Posted in 2010

  1. Mudge masters Korbielow fog

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 02 Sep '10

    1 comments

    At the 10th WMRA World Masters Champs former World champion (2000) Angela Mudge negotiated the Polish mountain mist, and the entire women’s field, to win the W40 crown. Mudge’s crown was a beacon in a relatively lean championships for the Home Nations… Read more…

  2. Hope does the 'classic treble'...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 02 Sep '10

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    Rob Hope at Kilnsey 2009

    Some things are quintessentially British, especially when it comes to hill and fell racing. And a fair few of our European friends find the thought of blasting up a hill, with no real track as such, and back down at break-neck speeds, a little odd… Read more…

  3. UK round up...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 01 Sep '10

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    Jenny Heming at Y Cnicht

    Bank holiday racing at Y Cnicht, Achnamara Forest, the Ochil 2000s, the Pendleton Fell Race and the famous Ras Beca ‘sprint’. The weather was certainly looking up and numbers at all events were certainly healthy, here’s hoping for an Indian summer hey! Read more…

  4. Grasmere

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 01 Sep '10

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    The juniors get going at Grasmere

    With so much going on in the world of off-road running (UTMB, Kima, World Masters, TransRockies) it would be easy to overlook the UK race scene. But not a bit of it, as we catch our breath and catch-up on the fells of Britain, and some great weekend racing… Read more…

  5. Jornet and Brizio - Ultra Champions

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 01 Sep '10

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    Kilian takes a bow at Kima

    After leaving what he felt was a disappointing situation in Chamonix on Friday night, 2009 Skyrunning World Series winner Kilian Jornet headed for the Kima Trophy Ultra SkyMarathon® in northern Italy to exercise his excellent form at the moment… Read more…

  6. Jez and Lizzie earn UTMB bragging rights

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 01 Sep '10

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    Lizzie and Jez, champions!

    You can only win what is put before you. The history books and results of this famous race will not detail the trials and tribulations of the 2010 UTMB. They won’t spell out who was missing from the start line-up. They will state that the 2010 winners were Britons Jez Bragg and Lizzie Hawker… Read more…

  7. The UTMB that wasn't, and then was!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 31 Aug '10

    1 comments
    Julian Chorier 'contemplates'

    A crazy 24 hours of ultra trail running in Europe was witnessed last Friday evening as the 8th annual UTMB set off bang on time at 18.30 CET. But barely an 8th of the way into the event (approx 21km) the race was cancelled, or should I say postponed and, for many, over… Read more…

  8. The weekend is here!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 27 Aug '10

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    Well almost. And here in old Blighty there are lots of races for the UK mountain folk to get their teeth into. Classic races at the ‘Welsh Matterhorn’ Cnicht race, the long and hard Ochil 2000’s in Scotland, the Dufton show race and Pete Bland’s super-historic Grasmere Senior Guides Race – all 1.5 miles of it… Read more…

  9. World Masters MR champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 27 Aug '10

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    Amongst the plethora of global racing this weekend it would be easy to miss one very important championships – the World Masters Mountain Running Championships. 26 countries head for Poland, for a race up Pilsko Mountain just outside of Korbielow… Read more…

  10. U T M B...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 27 Aug '10

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    Four letters that would make many a mortal gulp. One of the world’s most challenging ultra trail races, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc is one of the highlights on the international racing calendar, and as you might expect the worldwide media is ‘hyped’ for this one… Read more…

  11. Buffin' me up!

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Fri 27 Aug '10

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    Buff!

    Lots of gear has descended into MST this last few weeks, with kit from The North Face, Columbia, Brooks and now Buff. The 2010 Buffwear range is something that I have to admit not seeing much of, but first impressions of the shorts, socks and t-shirt are favourable… Read more…

  12. Trans Rockies - 5 down, one to go...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 27 Aug '10

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    PV

    Great little video here from Salomon Canada Community Manager Phil Villenueve, before and during the 37.5km 5th stage of this year’s Trans Rockies. This really is one the chalk-off if you are a serious ultra-trail runner, with stunning scenery and trails that go on for miles! Read more…

  13. Midweek racing...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 27 Aug '10

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    Ifan Richards on Tryfan

    Lots of it too, here in the UK. Latrigg, Ennerdale Show, Ragleth, Tryfan Dash. Some quality runners stretched their legs over the last few days with wins for Ricky Lightfoot, Chris Steele, Pippa Maddams, Ifs Richards and Steven Cale… Read more…

  14. Scottish race news...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 24 Aug '10

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    Simon Peachey chased by Kenny Richmond at Pikes peak

    Lots going on north of the Border this last weekend. Whilst some of the Scottish elite traveled to the US to compete at the WLDMRC at Pikes Peak, many turned out for some quality racing at Craigengower, Two Inns and the Great Wilderness Challenge… Read more…

  15. Raiders rock Trans Rockies

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 24 Aug '10

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    With two stages gone the French / Canadian contingent of elite runners present at this year’s Trans Rockies Run are holding sway at the top of the leader board. It’s early days, but the women’s pairing Fournier and de Guire are sitting pretty out in the lead… Read more…

  16. Home International hits the home of mountain biking

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 23 Aug '10

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    This year’s UKA Mountain Running Senior Home International arrives in Scotland in September at Aonach Mor, Fort William. The location for this year’s race is special, visiting the spiritual home of downhill MTBing and location of the annual UCI World Cup Downhill races… Read more…

  17. Mr. Pikes Peak takes win number 7...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 23 Aug '10

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    Carpenter (left) and Nelson accept the spoils at Pikes Peak

    Carpenter wins at Pikes Peak, nothing dramatic in that headline then! The 44 year old won his 5th straight Pikes Peak Marathon yesterday from fellow Manitou Spring resident Daryn Parker. Keri Nelson was a big winner in the women’s race… Read more…

  18. UTMB countdown: It's good to talk...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 23 Aug '10

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    With just a few days to go until the festivities begin in the French Alps, North Face (primary event sponsors) have issued a preview communique spelling out their social media and communications strategy – leading up to and including the event itself… Read more…

  19. Twin Peaks for Erholtz and Randall

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 22 Aug '10

    2 comments
    Brandy Erholtz

    Glenn Randall and Brandy Erholtz took dramatic wins at Saturdays classic Pikes Peak Ascent race. The US athletes won the race to the top of this 14,000ft plus brute of a hill, which also included the World Long Distance Mountain Running championship event… Read more…

  20. Lloyd and Jackie take Elidir

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 21 Aug '10

    Jackie Lee

    So there I was, making a coffee in Corris (mid Wales) cafe on Weds afternoon. In there was a young lady in bike gear out for a spin, non other than top fell runner Jackie Lee. The Isle of Man resident was back in North Wales on a bit of a holiday… Read more…

  21. Busy Irish Times

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Fri 20 Aug '10

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    Tristian Drute

    The usually quiet mountain running month of August has seen a flurry of activity this year. In the North, the super-long Seven Sevens race was taken to a new level while Wednesday events were held in the South in support of Mountain Rescue and The Bubblegum Club charity. Read more…

  22. UTMB® countdown: Jez Bragg

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 18 Aug '10

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    Jez acclimatises in the Alps

    Over the coming week or so we will be previewing one of the world’s biggest ultra trail races, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, from a number of angles. Apart from the obvious race preview we will look to unearth some of the more individual aspects… Read more…

  23. Pikes Peak beckons the brave...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 17 Aug '10

    2 comments

    This year is an exceptional year at the famous Pikes Peak races. Not only will the racing be some of the best ever, looking at the line-ups; it will also be a super-important round of the 2010 Skyrunner World Series too. Read more…

  24. Glendalough, moonlight? It’s autumn in Ireland!

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 17 Aug '10

    1 comments
    The beautiful Glendalough

    Mountain running tends to take a hiatus during the Irish autumn and hill runners find themselves turning to the frenetic cross-country scene for their off-road fix. The trend set by several new races being organised continues unabated, however, and this fall promises to be different. Read more…

  25. British and Irish 'Worlds' teams announced...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 17 Aug '10

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    Following the selection races a few weeks back, both the GB and Ireland teams have been announced to compete at the forthcoming World Mountain Running Champs in Slovenia on September the 5th. As far as the GB team senior men are concerned it’s pretty much the first 6 from the trial Read more…

  26. Weekend racing..

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 13 Aug '10

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    Nick Swinburn on Y Garn, 2009

    After a very busy few weeks on the domestic and international scenes, we return to a weekend of relative serenity with a nice handful of races across the country. For the ‘sprinters’ the classic Y Garn race is on tomorrow in Wales… Read more…

  27. Coach 'em to the top

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 13 Aug '10

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    Time was fell racing consisted of getting to the top and back, or around a loop of hills, faster than anyone else. Well that is still the case, I suppose, only now you can become an expert – and pass on your knowledge to others… Read more…

  28. Re-learn walking, with Terra Plana

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 13 Aug '10

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    Time was when some folk couldn’t get enough EVA. It now seems that the barefoot / minimalist movement is fast becoming the zeitgeist for runners, walkers and shoe brands alike. And now can you even learn how to walk again (!), thanks to shoe makers Terra Plana… Read more…

  29. Trials and revelations on Snowdon

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 11 Aug '10

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    Prasad leaps to 6th on Garnedd Ugain

    For many UK mountain runners who excel best at the uphill bit of mountain running, Sunday was the big day in their calendar. It was the selection race for the upcoming 2010 World Mountain Running Champs in Slovenia, and by all accounts was a beast of a race… Read more…

  30. 'Mr. Borrowdale' wins at a canter...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 10 Aug '10

    1 comments
    Simon Booth

    Simon Booth took his 12th Borrowdale Fell Race win this weekend, beating a quality field of seasoned fell runners. Rob Jebb upset Booth’s decade run in 2009 by beating him into 4th, after 8 straight wins for the Borrowdale runner… Read more…

  31. Irish World Trials at Crone Wood

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 10 Aug '10

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    Sharon Bird at the Irish Trials

    What do Snowdon and Djouce have in common? We’ll, this weekend, both where the tasks to be overcome successfully for those with international aspirations in Britain and Ireland, respectively. Read more…

  32. Tom and Claire roast 'em at Glenshee 9

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 10 Aug '10

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    Claire Gordon

    Those looking at the sharp-end of 2010 Trans Alpine Run should sit up and take note. Tom is back. Tom Owens that is, 2009 TA partner of Andy Symonds. After a tough end to 2009 and early 2010 which saw the Shettleston man sidelined with an achilles problem… Read more…

  33. Jornet and Lund star in Sierre-Zinal

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 10 Aug '10

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    Kilian Jornet

    It was another win for the diminutive Catalan Kilian Jornet on Sunday at the Swiss classic, Sierre Zinal. 2010 revelation Laetitia Roux had to settle for 3rd in the women’s event as US athlete Megan Lund easily won, beating Anglea Mudge into second place… Read more…

  34. Desert runners put a sock in it...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 10 Aug '10

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    Sock-makers Bridgedale are backing an ultra run by three runners across the Kalhari Desert. The attempt will see a South African / Norwegian team embark on the 1000km run which it appears has never been undertaken before… Read more…

  35. Are you being served?

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 10 Aug '10

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    We weren’t. For most of Sunday and half of yesterday our servers were offline. So, apologies for those tuning into MST for news on a packed weekend of racing at home and abroad, we will be catching up and delivering all of the goodies over the next day or so… Read more…

  36. WMRA GP -Rd3

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 06 Aug '10

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    Last year's winner Geoffery Ndung’u

    Hits Ebensee, Austria for another European classic – the Feuerkogel Berlauf. After last weekend’s event at Mayrhofen many will have stuck around for this one, so expect another loaded field including the likes of Jono Wyatt and Anna Frost… Read more…

  37. Weekend racing...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 06 Aug '10

    2 comments

    For us mere mortals there is plenty going on around the country. The legendary Borrowdale is on tomorrow, 17 miles of classic climbs over the likes of Scafell Pike. Jebby, Ben Bardsley and Pippa Madams are all down, along with hundreds of others… Read more…

  38. World Trials are this weekend...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 05 Aug '10

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    Crib y Ddysgl from Snowdon summit

    For those with World Mountain Running Championships aspirations, it’s the big one this weekend. Sunday sees the 2010 Trials races (uphill only) based in Llanberis and racing in and around Snowdon. The race also doubles as part of the McCain Mountain Running Challenge Read more…

  39. Joyce and Kelly roar in Devil’s Glen

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Thu 05 Aug '10

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    Aoife Joyce

    The spectacular roar of the Glanmore waterfall, then larger, coined the current name of yesterday’s race venue: The Devil’s Glen. Two former Irish internationals roared highest as Michael Kelly, Gowran, beat a competitive men’s field… Read more…

  40. World Orienteering Champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 04 Aug '10

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    Thierry Gueorgiou

    We do our best with snippets on orienteering on MST, but when the World Champs come round we’ve just gotta plug it! The festivities in Norway kick off this weekend and last through the whole of next week with a range of events – for all categories… Read more…

  41. Harakiri Berglauf - WMRA reports...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 04 Aug '10

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    Erholtz and Arslan at Mayrfhofen 2010

    Tomo Sarf gives us the lowdown on rd2 of this years WMRA Grand Prix series – the Harakiri Berglauf in Mayrhofen. Men’s winner Ahmet Arslan smashed the course record into the bargain as he controlled the race on the steep stuff… Read more…

  42. Irish round-up leading into Galtymore

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Wed 04 Aug '10

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    Joseph Mooney

    While English runners turned their attention to the Rydal Round, Borrowdale and other challenges, Irish runners have not been lying dormant. The Trail League kicked off at Glen of the Downs wood two weeks ago with victories for Joseph Mooney and Karen O’Hanlon, Maynooth… Read more…

  43. Trail Magazin 4 ist online baby...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 03 Aug '10

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    Wowzer!

