the race or not finish. I hope he has his day; it’s long overdue.
Jez Bragg will have a solid run; he always does and like Foote, will start way back and work his way to the front. Top-10 would be a great result.
Fabian Antolinus will be an interesting inclusion. He ran a great race at Ice Trail Tarentaise and of course he has continually impressed in French races such as Templiers. UTMB? I would say a top-20 for sure and top-10 if he has a great day.
Hal Koerner is 100m beast and like Mr Meltzer can run 100’s for breakfast. His experiences with UTMB have been somewhat mixed so it is great to see him back and I hope he puts a great race together. He could surprise a few people!
Carlos Sa is a really talented athlete who races road, trail, multi-day, mountains and so on. He has all the ability and potential to create a stir in the top-5. In the past he has gone off course, so this year I hope he nails the route and pushes with the best.
Jason Schlarb has been mixing it up in Europe for a while now. This can only be a really good thing. He raced at Transvulcania and the Skyrunning 80k; so, he has an understanding of what is needed. He may make top-10?
Scott Hawker will be one of the top runners from the Southern Hemisphere who has spent time in Europe this year. Ice Trail Tarentaise would have been a great prep ground.
Rory Bosio dominated the race last year with arguably one of the most impressive female performances ever. A win at Lavaredo shows that the build up has been good and her recent obscurity can only mean training and training hard. She will be impossible to beat if she repeats the form and condition of 2013.
Nuria Picas was 2nd last year in her 1st 100 and has gone on to run big races all over the world and in most cases, win them too! Without doubt, Nuria can win this race but she must be tired? In contrast to Rory who will be fresh as a daisy.
Nathalie Mauclair winner of Reunion last year and top ranked at Western States, Nathalie brings a mix of speed, endurance and climbing ability and for me, barring issues, will make the podium!
Fernanda Maciel like Nuria has been on the UTWT roller coaster of exhaustion. Fernanda won’t be fresh but like many of the other top ladies can produce a really strong 100 and keep pushing even when fatigued. Her 2014 results alone show what a talent she is.
Laurence Klein, now this is an interesting inclusion. The MDS queen on this terrain leaves a huge question mark. She can run quick, for sure has run some impressive times in races such as the Ecotrail de Paris, however, this 100-mile course and vertical will be something new. Interested to see this one plays out.
Uxue Fraille is a consistent performer at around 80-100km but I think this is the first 100 she will run? Always there or thereabouts, Uxue closes well and picks off the others as they crumble. I see more of the same at UTMB.
Ashley Arnold is a question mark and the US’s hope outside Rory. I don’t think this tough mountain 100 will play to her strengths, particularly based on recent results. However, this ladies field has quality but not depth, so, top-10 for sure and top-5 if on a great day.
Rounding out the top ladies, we have 2-Brits, Claire Price and Lizzie Wraith. Both ladies raced the Skyrunning 80km and may well sneak into the top-10. Shona Stephenson has struggled at UTMB in the past but knows how to run 100’s and is top-10 potential and Meghan Arbogast, Simona Morbelli and Leila Degrave round out my ones to watch!
You can follow the race live via the UTMB website and Twitter
IAN CORLESS 