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WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING ASSOCIATION

Author: Tomo Sarf

Lincks and Gray Take Broken Arrow Skyrace 23K Titles

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

Sunday, October 3, was the final day of the three-day Broken Arrow Skyrunning festival (https://www.brokenarrowskyrace.com/) held at Palisades Tahoe resort in Olympic Valley, CA. The festival culminated in a 23K which was shortened from its original 26K distance due to construction at the resort. Like the VK on Friday (https://trailrunner.com/trail-news/mclaughlin-and-thomas-victorious-at-broken-arrow-skyrace-vertical-kilometer/), two Coloradoans were victorious in Joseph Gray, 37, Colorado Springs, and Janelle Lincks, 28, Thornton.

The race started at 7 a.m. at the Palisades Tahoe epicenter running through the resort’s brick-lined promenade before switchbacking up the single track trails and circumnavigating the resort, climbing from 6,214 feet to a high point of 8,855 feet and then returning to the finish for a total of 5,030 feet of vertical gain. “It was a respectful pace at the start,” said eventual winner Gray, “we stayed bunched up for the first few miles with a deep field of talent. My goal was to progressively pick up the pace and let the pack guide my moves.Joe Gray

“It was great to feel the energy coming into the finish area and ring the bell,” said Gray. “A win was the main goal and obviously I’m content coming away with that.”

Gray finished in 1:52:44 followed just two seconds later by Darren Thomas, 27, Colorado Springs, CO, winner of Friday’s VK. In third was Andy Wacker, 33, Boulder, CO, timed in 1:53:12. 

Janelle LincksOn the women’s side, Lincks started out conservatively through the village and after the first climb had moved into the lead, a position she kept to the finish. Her winning time of 2:14:04 bested second-place finisher Emkay Sullivan, 27, Reno, NV, by more than three minutes. Sullivan’s time was 2:17:19. In third, Bailey Kowalczyk, 26, Boulder, CO, was timed in 2:19:43.

Very happy with her effort, Lincks said shortly after her finish, “It was a beautiful course and I felt good…I’ve never seen landscape like that!”

In addition to a $3,500 pay day, Gray and Lincks captured the WMRA World Cup points as well as the win for the final race in the Golden Trail National Series presented by Salomon (https://www.goldentrailseries.com/series/usa-can/). Thomas and Sullivan each earned $2000, while Wacker and Kowalczk each netted $1000.

For a complete list of results:  https://www.athlinks.com/event/171438/results/Event/988162/Results

Written by Peter Maksimow from American Trail Running Association

men and women podium

Zumaia Flysch: World Cup Leaders Battle For the Titles

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

The runners woke to rainy conditions in Zumaia, ready to take on a course with softer conditions underfoot than we’re used to in the World Cup! Zumaia Flysch was the venue for stage 14 and 15 of this year’s competition, with the 42k race going off first at 7.30am, then the 22k race at 8.30am.

The runners tackling the marathon distance set off in the dark in a drizzly square in Zumaia. The start line included Charlotte Morgan (GBR), who has had a fantastic World Cup this year with wins at Canfranc Marathon and Tatra Race Run. But it was expected to be a tough battle with Oihana Kortazar (ESP), who won Canfranc Marathon last year. In the men’s race the stand-out runner was Raul Criado (ESP), who has also been on the podium at several World Cup events this year, but he faced a tough field of Spanish runners, including many locals from the Basque Country.Charlotte Morgan

In the early stages of the women’s race it was Kortazar leading Morgan by a short distance. But at around the halfway point Morgan caught Kortazar and then slowly began to pull away throughout the second half. Morgan won in 5.18.30, with Kortazar second in 5.26.25. There was a big gap back to third placed Belen Perez (ESP) who finished in 6.29.55.

mens podium 42kIn the men’s race there was a clear leader from the start and that was Criado (in header picture above). He proceeded to stretch that lead further and further over the course of the race and the almost 3000m of elevation. The field of talented Spanish runners chased Criado but he was to prove too strong. Criado won in 4.35.16 with a big gap back to Ismail Razga (ESP) in second in 4.59.25. Igon Mancisidor (ESP) was third in 5.03.22.

