Author: Hector Rubio

Thrilling Finishes in Day of Close Racing at Trofeo Nasego

Written by Hector Rubio on 03/09/2023. Posted in Latest News.

After an exciting Vertical Nasego yesterday, which saw Mayr and Kipngeno retain their crowns, today it was the turn of Trofeo Nasego in this year’s Valsir Mountain Running World Cup. This was the next long mountain race of the World Cup at 21k and many of the athletes who competed yesterday were back to compete on the longer distance, up and down race.

Trofeo Nasego has traditionally delivered exciting racing over the years, with its fast and mainly runnable course. Now in its 22nd edition, it is a classic of the mountain running circuit. From the start in Castro at 400m it climbs steadily for the first 6km, before flattening off for 6k, before the big climb up to Rifugio Nasego at 1311m, then a steep descent and slight final climb to Famea for the finish.

Last year’s winners, Andrea Mayr (AUT) and Patrick Kipngeno (KEN), who both successfully defended their titles yesterday at Vertical Nasego, were back again to try to repeat this feat.

Men’s race

We knew that Christian Allen (USA) would be an exciting runner to watch. A 28.36 10k runner who is also capable of winning a 50k trail ultra (Speedgoat) in addition to coming a close second to Kipngeno in a vertical uphill race (as he showed yesterday). What could he do over 21k? It was Allen who took the race out from the gun, with Philemon Kiriago (KEN), second here last year to Kipngeno, on his heels and a chasing pack just behind.

By the 4km mark Kiriago, recent winner of Sierre Zinal and second in the classic race in the World Championships, was stamping his authority on this race and had established a 5 second lead over Allen. Behind them Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) lay 18 seconds back, followed by a group including Xavier Chevrier (ITA), Cesare Maestri (ITA) and Alejandro Garcia Carrillo (ESP). At the 11k point, prior to the athletes tackling the big climb up to Rifugio Nasego, Kiriago still held the lead. It was all going to come down to that climb and descent.

Kiriago reached Rifugio Nasego neck and neck with Kipngeno, who had by now overtaken Allen, but Kiriago emerged from this section of the race in the lead, flying down the descent, having increased his lead to a minute. Allen lay just behind Kipngeno in third, with Maestri and Chevrier chasing in fourth and fifth respectively.

Kipngeno chased hard but Kiriago couldn’t be caught, eventually winning in 1.31.00 with Kipngeno clocking 1.31.45 for second. Allen couldn’t quite close the gap on them, but held onto third place (1.32.33) and then there was a significant gap between the top three and Maestri in fourth and Chevrier in fifth.

Men’s top five

Philemon Kiriago (KEN) 1.31.00
Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) 1.31.45
Christian Allen (USA) 1.32.33
Cesare Maestri (ITA) 1.34.43
Xavier Chevrier (ITA) 1.36.17

Full results at: https://www.endu.net/en/events/vertical-nasego-e-trofeo-nasego/results

Women’s race

Madalina Florea (ROU), who just a few weeks ago led Sierre Zinal in a gutsy display of front running only to fade in the second half, took control again here right from the start. She led the runners out, initially with Joyce Muthoni (KEN), and seemed determined to establish a decent gap from early on.

By 4km Florea had succeeded in opening a gap of 15 seconds and it was Philaries Kisang (KEN) who was leading the chase. At this point Mayr was 30 seconds back, with Muthoni and Scout Adkin (GBR) just behind. At the 11k point, just before the runners embark on the initially gradual but then very steep climb up to Rifugio Nasego, Florea remained firmly in charge having now opened a gap of one minute on the next runner, Muthoni. Behind them Kisang and Mayr were now together. Could Florea’s significant buffer be reduced or was she now out of reach? The climb and subsequent descent was going to decide this race and the podium was very open, with runners changing position constantly.

It was no surprise to see Mayr climb strongly, reducing the gap to Florea and indeed catching her, with Muthoni and Kisang just behind. At this point the top five women were all close together, starting the descent with little between them. Mayr led briefly but it was Florea who emerged at the bottom of the descent first, with a narrow lead of 15 seconds on Mayr. Muthoni was a minute behind.

