Speedgoat 50k 2014 Race Preview

Posted on July 17, 2014 by talkultra

The Skyrunner® World Series continues at a pace just 2-weeks after the Skyrunning World Championships where Skyrunners® participated in all three classic disciplines of VK, SKY and ULTRA. Now, attention moves to Italy and the stunning town of Canazei and the amazing Dolomites for a VK and SKY race and to the USA for the ULTRA Speedgoat 50k.

Speedgoat, as the name would suggest was created by Mr Ultra himself, ‘Speedgoat Karl Meltzer. Over the years the event has increased in profile at a pace and this year, once again, sees a quality line up both in the male and female fields.

Located at Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah the 50k weave a route around the mountains offering a tough and sometimes technical day out at altitude.

This is the 3^rd edition of the race in the Skyrunner® World Series and it is now also included US Skyrunner® National Series.

Men

Sage Canaday UROC ©iancorless.com

Sage Canaday is returning after setting a course record last year with a time of 5:08. On paper, he has to be the favourite again this year. The combination of runnable terrain and 50k distance suits Sage’s strengths. He will likely go out hard and hold on… he did that last year and it worked, just!

Anton Krupicka, Cavalls del Vent, 2012 ©iancorless.com

Anton Krupicka was hot on Sage’s heels last year and with a couple of wins under his belt in 2014, the most recent at Lavaredo Ultra Trail in Italy, one has to think that Anton may provide a real battle this year (as last year). In reality, 50k is just way too short for Anton. In a recent interview, he told me he only starts to feel good and relaxed after 3-hours. So, expect him to be hovering somewhere in the top-10 early on and then move up.

Alex Nichols Chamonix ©iancorless.com

Alex Nichols may be a surprise on the Speedgoat course and after missing a couple of races with injury; he may well be chomping at the bit for a good run here. In Zegama, thinks didn’t go too well leaving a question mark, however, on this course, with less travel and some decent prep I can’t help but think we will see Alex mix it up. Earlier this year he won Red Hot 55km and set a CR at Greenland 50k. One to watch!

Ricky Gates has just done a stint of pacing for Kilian Jornet at Hardrock 100 and if nothing else, that must make him feel fired up for a great run at Speedgoat. Ricky ran a great race in 2012 when ‘Kilian Gate’ kicked off and the whole switchback debacle. What is important is the time Ricky ran, 5:18. That places him as definite contender for top-5 this year.

Mike Wolfe looked awesome in Chamonix for the Skyrunning World Championship 80k event. Trading blows with eventual 2^nd place runner, Francois D’Haene, it looked like ‘Wolfepaw’ was going to make the podium. However, in the latter stages the wheels came off and he placed 8^th which for many would be a great result. However, the disappointment was clear leaving Mike with question marks. The questions soon disappeared at the sight of his newborn baby though… it’s all about perspective. Mike is a class act and he will be in the mix.

Luke Nelson placed 6^th last year but he was well over 30-minutes back from Sage Canaday. Considering Luke’s record and his ability over longer races (recently won Bighorn 100) he has the technical skill set to run well at Speedgoat but may well lack the speed to keep up with the front of the race, so, top-5 would be a great result.

We can also expect to see Jorge Maravilla mixing it up and potentially Hal Koerner but it may be a little too short for Hal

Ladies

Anna Frost won with Speedgoat with 6:26 in 2012 and as we all know had a prolonged period of injury and illness afterwards. Her return to form at Transvulcania La Palma and not only winning the race, but also setting a new CR was nothing less than miraculous. Frosty seems to have the ‘love’ for running back and as we all know, when you have that, the miles fly along. A recent 2^nd to Emelie Forsberg at the Skyrunning World Championships shows the form is still primed and ready to be unleashed on the Speedgoat course. Like Ricky, Frosty must also feel inspired after pacing Kilian to that Hardrock record. But Frosty won’t have an easy ride…

Ellie Greenwood was missing for much of 2013 with injury but she is back and running strong. Ellie has the outright speed to win Speedgoat but may well lack some of the technical attributes of Frosty, so, that makes for an interesting battle. Ellie’s recent win at Comrades was incredible and I think we will see something special on this course.

Kasie Enman was flying at Zegama-Aizkorri and that was after a red-eye flight, no sleep and jet lagged. Powering up the climbs in the lead, we thought a surprise win was on the cards. It wasn’t to be, the fatigue hit in the latter stages and she placed 5^th. Kasie is on the comeback trail after having a baby and I can’t help but think she will get stronger and stronger. Kasie’s performances at the Skyrunning World Championships were creditable but not reflective of her ability. Kasie’s 4^th in the SKY race shows the improvements are coming and the podium at Speedgoat may be in her grasp.

