Video: Western Time - Running the Western States 100 with Sally McRae

In June of 2014, trail runner Sally McRae set out to run the Western States 100 ultramarathon for the first time. As a Nike-sponsored athlete, she already had a number of accolades under her belt, but this was the first time she was taking on the iconic race that is held in high regard with the endurance community. The short documentary below follows her through the race, including qualifying for the event and preparing for the challenge of her career. This is a good look at a legendary event, and what it takes to compete in it.

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Nat Geo Covers Nolan's 14 – One of the Toughest Endurance Challenges in the World

We've covered the Nolan's 14 ultra-run on a couple of occasions in the past, thanks in no small part to our friend Ben Clark's attempts to complete the run on a couple of occasions. For those who don't recall, Nolan's 14 is a grueling endurance challenge that sends trail runners on a hundred-mile long traverse of 14 peaks in Colorado, all of which are over 14,000 feet (4267 meters) in height. The endurance athletes who attempt Nolan's can take any route they choose between those mountains, but they do have to summit each of them along the way. Oh, and to be successful in the challenge, they must also finish the entire run in under 60 hours.

Yesterday, National Geographic Adventure also ran a piece on Nolan's 14, bringing this incredible challenge to a much larger audience for the first time. The article spoke to Ben about his most recent attempt at Nolan's back in September of 2014, as well as a number of other notable ultra-runners who have been humbled by the undertaking. That list includes the likes of Anton Krupicka, who had to abandon his attempt back in 2013 after six peaks. A series of physical ailments caught up with Anton, preventing him from going any further.

The article takes a look at the origins of Nolan's 14, which began as a challenge amongst friends Blake Wood and Fred Vance back in 1999. The idea was to combine ultrarunning, mountaineering and orienteering into one very tough event that meant to be a mostly personal challenge for themselves and other endurance athletes that they knew. They consulted with mountaineer Jim Nolan, who tipped them off about the line of 14 peaks in the Sawatch Range that would eventually become known as Nolan's 14.

It took until 2001 for anyone to actually complete the challenge, which is when Wood, and three other runners, finished the route. In the years since then, only 11 other people have complete the challenge in under 60 hours, which has helped to create the legend of Nolan's 14 within the endurance community.

The entire article is well written, and provides some great insights into Nolan's 14 from the athletes who have done it, or are working on completing it. You can also learn more about the event through Ben Clark's Nolan's 14 film, the trailer for which you'll find below. It will give you just a hint at what all the fuss is about, and the incredible dedication it takes to complete this challenge.


Nolan's 14 - Trailer from Pheonix and Ash Productions on Vimeo.

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Video: ASICS "Outrun the Sun" Trail Running Challenge

Last summer, ASICS hosted an incredible tail running event that challenged two teams of endurance athletes to "outrun the sun" around Mont Blanc in Europe. The relay race started and ended in Chamonix, France but crossed through Italy and Switzerland along the way as well. Covering a total distance of 152 km (94.4 miles), the route took runners through some of the most mountainous terrain in the region, forcing them to climb a combined 8450 meters (27,723 ft) in the process. The event was held on June 21, the longest day of the year. With sunrise taking place at 5:44 AM and sunset occurring at 8:48 PM, they had roughly 14.5 hours to run the route while the sun was still overhead.

The video below, which comes our way courtesy of EpicTV, gives us a glimpse at this challenge. I won't spoil the final results, but lets just say it was a tough run with some impressive results.

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Sign-Up for the Inaugural TransArabia Ultramarathon, Get a Discounted Entry into the TransPyrenea 895 Too!

Ultrarunners who had been hoping to take part in the 2015 TransPyrenea 895 race, but found themselves missing the cutoff for registration may just have a second chance to get in on the adventure. The race reached its 300 person cap weeks ago, leaving some of the top endurance athletes in the world on the outside looking in. But now, organizers of the TransPyrenea have announced that they will accept the next ten people who enter TransArabia ultramarathon as well, allowing them join the ranks of competitors at their event. And to sweeten the incentive even further, they're willing to provide a €500 (roughly $620) discount off the entry fee as well.

Organizers for these two great events have teamed up to give ultrarunners the ultimate challenge for 2015 – run a stunning course through the deserts of Jordan, and another through the breathtaking Pyrenees of France. The first of those races will take place starting on February 22, when runners will set off from the shores of the Dead Sea on a 300 km (186 mile) race that will take them through ancient villages, past the lost city of Petra, and into the very heart of Wadi Rum. Then, later in the year, they'll also take on the demanding 895 km (556 mile) TransPyrenea route that will test their legs with more than 52,000 meters (170,600 ft) of vertical gain in the Pyrenees. Both races promise to be incredibly demanding, pushing the competitors to their absolute physical limits.