Agonisingly for Florea, Mayr passed her in the final 2k to take the win in 1.46.06. Florea was 47 seconds behind (1.46.52), then there was a gap to Muthoni, who completed the podium in 1.48.33. Kisang held onto fourth and Susanna Saapunki (FIN) came through for fifth.

Women’s top five

Andrea Mayr (AUT) 46.06
Madalina Florea (ROU) 1.46.52
Joyce Muthoni (KEN) 1.48.33
Philaries Kisang (KEN) 1.49.44
Susanna Saapunki (FIN) 1.50.06

Full results at: https://www.endu.net/en/events/vertical-nasego-e-trofeo-nasego/results

World Cup Standings

Following this exciting weekend of racing, here’s how our Valsir Mountain Running World Cup standings appear now.

Next World Cup Race

Next weekend we head to Canfranc-Canfranc in the Aragonese Pyrenees for our next vertical uphill race on 8th September and our next classic mountain race on 10th September. Find full information about the races here: CC | Beginning (canfranccanfranc.com).

Mayr and Kipngeno prove unbeatable at Vertical Nasego

Written by Hector Rubio on 02/09/2023. Posted in Latest News.

Today the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup headed back to Italy for the first day of a full weekend of racing at Casto. The double header of Vertical Nasego and Trofeo Nasego has always delivered a non-stop, exciting weekend of mountain running and this year is proving no exception.

After some epic duels between Andrea Mayr (AUT), Philaries Kisang (KEN) and Scout Adkin (GBR) for the women and Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) and Philemon Kiriago (KEN) for the men in this year’s prominent vertical uphill races, anticipation was already high. But throw in some perennial Italian champions like Valentina Belotti, Camilla Magliano, Henri Aymonod and Andrea Rostan, as well as younger athletes having a breakthrough year like Anna Gibson (USA) and Joe Steward (GBR), and we had the prospect of some really thrilling racing on our hands.

The runners took on the 4.3k Vertical Nasego course with 1000m of ascent. Starting in Casto, the runners began climbing on roads and good trails before the mountain path became ever steeper and more technical as it wound its way to the finish line. Conditions were warm, but a few clouds in the sky made it near perfect for the runners.

Women’s race

It was no surprise to see Mayr taking the race out right from the start. Not only is she clearly in form this year, with wins at the World Championships, Piz Tri Vertical and Challenge Stellina, she is also a legend in this race. She won in 2019, setting the course record of 38.39, and in 2021 and 2022. She is also the only woman to have run under 40 minutes here.

As we’ve seen so many times this year, it was Kisang who led the chasing pack behind Mayr. But it never looked like she would catch Mayr and she definitely wasn’t assured of second as Adkin was right on her heels the whole time. The battle for second and third was going to be the really exciting race here, as Mayr stretched out her lead. With 200m of the climb to go Susanna Saapunki (FIN) sat a little way behind Adkin, with Gibson chasing Saapunki hard. In the mix at this point we also had Joyce Muthoni (KEN), Sara Willhoit (GBR) and (former three-time winner here) Valentina Belotti (ITA). With 100m of ascent to go Mayr remained firmly in charge, but Kisang and Adkin were still neck and neck.

As expected Mayr took the win in 38.06, a new course record here! Kisang eventually won the battle for second, finishing in 40.27, just managing to hold off Adkin who took third in 40.35.

Women’s top 5

Andrea Mayr (AUT) – 38.06 (new course record)
Philaries Kisang (KEN) – 40.27
Scout Adkin (GBR) – 40.35
Susanna Saapunki (FIN) – 41.23
Anna Gibson (USA) – 42.15

Men’s race

Just as we expected to see Mayr control the race from the start, we’ve also become accustomed to Kipngeno doing the same in the men’s races this year. He took it out from the gun and, just like in the women’s race, the fight became for second and third, although it did seem at times that Kipngeno may be reeled in.