    2010’s cracking forth edition of Trail magazin has hit the virtual shelves, is there no stopping Denis Wischniewski?! This has to be one of the best online pubs., period. If you want this quality publication available in English start your online petition now! Read more…

  44. "Beans on toast, it's the food of Champions!" - Rob Hope

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 03 Aug '10

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    Rob Hope

    Pudsey’s Rob Hope is still on target to lift a fourth straight British Fell Championship after a commanding win at Rd3, the Dollar Hill Race. Still leading going into the final Long race at the Black Mountains Rob will now just need to keep his nerve, and finish in a leading position, to take the title. Read more…

  45. Other fell news...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 02 Aug '10

    1 comments

    Racing in all home nations and Ireland continued unabated as the weather was a little kinder this weekend. With wins for Joe Symonds, Neil Parry and Brian Furey amongst others – it’s not all British Champs and Euro racing round here you know! Read more…

  46. Maddams pips Mudge's record

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 02 Aug '10

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    A congested crossing at Dollar 2010

    What wasn’t clear from the early news at the Dollar Hill Race on Saturday was that Pippa Maddams had broken one classy record held by Angela Mudge. It was a close-run thing as she broke the old mark by 11 seconds, but a new record is a new record! Read more…

  47. GB athletes mix it in Austria

    Posted in by Matt Ward on Mon 02 Aug '10

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    The start

    Orlando Edwards and Lauren Jeska put in some excellent performances at the Harakiri Berglauf yesterday. Jeska had a stormer to finish on the podium in the women’s race, with Edwards coming in an strong 9th in a world-class men’s field… Read more…

  48. It's Castaner & Frost at Chaberton 'sky'

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 02 Aug '10

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    Anna and Tofol at Chaberton

    Spain’s Tofol Castaňer and Kiwi Anna Frost won the fifth Skyrunner® World Series race from Cesana to Montgenèvre on Sunday. This incredibly severe SkyMarathon®, straddling the Italian-French border, summits Chaberton at 3,131 metres… Read more…

  49. Hope and glory

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 01 Aug '10

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    Rob Hope

    Reigning British fell running champion Rob Hope went a long way to cementing yet another title at yesterday’s Dollar Hill Race. The Pudsey runner took the race by a mere 10 seconds from Prasad Prasad, with Lloyd Taggart third… Read more…

  50. Another day, another Dollar...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 30 Jul '10

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    The Dollar route

    Except this year it isn’t. The Dollar Hill Race is special this year, why, well it’s a British Fell Champs counter. Expect to see a field loaded with British fell running talent – including Rd1 winner Andy Symonds, championship leader Rob Hope, and fresh from his Snowdon win Robbie Simpson… Read more…

  51. WMRA GP resumes

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 30 Jul '10

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    After what seems like an age since the first GP race of 2010, the WMRA circuit starts back at the Harakiri Berglauf in Mayrhofen on Sunday (1 Aug). Last year’s winners Jono Wyatt and Andrea Mayr will be back to take on this brute of climb, and according to the WMRA preview the field is absolutely loaded… Read more…

  52. Doke and Sandes to hit the Alps...

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Wed 28 Jul '10

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    Top South African’s Linda Doke and Ryan Sandes will head for Europe in August in preparation for the 2010 Trans Alpine run. The mixed pairing will go head-to-head with the like of 2009 winner Anglea Mudge and Chunky Liston and are nicely previewed by gotrail... Read more…

  53. Western States 100 - new film

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Wed 28 Jul '10

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    An excellent depiction of the battle up-front at last months Western States 100 has just been released. It gives a nice flavour of the struggle between Anton, Kilian and Geoff – one can only imagine what the pain was like as they entered the last few miles… Read more…

  54. Inov 8's new bare-grip™ gets a proper workout!

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Wed 28 Jul '10

    2 comments

    I recently posted a review of Inov-8’s new Bare-Grip 200™. I had just received the shoes from Inov-8 and only wore them for three runs between 1-2 hours …. The question most people would ask is “can you really review a shoe after only a couple of runs”? Read more…

  55. Fabulous Farah...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 28 Jul '10

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    Mo Farah wins gold in Barcelona

    Mo is a bit of an MST favourite as regulars will know. He is a big XC man, and has a big heart. Too often the bridesmaid when it comes to track championships, it was Farah’s night tonight in Barcelona… Read more…

  56. It's Roux and Jornet at Giir di Mont

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 26 Jul '10

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    Letitia Roux

    In probably the finest collection of top skyrunners ever seen in one field, Italy took the gold in the final of the first Skyrunning World Championships for nations held in Premana, Italy, Sunday, July 25. The silver medal went to Spain and France, a new skyrunning entry, took the bronze. Read more…

  57. More Snowdon pictures...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 26 Jul '10

    3 comments
    Robbie Simpson

    The togs on the hill on Saturday deserve a medal for their work in bringing the images back down to sea level after a drenching. Loads more great shots from FRP man Al Tye are now online, along with some crackers by Neale Lewis-Jones… Read more…

  58. Fell running goes live on prime-time National radio!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 25 Jul '10

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    To cap off a day he will probably never forget, 2010 International Snowdon Race winner Robbie Simpson went live on BBC 5 Live Weekend News last night. The unassuming young Scot was interviewed following his win earlier on Saturday…. Read more…

  59. Simpson wins Snowdon

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 25 Jul '10

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    Robbie Simpson at Snowdon 2010

    This may not be breaking news, but its big news. Scots youngster Robbie Simpson has been heralded on this site for some time now, but the Deeside athlete ingrained his name in Snowdon Race folklore on Saturday, as he became the youngest ever winner of the race… Read more…

  60. Vertical World Circuit® - Sydney Tower Run Up

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 23 Jul '10

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    Thomas Dold at the Sydney Run-up 2010

    Germany’s Thomas Dold, current Vertical World Circuit® champion, has won the Sydney Tower Run Up – 1,504 stairs in 7’4”, repeating his 2009 win and time. The fastest woman was also last year’s winner, Australian Vanessa Haverd, who won in 8’45”… Read more…

  61. Snowdon 2010 - race preview

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 23 Jul '10

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    The 35th International Snowdon Race takes place tomorrow, amongst eager anticipation as a new continent enters the fray. 2009 Commonwealth champion Wilson Chemweno arrives in Wales late on Friday, and will take to the line after a long journey from Kenya.. Read more…

  62. Inov 8's new bare-grip™ 200 wins OutDoor Industry Award

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 23 Jul '10

    Baregrip 200

    inov-8’s™ impressive track record at the annual OutDoor Show Awards continues with a Gold Industry Award for new bare-grip™ 200. This is the first Gold Award for inov-8™ but their third OutDoor Show award in four years Read more…

  63. "in-shoe pronation control...potentially injurious.” - Nike top bod

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 22 Jul '10

    This is certainly a big stick giving it some in the hornets nest that is cushioning and control Vs neutrality – when it comes to running shoes. Chris McDougall digs a little deeper into the big brands psyche and gets some juicy nuggets from Gordon Valiant, Nike’s head of biomechanical research… Read more…

  64. Top Scots ready for Welsh peak...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 22 Jul '10

    The Scottish team heading down to Wales this weekend looks very useful. It is a team of bright young things including Robbie Simpson, Catriona Buchanan and Andrew Fallas, coupled with the experience of Alasdair Anthony and Matthew Sullivan… Read more…

  65. Kilian's Quest . Pt 6

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Thu 22 Jul '10

    The final piece in the Pyranean jigsaw is now online. Episode six depicts the pain and the glory for the young Catalan as he arrives in a cove for a dip with the support crew. His epic adventure took in total around 8 days, behind his personal schedule, but still an astounding achievement… Read more…

  66. South American MR champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 22 Jul '10

    Arco Cerro Leones

    The Venezuelan athletes dominated the 5th edition of South American Mountain Running Championships 2010, in the beautiful scenery covered in snow in the Cerro Arco, near the City of Mendoza, Argentina. Both races, men and women, were imposed athletes of Venezuela (Pedro Puente and Cruz Salazar, respectively). Read more…

  67. Al Andalus Ultra Trail 2010

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 21 Jul '10

    It was hot, very hot. Another amazing ultra trail race, on one of the most challenging routes in the world of ultra trail running. Lahcen Ahansal and Martine Hofstede were the mens and womens victors, however the spoils must go to all finishers on this 220km beast! Read more…

  68. "Running long distances is just a state of mind…"

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 21 Jul '10

    Ryan Sandes, contemplating

    We have profiled Ryan Sandes on MST before, and realised that this world-class ultra trail man is deep. Urban Ninja gets even deeper in this interview, asking the Sandman some left-field questions about his rise to the top, his running economy and coping with solitude… Read more…

  69. Newcomers conquer stalwarts at Dublin Mountain Plod

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Wed 21 Jul '10

    IMRA may have found the perfect bridge between road running and mountain running with this race, whilst many of IMRA’s traditional “long-distance men” were in attendance… Read more…

  70. ... and it's all Whitehead at Tom na Bat

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 20 Jul '10

    Clare Whitehead

    The Tom na Bat Hill Race, the second in this year’s SHR Champs, was a close run thing on Saturday as ‘Cosmic’ Dan Whitehead narrowly beat Brian Marshall on this swift 5.6km route, taking the course record into the bargain… Read more…

  71. It's Gray and Jeska at Holme Moss

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 20 Jul '10

    Lloyd Taggart leads em at Holme Moss

    The penultimate round of this years English Fell Champs hit Holme Moss on Sunday. Karl Gray is not a new face to fell running, however this was his first championship race win in 2010 and such was the Calder Valley runner’s form he also took the course record… Read more…

  72. Blacks Single-Track 10K and 5K

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 19 Jul '10

    Outdoor retailer Blacks has teamed up with top outdoor brand The North Face for a new trail race on the beautiful Dunstable Downs in October. The blackstrailrun.co.uk site is full of event info, including trail running tips by Jez Bragg… Read more…

  73. Welsh race news...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 19 Jul '10

    Tim Davies (left) with Steven Cale at Moel Siabod

    Recent winner of round 2 of the British Fell Champs, Tim Davies, was back on the hills this weekend at the excellent Moel Siabod race in Capel Curig, winning in a close fought race with Shrewsbury’s Steven Cale. There was also racing at Fan y Big and Preseli… Read more…

  74. African charge is on...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 19 Jul '10

    Isaak Kosgei

    The Grossglockner Berglauf is one of the great European mountain races of the summer, and yesterday’s race only added to that status. The men’s field was deep with talent – much of it African – showing that the East Africans have now got a taste for the mountains! Read more…

  75. It's all in the mind...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Sat 17 Jul '10

    iRunFar’s Heidi Dietrich argues the long-held theory that ultra running is more mind than matter. Mental strength can win over physical strength when it comes to the long stuff. Read on Read more…

  76. Italy reigns at the Vertical Kilometer®

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 17 Jul '10

    Urban Zemmer

    Ten nations and 200 athletes participated the first Vertical Kilometer® World Championship – a gruelling 1,000m ascent with an average 50% incline over 2.1 kilometres from Alba di Canazei (1,465m) to the summit of the Crepa Neigra (2,465m). Read more…

  77. Samuel takes Delamere 10k

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 16 Jul '10

    Welsh international Rob Samuel made light work of the Salomon Forest Trail 10k at Delamere Forest last night, beating England’s John Brown by over a minute. Samuel, along with women’s winner Tammy Lewis-Jones, were comfortable victors after their dash from over the border… Read more…

  78. Irish off-road news

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Thu 15 Jul '10

    We’re well past half-way through summer but there’s still plenty of action in Ireland, here’s a quick look at some of the happenings…. Read more…

  79. Salomon Forest Trail 10k - Delamere

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 15 Jul '10

    Swinley Forest, 2010

    If you fancy a run-out tonight and live in proximity to Delamere forest, head down for the last in this summers Salomon Forest Trail 10k races. Proceeding start at 7pm, and with over 350 entered this one is gonna be a great end to a great series… Read more…

  80. Snowdon hots-up with a week to go

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 15 Jul '10

    The 35th International Snowdon Race is ready. Film crews are on the mountain today (15 July) for a final recce, the international teams have been confirmed, last minute news pieces and reminders are being posted on the excellent event website… Read more…

  81. Salt of the earth...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 15 Jul '10

    It’s not often that you have to hail the exploits of the officials and helpers over the athletes in a race. But last night’s Stiperstones fell race seemed to be one such occasion. The rather inclement weather over the last week or so in the northern region of the UK… Read more…