 For someone who had been hoping to run the TransPyrenea but found themselves missing the entry cut-off, this is a bit of a reprieve. These ten entrants will get to race two of the most exciting ultra events on the calendar for 2015, with more to follow. The two race management teams also promise a big announcement that will be coming soon, with a sister race for the TransPyenea being announced for 2016. Those who race in both events in 2015 will be on the fast track for entrance to those races the following year as well.

If you were hoping to run a major ultra race next year, but just haven't gotten around to registering for one yet, this must might be the opportunity you've been looking for. But act fast, as these ten entries are likely to go quickly, particularly since they now involve not one, but two races, and a discount as well.

Good luck to all the runners in both of these amazing events.

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Video: Teaser Trailer for Nolan's 14

There is a little known challenge in the ultrarunning world known as Nolan's 14. That challenge involves running a 100 mile (160 km) route through the mountains of Colorado, while bagging all 14 individual 14,000 ft (4267 meter) peaks that make up Sawatch Range. The runners who take on this challenge are free to follow any route they choose, so long as they manage to get all 14 peaks in under 60 hours. Only 15% of those who try are actually able to do it.

Now, a new documentary about Nolan's 14 has been released, and it looks fantastic. The teaser trailer for the film can be found below, and it serves as a good introduction to this grueling undertaking. You'll recognize some of the biggest names in ultrarunning in the clip, which also gives viewers a glimpse of just how difficult this challenge truly is. The final quote in the trailer sums it up well. "There's running. There's ultrarunning. Then there's Nolan's 14."

If you like what you see, you can rent or buy the full documentary on Vimeo as well.

Nolan's 14 - Trailer from Pheonix and Ash Productions on Vimeo.

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Ultra-running Team Sets New Mark on New Zealand's Great Walks

A few weeks back I posted about the New Zealand 9 expedition, an attempt by a trio of ultrarunners/adventurers to set a new speed record for completing all nine of New Zealand's Great Walks in just nine days. While I was off galavanting around Ecuador the past few weeks, this team of endurance athletes launched their ambitious effort as well. While not everything went according to plan, they were able to successfully complete eight of the Great Walks, and a portion of the ninth, while in the process, setting a new record along the way.

Ben Southall, Luke Edwards, and Patrick Kinsella faced grueling trail conditions, sleep deprivation, logistical challenges, and the wrath of Mother Nature as they ran – and paddled – their way along the Great Walks. The three men pushed themselves to their physical limits, often running distances greater than a marathon on back-to-back, successive days, on dirt trails no less. In the end, it was circumstances beyond their control that prevented them from achieving the nine walks in nine days, although they did manage to complete eight of the journeys in record time.

For those who don't know, the nine "Great Walks" consist of the following: The Rakiura Track (32km/19.8 miles), Kepler Track (60km/37.2 miles), Milford Track (54km/33.5 miles), Routeburn Track (32km/19.8 miles), Heaphy Track (78km/48.5 miles), Abel Tasman Coastal Track (51km/31.6 miles), Whanganui Journey (145 km/90 miles), Tongariro Northern Circuit (43km/26.7 miles), Lake Waikaremoana Track (46km/28.5 miles).

When the team completed the Routeburn Track, they immediately set out for the Heaphy Track to continue their expedition. Unfortunately, extended driving times between the trailheads forced them to run the 78km (48.5 mile) route at night, which presented plenty of challenges in and of itself. They were able to complete that route however, and that wasn't where they faced a roadblock that couldn't be overcome.


With logistical issues causing delays, the expedition schedule got a bit off track, and by the time they reached the Whanganui Journey – a 145km (90 mile) paddle down the Whanganui River – they new they were racing an uphill battle. The river had swelled to unusually high levels, making it even more of a challenge to complete. When nightfall set in, the boys realized that it was too dangerous to paddle after dark, and were forced to abandon the attempt.

Dejected that they wouldn't be able to finish that stage of the journey, the move don to the Tongariro Northern Circuit, before catching a helicopter ride to the start of the Lake Waikaremoana Track. They ran those two ultramarathon length trails back-to-back, and crossed the finish line for the expedition in 9 days, 23 hours, and 20 minutes. 40 minutes shy of ten days.

As it stands, they team set a new mark for finishing 8 of New Zealand's Great Walks in record time. They are disappointed of course that they were unable to complete the Wanganui Journey, but are proud of their accomplishment none the less. Congratulations to Ben, Luke, and Pat on a job well done.