With 200m of the climb to go Kipngeno did have a significant gap and it was Steward, fresh from winning Challenge Stellina last weekend, who lay in second, with Kiriago in third, but neck and neck with Christian Allen (USA).

At the ‘100m of climb to go’ point Kipngeno remained in the lead but it was all change behind him. Allen had passed both Kiriago and Steward to move into second, but Steward remained right on his shoulder. Luciano Rota (ITA) and Rostan had also passed Kiriago and the battle for the top five was on.

Kipngeno just couldn’t be caught and he won in 34.25. In the end his buffer was reduced to 37 seconds and it was Allen who took second place (35.01), with Steward just 7 seconds behind him in 35.08.

Men’s top 5

Patrick Kipngeno (KEN) – 34.25
Christian Allen (USA) – 35.01
Joe Steward (GBR) – 35.08
Luciano Rota (ITA) – 35.37
Philemon Kiriago (KEN) – 35.48

Full results can be found at: https://www.endu.net/en/events/trofeo-nasego-vertical/results

World Cup standings

We knew that this weekend would have a significant impact on the World Cup. We will see the full effect after tomorrow’s race but today Muthoni added to her lead in the women’s competition. She is now 48 points ahead of Kisang. Adkin remains in third, having added to her tally significantly, but Mayr leapfrogs Murigi into fourth, just 10 points behind Adkin. In the men’s competition Kipngeno has closed the gap on Kiriago to just 10 points! It’s going to come down to the wire this year. Behind them Rostan added to his tally to remain in third place and Steward jumps from seventh to fourth, just 16 points behind Rostan now.

See the World Cup results in full here: https://wmra.info/results/wmra-grand-prix-world-cup

Trofeo Nasego

On Sunday 3^rd September the start time for Trofeo Nasego for both men and women is 9.30am. See the full programme.

Find out more about the race at their website.

The organisers will be providing regular updates via their Instagram account. You can also follow the action on the WMRA social channels:

WMRA Instagram

WMRA Facebook

PALENCIA TO HOST THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL U18 MOUNTAIN RUNNING CUP

Written by Hector Rubio on 29/08/2023. Posted in Latest News.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) is excited to announce Palencia (Spain) to host the International U18 Mountain Running Cup in 2024.

The 17th edition International U18 Mountain Running Cup, co-organised by the Excm. Diputación de Palencia, the RFEA and the WMRA, will be held from 21 to 22 June in “Montaña Palentina” (Spain).

This prestigious international event will follow the success of Annecy, France in 2023 and will showcase the world’s top young athletes in the thrilling sport of mountain running, and Palencia is poised to provide an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.

The event is planned to take place on June 21st-22nd in Aguilar de Campoo and Barruelo de Santullán, both situated within the Palencia region. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has designated these two primary sites: Aguilar de Campoo will host all institutional events, while Barruelo de Santullán has been chosen as the race venue.

Both locations are part of the area known as “Montaña Palentina”, with its deep-rooted history and breathtaking scenery, promises to offer participants and visitors an unforgettable experience beyond the race itself.

Known for its stunning natural landscapes, rugged terrains, and rich cultural heritage, Palencia will undoubtedly provide the perfect backdrop for the U18 Mountain Running Cup.

The race, in Barruelo de Santullán, will cover a distance of 5,5 km with an elevation gained of 200 meters.

The President of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, Raúl Chapado, mentioned: “Trail and Mountain Running is a strategic area for the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation and the celebration in our country of the U18 Mountain Running Cup is a reflection of our commitment. The RFEA’s commitment is global, from the base to the elite, with the organization of at least one annual competition in our borders. An event like this allows athletes to experience a championship at home and, at the same time, bring this discipline to the different corners of our country, making known the charm of places like the Palencia Mountain. We hope to live a weekend of success and that the young people of #EspañaAtletismo spread their Passion for Competing to all Palentinos.”

Tomo Sarf, President of the World Mountain Running Association also added: “We are very happy to see how Spain, after decades of “observing” the international Mountain running scene, will now host World Cup races in 2023, the U18 Mountain Running Cup and the World Master Mountain Running Championships in 2024 and the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2025. Really impressive! Looking forward to our cooperation in the next 2 years.”