Tina Lewis may well be a dark horse! Tina has been away from racing for sometime and although entered in several races in 2014, she was a no show. However, her daily exploits on Facebook are inspiring and if she can bring it all together on race day, I think we will see a potential top-5?

Other ladies to watch who will mix it up with the front:

Kerrie Bruxvoort, Ashley Arnold, Bethany Lewis, Joelle Vaught and of course so many more…

Skrunning HERE

Speedgoat 50k website HERE

Vertical Kilometer Val d’Isere Skyrunner® World Series

Gallery

Posted on July 11, 2014 by talkultra

This gallery contains 66 photos.

Race results for the Vertical Kilometer Face Bellevarde Marco Moletto 36:50 Nejc Kuhar 36:58 Augusti Roc 37:18 Nadir Maguet 37:27 Alexis Sevennec 37:46 Laura Orgue 40:52 new CR Antonella Confortola 42:30 Axelle Mollaret 44:45 Francesca Rossi 44:51 Stephanie Jimenez … Continue reading →

Vertical Kilometer Bellevarde Face 2014 – Race Preview

Posted on July 8, 2014 by talkultra

Val d’Isere has a great history with the Vertical Kilometer, way back in ‘96’ the ISF were the first to organize a VK here!

A time lapse of 9-years since 2005 and Val d’Isere has re connected with the ethos of the VK using the Olympic Bellevarde Face. For many years, Marco De Gasperi held the VK world record here of 34-minutes and 41-seconds until the Italian was dethroned by a fellow countryman and VK specialist; Urban Zemmer.

The Vertical Kilometer has traditionally started at the foot of the Olympic Bellevarde face on “the board” in the heart of the Parc des Sports Charles Diebold in the center Val d’Isere.

The route then takes the greater part of what was the route of the men’s downhill Olympic Winter Games ski route (1992), won by Austrian Patrick Ortlieb.

It’s a tough course; 2.9Km’s in length and reaches an altitude of 2809m. Average gradients over the course are 35%, however, in places it reaches 63% as presented in the first hundred meters.

Including steep passages at 49% and 56% gradient, the sting comes with the famous passage of the Columbine at 55%. Followed by gentle slopes of the Great Wall (51%) a refreshment station is provided before the push to the line passing ‘Catherine Dent’ (50%) and then a finish loop passes the Bellevarde restaurant and the arrival is at a wooden start cabin at an altitude of 2809m.

Records:

Men: Marco DE GASPERI (ITA) en 34’51” (2003)

Women: Antonella CONFORTOLA (ITA) en 42’48” (2002)

Stats:

Finish Elevation: 2 809 m

Length: 2 905 m

Altitude gain: 1000 m

Maximum Gradient: 63 %

Minimum Gradient: 15 %

Average Gradient: 35 %

The Vertical Kilometer Bellevarde Face is part of the 2014 Skyrunner® World Series and will be followed by the Ice Trail Tarentaise 2-days later (preview for the ITT HERE)

Who is racing in 2014?

MEN

Urban Zemmer

Urban Zemmer is a VK specialist and this course will suit his style. Urban is odds on favourite for victory.

©iancorless.com_©iancorless.com-1607MontBlancVK_2014

Aritz Egea

Aritz Egea a consistent performer in mountain races over the Sky distance, his recent top placing at the Mont-Blanc VK bodes well.

Marco Facchinelli like Zemmer specializes in the VK distance and he was 2^nd in the Skyrunner® World Series 2013. Withdarwn

Marco Moletto finished offthe 2013 Skyrunner® World Series podium with 3^rd place and therefore will be in contention in Val d’Isere.

Ferran Texeido

Thorbjorn Ludvigsen

Thorbjorn Ludvigsen

Augusti Roc currently 4^th in the 2014 Skyrunner® World Series

Nil Cardona

Marc Casal Mir

Oscar Casal Mir

David Garcia

Marc Pinsach

LADIES

Laura Orgue

Laura Orgue Skyrunner® World Series VK champion in 2013 and recently crowned VK World Champion in Chamonix id hot favourite for the top spot.

Antonella Confortola at Canazei VK

Antonella Confortola course record holder and a formidable force in any VK.

Stevie Kremer

Stevie Kremer placed 2^nd in her 1^st VK in Chamonix and with no other race to hold back for, Stevie may just top the podium. Withdarwn

Emelie Forsberg needs to introduction, great going uphill and downhill. Emelie will be in the mix for the podium.