  82. Scottish race news...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 14 Jul '10

    And lots of it! Those busy racers in Scotland have been racking up the hill miles in the last week or so. Emma O’Shea, Dan Whitehead and Brian Marshall have been amongst those making the headlines… Read more…

  83. World trials details announced

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 13 Jul '10

    Crib y Ddysgl from Snowdon summit

    The race details and UK selection criteria have been announced on the FRA site for this years World Mountain Running Championships in Slovenia. For those interested the Slovenian course is previewed here and looks pretty gnarly.. Read more…

  84. Orobie Sky Raid - in video

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Tue 13 Jul '10

    Last weeks epic race in the Italian Alps is captured by officinevideoboario. An excellent little film, with breathtaking scenery, an event befitting the world team Skyrunning championships… Read more…

  85. Championships sun sets at Mt. Leinster

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 13 Jul '10

    Colm Hill on Carrauntoohil, 2010

    Colm Hill had done his best to keep the Leinster Championship alive into the final round at Fraughen Rock Glen before being undone by Brian Furey late in that race. On the slopes of Mt. Leinster he proved a man on a mission intent on securing victory, runner-up in the league and the course record… Read more…

  86. What a Gray day!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 13 Jul '10

    Joe Gray

    Perhaps predictably, Joe Gray led from start to finish at last weekend’s 7th NACAC trail championships. The race was pretty much a battle between American Gray and Canada’s Taylor Murphy, though runner up Murphy led the Canadians to the team win… Read more…

  87. Leinster ends on a high for Keith

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 12 Jul '10

    Jenny McCauley at Sugarloaf 2010

    Another IMRA summer league has waxed and waned as the thirteenth, and most technical, of the routes finished yesterday at The Great Sugarloaf (501m) next to the M50 highway. Barry Minnock had wrapped up the men’s individual title… Read more…

  88. Updates - or lack of!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 12 Jul '10

    Apologies to readers who like their daily fix of MST. As regulars will know we update on many occasions throughout the day. A few technical hitches, coupled with what seem like 24 hour days at work and house building, have resulted in very little time for this passion… Read more…

  89. Top-10 with... Barry Minnock

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Rene Borg on Thu 08 Jul '10

    Barry Minnock

    First of all, welcome to the new Top-10 column at MST where we will be hoping to give you a bit of an insight into both the current and former elite from the Irish mountain running scene… Read more…

  90. 7th NACAC MR Champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 08 Jul '10

    Athletes from the United States of America and Canada will go head-to-head at the NACAC Championships in the Canadian Rocky Mountains on Friday. Athletes to watch from the United States include Joe Gray… Read more…

  91. Summer in Iceland!

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Tue 06 Jul '10

    Known for his epic road and trail trips, Stefan Gripmaster Repke is also know for his epic photography. As a running photographer he gets to mix business with pleasure as he trawls the world looking for the best trails, reviewing the best kit… Read more…

  92. Martin and Tom - chatty men

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 06 Jul '10

    Martin Yelling and Tom Williams‘s weekly podcast that is Marathon Talk is rather good. You can just log on, let it play and put the kettle on. 90 minutes or so of anything-goes chat about the world of running… Read more…

  93. Neale goes Coast-to-Coast...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 06 Jul '10

    Matt arrives in Robin Hoods Bay

    Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Ranger Matt Neale has raised more than £7,000 for charity by running 190 miles from St Bee’s Head to Robin Hood’s Bay. The 37-year-old completed his grueling continuous coast-to-coast ultra-marathon in 61 hours and 13 minutes. Read more…

  94. Chaigneau conquers Olympus

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 06 Jul '10

    Sebastien Chaigneau

    After a 3rd place finish in 2009 Sébastien Chaigneau, returned to the Olympus Marathon, an annual trail race up the slopes of Mount Olympus – the Greek mythical ‘mountain of the gods’ – to take a famous victory.. Read more…

  95. Scots and Irish juniors shine in Bulgaria

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 05 Jul '10

    Ahmet Arslan takes number 4

    The future of British fell running looks likely to be safe in Scots hands after youngsters Robbie Simpson and Catriona Buchanan shone at the this weekend’s European Mountain Running Championships. Ahmet Arslan of Turkey made it 4 in a row in the senior mens event… Read more…

  96. Salomon Trail Team dominate at Orobie SkyRaid

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 05 Jul '10

    Nat White (left) with Ricky Lightfoot (centre) and Andy Symonds

    At the 2010 Orobie SkyRaid race yesterday UK-based Salomon Trail Team affairs to win the men’s and women’s events. The race in the Italian Alps sees teams of three take part in a grueling test of both running and climbing abilities… Read more…

  97. Callow - in pictures

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 05 Jul '10

    Richard Roberts

    Some lovely green shots of a fell race in the height of summer – what could be better? Saturday’s Callow race as depicted by Al Tye of Fell Running Pictures fame. A clear win for Welshpool-man Richard Roberts, with partner Anna Bartlett taking the ladies… Read more…

  98. Two Kings at Lugnacoille

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 05 Jul '10

    Martin Bradshaw

    The Irish Championship entered its third fixture this weekend at Lugnacoille, Leinster’s lone Munro, but arguably the easiest race of the series but also the final counter in the King/Queen of the Mountains competition setting the stage for an enticing drama… Read more…

  99. Irish race news...

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Fri 02 Jul '10

    Summer is high and the racing is still very much on over in Ireland. Rene Borg reports on Trooperstown and the Rogaine. Two very different events, resulting in one very similar outcome – a win for Irish mountain-dominator Eoin Keith… Read more…

  100. Garneau makes history at Western States

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 02 Jul '10

    The North Face Global Team athlete Tracy Garneau took first place, women, in the 100-Mile Western States Endurance Run 2010, which took place June 26 – 27, 2010. She won with a time of 19:01:55, and is the first Canadian to ever win the race. Read more…

  101. Brice is top youth

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 30 Jun '10

    Ffion Brice (centre) is on top of the world

    Superb news comes from the World Mountain Running Youth Challenge last weekend, as Welsh youngster Ffion Brice led them home to take the world title. We missed this one, but better late than never, and what great news for mountain running in the UK as Brice led home a quality field in the girls event… Read more…

  102. When Kilian met Paula

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Wed 30 Jun '10

    When Kilian met Paula

    850km in 8 days is gonna be painful, especially when it’s across one of the most unforgiving mountain ranges in Europe. So, Kilian Jornet can be forgiven for feeling the odd ache on his latest Quest. Episode 5 is now up, and Kilian even gets to meet Paula Radcliffe! Read more…

  103. Scottish news...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 30 Jun '10

    Don’t miss out on what appears to have been a very busy few days north of the Border last weekend. A plethora of races up and down the country saw wins for Steven Fallon, Matthew Sullivan and Andrea Priestley amongst others… Read more…

  104. 9th European Mountain Running Championships

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 30 Jun '10

    Take place this weekend in Bulgaria. A strong team for the UK will travel following the trials races a few weeks back, and with 26 nations represented it should be quite an event… Read more…

  105. Western States 100 - in pictures

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 28 Jun '10

    Year after year the images available online for great races such as yesterday’s Western States 100 get more and more plentiful. It used to be that as such events you would get a couple of photographers, and you wouldn’t see the results for weeks… Read more…

  106. It's Davies and Maddams at Sedbergh

    Posted in by Matt Ward on Sun 27 Jun '10

    1000m winner Tim Davies

    Welshman Tim Davies is having a great year in 2010. The mid-Wales man was a recent winner at the Welsh 1000m and was too strong for the opposition at yesterday’s British championship round 2 race at Sedbergh, winning from Rob Hope and Andrew Davies… Read more…

  107. "Liking the way things are going" - Roes

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 27 Jun '10

    Geoff Roes

    This is what Geoff Roes wrote on his blog last Tuesday. The Western States 100 has barely finished but already people are calling it one of the greatest races in the history of the this trail running classic… Read more…

  108. A champion's preparation

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 26 Jun '10

    The 2010 Western States 100 is now just hours away, and we are told that there is huge anticipation for this years race. Apart from the fact that it is probably the biggest ultra trail race in the US, a certainly young ultra trail running star has also made the trip. Read more…

  109. Sedbergh 3 Peaks

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 25 Jun '10

    Pippa Maddams at Silent Valley

    There seems no let up in the warm and dry weather in the foreseeable future, which is great for race organisers, but sometimes not so great for those taking part in said race. Lucky then that this weekend’s Sedbergh 3 Peaks is merely a short dash… Read more…

  110. It's a Barefoot battlegound...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 25 Jun '10

    Certainly when it comes to some footwear brands right now. I don’t think Merrell would mind us saying that inov-8 have the upper hand here, indeed ‘barefoot guru’ Chris McDougall is pretty clear and where he thinks the leading minds in this field are… Read more…

  111. Western States 100 - iRunFar preview

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 25 Jun '10

    When it comes to this daddy of ultra-trail races you need some local knowledge. So, when looking ahead to the hotly anticipated 2010 edition of this American classic it’s best left to those Stateside. Who better then than iRunFar.com: Read more…

  112. Midweek racing

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 24 Jun '10

    Mel Price at Pontesbury

    Wins for Steven Cale, Ricky Lightfoot, Clare Whitehead and vet Paul Jenkinson, amongst others, as the UK summer continued to shine on the ever-popular mid-week racing in the UK. The Pen 3 Hills race looked particularly steep, as this image by Gwynfor James demonstrates! Read more…

  113. 2012 SkyGames® countdown

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 24 Jun '10

    The 2012 SkyGames® were officially presented by ISF President Marino Giacometti on Wednesday, June 23, in Ribagorça Románica in the Spanish Pyrenees where the event will take place. Read more…

  114. Collins inaugurates Seefingan route

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Thu 24 Jun '10

    A long Leinster League season nears the end and the first signs of fatigue may have been apparent at the running of the new Seefingan course was 135 runners took the field. Or perhaps it was an air of post-script with Barry Minnock and Rathfarnham WSAF having wrapped up the individual and team titles last week… Read more…

  115. Symonds a clear winner at Glen Rosa

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 22 Jun '10

    Andy Symonds

    Andy Symonds is in fine fettle at the moment, and underlined his strength coming off last weekend’s LAMM win by winning the Run4It SHR championship long race at Glen Rosa on Saturday. He was chased home by Brian Marshall and Prasad Prasad in bright sunshine on the isle of Arran… Read more…

  116. Hill versus Furey at Fraughen Rock Glen

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 22 Jun '10

    Brian Furey

    Runners were once again treated to an unusually dry and clear passage up Lugnacoille’s “back door” in the Fraughen Rock Glen from which yesterday’s penultimate Leinster Championship race took its name. Read more…

  117. It's Richards at Hebog

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 20 Jun '10

    Ifan Richards

    Another convincing performance from Merionydd runner Ifan Richards sealed a 3 minute win at yesterday’s Moel Hebog race in North Wales. Richards is in fine form at the moment and is riding high following his selection for the Welsh team at the International Snowdon Race in July… Read more…

  118. Tryfan stands proud

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Sun 20 Jun '10

    The Welsh mountain that is Tryfan has blown away its doubters and proven to be even higher than first thought. In this Grough article it seems that there have been doubters on the giant’s authenticity in being a 3000 footer! Read more…

  119. Kilian's Quest Episode 4

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Sun 20 Jun '10

    Even the support team look tired in this first episode of the epic journey the Kilian undertook Across the Pyrenees. The authenticity of this film is so strong, the engagement of one man with the brutal terrain is palpable… Read more…

  120. Booth romps to Great Lakes win

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 20 Jun '10

    Simon Booth at Langdale

    Borrowdale’s Simon Booth won today’s Great Lakes Race for a second consecutive year in a time of approx. 2 hours 40 mins – over 20 minutes in front of the second-placed runner! The 13 mile course is highly demanding, climbing over 7000ft… Read more…

  121. It's the weekend!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 19 Jun '10

    Rob Hope at Tebay 2009

    Sorry all UK readers, a bit late on this one this weekend. Plenty of interesting races this weekend in England, including Tebay. It’s Moel Hebog in North Wales and the classic West Highland Way race in Scotland… Read more…

  122. Numbers down at Powerscourt, as Minnock goes up

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Sat 19 Jun '10

    Suzanne Kenny

    Do hill runners only accept the uphill to enjoy the downhill? Whatever their reasons, only 164 runners gathered excitedly in Crone Wood for the ascent up Djouce Mountain... Read more…

  123. Chepkwony comes closest in MvH

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 17 Jun '10

    Kenyan Haggai Chepkwony was the lead runner in last weekend’s Man vs Horse race in mid-Wales. The classic sporting contest over 22 miles was won yet again by four legs, as local Llinos Jones took the overall victory in 2 hrs and 7 mins… Read more…

  124. Mourne Way expands in second year

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Thu 17 Jun '10

    Following up a successful opening year can be difficult but the Mourne Way marathon series organisers seem to have the recipe. Good fields contested every one of the impressive array of distances on offer… Read more…

  125. Wee beasties swarm in Scotland

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 17 Jun '10

    Midges and the Scottish Highlands and Islands, they go hand in hand. But by all accounts 2010 is a bad year for those hoping escape to the hills and enjoy some sport. This BBC report shows just how prevalent the wee beast is this year… Read more…

  126. Running sector continues to perform

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 17 Jun '10

    Slightly off the beaten MST track this, but interesting none the less. A report published by NPD Group shows that running footwear and apparel has fared better than most in the… Read more…

  127. Boards fly high as Rathfarnham falter

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Wed 16 Jun '10

    This year’s Wicklow Way Relay found itself in one of the busiest weekends of the year with the Mourne Way Marathon up north and the European Trial in Crone Wood robbing the event of some long-distance men and aspiring internationals… Read more…

  128. 1500m man takes Irish European Trial

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 15 Jun '10

    Action from the 2010 European trials

    While the wider IMRA membership rested after their efforts at the Wicklow Way Relay, those IMRA runners with international aspirations came out for battle on Sunday morning. Read more…

  129. Castañer and Brizo lead ranking

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 15 Jun '10

    After the third Trial and the fourth leg of the Skyrunner® World Series in Portugal on Sunday, June 13, Spaniard Tofol Castañer with his second place moves up to head the men’s ranking. Although absent Italian Emanuela Brizio remains leader in the women’s category. Read more…

  130. Big miles ready Anton for the WS 100

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 15 Jun '10

    Anton's battered feet...