Event provisional website: www.u18mrc.blogspot.com

ANDREA MAYR AND JOE STEWARD WIN, UNDER INTENSE RAIN, THE 35° CHALLENGE STELLINA.

Written by Hector Rubio on 28/08/2023. Posted in Latest News.

The British Joe Steward and the Austrian Andrea Mayr ahave won the 35° edition of the Challenge Stellina – Trophy of Nations, hit by the rain. Due to the weather condition, the race stopped in Chiamberlando, after 6.5km with 800m of elevation gain.

For the same reason, the commemoration of the partisan battle of Grange Sevine and the award ceremonies also were moved in Venaus.

The start did not change: from the Arch of Augustus in Susa, passing through the streets of the historic centre.

At the beginning of the climb the British Joe Steward, the American Christian Allen and the French Sylvain Cachard were leading the group, closely followed by the first two blues, both debutants at the Stellina, Hannes Perkmann and Luciano Rota.

At the finish line the positions remained unchanged with Steward who stretches and finishes with a 14 second advantage over Allen, Cachard third 30 seconds behind the winner. Perkmann confirms himself as the first of the Azzurri also at the finish line, 1:15 behind Steward, Rota’s performance is also excellent, 7 seconds behind Perkmann. In the top ten also Joseph Demoore (USA), sixth, Timotej Beçan (SLO), seventh, Theodore Klein (FRA) ninth while for the Italian team to underline the eighth place of Andrea Elia and the 10th of Henri Aymonod.

United States won ahead of France A and Great Britain; the two blue teams follow with Italy A ahead of Italy B.

Andrea Mayr, the record holder for the standard course, continued her dominance in the women’s race, even on a shortened track. Taking the lead from the very beginning of the climb, the Austrian athlete arrived at Chiamberlando with a comfortable 28-second lead over British contender Scout Adkin, who secured her second-place finish for the second consecutive year.

Mayr, a seven-time world champion, establishes a gap of approximately one minute ahead of the third-place finisher, American Anna Gibson. Gibson, who triumphed in this season’s vertical test in Broken Arrow, secures her spot. Meanwhile, Kenyan athlete Joyce Muthoni Njeru, the current leader in the World Cup standings, secures the fifth position. Preceding her are French competitor Christelle Dewalle and Lucy Wambui Murigi, both from Italy, who finished ninth and are clubmates.

Andrea Mayr dedicated her victory at the Stellina to Gudrun Pflüger, four-time Mountain Running World Champion that passed away recently. Gudrun Pflüger also won Challenge Stellina twice, in 1995 and 1996, with a course record that would remain unbeaten for many years.

Great Britain reaffirmed their triumph in the women’s rankings of the Trophy of Nations. Alongside Adkin, the English team boasts additional top-ten placements, including Philippa Williams in sixth place, Sara Willhoit in seventh place, leading ahead of Slovak competitor Silvia Schwaiger, and Kirsty Dickson in the tenth position. Vivien Bonzi achieved the highest ranking for the Italian team, securing the 11th spot with a 7-second lead over Camilla Magliano in 12th place.

In the ranking by nations, Italy A conquered the third step of the podium, preceded by France A, just behind Great Britain, winner of the Trophy for the second consecutive year.

All images copyright Marco Gulberti & Damiano Benedetto

Four-Time World Champion Gudrun Pflüger (AUT) passed away

Written by Hector Rubio on 22/08/2023. Posted in Latest News.

Gudrun Pflüger was a four-time Mountain Running World Champion, a nature researcher – and a cancer patient. She was a cross-country skier, competed in the FIS World Cup and also got overall victory at the “Wordloppet” ski marathon series, and she was one who, after her sporting career, went to live in North America in search of Canadian wolves.

The result was documentaries such as “Auf der Spur der Küstenwölfe” (On the Trail of the Coastal Wolves, 2007), or “Running with Wolves” (2009), and also a book bestseller, “Wolf Spirit: A Story of Healing, Wolves and Wonder” (2014).