Christel Dewalle like Emelie will run the VK and the Ultra and stands a great chance to be on both podiums.

Kasie Enman placed 6^th in Chamonix. Withdarwn

Stephanie Jimenez

Oihana Azkorbebeitia

Celine Lafaye

LINKS

Skyrunning HERE

Race websites

Skyrunning World Championships 2014 – Important Information

Posted on June 10, 2014 by talkultra

Since the creation of the Mont-Blanc Cross in 1979, the Mont-Blanc Marathon in 2003, the Vertical Kilometer in 2011 and the Mont-Blanc 80KM in 2013, the Club des Sports de Chamonix has never ceased to improve events. This year with the Skyrunning World Championships, the organisers once again confirm the quality of the event and announce new changes: a bigger race expo, the creation of a bridge at Tre Le Champs to secure the road crossing, a new finish line for the Cross and Marathon, and finally a more in-depth Web TV diffusion.

At the end of June 2014, 6500 runners and over 13000 of their supporters are expected in Chamonix for the Mont-Blanc Marathon weekend. The race expo that reunites sports manufacturers and the different trail races found throughout the world will open their doors on the Place du Mont-Blanc on June 26, 27 & 28 2014. The expo provides an area to purchase last minute items for the race and to also discover the latest summer trends.

The race-bib pick-up (previous years at the ENSA gymnasium) will be positioned at the Place du Mont-Blanc square in a big tent especially erected for the occasion.

Program

Race-bib pick up at the Place du Mont-Blanc in Chamonix
Thursday June 26, 2014: 10:00am – 20:00
Friday June 27, 2014: 3:00am – 4:00am for the 80KM and 10:00am – 20:00 for the other races
Saturday June 28, 2014: 7:00am – 20:00
Sunday June 29, 2014: 5:00am – 6:30am

Friday June 27, 2014:

Place du Triangle de l’Amitié

4:00am : Start of the MONT-BLANC 80KM

18:00 – midnight : Meal offered to runners of the 80KM (sports complex)

16:00 : Start of the VERTICAL KM

From 18:00 onwards: Meal offered to runners of the Vertical KM (sports complex)

20:30: Awards ceremony

Saturday June 28, 2014

Paragliding Landing Field

8:30am: Start of the MONT-BLANC CROSS

9:00am: Start of the MONT-BLANC 10KM (start in 3 waves)

11:30am: Mini- Cross (starts depending on age categories)

12:00pm: Mini-Cross Raffle

Richard Bozon Sports Complex

From 11:00am onwards: Buffet for Mont-Blanc Cross (free for runners of the cross)

From 18:30 onwards: Pasta Party for the Mont-Blanc Marathon

Place du Triangle de l’Amitié

15:30: Award ceremony for the Mont-Blanc 10KM

16:00: Award ceremony for the Mont-Blanc CROSS

16:30: Award ceremony for the Mont-BLanc 80KM

17:00 Raffle

Sunday June 29, 2014

Place du Triangle de l’Amitie

7:00am: Start of the MONT-BLANC MARATHON

17:00: Raffle for the Mont-Blanc Marathon

Richard Bozon Sports Complex

From 11:00am onwards: Buffet for Mont-Blanc Marathon (free for marathon runners)

Important Information:

New Finish Line & New Viewpoints!

The large mass of people the past few years at the finish line (Planpraz at Brevent) for the Mont-Blanc Marathon & Cross no longer offered a satisfactory experience for runners nor the public.

The finish line will now be on the plateau just before the top of the cable car station of Planpraz (near the paragliding take-off area).

To reach the finish line runners will take-on one final ‘wall’….the public will be in close proximity to support the athletes in their last effort as they benefit from the most beautiful view of the Mont-Blanc range.

Follow the events live via WebTV

In 2012, 10,000 connections were registered during the Vertical KM. In 2013 there were 125,000 connections during the weekend (diffused live for an average of 3 hours per day).

This year the organizers once again will be offering WebTV for users with a complete program, events diffused live, official presentations of athletes each evening, exclusive interviews with the world’s best, and many other surprises.

Even from the other side of the world people will be able to be at the heart of the event on www.montblancmarathon.fr

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Skyrunner® World Series 2014 Preview

Posted on April 3, 2014 by talkultra

In just over one month’s time, it all begins again, the Skyrunner® World Series fires up on the island of La Palma with what has become, in just two-years, an iconic Skyrunning race, Transvulcania La Palma.