Full results for the marathon at: http://www.kronoak.com/live/2021/flyschzumaia42k/

Conditions were still damp when the 22k classic distance runners set off. By now there was a fair bit of mud on the course, which added to the considerable challenge of a lot of uphill and downhill along the coastal route. Many of the athletes toeing the line were lying in the top 10 World Cup rankings, including Joyce Njeru (KEN), Lucy Murigi (KEN), Alice Gaggi (ITA), Geoffrey Ndungu (KEN) and Sandor Szabo (HUN).

In the women’s race it was Njeru and Murigi who set the early pace, and indeed were neck and neck for much of the race as they battled the conditions. Eventually itwomens podium 22k was Njeru who came out on top, taking another World Cup victory, hot on the heels of Trofeo Ciolo, but it was close. Njeru won in 1.41.32 with Murigi less than a minute behind in 1.42.14. Gaggi who came through for third place in 1.49.18.

In the men’s race Ndungu and Szabo led from the front. Like Njeru and Murigi they worked with each other in the early stages tried to make a break from the chasing pack. Ndungu gradually pulled away and took the win in 1.36.48 but Szabo was right behind him in 1.37.13. Amets Aramberri (ESP) was also close behind in third in 1.37.59.

mens top 3 22kFull results for the 22k at: http://www.kronoak.com/live/2021/flyschzumaia21k/

McLaughlin and Thomas Victorious at Broken Arrow Skyrace Vertical Kilometer

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

The first race to kick off the Broken Arrow Skyrace presented by Salomon was the VK held on Friday, October 1. The event was one of two American-based races in the 2021 WMRA World Cup, the other being the 26K Skyrace to be held Sunday, October 3, with both events staged in Olympic Valley, CA, site of the newly renamed resort of Palisades Tahoe.

What better way to start the weekend than with an all-out, vomit-inducing, ladder-climbing, red-lining-4.25-mile slog from a 6,234-feet to 8,855-foot-high peak. At 11:00 a.m. nearly 200 runners lined up for the start. Skies were powder blue with temperatures in the 50s, but it felt much warmer due to the vibrant autumn sunshine.

Darren Thomas, 27, and Allie McLaughlin, 30, both of Colorado Springs, CO, took the VK titles and the World Cup crowns.

Thomas and fellow Coloradoan, Andy Wacker, 33, Boulder, took the race out with decisive speed, however, Thomas took control and slowly increased his lead toDSC09794 finish in 45:08, one minute and 30 seconds ahead of second place finisher, David Sinclair, 29, Peru, Vermont. In third was Telluride, Colorado’s Ryan Becker, 27, in a time of 47:49. Wacker faded to sixth in 49:03.

In the women’s race, McLaughlin closely trailed the lead women until the one kilometer mark, when she accelerated and took charge. She continued to gap the field to break the tape in a time of 54:24 to finish in 14th position overall. Less than one minute later, Hillary Allen, 33, Fort Collins, CO, finished second followed by 19-year-old Grace Staberg, Silverthorne, CO.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, international travel was a huge challenge, however, Ondrej Fedfar, 32, placed an impressive fourth overall after just arriving from the Czech Republic. Other international finishers included Ryan Atkins, 34, Canada, who finished eighth, Juan Bolaños, 20,  El Salvador, 20th among the men, and Anna Frost, 39, New Zealand who finished ninth among the women.

The WMRA World Cup VK podium finishers:

Darren Thomas – 45:08 – $500

David Sinclair – 46:38 – $300

Ryan Becker – 47:49 – $200

Allie McLaughlin – 54:24 – $500

Hillary Allen – 55:20 – $300

Grace Staberg – 56:20 – $200

Complete Results: https://www.athlinks.com/event/171438/results/Event/988162/Course/2129498/Results

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Words and photos by Peter Maksimow

World Cup Stage 14/15: Zumaia Flysch

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

2021 has been a year of firsts for the World Cup. Not only did it visit Poland for the first time – twice, at Tatra Race Run and Tatra Skymarathon – but it also ventured into Spain for the first time. After a hugely successful Canfranc-Canfranc in mid-September we’re heading back to Spain for Zumaia-Flysch this weekend (3rd October).