    The camera never lies. Especially when you take a look at this image of the feet of ultra-legend Anton Krupicka. After the MIWOK earlier this year the great man’s feet took a battering… Read more…

  131. Brothers in arms...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 14 Jun '10

    Andy (right) and Joe Symonds

    The Symonds boys Andy and Joe took a much fancied win at this weekend’s LAMM. Dad Hugh would have been proud of the duo as they took a sizable lead into the Sunday after an excellent Saturday’s running in the Highlands. Read more…

  132. Jebby takes the big one

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 13 Jun '10

    Rob Jebb

    In England this weekend that is. Round 3 of the English Fell Running Champs took place at the Ennerdale Horseshoe. This was one of the two long ones in the 6-race championships, all 23 miles of it… Read more…

  133. Owens and White dominate at Durisdeer

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 13 Jun '10

    Tom Owens at Glenshee 9

    It was good to see two of the UK’s classier fell and hill runners coming back to something like form after injuries and setbacks have plagued the first half of their respective 2010 seasons. Read more…

  134. Brit team for Euro MR champs named

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 13 Jun '10

    The GB team for the European Mountain Running Championships taking in Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria place on July 4. One obvious omission is that of trails winner Simon Bailey, one can only presume that he declined the offer… Read more…

  135. It's LAMM time!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 11 Jun '10

    This weekend sees one of the UK’s best mountain marathons taking place in the Scottish Highlands. The Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon is ready for action and with the final location and course details having just been announced… Read more…

  136. The kids are all right...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 11 Jun '10

    Well the youth is all right and ready to go for the 5th WMRA International Youth Challenge to be held in Piemonte on June the 26th. Girls will face with a 3.5km circuit (/- 190 m), with the guys running a 5.0km circuit (/- 270 m)… Read more…

  137. O'Farrell and Kenny conquer Sorrell Hill

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Thu 10 Jun '10

    Peter O'Farrell at the 2008 World Trophy

    Rathfarnham brought a “new” team to the unique Sorrell Hill race when newcomer Colm Moran helped veterans Peter O’Farrell and Aaron O’Donohue secure the club’s fifth win in seven and put regular solar flare between them and their nearest rivals. Read more…

  138. Skyrunning® World Championship

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 10 Jun '10

    Dramatic scenery awaits in the Skyrunner series

    July looks like a really hot month on the skyrunning agenda, with the first Skyrunning World Championships since the inauguration of the ISF taking place across the Italian Alps. These events are held every four years alternating with the SkyGames®, to be held in Spain in 2012. Read more…

  139. Barefoot on the Radio

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 10 Jun '10

    Chris McDougall is the zeitgeist right now. His book Born to Run unearthed the amazing Tarahumara tribe and extols the virtues of running barefoot, and how it freed him from injury… Read more…

  140. It's Booth and Reedy at Duddon

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 09 Jun '10

    This was the long one in the Lakes this weekend. The 18 mile Duddon Valley Fell Race took place in hot conditions and was won yet again by Simon Booth. The Borrowdale man was chased home by Tom Owens and Lloyd Taggart for his third straight win… Read more…

  141. Kenyan Wilson Chemweno to compete in top UK mountain race

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 09 Jun '10

    K Wilson Chemweno

    The 35th International Snowdon Race / Ras-yr-Wyddfa organising committee are very excited to announce the presence of 2009 Commonwealth Mountain Running Champion Wilson Chemweno on the start line of this year’s race taking place on the 24th of July… Read more…

  142. Carrauntoohil sees new beginnings…

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Wed 09 Jun '10

    Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak, has hosted the premier mountain race in Ireland for twenty-three years running now but 2009 marked the last running of the old course. Access issues with a local farmer enforced a change to a route described as “the best ascent of the mountain”. Read more…

  143. Trailmagazin #3 ist go!

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Tue 08 Jun '10

    Yes, perhaps the best off road running magazine in the world is back on the cyber shelves for number 3 of 2010. In this issue Denis and his crew talk waterproofs and trail running shorts and shirts, talk to Aussie Ray Zehab and US ultra-girl Caitlin Smith… Read more…

  144. Bailey and Wilkinson lead the way in Keswick

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 08 Jun '10

    Simon Bailey

    Finding anything (outside of the fantastic bods on the FRA forum) on Sunday’s European Trails Race in Keswick has been surprisingly difficult – especially for what should be a pretty high-profile mountain running event… Read more…

  145. Scottish racing news...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 07 Jun '10

    Robbie Simpson at Kilpatricks Hill Race

    Heaps of news from north of the Border on a busy weekend. Wins for teenage sensation Robbie Simpson, Andy Symonds, Jamie Stevenson and Claire Gordon, amongst others. Some great results for Scottish athletes at the Euro Trials in Keswick too (more to follow on that…) Read more…

  146. Frost and Sanchez win in Andorra

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 07 Jun '10

    Anna Frost (right) with Sebastian Sanchez

    New Zealander Anna Frost and Spaniard Sebastian Sanchez were the winners of the second Trial and third leg of the Skyrunner® World Series in Canillo, Andorra, Sunday (June 6). The race route was shortened after some seriously bad weather hit the region! Read more…

  147. Davies cooks 'em at the Welsh1000m

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 07 Jun '10

    1000m winner Tim Davies

    The images tell the story of this weekend’s Welsh 1000m race, which finished amongst the Saturday pilgrimage on the summit of Snowdon. It was hot, very hot, especially for those embarking on the 22mile full course… Read more…

  148. Kilian Jornet - history maker...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 07 Jun '10

    Another incredible feat of ultra-distance running is under this remarkable 22 year-old’s belt. A total 850km in 8 days with an ascent of over 42,000m, for an amazing trans-Pyrenées adventure. No doubt there will be a Kilian’s Quest film to properly book end his run in due course… Read more…

  149. Weekend racing

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 04 Jun '10

    Duddon Valley Fell Race

    Tonnes of racing this weekend all over the country. As ever the exhaustive lists are online at the FRA, SHR, Scottish Hill Racing and WFRA sites. Picks of the bunch are the Welsh 1000m (previewed here), Duddon, Pen-Y-Ghent and the Glas Tulaichean (uphill)… Read more…

  150. Kilian picks-up on stage 5

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 04 Jun '10

    After encountering some difficult terrain in the first part of his run across the Pyrenees, Kilian Jornet is by all accounts making good progress as he heads east across the great range. The earlier part of the week saw the little Catalan hit some really rough terrain… Read more…

  151. Pyke peaks at Ben Hope

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 04 Jun '10

    'Spyke' at his 2008 attempt

    283 Munros in 39 days, 9 hours and 6 minutes. Think about it, that’s just over 7 peaks a day. All of which are over 3,000ft. After his failed 24hr attempt of 2008 Stephen Pyke had the taste, and starting on the 25th of April set about Charlie Campbell’s record of 49 days… Read more…

  152. Welsh 1000m is this Saturday...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 04 Jun '10

    Pen-Y-Pass

    Perhaps the classic of all Welsh classics takes place on Saturday – the Welsh 1000m, and this one is a beast. The role-call of winners includes fell-legends such as Kenny Stuart, Gavin Bland and Angela Mudge, amongst others. Read more…

  153. Scarr no scare for Drute and Kenny

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Fri 04 Jun '10

    Suzanne Kenny

    Barry Minnock’s absence at Scarr meant the Leinster League title stays up for grabs for another week. Tristan Drute would be the one to take full advantage when the Sligo AC man secured his first win under the IMRA banner. Read more…

  154. Lakeland Trails - Rd 2

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 04 Jun '10

    It’s Kentmere’s turn to put on the trail running jazz this weekend for the PUMA Kentmere Trail Race & Challenge 17km. This race is full and closed for entries, but the weather’s set fair for Saturday and will make for a festival atmosphere… Read more…

  155. Jez is back!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 03 Jun '10

    Jez strides out in Yosemite

    Top ultra man Jez Bragg has had a frustrating 2010 so far. After a an excellent 2009, which saw him take a superb third place at the Western States 100 in the US, a stress fracture to his heel has seriously hampered his running this year… Read more…

  156. Munro record about to be bagged by Pyke

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 03 Jun '10

    Stephen Pyke

    Thanks to the inov-8uk Twitter page for giving us the heads-up on Stephen Pyke’s amazing Munro Round – an attempt to run all of the Scottish Munros in around 40 days, some 8 days faster than the record! Read more…

  157. Where have all the sprint races gone?

    Posted in The Sweat by Rene Borg on Wed 02 Jun '10

    Howth, 2010

    In England the ultra-short races, like Grasmere and Burnsall, have long formed their own hallowed tradition and the British Championship has likewise been constructed with all-rounders in mind:… Read more…

  158. Blacks announce new trail race

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 01 Jun '10

    Blacks, in association with The North Face are proud to announce the inaugural Blacks Single-Track 10K and 5K Trail Run. It will take place on Sunday 17th October 2010 in the beautiful setting of the National Trust’s Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire. Read more…

  159. Kilian's Pyrenean trek is on!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 01 Jun '10

    After months of preparation Catalan wonder Kilian Jornet is off and running in his 7-day quest to cross the mighty Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and Cap de Creus. On his run Kilian is ably aided by a gang of helpers and pacers – it’s a huge team effort… Read more…

  160. It's Jebb and Mudge at Jura

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 01 Jun '10

    Rob Jebb at Carnethy 2010

    History repeated itself at the Isle of Jura race on Saturday as past-winners Rob Jebb and Angela Mudge came home comfortable victors at the classic Scottish race. It was another misty one this year, with many runners encountering nav issues on the paps… Read more…

  161. Taipei 101 Run-Up

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 01 Jun '10

    Italy’s Marco De Gasperi and Kiwi Melissa Moon won the race up the world’s second tallest building, the Taipei 101 Tower in Taiwan on Sunday (May 30). The 6th leg of the Vertical World Circuit® ascended 2,046 steps to the 91st floor of the 101-story building… Read more…

  162. Davies and Fines win at wet Cader Idris

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 29 May '10

    Andrew Davies

    Today’s big Welsh fell race on Cader Idris went off in damp conditions, on this most historic of mountains close to Dollgellau, as Mid-Wales man Andrew Davies added his name to the long list of winners… Read more…

  163. A monster weekend of racing awaits...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 28 May '10

    All smiles at Helvellyn 2008

    The upcoming weekend is one of the busiest of the year on the UK’s fell and hill racing calendar, with no fewer than 15 races across England, Wales and Scotland. Of course those are just the publicised ones (via FRA, WFRA and SHR ), with many more show and carnival races going ahead… Read more…

  164. Hope takes glory at Glaramara

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 27 May '10

    Danny Hope

    Bit late on this one – but better late than never! The lesser known of the fell running Hope brothers, Danny is fast gaining on his speedier British Fell champ sibling Rob in 2010. This was underlined on Sunday as the Pudsey runner romped to the win at Glaramara... Read more…

  165. Minnock pulverises Brockagh

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 27 May '10

    Barry Minnock

    A new team emerged in style on the Irish hill running scene yesterday. Orienteers CNOC took on a strong Rathfarnham team, yet came out with a one point win! They were led home by debutante Seamus O’Boyle who combined with Colm Hill and new-joiner to the team Niall McAlinden. Read more…

  166. Beast of Ballyhoura 2010 is now open...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 26 May '10

    The Beast of Ballyhoura Adventure Weekend takes place over the August BH Weekend, Jul 30 – Aug 1, 2010. The event is a uniquely Irish 36 hour non-stop race across the ancient & magical surroundings of counties Cork, Limerick & Tipperary. Read more…

  167. Great Arete Race #6

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 26 May '10

    Some lovely summer-like conditions by the looks of it at last night’s 6th race in the Great Arete Series in north Wales. Good job then that the A Team (Al and Gwynfor) photographers were there to capture some stunning fell photos – this is what it’s all about! Read more…

  168. Berlin Skyrun: It’s Germany’s day

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 26 May '10

    Dold (L) and Hahner - winners in Berlin

    Germany’s tallest building, Berlin’s Park Inn Hotel, hosted the 5th stage of the 9-race 2010 Vertical World Circuit® – where runners from diverse athletic backgrounds battle against gravity to summit the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Read more…

  169. Ron goes full circle

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 25 May '10

    Ron Hill at the Commonwealth marathon, 1970

    40 years after his ‘world record’ run in Edinburgh Ron Hill returned to the Scottish capital last weekend to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon. He isn’t an off-roader but old Ron is such a legend that a runner of any discipline should find his story inspirational… Read more…

  170. Weekend heat takes its toll

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 24 May '10

    Old County Tops, 2010

    The exceptionally hot weekend was felt even more so by those of us who chose to venture a little closer to the sun on the hills of the UK! It seems that Scotland didn’t suffer quite as much, however alongside those at Llety the rest of the country was cooking… Read more…

  171. 'Fairy-tale' endings...