To many, the growth and resurgence of Skyrunning in the last couple of years, triggered by the ISF (International Skyrunning Federations) foresight to hold a conference, ‘Less Cloud, More Sky’ after the 2012 Transvulcania may have many new Skyrunners thinking that our sport is just a few years old… They couldn’t be further from the truth!

Kilian Jornet’s new movie, Déjame Vivir, the second in his ‘Summits of My Life’ project, documents his 2013 season; wonderfully capturing the history of the sport of Skyrunning. ‘Fila’ clad Skyrunners pushing boundaries on snow capped peaks around the world on old footage from Transworld Sport. Conversations with Bruno Brunod about the Matterhorn summit record and of course, ISF President, Marino Giacometti talking candidly to camera.

Born on the slopes and summits of Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc, Skyrunning dates back to 1989 when Giacometti set a record running from the village of Alagna to the summit of Monte Rosa. It was a new sport, a sport of Alpinism without the clutter of ropes and heavy packs. It was about going fast and light to the mountains, summiting and returning as fast as possible. A sport where earth meets sky!

‘There is nothing new in Skyrunning. It is just now that everyone is catching up with our vision from so many years ago,’ Giacometti explained, ‘The creation of an ultra series of races is just what the Skyrunner® series required in 2012. Today we have a new breed of runner who is actively looking for technical, steep and demanding courses over longer distances.’

In addition, 2014 will see the Skyrunning World Championships take place in Chamonix, arguably, the endurance capital of the world. It will be a great showcase for the sport and it coincides perfectly with the ever-expanding Skyrunner® National Series.

Kilian Jornet & Marco De Gasperi Mont-Blanc Marathon ©iancorless.com

The inclusion and growth of the Skyrunner® National Series has also shown the sport we love reach new heights. Just recently Canada announced a new series under the watchful eye of Adam Campbell, the USA series has been created by Ian Sharman and one-by-one more series follow; South Africa, Australia & New Zealand, United Kingdom and Russia to name just a few.

Lauri Van Houten (ISF Executive Director) understands better than anyone why Skyrunning has captured today’s runners hearts and minds, ‘It’s a different angle on traditional trail running and mountain running. Skyrunning captures the spirit and tough technical challenges runners are looking for today.’

Transvulcania La Palma will kick-start the 2014 Skyrunner® World Series and once again, fifteen iconic races over the classic distances of VK, SKY and ULTRA will see the worlds best Skyrunners®, do battle on the slopes and peaks of the worlds mountains.

Trofeo Kima copyright Ian Corless

An exciting year of high altitude drama awaits; Anna Frost, Nuria Picas and Emelie Forsberg will join new Skyrunners® Krissy Moehl, Jodee Adams-Moore and Cassie Scallon on the slopes of the Fuencaliente lighthouse on the weekend of May 10^th.

Just two weeks later, Kilian Jornet, Luis Alberto Hernando will go head-to-head with Tom Owens and Zaid Ait Malek on the legendary slopes of Zegama-Aizkorri.

Tom Owens – Trofeo Kima

A new year, a new Skyrunner® World Series and without doubt, new memories and moments that will be remembered in years to come!

Don’t miss out on the Skyrunner® World Series 2014.

Calendar:

SKY 

SPAIN: Maratòn Alpina Zegama-Aizkorri – 42 km – Zegama – May 25
ITALY: Dolomites SkyRace® – 22 km – Canazei – July 20
SWITZERLAND: Course de Sierre-Zinal – 31 km – Valais – August 10
SWITZERLAND: Matterhorn Ultraks– 46 km -Zermatt – August 23
 ITALY: Limone Extreme SkyRace® – 23 km – Limone sul Garda – October 11

ULTRA

 SPAIN: Transvulcania Ultramarathon – 83 km – La Palma – May 10
FRANCE: Ice Trail Tarentaise – 65 km – Val d’Isère – July 11
USA: Speedgoat 50K – Snowbird, Utah – July 19
 ITALY: Kima Trophy – 50 km – Valtellina, August 30
 USA: The Rut 50K – Big Sky, Montana – September 13

VERTICAL

 SPAIN: Transvulcania Vertical Kilometer® – May 8
 FRANCE: VK Face de Bellevarde, Val d’Isère – July 11
ITALY: Dolomites Vertical Kilometer®, Canazei – July 18
 USA: Lone Peak Vertical Kilometer® – September 12
 ITALY: Vertical Grèste de la Mughéra, Limone sul Garda – October 10

Ranking points

The three best results in each Series are scored. Ranking points in the final races of all three Series will be increased by 20%. Ranking points breakdown: 100-88-78-72-68-66-64-62-60-58-56-54-52-50 down to 2 points to 40^th position for men and 15^th position for women.