Zumaia-Flysch takes place in Gipuzkoa Province in the Basque Country in Northern Spain, near San Sebastian. This area is a UNESCO Global Geopark, so it’s important from a natural and cultural perspective. It’s an incredibly beautiful area sandwiched between the mountains and the sea.

As you’d expect for an area of natural heritage, the organisers of this race take their commitment to sustainability very seriously. This year they are trying to secure Europarc Certification for Care for the Environment and they are impressing upon runners the importance of leaving no trace, respecting the paths and using public transport where possible, among many other initiatives.

The event is the setting for stages 14 and 15 of this year’s World Cup. The first race is 42.8k and it’s our next (and final) long mountain race. One hour later it’s our next (and final) classic mountain race with the 22k.

flyschtrail2019 1 79

42k race

The marathon distance race should provide a tough final test for the runners who favour the long courses. While it tops out at a modest 613m, the constant ups and downs over the route add up to a huge total of 2916m of elevation. 

Charlotte Morgan (GBR), currently lying 2nd in the World Cup rankings, just 5 points behind Joyce Njeru (KEN), will be on the start line of the long race. With a decisive win at Canfranc-Canfranc a few weeks ago and a win at Tatra Race Run at the start of the World Cup, Morgan must be a favourite here. But she will face tough competition from Oihana Kortazar (ESP) who will also be hotly tipped having won Canfranc-Canfranc marathon in 2020 and finished 3rd in Olla de Nuria and the Spanish Mountain Running Championships this year.

Raul Criado (ESP) will go in the men’s race. Just a few weeks ago he doubled up at Canfranc-Canfranc, coming 6th in the short race and 3rd in the marathon race. He also finished 3rd at Tatra Race Run and he’s current lying 5th in the World Cup standings. But he will face a tough field of Basque athletes and strong international runners.

flyschtrail2019 1 504

22k race

The 22k classic mountain race looks like it will be a fast affair. It has 850m of ascent in total but the highest point is just 210m and it hugs the stunning coastline, so the shorter, runnable ascents may suit the runners with more speed. And there will certainly be a lot of faster runners on the start line.

For the women we’ll be seeing Joyce Njeru (KEN), our current World Cup leader, straight from her win at Trofeo Ciolo last weekend. Njeru is having an incredible year, having also won at Grossglockner and Krkonossky as well. We may also see a repeat of last weekend’s Trofeo Ciolo, where Njeru and Lucy Murigi (KEN) battled right to the end for victory as Murigi, currently 4th in our World Cup standings, will also be on the start line. With a win at La Montee du Nid d’Aigle and a 3rd place at Grossglockner Murigi is bound to be in contention. Other athletes expected to feature include Alice Gaggi (ITA), fresh from a 3rd place at Trofeo Ciolo and a string of solid results leading to a 3rd place ranking in the World Cup at the moment, Nadege Servant (FRA), who finished 3rd at Canfranc-Canfranc, and Kitti Posztos (HUN).

The men’s race should also be very exciting. Petro Mamu (ERI) was our men’s winner at Trofeo Ciolo and at Trofeo Nasego a few weeks ago and he is currently lying 4th in the World Cup rankings. Geoffrey Ndungu (KEN) has also been having a very good World Cup this year, with a win at Krkonossky and a 2nd place at Trofeo Ciolo, as well as 4th places at Trofeo Nasego and Grossglockner. He is currently lying 3rd in the World Cup ranking. Sandor Szabo (HUN) has also had a great run of results in this year’s competition, including a 2nd place at Canfranc-Canfranc and top 10s at Trofeo Ciolo and Krkonossky. This consistency has led him to be ranked 2nd in the World Cup so far this year.

Useful information

Live streaming available at youtube.com/moxigeno from 7.15am on Sunday October 3

42k race starts at 7.30am local time

22k race starts at 8.30am local time

Race website: https://zumaiaflyschtrail.eus/

Video content available at: https://zumaiaflyschtrail.eus/bideoak/

World Cup Stage 12/13: Broken Arrow

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

In what may be the biggest weekend ever for the World Cup, we’re bringing you four events this week. Two are in Palisades Tahoe, California, USA, and two are in Zumaia, in the Basque Country in the north of Spain. Here’s our preview for rounds 12 and 13 of the World Cup at Broken Arrow! 