Gudrun Pfüger passed away in Radstadt (Salzburg), Austria, one day before her 51^st birthday on 17 August 2023.

Gudrun Pflüger was a fighter all her life. In the same year in which Helmut Schmuck won his first of two world championship titles in mountain running she triumphed for the first of four times. In Italy in 1992, in Germany, more precisely in Bavaria, in 1994, in Scotland in 1995 and in Telfes in Tyrol in 1996, no one was faster than her in the Mountain Uphill, not even the Frenchwoman Isabelle Guillot, also a four-time world champion, nor British Sarah Rowell, who is now treasurer of the WMRA. “She was an outstanding athlete,” Rowell recalls, “a pity that we had little contact with each other at the competitions and away from the races, with no Internet or social media we did not stay in contact at the time. I am so grateful to have been able to have email contact with Gudrun in the months before this years World Championships in Innsbruck and to share stories about what we have done since racing against each other. She will be missed deeply”.

At the Kitzbüheler Horn mountain road race, her star had raised. Franz Puckl, the Austrian grandsigneur of mountain running, nominated her for the 1992 World Championships in Italy because another runner had dropped out. In an interview in September 2022, Pflüger spoke about times gone by: “I remember that there was a very good spirit in Team Austria, but the contact with athletes from other countries was limited. We did not all stay in the same hotel and we all had lots of things to do. It also came to the point that I sometimes did not even have the opportunity to look at a course layout before the race, which wasn’t always a disadvantage, because then I didn’t know what to expect…”

More than 15 years ago, Pflüger, who leaves behind a son, had fought off a brain tumour: The encounter with the wolves gave her strength at that time. The disease came back, the fight went on again, but there was no doubt about the outcome.

RIP Gudrun Pflüger
* 18 August 1972 in Graz
† 17 August 2023 in Radstadt

World Mountain Running Association Announces Call for Athletes Commission Candidacy

Written by Hector Rubio on 20/08/2023. Posted in Latest News.

The World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) is excited to announce the calling for nominations(up to 12) to serve as members of the WMRA Athletes Commission from 2023-2025. A unique opportunity for present and past dedicated mountain runners to contribute to the continuing successful growth of the WMRA and to play a vital role in shaping the future of the sport.

The WMRA is searching for 12 exceptional athletes who have participated in a senior WMRA Championship or WMTRC Short Trail Championship within the past decade.

A vital part of this to have an athletes commission that can add a valuable voice and strategic ideas to the council.

The Athletes Commission serves as a crucial link between the WMRA and the athlete community. Commission members will be responsible for providing valuable insights, representing the athlete perspective, and contributing to the decision-making process that directly impacts the mountain running community.

Eligible candidates should possess a deep passion for mountain running, a keen understanding of the sport’s dynamics, and a commitment to driving its growth and development. Candidates must have competed in either a senior WMRA Championship or a WMTRC Short Trail Championship within the last 10 years to be considered for this role.

The selection process will be conducted through a thorough evaluation of the candidates’ achievements, experience, and dedication to the sport.

Applications for the Athletes Commission Candidacy will be accepted from 21st August 2023 to 21st September.

Interested athletes are invited to submit their applications to the WMRA official representative: Mr. John Bowden at john@athletics.org.nz

The chosen members of the commission will be announced on early October marking an exciting step forward in the collaboration between athletes and the WMRA.

Please read the Terms of Reference and access the Aplication from.

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Become a World Masters Mountain Running Championships venue

Written by Hector Rubio on 07/05/2023. Posted in Latest News.

Applications are now being taken to host the 24^th edition of the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in 2025.

The hugely popular event – the highlight of the masters’ year – has seen many of the world’s finest mountain runners over the age of 35 compete for the coveted title and now the WMRA is looking for the next host.

This year’s event will take place in Madeira (www.wmmrc-madeira2023.com/), while Canfranc in Spain will be the venue for the 2024 event.

Traditionally, the Championships feature a mostly uphill route between 8-10km, although this is changing slightly from this year. In 2024 there will be also be a longer ultra-distance event for both men and women, while this year’s championships in Madeira includes a mostly uphill 9km and a longer 32km that features both ascent and descent.