Total prizes: US $ 25,000. Titles and prizes will be awarded in each Series as follows:

SKY: $ 3,000 / 1,500 / 750. ULTRA: $ 3,000 / 1,500 / 750. VERTICAL: $1,000 / 700 / 300.

*Entry is direct with organizers.

Slots and benefits are available for 2013 SWS and ISF Ranked athletes.

Team manager’s contact: info@skyrunning.com for entry details and partnerships

*Legend

SKY – races more than 22 km and less than 50 km long with at least 1,300m positive vertical climb (SkyRace® and SkyMarathon®) ULTRA – races over 50 km long that exceed the SkyMarathon® parameters (Ultra SkyMarathon®)  VERTICAL – races with 1,000m positive vertical climb not exceeding 5 km distance (Vertical Kilometer®)

Skyrunner^®,SkyRace^®, SkyMarathon^®, Vertical Kilometer^®are registered trademarks

Skyrunning HERE

Skyrunning launches in Canada

Posted on March 27, 2014 by talkultra

Following on from the eight countries already published, the International Skyrunning Federation is pleased to announce the latest Skyrunner® National Series launch in Canada. The “Call of the Wild” comes from internationally known ultra runner Adam Campbell, heading Canada Skyrunning and director of the new Series

The Skyrunner® Canada Series counts nine events: four Sky, three Ultra and two Vertical races distributed across the country in some of the most beautiful locations.

Each of these courses will showcase the unique running culture and topography of the region with inclines that will push the best mountain runners to their limits and offer memorable experiences for every competitor. Distance + Vertical = Skyrunning.

Many of the races have been created or adjusted specifically for the Skyrunner® Series Canada, broadening the scope of competitive and spectacular skyrunning races globally. Some are designed to form part of a larger race weekend, with Vertical, Sky and Ultra events happening on consecutive days allowing for broader exposure and creating a “running festival” atmosphere.

As Adam Campbell, the Director of the Skyrunner® Series Canada states: “Skyrunning has been hugely influential on my running career and I’m excited to share that with the rest of Canada. My first Skyrunning race at Sierre-Zinal changed my perception of what mountain running can and should be. The technicality, aesthetic beauty and challenging nature of the course will appeal to elite and recreational athletes looking for a unique mountain challenge. Even since that first race I’ve wanted to bring this style of running on logical and demanding routes to Canada. The events in the Series will have a distinctly Canadian flare and will showcase some of the best terrain the country has to offer. I have big ambitions for this series in coming years and I hope to change the national perspective on how we view mountain sport.”

A move into Canada’s remote and mountainous regions is a welcome natural expansion of the international skyrunning events that have captured the imagination of runners globally.

2014 Skyrunner® Canada Series

• QUEBEC- Vertical Kilometer du Mont Albert – June 27
• QUEBEC- Ultra SkyMarathon du Mont Albert – June 28
• QUEBEC- SkyRace du Mont Albert – June 28
• QUEBEC- SkyMarathon du Mont Jacques-Cartier – June 29
• BRITISH COLUMBIA- Trailstoke 60km-July 12
• QUEBEC- Quebec Mega Trail -July 12
• BRITISH COLUMBIA- Vertical Kilometer in North Vancouver – July 27 *Race Name & location TBA
• BRITISH COLUMBIA- Squamish 50 – Aug 16
• BRITISH COLUMBIA- Squamish 23km – Aug 17

COMPRESSPORT® new partner for ISF 2014 Skyrunner® World Series

Posted on January 21, 2014 by talkultra

The ISF is pleased to announce a new partner in the 2014 Skyrunner® World Series and Skyrunning World Championships. COMPRESSPORT®, leader in compression products designed for athletes, is a welcome addition to the other leading sports brands partnering the Series: Salomon,Arc’teryx, inov-8 and La Sportiva.

With nine World Championship titles in other sports, COMPRESSPORT® joins forces with skyrunning and a range of quality trail-specific products worn with pride by brand ambassadors of the calibre of Italian Marco De Gasperi; Spaniards Nuria Picas, Toti Bes, Zigor Iturrieta, Emma Roca; German Florian Neuschwander, Brazilian Fernanda Maciel and Frenchmen Sébastien Chaigneau, Erik Clavery among 500 professional athletes who wear the products daily.