Broken Arrow VK

First up it’s the Broken Arrow VK on Friday October 1st, taking place at 11am local time. This is the second of three short uphill races in this year’s World Cup and the 954m of ascent comes over 6.8km on the course, topping out at the summit at just over 2,700m. The runners will head up through tree cover, out onto rock and slabs and end up on a stunning ridge via the infamous ‘Stairway to Heaven’ ladder.VK3

Runners will face a pretty ‘straight up’ start as it climbs steadily for around 3.5km. Then there’s a short respite for around a kilometre, but then it gets steeper still for the relentless climb to the summit, including the bolted handline and ladder!  

Favourites

There is a hugely exciting field assembled for the short uphill race. In the women’s race we will see Hillary Allen, who excels over a wide range of distances and was 2nd in the 2018 VK. Allie McLaughlin won Pikes Peak Ascent and was 2nd in the Marathon this year. They’ll be joined by Jennifer Schmidt, who won the 11k race at Broken Arrow in 2019 and Lindsay Webster, winner of the 26k race the same year. Anna Frost will also be running, and it will be great to see an athlete who’s achieved as much as her on the start line again.

VK2We’re sure to see an equally exciting men’s race. Max King, who was 2nd in this year’s USATF Mountain Running Championships, will be one to watch, as will Andy Wacker, the 2019 NCAC Mountain Running Champion. David Sinclair, who memorably took on both the classic and long distance races in the 2019 World Mountain Running Championships in Patagonia, finishing 12th and 10th, will be a tough competitor . Ryan Ghelfi, who was 4th in the VK here in 2019, is also expected to do well.

There is huge depth to the men’s and women’s fields, so we’ve just highlighted a few runners here.

Broken Arrow Skyrace

The 26k race takes place on Sunday 3rd October, with the action kicking off at 7am local time. This is our fifth long mountain race out of six in this year’s World Cup26k 2 small (with number six taking place on the same day at Zumaia Flysch).

The Skyrace takes in some of the most famous terrain in this area. From the start it climbs up, with only short respites, for just over the first half of the race, from the valley floor at 1890m all the way up to the summit at 2700m. The runners climb via the KT-22 summit, then they descend via the famous Emigrant Pass (2667m), with a slight up again to Julia Million Memorial aid station, then it’s 5k downhill to the finish.

Favourites

We’ll be seeing a lot of the runners from the VK taking part in the 26k race as well. Athletes doubling up include Hillary Allen, Anna Frost, David Sinclair, Max King and Andy Wacker.

In addition there are some really exciting runners in the 26k. For the women Kimber Mattox, who was 3rd in the USATF Mountain Running Championships, will be toeing the line. As will Kelly Wolf, who has a string of impressive wins to her name, from half marathon distance up to the big global ultras. And for the men the hot favourite must be Joseph Gray, our reigning World Mountain Running Champion at the classic distance, who was yet again crowned USATF Mountain Running champion this year. But he will face stiff competition from a top men’s field, which as well as the runners mentioned above will include athletes like Sam Sahli, 2nd in the 26k in 2019, Darren Thomas, 5th at this year’s Pike’s Peak and with a string of wins at half marathon distance, and Jared Hixon, 4th in the 11k race here in 2019.

Again, both fields are very deep, so we’ve just highlighted a few runners. You can see the full start lists at: https://ultrasignup.com/m_entrants_event.aspx?did=81287

Useful information

Follow live at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkiqAYQkbwGHtsx165Iay4Q

Live broadcasts, aerial footage and athlete commentary.

Start times:

VK 11am Friday October 1

26k 7am Sunday October 3

Njeru and Mamu Win at Trofeo Ciolo

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

Stage 11 of this year’s World Cup took us to a venue with a difference! Instead of a traditional mountain setting, Trofeo Ciolo takes place on the coast in Puglia, right down in the heel of Italy. But ‘different’ definitely doesn’t equal ‘easier’ here because this 11.7km course packs 640m of ascent and 518m of descent in almost continual climbing and descending on technical, rugged paths.