The event takes place over three days which helps create a fabulous atmosphere. Last year’s event, in Clonmel, Ireland proved incredibly popular not just with the athletes taking part, but also the locals who made sure everyone was welcomed with open arms. Last year’s report from Ireland can be found here.

*If you’re a race organiser and would like your event to include the prestigious title ‘World Masters Championships’ then we’re waiting to hear from you. Send us a short letter of intention, along with confirmed support from your national federation and we will send you the Application form which should be returned to the WMRA by the end of August. The documents required can be found on the: WMRA web site… Regulations updates are indicated in yellow.

Please get in touch and we look forward to an amazing 2025 race!

It’s 50 Days until the VALSIR Mountain Running World Cup 2023 begins

Written by Hector Rubio on 27/04/2023. Posted in Latest News.

Lucy Murigi wins the 40th Smarna Gora Mountain Running Race, Pic Marco Gulberti

The VALSIR Mountain Running World Cup 2023 is one of the most thrilling and challenging mountain running competitions in the world, involving 17 races in 11 events and 8 countries…and it all starts soon!

It all kicks off in Broken Arrow, USA on June 16 and Tomo Sarf, WMRA President says, “I am happy and proud that the 24th edition of the Mountain Running World Cup is attracting such great races; some of them could be called ‘icons’. I am also sure that the circuit will attract many top athletes from all over the world; I wish everyone nice experiences and good luck.”

“We are thrilled to announce the start of the Mountain Running World Cup in just 50 days,” agrees Jonathan Wyatt, WMRA Valsir Mountain Running World Cup manager. “This competition is a true test of athleticism and will showcase some of the world’s best mountain runners. We look forward to welcoming athletes from around the world and showcasing their incredible talents.”

This year’s Valsir Mountain Running World Cup calendar will feature both Gold and Silver label races, travelling to countries including the United States of America, Poland, Portugal, Italy, France, Switzerland where we will even celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the mythical Sierre-Zinal, Spain and Slovenia. The competition promises to be intense, with athletes competing in challenging terrain and varying weather conditions.

The gold races

Broken Arrow Vertical/Skyrace, June 16-18, USA

Montemuro Mountain Race, July 2, Portugal

Piz Tri Vertical/Fletta Trail, July 15-16, Italy

La Montee Du Nid D’Aigle, July 22, France

Sierra Zinal, August 12, Switzerland

Nasego, September 2-3, Italy

Canfranc Vertical/Classic Mountain Race, September 8-9, Spain

Gran Canaria, Vertical, Long and Classic, October 13-15, Spain

The silver races

Tatra Race Run, June 25, Poland

Primiero Dolomiti Trail, September 30, Italy

Smarna Gora Race, October 7, Slovenia

Entries open for the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Madeira

Written by Hector Rubio on 22/04/2023. Posted in Latest News.

Athletes can now register online at www.wmmrc-madeira2023.com for the event which takes place 15-17^th September 2023.

The World Masters Mountain Championships are always the highlight of the year for athletes over the age of 35 (and under 80) and this year the competition for that all-important World title promises to be even more exciting as for the first time a long distance race has been introduced.

The races consist of a traditional length 9km uphill and now also, a 32km up and down course which will provide a fantastic test for those taking part. Western Madeira, where the championships are taking place, is made up of stunning volcanic mountains that climb through a sub-tropical rain forest meaning the uphill race will feature 800m of climbing and the longer event 1154m of ascent (and the same descent).

competitors

The event is for runners over the age of 35-79 but you MUST be registered with your appropriate federation to take part. Runners who aren’t will NOT be allowed to.