In fact COMPRESSPORT® comes from a medical research background specialising in compression products for sport. Since the company’s launch in 2008, the brand is sold in more than 70 countries.

The TRAIL Running Line aims to address athletes’ needs in extreme conditions and to improve their performance and enhance recovery. The line includes shorts, T-shirt, quad sleeves, R2 calf sleeves and a unique sock designed specifically for trail running. Every aspect of the product is carefully studied, different morphologies are taken into account, hundreds of different yarns and fabrics are tested. Seamless construction maximises the efficiency and lifetime of the product which is rigorously tested in every production phase.

“We respond to the problems that athletes face daily. Whether to improve performance, enhance recovery or to help them in their everyday life”, says Jordi Solé, managing director of COMPRESSPORT® International.

“COMPRESSPORT® co-operates closely with athletes, scientists and physicians to meet athletes’ requirements in compression, endurance and recovery”.

“We are extremely happy to be able to co-operate with the International Skyrunning Federation. Both the ISF and COMPRESSPORT® concentrate on their athletes and their performance, so it was quite logical to enter into this partnership.”

COMPRESSPORT® will be present at all the major events in the Skyrunner® World Series and in Chamonix at the Skyrunning World Championships where the products will be on show and worn by some of the world’s top trail runners competing in these prestigious events.

Look out for these COMPRESSPORT® ambassadors on the start line of the 2014 events:

Marco De Gasperi – 6-time WMRA World Champion, 3^rd ISF Sky Ranking
Nuria Picas – 2012 SWS Ultra Champion, 2^nd 2013 ISF Ultra Ranking
Emma Roca – 15^th ISF Ultra Ranking, 25^th ISF Sky Ranking
Zigor Iturrieta – 38^thISF Ultra Ranking
Florian Neuschwander – 16^th ISF Ultra Ranking, UTWC 2^nd2013
Fernanda Maciel – 1^st TransGranCanaria & Mount Fuji 2012
Seb Chaigneau – 1^st Hardrock 100 and TransGranCanaria, 8^th ISF Ultra Ranking
Erik Clavery – 4^th Diagonale des Fous 2012, 9^th Les Templiers 2013

VK? no, we will go double – Matterhorn Ultraks

Posted on December 5, 2013 by talkultra

Matterhorn Ultraks experienced a successful first year in 2013 with over 1‘000 runners taking part. The 46K flagship competition was one of five races included in the Skyrunner® World Series (SWS). Time flies and after the announcement by the ISF that Matterhorn Ultraks will once again be in the “SWS14′ it is time for the team to look ahead in preparation for the second edition scheduled for August 23, 2014.

Proceeding towards the second edition of the event, the organisers are focusing on offering the competitors an unforgettable, quality driven experience and intend to make the 2014 edition synonymous with innovation.

The courses
The proven courses – «16K», «30K» and «46K» – have been truly appreciated by the competitors and will be renewed, the «46K» remaining an official race of the „Skyrunner® World Series“ and Trail fans will discover a new course, the «2VK» that starts from Zermatt to finish in Gornergrat.

Simon Anthamatten, Race director details: ‘The 2VK focuses on the uphill running, which makes it a perfect track for those who do not appreciate downhills. The track is actually exactly the first part of the 46K and with 1‘927 m of vertical, it almost is a double vertical kilometer, hence the name. To achieve such a climb, the runners will go over 14 km to the Gornergrat where they’ll have an unbelievable view on the Monte-Rosa mountain range and the Gornerglacier.“

More innovations
The 2VK is not the only 2014 innovation. ‘We listen carefully to the competitors feedback. They were very vocal about the finisher gift and to follow their wish, every runner crossing the finish line will receive a technical t-shirt Matterhorn Ultraks Finisher‘ says Michel Hodara, member of the organising committee.

Finally, by registering to a race, competitors automatically take part to a several draws allowing to win various gifts presented by the Matterhorn Ultraks partners or stays in Zermatt. In addition, those who will be the 2nd, 22nd, 222nd, 502nd 602nd, etc. will have their registrtion fee reimbursed. ‘It is our way to celebrate the second anniversary of the race’ adds Hodara.

Registrations open online on Sunday December 8 at 4 pm via the website www.ultraks.com.

SKYRUNNING 2014 Calendar Announced – SWS14 #SWS14

Posted on November 28, 2013 by talkultra

Kilian Jornet Trofeo Kima 2012 ©iancorless.com

The ISF is pleased to announce the 2014 Skyrunner® World Series. Fifteen quality races, three disciplines, the same winning formula. The 2014 Series will offer participants benefits amounting to 1,000 race slots, 230 free entries, 125 accommodation slots and 50 travel slots.