On the start line we had current World Cup leaders, Charlotte Morgan (GBR) and Henri Aymonod (ITA). In both the men’s and women’s races top fields were assembled including: Petro Mamu (ERI); Geoffrey Ndungu (KEN); Alex Baldaccini (ITA); Alberto Vender (ITA); Sandor Szabo (HUN); Joyce Njeru (KEN); Lucy Murigi (KEN); Alice Gaggi (ITA); and Alessia Scaina (ITA).

As a taste of what was to come the race started with a steep, short uphill, which immediately started to spread out the field of runners. Because this first climb was on a narrow path the organisers set the women’s off 5 minutes ahead of the men, to ensure that all the women were through this first section before the first men came through. With the rest of the course being wider and allowing for easier overtaking, this measure made sure that nobody’s race was disrupted.

Murigi webIn the women’s race it was Njeru and Murigi who struck out from the start. By the 5km point they had opened up a small lead over Gaggi (+50sec), Scaina (+1min 25sec) and Morgan (+1min 45sec). Before the start Morgan, who sustained cuts and bruises from falls in winning our last World Cup race at Canfranc-Canfranc (long race), declared that she was fully recovered from these superficial injuries and that 11km was a bit short for her, but she was going to ‘give it a go’. In the early stages she was as good as her word and staying in touch with the leaders.

TC men webFor the men the top 5 were slightly closer at the same point. Mamu led it out from the start but hot on his heels were Vender, Ndungu, Baldaccini and Daniel Pattis (ITA), with around 15 seconds separating them. It looked like it was going to be a very close competition.

At the famous Ponte Ciolo at the 10km point we waited to see how the preceding 5km of rocky undulations had shaken up the field. Njeru came through first for the women, but Murigi was just 5 seconds behind her, with a bigger gap back to Gaggi and Scaini. Mamu had stretched out a lead of 50 seconds for the men, with Baldaccini, Vender and Ndungu leading the chase with just 1km to go!

TC Mamu webComing into the line first, (bearing in mind just over 6 minutes difference in start time in the end) it was Mamu who took the men’s win (50.22) and Njeru was just behind him, winning the women’s race (57.12). Murigi was only 9 seconds behind Njeru (57.21) and Gaggi completed the women’s podium 4 minutes behind in 1.01.17. The men’s runner up was Ndungu (51.19), with Baldaccini in 3rd (51.23).

TC Joyce webIt was another exciting World Cup race with a top field in a stunning setting. There are just 5 races left in this year’s competition but now they come thick and fast in just over 2 weeks:

Stage 12: October 1 Broken Arrow short uphill race – Palisades Tahoe, USA

Stage 13: October 3 Broken Arrow long mountain race (26k) – Palisades Tahoe, USA

Stage 14: October 3 Zumaia Flysch long mountain race (42k) – Zumaia-Gipuzkoa, Spain

Stage 15: October 3 Zumaia Flysch classic mountain race (22k) – Zumaia-Gipuzkoa, Spain

Stage 16: October 10 Kilometro Vertical Chiavenna Lagunc – Chiavenna, Italy

TC women winners web

TC men winners web

World Cup Stage 11: Trofeo Ciolo

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

For the next stage of the World Cup we head to a completely different venue, unlike any other on the circuit. Trofeo Ciolo takes place in Gagliano del Capo, right down in the heel of Italy. We are no longer in the mountains, we’re right on the coast, but this won’t make this race any easier!

Instead of long Alpine climbs and descents, at Trofeo Ciolo we have a rugged, technical path with a lot of shorter ups and downs. The course is 11.7km and it packs 640m of ascent and 518m of descent in almost continual climbing and descending. There will be very little respite for the runners on this course. In fact, the start of the race is immediately steeply uphill, as is the finish.