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 24 May '10

    An unusual field of runners lined up on the tarmac of Ticknock carpark this Saturday to celebrate IMRA’s 30th Anniversary with a re-running of the very first competitive mountain race in Ireland: The Fairy Chase also the sixth race of this year’s Leinster League… Read more…

  172. Happy 30th Birthday IMRA!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Rene Borg on Mon 24 May '10

    Saturday 22nd saw IMRA celebrate its 30th birthday. Much younger than the FRA and BOFRA, thirty years still holds a lot of history and IMRA has decided to celebrate this with a re-running of the very first organised hill race: Fairy Chase. Read more…

  173. Cox takes Inter-Counties

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 23 May '10

    Martin Cox

    International Martin Cox comfortably won the British Inter-Counties race at Llety yesterday, in sweltering conditions. European-based Cox obviously coped in the heat which took a few casualties on 9 mile route based around Moel Famau… Read more…

  174. New mag hits the shelves...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Sun 23 May '10

    The much-anticipated new Trail Running magazine has hit the newstands. Bagged with Trail mag, the new publication is aimed at plugging the muddy gap in the trail running market that the average running mag only scrapes at… Read more…

  175. Inter-Counties are this weekend

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 20 May '10

    Moel Famau summit

    Doubling as the first counter in the brand new UKA Mountain Running Challenge the big race this weekend takes place at Llety. The Inter Counties are a big target for many in any year, but with hard cash also at stake there could well be a few ‘road raiders’ hitting the slopes of Moel Famau on Saturday… Read more…

  176. It's Fraser at Latrigg

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 20 May '10

    Latrigg 2009

    86 had a crack at this classic dash up Latrigg last night, with victory going to Mathew Fraser. The Keswick club also bagged second through Steve Hebblethwaite. Ilkley’s Kelly Harrison won the women’s race from Judy Howells… Read more…

  177. Joss

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Rene Borg on Thu 20 May '10

    Years ago when reading the Feet in the Clouds it was hard to forget the amazing tale of ‘Iron Joss’, indeed the story laid out by Askwith created a great appetite to learn more about “the life and times of the legendary Lake District fell runner and shepherd Joss Naylor” as Keith Richardson’s new book is sub-titled. Read more…

  178. Irish medals-a-plenty at Euro Masters

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 18 May '10

    Mags Greenan - super-woman

    The Irish contingent at the European Masters showed that like fine wine they certainly don’t spoil as the years pass: Eight individual and three team medals, including two gold, was the impressive haul for the team. Read more…

  179. Scots ready for battle at Inter Counties

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 18 May '10

    Matthew Gillespie

    A very strong Scottish hill racing contingent make their way south this weekend for the UKA Inter Counties fell champs at Llety, north Wales. Mark Johnston reports on the detail… Read more…

  180. UK's Goodhead excels at Grand Ballon

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 18 May '10

    Goodhead at the 2009 UK trials

    The curtain raiser of the 2010 WMRA Grand Prix season saw a narrow win for France’s Julien Rancon in the men’s 13.2km mens race, with Marie-Laure Dumergues dominating the women’s event… Read more…

  181. Jornet and Brizio triumph in Zegama

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 17 May '10

    2010 Series leaders Jornet and Kimmel

    Standing World Champions Kilian Jornet and Emanuela Brizio lived up to expectations in the second leg of the Skyrunner® World Series on Sunday, May 16, in Zegama, Spain – despite adverse weather and course conditions… Read more…

  182. Circuit of Avonbeg opens in style

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 17 May '10

    Caroline Reid

    The new Circuit of Avonbeg course is one of the closest things you’ll experience to one of the long English fell-races in Ireland and is a route brilliantly conceived by Paul Nolan, the former national coach and Irish international. Read more…

  183. Weekend racing results and images

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 16 May '10

    Tim Davies at Cribyn

    Some highly competitive stuff at Cribyn, Goatfell, Moel Eilio and Sarn Helen over the weekend, amidst some glorious weather – and I have to say that the Manx race Creg ny Baa has produced my favourite fell photo of 2010 so far! Read more…

  184. Kilian's Quest - the Pyrenees

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Sun 16 May '10

    The Pyrenees are in Kilian Jornet’s blood. This fascinating video recalls the young Catalan’s childhood experiences and underlines how this guy was born for the mountains and his Quests to achieve amazing mountain running feats. Read more…

  185. Racing this weekend...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 14 May '10

    Tim Davies at Moel Eilio 2009

    Plenty on for all you hill lovers. Saturday looks like the best day, weather wise, with Sunday looking a tad wet – not that a bit of rain would put any of you hardy racers off! Some great races on in England, Wales, the Isle of Man and Scotland. Read more…

  186. Salomon Turbo X is this Saturday...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 14 May '10

    10 miles of mud (with hopefully dry weather this weekend!), sweat and tears in the Surrey Hills greet the runners. Read more…

  187. 2009 champions head to Zegama

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 13 May '10

    2009 series winners Kilian Jornet and Emanuela Brizio are confirmed participants in this years first race at Zegama on Sunday. Read more…

  188. Championships updated

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 13 May '10

    Prasad Prasad

    The English and Scottish fell/hill championships have been updated after 2 rounds a piece. 2009 British Champ Rob Hope has a slender lead over Lloyd Taggart in England, with Olivia Walwyn and Emma Clayton sharing the lead in the women’s championship... Read more…

  189. Cale and Bartlett are 2/2

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 13 May '10

    Steven Cale

    Shrewsbury runners Steven Cale and Anna Bartlett made it two wins out of two in the Shropshire Hills Summer series at the Cardoc Classic last night. As usual in this great series the racing was fierce and none more so than the battle for the win… Read more…

  190. Skyrunner® World Series is go in Zegama

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 12 May '10

    Ricky wins at Zergama

    It’s that time again as the contenders for the 2010 Skyrunner® World Series pull on their racing shoes and head for Zegama on Sunday. The 5 race series once again climaxes in Bornea this year at the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon... Read more…

  191. Harris a surprise winner at Fellsman

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 11 May '10

    Harris (left) with 11-time winner Hartell

    The Grough is a superb walker and climber resource, it’s also a daily bookmark for MST, and here’s why. Their feature on the 2010 Fellsman is quite brilliant. Insightful, in-depth and full of useful miscellany that makes for a great read. Read more…

  192. England announce team for WLDMRC

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 11 May '10

    Morgan Donnelly

    England Athletics has selected its men’s and women’s teams for the 7th World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge to take place at the classic Pikes Peak race in the US this August. Recent 3 Peaks winners Morgan Donnelly and Anna Lupton have been selected, along with last year’s bronze medalist at the Kaiser Marathon, Ricky Lightfoot. Read more…

  193. Irish race news...

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 10 May '10

    Martin Monaghan at Mount Leinster, 2009

    More news from Ireland courtesy of Rene. A new league in Munster, starting with the Clare Glens race, plus racing at Gibbet Hill with Martin Monaghan taking a convincing win over form-man Mick Hanney… Read more…

  194. Mt. Elbrus Vertical Kilometer®

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 10 May '10

    Vertical Kilometer® races are renowned for being immensely tough affairs. A race of 1000m of gain in the shortest possible distance. The Russians thought they would throw in a bit of spice and hold their 2010 Skyrunner® World Series Trial on Mt. Elbrus! Read more…

  195. Ras Carneddau - pictures

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Sun 09 May '10

    This is a tough one, made all the tougher yesterday by that biting north easterly ripping down the country. Still 70 or so hardy fell runners were not deterred, and neither was the photo mountain goat Al Tye… Read more…

  196. Follow the Gripmobile!

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Sun 09 May '10

    Three days ago, I was still having breakfast with Kilian in his hometown in the Pyrenees. A 17 hour, 1500km trip through countries later, and the day after I am already exploring the trails in the wild mountain range between Austria and Slovenia! Read more…

  197. Prasad convinces on Ben Lomond

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 08 May '10

    Prasad Prasad

    Prasad Prasad took a commanding win on Ben Lomond today. The Clydesdale man soundly defeated young-gun Robbie Simpson – some feat when you consider Robbies recent form on the domestic scene… Read more…

  198. Royal Standards at Prince William’s Seat

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 08 May '10

    Barry Minnock at Howth

    A very strong field took set off in welcome break between showers yesterday evening at Prince William’s Seat. 220 runners once again added to what looks to be a record season for IMRA in terms of attendance and, as usual for the Leinster League… Read more…

  199. Murray Strain wins Dumyat race

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 06 May '10

    Murray Strain at Dumyat

    A couple of days after his third place at the British Orienteering championships, Murray Strain easily won the 37th Dymyat Hill Race last night near Stirling. Glasgow Uni student Jessica Martin won the womens event. Some great pictorial coverage from Chris Upson too… Read more…

  200. Coniston results now online...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 06 May '10

    Ian Holmes

    Over at the Coniston Fell Race site. After his dramatic descent off Old Man Ian Holmes won reasonably comfortably in the end, from Rob Hope and Morgan Donnelly. Emma Clayton took advantage of Olivia Walwyn’s mishaps to take the women’s race… Read more…

  201. Lavaredo Ultra Trail is unveiled

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 06 May '10

    The North Face reconfirms its commitment as technical sponsor for the renowned Lavaredo Ultra Trail in the heart of the Dolomites. Starting at midnight on Friday 26th June this over 90km ultra race is a true test of endurance… Read more…

  202. British O Champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 05 May '10

    Sarah Rollins

    The British Championships were held over the weekend on the rolling hills of Cannock Chase. In glorious sunshine Sarah Rollins, British Army won her first British Long Distance championship claiming the crown of Queen of the forest. Read more…

  203. "I don't know where he came from"...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 05 May '10

    Rob at Langdale 2009

    If my (very sketchy) calculations are right, Rob Hope‘s second place at Coniston over the weekend has put him in the lead of the 2010 English Fell Running Championships, after two rounds. The Pudsey and Bramley man was pleased with his run on Saturday… Read more…

  204. Wednesday Night Lights in Munster!

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 04 May '10

    The Clare Glens

    The joy of racing up and down rugged trails and hills on Wednesday evenings after a long day’s work will now also be available to mountain runners in the province of Munster. Read more…

  205. Running with the Commrades

    This post contains video content

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 04 May '10

    There are some races that any runner (off or on road) aspires to – perhaps the Everest Marathon, the 3 Peaks, Pikes Peak, the NY Marathon? The Comrades Marathon is one such race it seems. At 56 miles, it’s not the longest race in the world… Read more…

  206. Local joy as Furey takes Connacht

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 03 May '10

    Rosalind Hussey

    This season has seen the beginning of Brian Furey’s rise to prominence in the Irish hills and the Connacht man went West together with a big IMRA contingent for the annual double-header of Croagh Patrick and Ben Gorm the two counters towards the Connacht Championship title. Read more…

  207. Kilian's Quest 2010 unfolds...

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Mon 03 May '10

    After last years’ feats, Kilian Jornet is embarking on some even more remarkable runs this summer. His run at Tahoe last year was one of many long distance efforts that captured the imagination of mountain runners the world over… Read more…

  208. Simpson strolls at Stuc a'Chroin

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 03 May '10

    Robbie Simpson

    After his fantastic fourth place at the recent British Championships race in Northern Ireland, teenager Robbie Simpson continued to demonstrate why he is being tagged as a future British champion after a convincing win at Stuc a’Chroin on Saturday… Read more…

  209. Coniston - in video...

    This post contains video content

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 03 May '10

    Olivia Walwyn at Coniston

    Some tales of legendary fell running, from the fell running legend that is Ian Holmes, are coming back from the Coniston fell race. First it was the words, then it was the photos, and now it’s the video. This excellent footage comes from Andy Wharfeego Holden, produced in double quick time. Read more…

  210. DMP launches new Mountain Half-Marathon

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 03 May '10

    The Dublin Mountains Partnership (DMP) was setup in May 2008 with the aim of improving the recreational experience for users of the Dublin Mountains. Off-road runners now stand to benefit from this mission as the DMP team up with IMRA to bring runners a new exciting event. Read more…