The age groups for the Uphill race are as follows:

W/M 35 – 35-39 years old, on September 15th 2023

W/M 40 – 40-44 years old, on September 15th 2023

W/M 45 – 45-49 years old, on September 15th 2023

W/M 50 – 50-54 years old, on September 15th 2023

W/M 55 – 55-59 years old, on September 15th 2023

W/M 60 – 60-64 years old, on September 15th 2023

W/M 65 – 65-69 years old, on September 15th 2023

W/M 70 – 70-74 years old, on September 15th 2023

W/M 75 – 75-79 years old, on September 15th 2023

And the age groups for the Long Distance race, are:

W/M 35 – 35-39 years old, on September 17th 2023

W/M 40 – 40-44 years old, on September 17th 2023

W/M 45 – 45-49 years old, on September 17th 2023

W/M 50 – 50-54 years old, on September 17th 2023

W/M 55 – 55-59 years old, on September 17th 2023

W/M 60 – 60-64 years old, on September 17th 2023

W/M 65 – 65-69 years old, on September 17th 2023

W/M 70 – 70-74 years old, on September 17th 2023

W/M 75 – 75-79 years old, on September 17th 2023

Entries

From April 17 to May 31 – 45€ per athlete
From June 01 to July 31 – 50€ per athlete
From August 01 to August 15 – 55€ per athlete

Athletes participating in both, Uphill and Long Distance races, will benefit from a reduction on the second race, as follows:

From April to May 31-25€ per athlete for the second race

From June 01 to August 15 – 30€ per athlete for the second race

Full entry detail can be found at https://www.wmmrc-madeira2023.com/

The island

The Madeira archipelago is located in the African Plate in the Atlantic Ocean

between latitude 30° and 33°N, basically at the same latitude as Casablanca, 978 km southwest of Lisbon, about 700 km west of the African coast, and 450 km north of the Canary Islands.

It was discovered by the Portuguese navigator, Joa?o Gonc?alves Zarco in 1419. Administratively it is an autonomous region of Portugal, and it’s official name is “Regia?o Auto?noma da Madeira”.

The official language is Portuguese, and the currency is Euro (€).

It has a length of approximately 63km, and a width of 23km on the widest part.

Its economy is mostly based in the touristic activity, but fishing and agriculture, also pay an important role in it. The three main agricultural cultures are; bananas, sugar cane, and grapes.

Ponta do Pargo, where the competition will take place, in the municipality of Calheta, is the most western village in Madeira island, and it’s known for its apples and its lighthouse over a 300m high cliff.

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USA finalise team for 18 Mountain Running Cup

Written by Hector Rubio on 21/04/2023. Posted in Latest News.

Eight athletes have been named to the 2023 USATF U18 Mountain Running Team slated to compete in the 16th edition of the International U18 Mountain Running Cup.

A strong looking team will be flying the US flag in Annecy, France on Saturday, May 27. The race will be held at Semnoz Ski Resort and consists of 4.6-km route that includes a short amount of pavement, ski trails, grass and dirt paths and has 230 meters of elevation gain and descent. The top three finishers score for the team and medals are presented to the top three teams and top three individuals in both the girls’ and boys’ divisions. Athletes from over 15 countries are expected at this year’s event.

Team member Keeghan Edwards summed it all up saying: “To represent Team USA in Annecy, France is a dream that’s about to become a reality. I am honored to seize this opportunity with such an amazing team, and I cannot wait to represent Team USA in this experience of a lifetime. I cannot wait to race with my teammates against competitors of other nations, and I’m especially excited to face the challenge of mountain trail racing. It’s an art that I long to master.”

Jake Schwarting had this to add: “I believe that Team USA has a very strong team this year and can place very well. I am looking forward to doing everything I can to help our team place as high as possible.”

It’s definitely going to be an exciting race forms part of the hugely popular MaXi Race Series of Lake Annecy which includes races at multiple distances, including the Maxi-Race Salomon that is part of the Golden Trail National Series in France.

The USA Team

Keeghan Edwards

Rosie Mucharsky-O’Boyle

Macey Shriner

Charlotte Tuxbury

Benji Anderson

Will Brunner

Matthew Edwards

Jake Schwarting

Read the story in full: https://trailrunner.com/trail-news/usatf-u18-mountain-running-team-announced/

Click here for information about the: International U18 Mountain Running Cup

WORLD MOUNTAIN RUNNING ASSOCIATION