The favourites

As with so many of our World Cup races this year the fields are absolutely stacked. The two current leaders of the World Cup rankings will be racing, as will many athletes currently lying in the top 10.Canfranc Charlotte Morgan

Charlotte Morgan (GBR), the current women’s World Cup leader is fresh from victory at Canfranc Marathon. She’s also won Tatra Race Run this year and finished 3rd at Tatra SkyMarathon, and she was of course the World Long Distance Champion in 2018. Sarah McCormack (IRL), the reigning women’s World Cup champion (from 2019) will also be on the start line, after her recent return to the World Cup, where she finished 9th at Trofeo Nasego. Joyce Njeru (KEN) will definitely be one to watch, having won at Grossglockner and Krkonossky this year she is currently 2nd in the World Cup rankings. Other runners taking part who we’ve seen finish in the top 10 of World Cup races this year include Charlotte Cotton (BEL), 9th place at Canfranc SkyRace, Kitti Posztos (HUN), 10th at Canfranc SkyRace and Timea Merenyi (HUN) who’s not only finished in the top 10 at Tatra Race Run and Krkonossky, but also in the last World Cup overall. So the women’s field looks incredibly exciting.

Henri Aymonod Vert NasegoOn the men’s side Henri Aymonod (ITA) is our current World Cup leader, having won Vertical Nasego and finished 3rd at Tatra Race Run and La Montee du Nid d’Aigle. Sandor Szabo (HUN) is lying second in the men’s World Cup with a 2nd place at Canfranc Sky Race and top 10s at Krkonossky and Tatra Race Run. Petro Mamu (ERI) is fresh from winning Trofeo Nasego and coming 3rd at Vertical Nasego just a few weeks ago and Geoffrey Ndungu (KEN), our winner at Krkonossky who has also finished 4th at Trofeo Nasego and Grossglockner, is also hotly tipped.

 

All in all it looks like another exciting weekend of racing, which may shake up the World Cup rankings with just 4 more races to go after this one!

Useful information

Start times on Sunday 26th September:

Women 10am local time (expected winner’s time around 60 minutes)

Men 10.04am local time (expected winner’s time around 51 minutes)

Race website: https://www.cronogare.it/wmra-world-cup-2021/

Trofeo Ciolo small web

The World Mountain and Trail Running Championships

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

World Athletics assists the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) in organising the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC) on a biennial basis. The WMTRC is where the world’s best off-road runners are released into the wild. Held over three days, elite international athletes compete in a total of 10 official world championships across four competition formats, as well as other open or promotional races for mass participation athletes. The WMTRC celebrates the force of nature, capturing new frontiers or re-purposing off-season resorts.

 Next Edition: Chiang Mai, Thailand – (11-13 February 2022) (originally scheduled for 11-14 November 2021)

Hosting Opportunity: To be held before 15 June or after 15 September 2023.

Competition Formats (please refer to World Athletics Rule 57 for more details on race formats):

(1) The “Classic up and down” Mountain Race (ca. 12km or a ca. 6km loop to be repeated twice, 300-450m elevation gain per loop) – Four world championship races (including Senior Men, Senior Women, U20 Men and U20 Women)

(2) The “Vertical” Mountain Race (4-7km, 700-1,000m total elevation gain) – Two world championship races (including Senior Men and Women)

(3) The Long Trail (ca. 80km, 3,500-6,000m total elevation gain, ITRA category “L”) – One race (with Senior Men’s and Women’s world championship rankings)

(4) The Short Trail (ca. 40km, 2,000-3,000m total elevation gain, ITRA category “S”) – One race (with Senior Men’s and Women’s world championship rankings)

Hosting Rights: Full commercial rights are granted to the local organising committee (including Title Sponsorships, Partnerships, Media and Broadcasting Rights, Expo sales, as well as Mass Participation Entry Fees etc.)

Hosting Fee: USD $150,000

Hosting Requirements:

  • Ready access to both mountainous terrain and suitably challenging trails to facilitate the competition format courses listed above, as well as additional running trails for training
  • International airport within a 3-hour bus ride
  • Event transportation system provided between hotels, venues, city centre, airports, main train stations and event-related social functions
  • Full board accommodation in a 3* hotel (or superior) for athletes, officials, World Athletics Family and Media for a period of 4-5 nights:
    • Athletes and Team Officials: 1300 beds (575 twins, 150 single)
    • World Athletics Family (World Athletics, WMRA, ITRA and IAU,): 65 beds (single rooms)
    • Media: 35 beds (single rooms)