  211. English Champs - round 2!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 01 May '10

    Battle resumes today at Coniston. After sitting out the 3 Peaks last week past winner Rob Jebb will be raring to go at this one, as will 2010 3 Peaks winner Morgan Donnelly. Looking at the start list it’s a whos who of the current crop of elite English fell runners. Read more…

  212. Davies and Meek win UK Trail champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 01 May '10

    Tim Davies

    Welsh international Tim Davies won a great battle with Afan Humphries at yesterday’s UK trail running championships at the Red Kite Challenge race in Mid Wales. Tavistock runner Jo Meek comfortably won the women’s title… Read more…

  213. Minnock makes it two at crowded Hellfire

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Thu 29 Apr '10

    Barry Minnock leads Niall McAlinden

    Once again, memories rolled back to 2007 and 2008 as Barry Minnock, Rathfarnham WSAF, continued to stake a claim to regain the title he has held as he made it two victories on the trot. Just under a minute later, 3ROC’s Gerard Butler held off Martin Bradshaw, Bilboa AC, in a tight finish for second and third… Read more…

  214. SHR Navigation Course, 15/16 May

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 29 Apr '10

    If your navigation isn’t up to scratch you should really think about doing one of these. At the very least it will save a few places and a few mins in the mist on a tricky race route, at best good mountain navigation skills could save your life one day… Read more…

  215. Cheats beware - WMRA Anti-Dopers meet

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Thu 29 Apr '10

    This high-profile instance grabbed some headlines last year, that said trail, fell and mountain running appear to be relatively clean sports. Not resting on their laurels, the WMRA has recently meet to discuss Anti-Doping… Read more…

  216. Midweek photos...

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Wed 28 Apr '10

    They're off at Bunny 4

    It was round 4 of the Great Arete series at Pen Dinas last night and Bunny Run 4 took place at Dimples Lane Quarry, both nicely captured by Gwynfor James, Paul Wood and David Brett. Where would we be without these guys?! Read more…

  217. CTS - a runners tale...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 28 Apr '10

    This interesting little story was sent into MST by reader and runner Stephen Edwards. Steve is just an everyday guy, who loves the sport of mountain and trail running. Steve’s tale could be written by anyone of thousands of runners who travel for hours to events every weekend – for the love of running… Read more…

  218. Gis a job! inov8 need you...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 27 Apr '10

    The guys at inov8 are obviously getting busy. (and no this isnt an advert, and no we are not on commission, yet!). We were sent a job opportunity for the UK company that may well interest one of our readers out there… Read more…

  219. iWriteFar - Byron just keeps on going!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 27 Apr '10

    Here at MST we like to keep up to date, but we aint Reuters, so time and resources limitations mean that there is only so much content that we can chuck together. Take iRunFar though. Byron Powell seems to do nothing else but run and write… Read more…

  220. ISF refs course takes place

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 27 Apr '10

    Carpenter and Ortiz - PP winners

    The International Skyrunning Federation (the body that overseas Skyrunning) held its first ever referees course that will enable officials the ability to ratify such things as race and event records… Read more…

  221. More race news...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 26 Apr '10

    Ifan Richards

    Lots of other racing up and down the country this weekend, with the Llantysilio race in Wales, the Beinn Ratha race in Scotland and the excellent Anniversary Waltz in Cumbria. Borrowdale strong-man Ben Bardsley won the ‘waltz’ from Chris Steele… Read more…

  222. PUMA Hawkshead Trail results

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 26 Apr '10

    James Walsh was amongst the winners at this weekend’s PUMA Hawkshead Trail races. Now in it’s 5th year, the PUMA Hawkshead Trail Race and PUMA Hawkshead Challenge is a 15km course through some of the most scenic and varied countryside in the Lake District. Read more…

  223. Triple Treat - Irish race news

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 26 Apr '10

    Ben Gorm 2009

    Plenty of action from our Irish weekend round-up: A hybrid half-marathon, a classical fell-race and a trail race were available for the picking for those not doing the Total Experience Adventure Race in Blessington. Read more…

  224. Morgan and Anna conquer 3 Peaks

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 25 Apr '10

    Anna Lupton won a second successive 3 Peaks race yesterday as she overhauled the long-time leader Victoria Wilkinson in the final hour of the 23.5 mile classic that takes in the peaks of Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough… Read more…

  225. 3 Peaks final updates, and the rest of the weekend's action...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 23 Apr '10

    Gary Devine

    It’s the big one this Saturday as the longer distance fell specialists hit Yorkshire for the 3 Peaks. Some more updates come in the form of Gary Devine – who is by all accounts going to have a crack at the MV40 record… Read more…

  226. Three-Way Shoot-Out at Howth

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Fri 23 Apr '10

    Barry Minnock at Howth

    What a return to the hills and what a race! Barry Minnock, the hegemon of the 2007 and 2008 Leinster Leagues, contested Howth. Given his traditional dominance many would have expected a foregone conclusion… Read more…

  227. More midweek racin'!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 22 Apr '10

    Anna Bartlett at the Wrekin Streak

    A couple of Wednesday evening blasts to note down, as the summer series’ around the country get underway. Steven Cale and Anna Bartlett got their fast legs on to win at the Wrekin Streak, whilst in Scotland Matt Gillespie and Jessica Martin blew away the cobwebs at the Kaim Hill Race. Read more…

  228. Kenny to roll back the years at Snowdon

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 22 Apr '10

    Kenny Stuart

    Legendary mountain runner Kenny Stuart is to return to the place of one of his greatest mountain records on the 24th of July, as he is the guest of honour and official starter at this year’s 35th International Snowdon Race, some 25 years after his record run. Read more…

  229. Rob Jebb pulls out: 3 Peaks news update

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 21 Apr '10

    Rob Jebb

    Interesting news comes to us from our fell contacts that two of the race favourites for Saturday’s 3 Peaks are now ‘non-starters’. The biggest news comes in the form of Rob Jebb, who has pulled out of the race. Read more…

  230. Midweek fell photos

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 21 Apr '10

    The gallop at Bunny 3

    The popularity of midweek racing continues to grow as huge numbers hit the fells. With the great weather we are currently enjoying there are some great lighting conditions for the hardy photographers up on the hill… Read more…

  231. Wyatt and Frost take NZ titles

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 21 Apr '10

    Wyatt (c) with Anna Frost (l) and Antonella (r)

    Although finishing second behind Italian Antonella Confortola, Anna Frost won the NZ mountain running title at Mt Campbell on Saturday. it was far more clean cut in the men’s race as mtn legend Jonathan Wyatt easily took the title… Read more…

  232. Jebb looks for no.5 at 3 Peaks

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 19 Apr '10

    This weekend sees the 56th edition of one of the most iconic fell race or mountain races in the world. The 3 Peaks race is one of those races that is on a fell runner’s ‘must do’ list, and represents a true fell running classic… Read more…

  233. Welsh race news

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 19 Apr '10

    Richard Roberts

    The Classic Ras y Moelwyn (Moelwyn 3 Peaks) took place on Saturday in warm conditions. Top Welsh mountain man Richard Roberts took the win by over 7 minutes. At the Mynydd Troed race on Sunday Martin Shaw and Helen Fines were also clear winners… Read more…

  234. Scottish race news

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 19 Apr '10

    A lot going on north of the border this last weekend, with big wins for teenage sensation Robbie Simpson, the return of Angela Mudge at Tarmachan, where Brian Marshall posted an impressive win. Full details now online at the SHR site… Read more…

  235. Crusaders take the cross at Bray Head

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 19 Apr '10

    In later years, the small knoll standing prominent over the small marina town of Bray has served as the Leinster League opener and once again this year prospective finishers could get the first of the seven necessary counters at Bray Head, the shortest course in the league. Read more…

  236. Ireland hits the trail!

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 19 Apr '10

    The trail running boom continues in Ireland this summer. Not only could the new Wicklow Adventure Race which featured a mountain run of the famous Spink in Glendalough celebrate around 700 entrants (!) but there’s three more off-road running events for the really eager to match themselves against… Read more…

  237. Fell racing this weekend...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 15 Apr '10

    Rich Roberts at Moelwyns 2009

    Early notice on this one as tomorrow will be spent off-line. Some great racing in England, Wales and Scotland this weekend, with the classic Moelwyn Three Peaks in north Wales, the fast dash at Screel, and the Coledale Horseshoe to name a few… Read more…

  238. Will trail and mountain running ever make the major games grade?

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 15 Apr '10

    MST is not the first to ask if the likes of trail, mountain and cross country running will ever make it to the Olympic or Commonwealth Games. There are logistical hurdles to conquer, sure, but we think it about time that our great sport was recognised in these spheres… Read more…

  239. The towers of power!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 15 Apr '10

    The 'Gherkin'

    The new flavour in UK urban running races seems to be tower running – that of running the stairs of major landmark buildings in major cities. With the pioneers at Tower 42 last year, and the Gherkin this year, three new races are now set for May in Leeds, Portsmouth and London… Read more…

  240. The hunt goes on for William..

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 15 Apr '10

    Sichel - You have to bow to his story

    Okay, it may be financially tough out there right now, but one great British world record holding runner is struggling to make ends meet right now. Ultra man William Sichel has taken to his blog to appeal for a major sponsor. Having recently become the oldest ever Briton to run 1000 miles at the recent Athens race, William has been all over the Scottish press and media. Read more…

  241. Desert Challenge returns to the Dead Sea

    This post contains video content

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 14 Apr '10

    The ancient moon-like landscapes of Mount Sedom come alive as more than a thousand riders and runners flock to the biggest sports festival of the year. Read more…

  242. What will all of this mean to off-road runners?

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Wed 14 Apr '10

    You might not care. But then again you might. Tonight sees more lame debating live on telly (yaaawn) – but I’m not going to get into politics on here, oh no. However, we need to know what will any change in government mean to the humble outdoor type in the UK? Read more…

  243. Bunny Run 2

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 14 Apr '10

    Yep, win 29 (!) for Ian ‘Bunny’ Holmes at last nights second race in the series. A massive 323 runners turned out for the race, amazing. Photos from Paul, along with full results and report, now online at the terrific WoodenTops site… Read more…

  244. Higginbottom and Near go far at the Highlander

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 14 Apr '10

    The weather forecasters got it exactly spot on when they forecast sunny, warm and settled conditions for western Scotland mid-week and this made for another excellent Highlander mountain marathon. Read more…

  245. 4th Annapurna 71k Trail Ultra

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 14 Apr '10

    With all that goes on in the big world of off-road running it’s a job to keep up. So, imagine my embarrassment when I realised that we had missed this great run from our old buddy Moire at the 4th Annapurna Trail Ultra race in Nepal… Read more…

  246. Furey unleashed on Black Mountain

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 13 Apr '10

    Brian Furey

    While the Silent Valley race opened the British Championships in the Mourne Mountains this weekend, there was also plenty of action south of the border. Not far away in the Cooley Mountains, the traditional opener of the Leinster Championships took place at Black Mountain. Read more…

  247. Symonds "enjoyed" tough Silent Valley course

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 12 Apr '10

    Andy Symonds

    The talk on the forums is about how tough the Silent Valley race was on Saturday, with its apparent big ascents and craggy tops it wasn’t for the light-hearted. For winner Andy Symonds all of that technical stuff was “right up his street”… Read more…

  248. Moriera shines at student World XC

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 12 Apr '10

    Sara Moriera dominant at FISU world XC

    British teams fared well at the 2010 FISU World Student Cross Country champs in Ortario over the weekend – however it was Portugal’s Sara Moriera and Japan’s Tetsuya Yoroizaka who took individual honours… Read more…

  249. Ahansal talks to iRunFar

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 12 Apr '10

    Mohamad Ahansal

    Byron Powell bagged himself an interview with 2010 Marathon Des Sables winner Mohamed Ahansal. The Morrocan has now won the last three events and here he talks to iRunFar about the race prep in the Atlas mountains and other interesting stuff… Read more…

  250. Frost is Queen of the Mountain

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 12 Apr '10

    After ‘wintering’ in the UK Anna Frost is now back home in New Zealand. Kiwi Anna is looking forward to another successful year in Europe on the Grand Prix and Skyrunning circuit, with a big goal at the World Mtn Running Champs in September… Read more…

  251. "the greatest sporting event ever in Kamnik"

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 12 Apr '10

    Geoffrey Kusuro

    Preparations for this year’s World Mountain Running Championships in Slovenia are well underway, and last week the local organising committee officially presented the 2010 plans… Read more…

  252. Symonds takes rd 1 of British fell champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 11 Apr '10

    Symonds leads Hope and Donnelly

    After a titanic struggle over at the Silent Valley, Kendal AC man Andy Symonds came out on top of the first race in the 2010 British Fell Running Championships yesterday. Pippa Maddams took the ladies race, but was run close by the in-form Lauren Jeska. Read more…

  253. British Champs kick-off in NI...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 09 Apr '10

    Rob Hope, at Rd1 2009, Slieve Bearnagh

    The Silent Valley won’t be so peaceful this Saturday as the 2010 British Fell Running Championship hopefuls head to Northern Ireland for round 1 of this year’s race series. Reigning champs Rob Hope and Pippa Maddams (was Jackson) will be there… Read more…