Five Sky, five Ultra and five Vertical races are distributed across six nations in three continents.

The Sky Series comprises some of the best races in the history of the sport and welcomes back Zegama, Dolomites SkyRace, Course de Sierre-Zinal celebrating its 41^st year, Zermatt’s Matterhorn Ultraks launched this year and Limone Extreme tying up the Series.

Opening the season in May will be the almost legendary Transvulcania Ultramarathon. In its third successful year on the Skyrunner® World Series, the event will be enhanced with a spectacular “sea to sky” Vertical Kilometer®, where contestants climb up the same rugged, steep descent of the long distance race.

The Ultra Series heads over to France for a repeat of the 65 km Ice-Trail Tarentaise over the snow-covered peaks above Val d’Isère. A Vertical Kilometer® will also take place here. From 1996 five editions were held on the imposing Face de Bellevarde, where the first world record was set.

Utah’s Speedgoat 50K returns on the Ultra Series followed by the biennial Kima Trophy. Probably the most emblematic skyrunning event, it will celebrate its 20^th anniversary with skyrunning legends Bruno Brunod and Fabio Meraldi.

Concluding the Ultra Series in September, we welcome new entry, The Rut 50K, in Montana’s appropriately named Big Sky resort. Organised by two American Ultra running icons, Mike Foote and Mike Wolfe, it’s set to make its mark on the international scene. Here, America’s first World Series’ Vertical Kilometer® will also take place in the rugged Montana mountains.

The Italian Dolomites, home of the 2013 European Championships, are again back on the calendar with a SkyRace® and Vertical Kilometer® double.

Italy’s incredibly spectacular and gruelling Limone Extreme SkyRace® and Vertical Kilometer® will again host the World Series final in October on Lake Garda.

462 kilometres across the three disciplines are set off by no less than 36,150 metres vertical climb with inclines between 16% and 50%.

The reward for this gruelling programme? Benefits amounting to US $ 200,000. $ 120,000 cash prizes, $ 25,000 World Series final prizes and $ 55,000 worth of benefits.

The rewards don’t finish here however. There’s more in store with the new Skyrunner® card. Details will be revealed in January 2014.

2014 Skyrunner® World Series

Team partners are a growing success story with two partnership formulas to choose from. At least ten principal outdoor brands are involved. See here for further information for team entries in the World Series.

SKY
1. SPAIN: Maratòn Alpina Zegama-Aizkorri – 42 km – Zegama – May 25
2. ITALY: Dolomites SkyRace® – 22 km – Canazei – July 20
3. SWITZERLAND: Course de Sierre-Zinal – 31 km – Valais – August 10
4. SWITZERLAND: Matterhorn Ultraks – 46 km -Zermatt – August 23
5. ITALY: Limone Extreme SkyRace® – 23 km – Limone sul Garda – October 12

ULTRA

1. SPAIN: Transvulcania Ultramarathon – 83 km, La Palma – May 10
2. FRANCE: Ice Trail Tarentaise – 65 km, Val d’Isère – July 11
3. USA: Speedgoat 50K, Snowbird, Utah – July 19
4. ITALY: Trofeo Kima – Aug 31
5. USA: The Rut 50K, Big Sky, Montana – September 14

VERTICAL
1. SPAIN: Transvulcania Vertical Kilometer® – May 8
2. FRANCE: VK Face de Bellevarde, Val d’Isère – July 11
3. ITALY: Dolomites Vertical Kilometer®, Canazei – July 18
4. USA: Lone Peak Vertical Kilometer® – September 12
5. ITALY: Vertical Grèste de la Mughéra, Limone sul Garda – October 10

*Legend

SKY – races more than 22 km and less than 50 km long with at least 1,300m positive vertical climb (SkyRace® and SkyMarathon®)
ULTRA – races over 50 km long that exceed the SkyMarathon® parameters (Ultra SkyMarathon®)
VERTICAL – races with 1,000m positive vertical climb not exceeding 5 km distance (Vertical Kilometer®)

Skyrunner^®,SkyRace^®, SkyMarathon^®, Vertical Kilometer^®are registered trademarks