To find out more about the expedition visit TheGlobalAdenturers.com.  And check out the video below of the final leg of the journey to get an idea of the challenge they faced along the way.


Trail 9 - World Record from NothinButShorts International on Vimeo.

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Badwater Ultramarathon Returning to Death Valley

One of the big stories from the ultrarunning world earlier this year was the news that the Badwater Ultramarathon had been barred from taking place in its traditional environment – Death Valley National Park. In an effort to increase safety throughout the park, a comprehensive review of all events taking place within Death Vally was conducted, which included a number of running and cycling competitions. While that review was taking place, the Badwater was forced to use an alternate route for the 2014 event, and for a time it looked like that route could become permanent. Last week however, it was announced that the race will return to its traditional route in 2015, with only a few minor changes to operations.

In August, a report on the findings for the safety review in Death Valley indicated that sporting events taking place in the month of July – when the Badwater traditionally is run – could be permanently banned. That's when the temperatures in the park are at their hottest, and conditions are most dangerous for those participating. At the time the report was released, the future of the ultramarathon continuing in Death Valley looked grim, and it seemed it wouldn't even be able to start in the small town from which is garnered its name.

But now it seems the Park Service has granted the Badwater a reprieve, and the event will take place more or less as usual. The 2015 edition of the race will be held July 28-30, with a route that begins in Badwater Basin, 86 meters (282 feet) below sea level, and ends at the Mt. Whitney Portals located at 2530 metes (8300 ft). Along the way, it covers some 217 km (135 miles) through one of the harshest, driest environments on the planet.

Race officials indicated that the Badwater would have a three-wave start, with runners setting off in the evening. They indicated that participants wouldn't notice any other significant changes to the event, although behind the scenes there has been more bureaucracy and expense taken on by the AdventureCORPS team that puts on the race. Other than that however, it is business as usual for the ultra-event.

It's good to see the Badwater return to its traditional home and route. The event was never in danger of going away, but for decades it has been run along the route from the basin to Mt. Whitney, and it is nice to see it able to continue along that path. I commend the National Park Service for taking safety seriously, but the AdventureCORPS team has been running this race for a long time, and they have proven time and again that they know what they are doing. Safety remains a chief concern of all involved, and will continue to do so as long as the Badwater continues to operate.

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Video: Mountain Running with Anton Krupicka

Anton Krupicka is an endurance athlete that is amongst the best ultrarunners in the world. He loves to run on long mountain trails that allow him to connect with nature. The video below gives us an introduction to Anton, and offers some insights as to what drives him to run not only in some of the toughest ultra-events on the planet, but just in his daily life as well. The scenery in the short seven-minute film is spectacular, and will motive you to want to go run some trails too.

The Ingenuous Choice - Mountain Running with Anton Krupicka from Outdoor Live on Vimeo.

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Introducing the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa Trail Run

Late last week, the National Geographic Adventure blog shared the details on a new ultra-marathon event that will launch next year called the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa. The trail run, which is the brainchild of ultrarunning legend Lizzy Hawker, will pit endurance athletes against one another on a route that has been designed to push their strength and stamina to the limits.

In creating this event, Hawker drew upon her vast experience in the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, an event she has won on five separate occasions. Lizzy also holds the record for running from Everest Base Camp back to Kathmandu, which is a distance of about 200 miles (321 km). When she started thinking about the trail she wanted for the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, she considered her favorite routes, and the things that made them special. Hawker then started scouting trails in Switzerland near the beautiful, but rugged, Monte Rosa Massif.

The course will begin in the Swiss village of Grächen, high in the mountains above the Mattr Vispa, a tributary of the Rhone River. The route will run through the Alps to Zermatt, at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn. From there, it will turn into Italy, crossing through several villages, before looping back across the border into Switzerland. It promises to be incredibly challenging, but breathtakingly beautiful too.

The race will take place in August of 2015, and will cover a distance of 93 miles (150 km), over four days. Each stage of the race will average about 23 miles (37 km), as Hawker wants to challenge trail runners, but she also wants them to be able to complete the run as well. With the race broken down into shorter distances, the runners will also be able to maximize the daylight hours of the long summer days, which will increase the level of safety.

The 2015 edition of the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa will also serve as a bit of a test run for the event. Registration is being capped at just 150 entrants, who will be taking part in what Hawker calls the "Zero Edition" of the race. In 2016, the cap will be increased to 1000 runners, and the event will be non-stop across the entire course.