  254. GPS vs OS

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Fri 09 Apr '10

    Went out for a little run ridge run in the hills this afternoon, okay, okay, I know 2 hours to do 8 miles, I stopped for endless photo and product shots, which I may use in the future – plus the technology gave up on me about 1 mile from home as you will see! Read more…

  255. "Our reader is any mad person who likes to run off-road" - Trail Runner

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 09 Apr '10

    With one of the most significant publications in off road running being announced this week, we couldn’t leave it there. MST wanted to get to the bottom of this new title and to the heart of the question: Why? Read more…

  256. Trail Magazin 2

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 08 Apr '10

    The Q2 edition of Trail magazin has hit the virtual shelves, and yet again it’s a cracker! Denis Wischniewski has put together another work of trail running art with such features on downhill only running and compression wear! Read more…

  257. Anton just keeps Riding the Wind

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Thu 08 Apr '10

    Often running is seen as something that we do in our spare time, a leisure activity, fitted in with our busy lives of work and other stuff. It’s maybe more to those lucky enough to do it professionally. But to some it’s a way of life, running is their life, they live to run. Read more…

  258. MDS 2010

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 07 Apr '10

    The 2010 Marathon des Sables is well underway. Now in its 25th edition the race is into its 4 stage today and is currently being led handsomely by Mohamad Ahansal. Looking down the results you might also see a certain J Cracknell (GBR) currently in 9th place! Read more…

  259. Bunny Run 1

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 06 Apr '10

    The Woodentops gang wasted no time on Tuesday evening in getting the images from race 1 in the famous Bunny Runs online. Of course King Bunny Ian Holmes won, with a massive 300+ runners taking part! Read more…

  260. 2010 Trail du Mont Ventoux - video

    This post contains video content

    Posted in by Matt Ward on Tue 06 Apr '10

    The 2010 Trail du Mont Ventoux is an event that ascends and descends one of the most astounding mountains in the world. By no means the highest, Ventoux still dominates the skyline and is a mecca for trail runners in France. Read more…

  261. UK to get new trail running mag

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 06 Apr '10

    A sample DPS from the new Trail Runner mag

    After many ‘trail running supplements’ from various publications in the last year or so the owners of Trail magazine have taken the plunge and announced a brand new title fully dedicated to “Trail running, Fell Running, Mountain Marathons, Adventure Racing & Orienteering” Read more…

  262. Weekend racing round-up

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 05 Apr '10

    Lloyd Taggart (237) leads the Half MMM

    With the glut of racing over the Easter weekend comes the glut of results. Events such as the Manx Mountain Marathon, the Pendle Fell Race, the Knockfarrel Hill Race, the Cordon 3 Peaks Classic and the Askham fell race all produced some great racing… Read more…

  263. Cornthwaite bags the Pike

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 03 Apr '10

    Tom Cornthwaite

    Blackburn fast-man Thomas Cornthwaite won today’s sprint up and down Rivington Pike in Horwich by a comfy 19 seconds from Ricky Lightfoot. 2009 winner Rob Hope produced a strong run for third in this classic 3.25 mile race… Read more…

  264. Easter weekend racing...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 01 Apr '10

    With 4 races in Scotland and 8 in England and the IOM it’s a busy old weekend, though no races in Wales, NI or Ireland. Still the classic Manx Mountain Marathon goes ahead on the Isle of Man, and the short, sharp Rivington Pike race takes place in Horwich… Read more…

  265. Still time to enter the Highlander

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 01 Apr '10

    Highlander 2009

    A call on the Scottish Hill Runners site shouts the name of the Highlander, a two-day event taking place at Gairloch in the NW Highlands over the w/e of the 10/11 April. Entries are open right up until the Friday evening (9 April) at 8pm… Read more…

  266. FRA announce backward running mountain races

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 01 Apr '10

    In an unusual move the Fell Runners Association have announced a series of backwards running mountain races. The races will be uphill only and be on set trails and marked courses of around 6 miles in length… Read more…

  267. Trunce 1

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 31 Mar '10

    Splash-down at the Trunce, 2010

    One down 8 to go. Described as “The Trunce – A Series of Short Off Road Races” this highly popular race series got underway for 2010 on a soggy Monday evening in Oxspring, just outside of Barnsley Read more…

  268. More big money on offer at US trail series

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 31 Mar '10

    Rothrock 2009

    As reported a few weeks back the money on offer in the US for trail racing right now is considerable. The La Sportiva Mountain Cup, starting this weekend, and advertised as the Top Ten Trail races in North America… Read more…

  269. IAAF profile Dibaba

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 31 Mar '10

    Tirunesh Dibaba

    After her return to racing last weekend at the World XC the IAAF profile the great Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba. The feature unfortunately didn’t coincide with her winning yet another title… Read more…

  270. Wrekin results!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 30 Mar '10

    Steven Cale at Wrekin 2010

    Now available. Thought I would do a new post, as opposed to re-hash! So, a win for Steven Cale, by a sizable margin. Anna Bartlett comfortably won the ladies. Great to see a whole host of junior races too, that’s the future after all! Read more…

  271. Wrekin - in pictures

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Mon 29 Mar '10

    I’d be grateful if someone could point me towards the results of yesterday’s Wrekin fell race, as I am struggling to find them if they are out there! It looks like Anna Bartlett probably won the women’s prize from the images online… Read more…

  272. Spain to host 2012 SkyGames®

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 29 Mar '10

    Joan Garrigòs and ISF president, Marino Giacometti (right)

    The 2012 SkyGames® will be hosted for the first time in Spain, home to some of the world’s top athletes in the field. The nomination went to Ribagorza Románica in the Pyrenees, an ideal location for the fourth “high altitude Olympics” situated at 2,000 metres above sea level. Read more…

  273. Pippa storms up Causey Pike

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 29 Mar '10

    Pippa Maddams

    Pippa Maddams (was Jackson) had a cracking run at the tough Causey Pike race in Keswick this weekend, taking the ladies race by over 7 minutes, and running in 13th overall from a field of 143. Rob Jebb was also supreme in the men’s event, winning from Mike Fanning… Read more…

  274. Wicklow Way Trail and Ultra

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 29 Mar '10

    Previous to 2009, the lack of parking at Lough Tay had always enforced a very strict limit on competitor entries, leaving many disappointed to miss out, as was particularly evident in 2008. With coaches to and from the start this year and last… Read more…

  275. Wicklow Mountains Half Marathon

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 29 Mar '10

    Mick Hanney

    It was the story of the home-town hero as local Wicklow resident Mick Hanney could celebrate his first win in the second DEBRA Wicklow Mountain Half-Marathon. Read more…

  276. Morgan dominates Llangynhafal

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 28 Mar '10

    Morgan Donnelly, all smiles at Llangynhafal

    Borrowdale’s Morgan Donnelly took no prisoners as he romped away from the field at yesterdays Llangynhafal Loop race in Clywd. Quickly establishing a lead from the off Morgan went on to win by 4 minutes, taking a minute off Tim Davies course record into the bargain… Read more…

  277. Kenya rampant at World XC

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 28 Mar '10

    Ebuya wins for Kenya - at last!

    I am afraid that a weekend elsewhere, with no online connection meant that the MST World cross country coverage didn’t materialise! Good job then that the likes of Athletics Weekly’s Jason Henderson were on the ground in Poland top bring us some to coverage… Read more…

  278. Fell racing this weekend...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 26 Mar '10

    Simon Bailey @ Wrekin 2009

    Another busy weekend on the fells and mountains of England and Wales (Scots race El-Brim-Ick Dash is postponed). A weekend of great names too – from Lads Leap to the Blakey Blitz. Nothing is particularly long, but there are some tough races going ahead… Read more…

  279. Wicklow Way Ultra - this weekend!

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Fri 26 Mar '10

    One of the most traditional fixtures of the IMRA calendar, the Wicklow Way Trail, and its big brother, the Wicklow Way Ultra (the out-and-back equivalent) has awaited eager hill runners every April since 1998, when Maurice Mullins laid out the route. Read more…

  280. XC a no-go on the BBC

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Thu 25 Mar '10

    As reported earlier today on MST (we hadn’t seen this AW article) this weekend’s World Cross Country will not be aired on the BBC. This Athletics Weekly article suggests that a contractual breakdown is the root cause… Read more…

  281. Hayley and Mo head British charge at Bydgoszcz

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 25 Mar '10

    Hayley on her way to winning the Euro 2009 crown

    Going into a major championship race on the world stage always concentrates the mind of the UK’s endurance runners, this this weekend will be no different as the cream of British XC head for Poland, and the World XC… Read more…

  282. Wide-open men's race at World XC

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 25 Mar '10

    Gebremariam sprinting to glory in Amman last year

    Unlike in the women’s race, the mens event at this weekend’s World Cross Country Championships should be a wide-open race. 2009 champion Gebre Gebremariam will be back to defend his title in Poland… Read more…

  283. Bezebeh leads the Euro fight at World XC

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 25 Mar '10

    Bezabeh - awesome in Dublin

    Spain will be bidding for rare European medals in the senior men’s race at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, on Sunday thanks principally to the presence of their European champion Alemayehu Bezabeh. Read more…

  284. Asics origami

    This post contains video content

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Wed 24 Mar '10

    MST wasn’t online when this ASICS video was released. I remember a friend of mine sending me the link, and I was amazed. Have just stumbled upon it again and thought that I would share, amongst you readers – its still amazes me… Read more…

  285. Sarah is on the mend...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 24 Mar '10

    Sarah Tunstall

    It has been a tough few months out there for mountain, xc and road runner Sarah Tunstall. With no races to her name for the whole of 20009/10 cross country campaign, and a range of injuries that have held her back, the Kendal athlete is looking forward to the summer. Read more…

  286. World XC, 2010 - women's preview

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 24 Mar '10

    Tirunesh Dibaba

    The senior women’s race at this year’s World Cross Country champs should be one of the most exciting in whole of the programme as one of world endurance running’s rising stars meets one of the greatest women’s distance runner of the current era… Read more…

  287. Tim skips in at Yr Aran

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 23 Mar '10

    Helen Fines

    Eryri Harrier Tim Higginbottom won the big mountain race in Wales this weekend, Ras Yr Aran. Calder Valley’s Helen Fines made one of her by now regular forays into the Welsh heart-land to take the women’s race… Read more…

  288. Scottish hill racing news...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 23 Mar '10

    Prasad Prasad at Chapelgill

    Plenty going on in Scotland this last weekend, some great coverage coming from the Scottish Hill Runners of the Criffel, Chapelgill and Craig Dunain races. Well known for their short-distance tussles in 2009… Read more…

  289. Wilson brings sunshine to Bydgoszcz

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 22 Mar '10

    IAAF Ambassador Wilson Kipketer was in Bydgoszcz last weekend to promote next Sunday’s IAAF World Cross Country Championships (28 March). Kipketer’s positive personality lit up the dull sky above Bydgoszcz. Following on from a rainy day on Saturday… Read more…

  290. The future's so bright!

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Mon 22 Mar '10

    Sziols are an eye wear brand hailing from Germany, specialising in adventure sports – nothing too unique there. However, they have dedicated huge research into running, and dedicate eye wear that adapts to a runners need – not the other way around… Read more…

  291. Butler belts em at Camaderry

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 22 Mar '10

    Gerard Butler

    In the past years, the IMRA Colleges Championships has been held as part of the Crone Wood Winter League race. This year feedback from students prompted a change to a dedicated inter-varsity challenge to be held at the classic mountain of Camaderry… Read more…

  292. Only the fittest survive with Jonathan!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 22 Mar '10

    Fell and mountain runners are said to be some of the toughest athletes about. Are you one of these people? Do you think you have what it takes? Well, if you want to be part of a TV programme that is looking for the fittest people in Wales, read on… Read more…

  293. English Schools XC

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 20 Mar '10

    Famous for producing future GB internationals, the 50th English Schools XC took place at Heaton Park, Manchester earlier today. The course was heavy in places, a real cross country affair, and there were some surprise winners in the six categories… Read more…

  294. World XC course looks interesting!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 19 Mar '10

    After the dust-bowl of Jordan in 2009 the 2010 world cross country returns to something like a purist sport as the annual circus hits Poland in a week or so. One of the most debated aspects of any world cross is the course… Read more…

  295. Fell racing this weekend

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 19 Mar '10

    Yr Aran, 2009

    The Edale Skyline takes place this Sunday, all 21 miles of it. A classic long one, made specially harder as it is in the early season and can be open to some foul weather. (mild and probably wet this w/e by all accounts) Read more…

  296. Brady wraps up Winter League

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Wed 17 Mar '10

    The Winter League finished on a high note with another gorgeous sunny day at the revised Carrick Mountain route. Your trusty reporter went for a run of the route before the race and local man Mick Hanney had done a good job creating a varied and exciting route… Read more…

  297. Ryan beats the sands of time at Atacama

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 17 Mar '10

    Ryan Sandes has time for a smile after Atacama

    South African ultra-man Ryan Sandes took his place in Atacama Crossing history last week as he completed the 6 day brute in less than 24 hours – winning by almost 6 hours in the process. For the uninitiated the Atacama Crossing is a footrace across one of the most unforgiving desserts in the world – through the heart of Chile… Read more…

  298. Farah and Freya head GB team for Poland

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 16 Mar '10

    Mo Farah

    The UKA selectors have announced their selections for the forthcoming World XC champs in Bydgoszcz on the 28th March. Interestingly the powers-that-be have deemed that only 4 men are worthy of the trip… Read more…

  299. Fun and sun in France - someone's gotta do it...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 16 Mar '10

    Julian Chorier on photo duty

    What a day! Here I am in the bar of the Hotel Florens, Jonathan Wyatt to my left, checking his mail, Thomas Lorblanchet to my right sharing a joke. The UK team are in bed (Anna, Andy and Ricky) after a long day of product testing, seminars, photoshoots, runs and focus groups – oh and some pretty good food and lively social discussion. Read more…

  300. MST heads for the hills!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Sun 14 Mar '10

    Ricky, Frosty and Andy, with Mt. Ventoux behind...