Press Release ©ISF

Episode 46 – Howe, Lightfoot, Bethell, Forsberg

Posted on October 18, 2013 by talkultra

Episode 46 of Talk Ultra and on this weeks show we have an interview with Speedgoat 50k winner and 2^nd place at UROC, Stephanie Howe. Brit fell running sensation, Ricky Lightfoot talks about his progression to ultra. Anthony Bethell provides an insight into his first year participating in the Skyrunning season from an everyday runners perspective. Marc Talks Training. Emelie Smiles and Miles. The news, a blog, up and coming races and Speedgoat is back

15 MINS of FAME – Anthony Bethell

NEWS

Limone Extreme VK and SKY

Men

1. Urban Zemmer 37’10” RECORD 2. Thorbjorn Ludvigsen 37’34″ 3. Marco Moletto 38’37″ 4. Kilian Jornet 39’04″ 5. Philip Gotsch 39’12”

Women

1. Laura Orgue’ 46’10″ 2. Antonella Confortola 47’19″ 3. Samatha Galassi 48’27″ 4. Tessa Hill 48’45″ 5. Leire Aguirrezabala 49’05”

2013 Skyrunner® Vertical Series ranking extract

Men

1. Urban Zemmer (ITA) La Sportiva – 288 points

2. Marco Fachinelli (ITA) La Sportiva – 236 points

3. Marco Moletto (ITA) La Sportiva – 224 points

Women

1. Laura Orgue Salomon (ESP) Salomon – 308 points

2. Vanesa Ortega (ESP) Boquique – 251 points

3. Tessa Hill (GBR) Arc’teryx – 242 ponts

SKY

Men

1. Kilian Jornet (ESP) Salomon – 2h17’03

2. Ionut Zinca (ROU) Valetudo Skyrunning Italia – 2h18’27”

3. Aritz Egea (EMF) – 2h18’53”

4. David Schneider (AUT) inov-8 – 2h20’40”

5. Zaid Ait Malek – 2h21’09”

Women

1. Stevie Kremer (Salomon Agisko) – 2h46’13”

2. Antonella Confortola (GS Forestale) – 2h53’58”

3. Emelie Forsberg (Salomon) – 2h54’54”

4. Tessa Hill (Arc’teryx) – 2h58’20”

5. Leire Aguirrezabala (EMF) – 2h58’54”

Sky World Series Final Ranking

Men

1. Kilian Jornet (ESP) – Salomon

2. Luis Hernando (ESP) adidas Trail Running

3. Alex Nichols (USA) inov-8

4. Jokin Lizeaga (ESP) – EMF

5. Aritz Egea (ESP) EMF

Women

1. Stevie Kremer (USA) – Salomon Agisko

2. Emelie Forsberg (SWE) – Salomon

3. Silvia Serafini (ITA) – Salomon Agisko

4. Nuria Dominguez (ESP) – Buff

5. Anna Lupton (GBR) – inov-8

BLOGS

Dakota Jones writes on iRunFar a very personal and insightful post on the pressures of running and what it means to drop!

Link: http://www.irunfar.com/2013/10/dropping.html

‘My sponsors, however, pay me to do one thing well: race. And this race, though less important on an international scale, is actually a huge deal for Montrail. The company does really well in Japan–they’re the best-selling trail shoe in the country–and they are the title sponsor of this race which has almost 3,000 people. So even though you have never heard of the Hasetsune Cup, Montrail has a lot riding on it. That’s why they were willing to fly me out to Japan two years in a row, by no means a small investment. They are willing to devote the resources to increase the chance of success. Last year I won, but today I dropped out. Fifty percent is an F.’

INTERVIEW – Ricky Lightfoot recently raced in South Africa and smashed the OTTER course record. In this interview we discuss his progression from British Fells to the world of ultra running.

TALK TRAINING – with Marc Laithwaite http://www.theendurancestore.com/blog/blog/2013/10/17/the-periodisation-of-nutrition-what-to-eat-and-when/

INTERVIEW

This week’s interview is with Stephanie Howe. Steph sure is a fast lady and has gained a reputation over faster and shorter distance races. Just recently she placed second behind Emelie Forsberg at UROC.

MELTZER MOMENT

GOOD – Trails are open!

BAD (ass) -Ueli Steck http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2013/10/15/swiss-climber-conquers-annapurna-solo/

UGLY – Karl’s face on TV

SMILESandMILES with Emelie Forsberg – smilesandmiles@yahoo.com

RACES for the next two weeks

Australia

New South Wales

Hume & Hovell 100 | 100 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website

Hume & Hovell 50 | 50 kilometers | October 19, 2013 | website

Washpool/Gibraltar World Heritage Trails – 50 km | 50 kilometers | October 20, 2013 | website

South Australia