Find out more, and register for the event, at the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa official website.

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Video: Running the UTMB with Anton Krupicka

A few weeks back, hundreds of runners lined up to take on the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a grueling run around Mont Blanc that crosses through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It is widely considered to be amongst the toughest foot races in the world, and a true test for ultra-runners. The video below takes us through that amazing event with runner Anton (Tony) Krupicka, who is a member of the Buff Pro Team. The 5+ minute clip gives us some insights into the mind of these runners, while also sharing some fantastic images from the race itself.

Anton (Tony) Krupicka UTMB 2014 - BUFF® PRO TEAM from Víctor Rins on Vimeo.

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Badwater Ultramarathon Banned From Death Valley

Update: It has been pointed out to me that this ban is leveled at events that take place in Death Valley during July, and isn't for every event that takes place in the park. The text below has been updated to reflect this.

The Badwater Ultramarathon is one of the toughest races on the planet, thanks in no small part due to the fact that much of its 135 miles (217 km) length crosses through the desert in Death Valley National Park. For years, the race started in the town of Badwater and ended at the Mt. Whitney Portals, drawing some of the best endurance runners from around the world to compete. But now, the National Park Service has banned the event from taking place inside the park altogether, changing the very fabric of this iconic event.

The news of the ban came a few weeks back, creating disappointment within the ultra-running community, even if it wasn't necessarily a complete surprise. Earlier in the year, the Park Service instituted a temporary ban on events taking place within national parks in order to evaluate them for safety. That forced the 2014 Badwater Ultra to create a new route that didn't put race organizers and runners in conflict with the NPS. When this year's event took place back in July however, there was still hope that the ban would eventually be lifted. This new ruling – signed by Death Valley National Park Superintendent Kathy Billings – makes it permanent.

The primary reason for the ban is concerns about safety issues. Death Valley is one of the hottest locations on the planet, with temperatures in the summer routinely exceeding 110ºF/43.3ºC. Prolonged exposure to that kind of heat can put any visitor to the park in danger, let alone athletes attempting to cover more than 100 miles during the hottest time of the year. There also appeared to be some concerns that the Badwater would take part at night, when visibility was low and there were fewer park service staff members on duty to deal with potential issues. Responding to calls for assistance could be greatly delayed, raising the questions about overall safety even further.

It should be noted that this ban isn't just leveled agains the Badwater Ultra. Death Valley has hosted between 10 and 14 sporting events each year, and any of them scheduled to take place in July, when the heat is at its worst, will not be allowed to take place. Of those, the Badwater is probably the most well known, but others could be affected by this ruling too.

This year, the race started in Lone Pine, and followed the edge of Death Valley towards the regular route up Mt. Whitney. The new route added some further challenges with more climbs, but the spirit of the race remained the same. It is possible that this route will now become the one that is used moving forward. The race will likely continue to keep its name, even though it will no longer begin in Badwater as well.

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The North Face Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc Sees Repeat Winners

This past weekend, one of the toughest and most demanding foot races in the world took place around Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe. That's where the 2014 North Face Ultra-Trail Du Mont-Blanc was run, with more than 2000 competitors from across the globe testing their strength, endurance and determination on a course that is known for its difficult mountain trails, high altitude passes, and completely unpredictable weather.

This year, the 168 km (104 mile) race was saw two familiar faces atop the podium as both the mens and womens champions are past winners. French runner Francois D'Haene, who won in 2012, set a new course record on his way to victory, finishing the race in 20 hours, 11 minutes, 40 seconds. American Rory Bosio was the fastest woman on the course, crossing the finish line in 23 hours, 23 minutes, and 20 seconds. Francois finished approximately 50 minutes ahead of the next closes competitor, while Bosio was about 90 minutes in front of the second place woman.

Competitors in this year's race had to deal with wet, muddy conditions, which made the already difficult course even more challenging. Runners on the UTMB must circumnavigate Mont Blanc, starting and ending in Chamonix, France, but passing through both Italy and Switzerland along the route. They are also required to be self-supported out on the course, as they carry food and water with them on the run, as well as emergency supplies should they run into trouble out on the trail. In year's past, bad weather has halted the race at times, or stranded some of the runners in the mountains.

For most of the racers, it is just about finishing the UTMB, which is an accomplishment in and of itself. The race has a 46-hour cut-off time, and many of the athletes don't make it back to Chamonix before that point, while others simply DNF out on the course. But for those who do finish, it is a badge of honor to have completed one of the most prestigious trail running events in the entire world. Congratulations to all of those finishers, and especially to D'Haene and Bosio.

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