Bid Procedure Timeline:

Bid Process

Official launch & Bid Guide shared

Expression of Interest Deadline

Final Bid Application Deadline

Event Award

2023 World Mountain & Trail Running Championships

September 2021

1 November 2021

1 February 2022

April 2022

Announcement About WMRA Nations Cup

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

In 2021, due to the Corona pandemic situation, for the second consecutive year, a World Mountain Running Championships was not able to be held. The WMRA member federations have selected teams, the runners were working hard and had a the goal to be ready for the most important Mountain Running race of the year. To enable at least one International race in the season for National teams, the WMRA decided to organise a new competition, called the WMRA Nations Cup to allow National teams to compete against each other.

The WMRA have decided to work together with an experienced race and organisation team and have chosen a traditional Mountain running event that takes place on October 31st. Here are the details of the event:

– The WMRA Nations Cup takes place on 31st October at the Val Bregaglia Trail
– Location is in Chiavenna, Italy that is in the Northern region of Lombardy close to the Swiss border
– Course will be approximately 19km with elevation of +650m, -1000m for Women and Men
– Teams of max 4 Women and 4 Men can participate with 3 runners to count for the teams category. There will be only Senior categories but Junior aged runners (18/19yr) may also participate in the Senior category.

The WMRA is very pleased to be able to bring together our member federations for an event which will respect all current Covid-19 protocols and we would like to thank our race organisation and the Italian Federation (FIDAL) for their support in being able to offer this competition for our Mountain Running athletes.

Jonathan WYATT
WMRA President

Murphy Breaks Course Record and Martinez Makes It Two Wins at Canfranc

Written by Tomo Sarf on . Posted in Latest News.

After an exciting day of racing at the Canfranc 45k race, our 9th round of the World Cup, yesterday, we didn’t have long to wait for round 10. Canfranc provided the stunning backdrop again for the 16k classic mountain race today. 

We were looking forward to seeing 2019 world champion Grayson Murphy (USA) back for more European action, after her win at Trofeo Nasego (and 2nd place at Vertical Nasego) last weekend. Also on the start line for the women were course record holder Servant Nadege (FRA), Nuria Gil (ESP) and Yolanda Martín (ESP).Canfranc 16k start

In the men’s race all eyes were on 2020 winner Antonio Martinez (ESP), who would face strong competition from Sandor Szabo (HUN), and Spanish athletes Iñigo Arantzamendi, Roger Comellas, and Ion Sola. Also on the start line for the men was Raul Criado, who was 3rd in yesterday’s 45k race, back for more!

The runners were set off in small groups at minute intervals, in line with local Covid protocols. They would face one up and down over the 16k, but what a big up and down it was! 1400m over the course of the first 6k to the summit of La Moleta, followed by a technical 10k descent down to the finish.  

It was Szabo who hit the summit in the lead in the men’s race, with Daniel Castillo (SPA) a minute behind and Martinez a minute behind him. It was all still very close, despite the long climb. In the women’s race there was a clear leader and that was Murphy. She hit La Moleta 10 minutes ahead of Gil and in fact was lying in 4th place in the race overall at that point! Servant was around 90 seconds behind Gil.

Canfranc view from Moleta

Canfranc 16k MartinezIt looked unlikely that Murphy would be caught, but anything can happen on a 10k technical descent! In the men’s race it was Martinez who hit the final stretch (part of the famous Camino del Santiago) first and he took the win, his second consecutive one here, in 1.52.26. Szabo was a minute and a half behind in 2nd place in 1.53.52, with Castillo taking 3rd in 1.54.38.

Canfranc 16k MurphyAll eyes were on the clock for Murphy’s arrival as it looked likely that the existing women’s course record of 2.08.18 was under threat. In fact Murphy broke the tape in an incredible 1.57.43, obliterating the previous mark and finishing 5th overall! The runner who set that record, Gil, took 2nd in 2.15.28 and Servant was 3rd in 2.17.16.

See full results at https://ranking.wmra.info/

See the remaining World Cup calendar at https://www.wmra.info/calendar/2021-major-events. Just 6 races left.