    Well Mt. Ventoux anyway. We are happy guests at the 2010 Salomon Advance Week, here in Bedoin, France. Advance what? Advance Week is the time of year when Salomon athletes, product people and journalists come together for a look into the future! Read more…

  301. 2010 Skyrunner® World Series kicks off

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 14 Mar '10

    This year the Skyrunner® World Series celebrates seven years of world-class athletes and events with 14 races in 12 countries across four continents. With 700 km to run and 30,000 vertical metres to climb, the 2010 World Series will not only sweep you off your feet but also take your breath away! Read more…

  302. Mo' walks it at UK Trials

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 14 Mar '10

    Mo Farah (right) at Cofton Park

    Mo Farah turned up and spoiled the party at Cofton Park yesterday as he ran away with the men’s race at yesterday’s UK Inter-Counties cross country, doubling up as the UK trials for the World XC in a few weeks… Read more…

  303. Snowdon 2010 is...closed!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 11 Mar '10

    Barely 12 days after race entries opened for the 2010 Snowdon Race the race limit of 500 (plus elite invites) has been reached – and in record time. Race organiser Stephen Edwards had one word for MST tonight “astounded”… Read more…

  304. UK's best head for Birmingham

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 11 Mar '10

    For many of the UK’s elite endurance athletes who like a bit of XC in their programme, it’s the big one this weekend. Many can only hope of making a dent in the front half of the World XC results sheet come late March… Read more…

  305. Kenneally finally goes one better

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Wed 10 Mar '10

    Mark Kenneally

    Mark Keneally broke his silver Duck at this weekend’s Irish National Senior/Junior XC and led his team Clonliffe to another title in this year’s Irish cross-country season. The Clonliffe man took the expected win by 14 seconds from Galway’s Gary Thornton… Read more…

  306. Hill leads the way at Maulin

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 09 Mar '10

    Colm Hill

    Snow gave way to sunshine for the penultimate race of the IMRA Irish Winter League – Maulin, the shortest (7k or 4.3 miles) but steepest (474m ascent or 1555 ft.) in this five race series. The final run-in on the Wicklow Way fire-roads is explosive… Read more…

  307. Fun in the forest!

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Tue 09 Mar '10

    The Gripmaster does it in all sorts of locations – filming that is. Have you ever tried to run and film? I have and it looks as though I am just stood shaking the camera. What is his secret? Some interesting stuff out in the forest this time… Read more…

  308. Felix wins Almond Blossom and books place for Poland

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 09 Mar '10

    Ana Dulce Felix wins the Almond Blossom XC

    After Kenyan Mark Bett romped away with the 33rd Algarve International Almond Blossom Cross Country, it was up to the Portuguese World XC hopefuls to book their places for Poland at the final meeting of the IAAF 2010 Cross Country Permit series. Read more…

  309. 5 minutes with... Emma Clayton

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 09 Mar '10

    England international mountain runner Emma Clayton is a bit of an all-rounder, she excels on the road and track, however the Scunthorpe athlete shows most talent on the fells. With a coach, a running dad and a supportive family, Emma has all of the ingredients to make it to the top… Read more…

  310. Jebby takes 'quality' Black Combe

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 07 Mar '10

    Rob Jebb at Carnethy 2010

    Rob Jebb continued his good early-season form yesterday at the Black Combe fell race in Cumbria. The Bingley man finished almost two minutes clear of Ellenborough’s Ricky Lightfoot, Borrowdale’s Jim Davies was third. Read more…

  311. Holmes wins Half Tour

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 07 Mar '10

    Ian Holmes at the 2010 Half Tour

    By all accounts on the FRA forum Ian Holmes ran away with the Half Tour of Pendle yesterday, with Jo Waites winning the women’s race. Full results not available at time of writing, but some excellent images here and here Read more…

  312. Keep on Running with the Gripmaster...

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Sun 07 Mar '10

    Yet another exuberant film from the Gripmaster – this time at the 3 stages of the October 2009 edition of Keep on Running at St. Wendal. The event saw a 3km prologue through the town centre followed by two fast and muddy stages in the forests around St.Wendel. Read more…

  313. It's the weekend!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 05 Mar '10

    Black Combe fell race

    And what a treat there is in store for fell runners in the UK – the weather is set to be decent, and there are masses of races on. So, now there’s excuse (this author included) to not get our there and rock ‘n roll on the rocks and rolling hills! Read more…

  314. Portugal's XC hopefuls go head-to-head

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 05 Mar '10

    Ana Dulce Felix will be hoping for a World XC berth

    The Portuguese XC selectors will need to get their thinking caps on come Monday, as those hoping to make the plane to Bydgoszcz, Poland for this year’s World Champs on 28 March go into battle at the Algarve International Almond Blossom Cross Country. Read more…

  315. High Peak Marathon is this weekend...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 04 Mar '10

    This historic annual 42-mile jaunt-in-the-dark through the Peak District kicks off tomorrow night (5 March) at 10pm. The High Peak Marathon is a night time navigation race for teams of four, starting and finishing at Edale Village Hall, Derbyshire. Read more…

  316. Runners flock to Roundhay

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 04 Mar '10

    Unlike some other national XC events, the English National attracted record numbers of competitors to last weekend’s championships in Leeds, according to a report over at England Athletics. A total of 4303 runners finished in the ten races that were staged… Read more…

  317. Ten grand up for grabs at US trail race

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 04 Mar '10

    The North Face Endurance Challenge runs from may to December across the States, culminating in San Francisco where the winner of the men’s and women’s 50 mile titles can bag $10,000 a piece! With rounds in New York, Washington and Wisconsin (plus one other) there is $14,000 on offer, as each round has a $1,000 first prize… Read more…

  318. Last few days to enter Sticky Toffee

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 04 Mar '10

    The Sticky Toffee and Beauty and the Beast trail runs take place at Cartmel Racecourse on the 20th of March, and there are a few days left to grab yourself a place. 10 and 18km courses await across gently winding footpaths, although the ‘Beast holds much more darkness in store! Read more…

  319. Kenneally guns for Inter Club XC

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 03 Mar '10

    Mark Kenneally

    Athletics fans are in for a treat this weekend when the Woodie’s DIY Inter Club Championships of Ireland take place in the Phoenix Park over a spectator friendly course. Mark Kenneally of Clonliffe Harriers will start as favourite to win the men’s Senior title on Sunday. Read more…

  320. Runners Digest chew on the National!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 02 Mar '10

    Steph Twell

    Runners Digest went the extra mile at the English National XC on Saturday to produce some outstanding coverage. The mainstream media (outside of Athletics Weekly and Nicola Bamford’s excellent report) scratched the surface, but the ‘Digest really got down and dirty in the Leeds mud. Good work chaps… Read more…

  321. How much snow?!

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Tue 02 Mar '10

    Andy and Joe Symonds are a pretty classy pair of fell runners, but even they struggled over the weekend during a run out in the Ochils. The scenery looks breathtaking, but a quality run session was probably never really on the cards… Read more…

  322. Worldwide XC news...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Mar '10

    And they're off...

    Belete powers to a convincing win at the Diekirch IAAF permit meeting, Freya Murray at the Fukuoka International XC, Ritzenhein out of world cross and new Kenyan coach Leting gets a grip with his charges… Read more…

  323. Jethro gets stuck-in, in 2010...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Mar '10

    Jethro with Tom Owens at Devils Burden

    Inov-8 athlete and top all-rounder Jethro Lennox has had a busy start to 2010. On his Inov-8 blog he documents a mix of fell and cross country racing, and loading in the miles (100 a week at the mo’) for mountain marathons later in the summer… Read more…

  324. Vertical Rush gets primetime TV

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Mar '10

    Tower 42

    Last week’s Vertical Rush race pushed tower (or vertical) running another step closer to being a sport that engages with the consciousness of everyday and elite runners… Read more…

  325. Speake takes Rd1 of English Fell champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Mar '10

    Lloyd Taggart leads Matt Speake at Noon Stone, 2010

    It was high noon on the Noon Stone on Saturday as renowned orienteer Matt Speake overhauled the cream of English fell running to take a slender win over Dark Peak team-mate Lloyd Taggart. Rob Hope took third place with 2009 champion Simon Bailey in seventh… Read more…

  326. Snowdon 2010 is open!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Mar '10

    Andi Jones - 4 straight wins on Snowdon

    But be quick. Race entry forms are now online for download, then to be sent to race admin – entry opened at midnight today (1 March). The race organisers have an entry limit of 500, plus international / elite invitation runners, and at 12pm today over 200 forms had been downloaded. Read more…

  327. Twell and Vernon take 'expected' Leeds titles...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 28 Feb '10

    Andy Vernon - having a great season

    As previewed on Friday the pre-race favourites dominated across senior and age-group races at Saturday’s English National XC champs. Both Steph Twell and Andy Vernon ran away with the senior crowns… Read more…

  328. US trail news

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 26 Feb '10

    It’s a real job keeping up with what’s going on across-the-Pond when it comes to trail and off-road news. Some great resources out there such as Trail Runner, Trail running Soul and Byron Powell’s excellent iRunFar.com. Read more…

  329. On the hills and fells this weekend

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 26 Feb '10

    Noonstone 2009

    This weekend sees runners go uphill all over England. From Hereford to Dufton to Guisborough. Next weekend (6 – 7 March) sees a huge amount of racing on the calendar, so people will either be honing their form or saving themselves. Sunday looks a bit iffy – weather-wise – so be careful and enjoy the sport! Read more…

  330. Diekirch Eurocross is Sunday

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 26 Feb '10

    Levy Matebo

    Kenyan Levy Matebo and sisters Mimi and Almenesh Belete will start as the favourites as Luxembourg’s Eurocross, the penultimate IAAF Cross Country Permit meeting of 2010, celebrates its 40th anniversary on Sunday (28). Read more…

  331. Scottish XC - video

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Thu 25 Feb '10

    Scottish Athletics have posted a highlights video on their You Tube page from last weekend’s Scottish National Cross Country Championships. Nice work. Read more…

  332. It's National time!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 25 Feb '10

    Twell - out to capture the National XC title

    An excellent preview on this weekend’s English National Cross Country Championships at the famous Roundhay Park in Leeds, by Athletics Weekly’s Steven Mills. This year’s racing should be highly competitive across age groups… Read more…

  333. Are Ice Spikes better?

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 25 Feb '10

    Fascinating and apt little article on ice spike from the Run to Win guys. Personally I might think twice about putting screws into my favourite trail shoe, and you can buy off-the-shelf shoes like these... Read more…

  334. Celebrities join Londoners at Tower 42...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 23 Feb '10

    Anna Frost

    A host of celebrities will on Thursday (February 25) join more than a thousand Londoners to climb the 920 stairs of Tower 42 to raise money for housing charity Shelter at the Vertical Rush event. Elite internationals such as Anna Frost will join the throngs racing up the City of London’s second highest building. Read more…

  335. National Intermediates conclude in Lough Key

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 23 Feb '10

    Despite some confusion among runners as the mooted 10k course was changed to an 8k course on the day, the crowds in Lough Key, Roscommon, were served to an enthralling spectacle as 21-year-old Brendan O’Neill of Dundrum South Dublin ran home from halfway. Read more…

  336. Freya a class apart in Scotland

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 22 Feb '10

    Freya Murray

    GB international Freya Murray showed why she is entering world class when it comes to cross country running, as she won the Scottish National Cross Country Championships by a street at Callander Park on Saturday… Read more…

  337. On the trail...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 22 Feb '10

    We like to practice what we preach here at MST. The trails in the Dyfi Valley area are some of the best in the UK – fact. So I thought I would share some of what I saw out there today, as I happened to have my camera with me. For the record – 8 miles, 61 minutes. Read more…

  338. Welsh XC champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 22 Feb '10

    Alex Hains (Cardiff AAC) at the Cardiff X Challenge

    Great report here from John Griffiths on Saturday’s Welsh Cross Country Championships in Swansea. With Andrea Whitcombe now an adopted Welsh girl there was only ever going to be one winner in the women’s event. Alex Hains comfortably won the men’s crown, romping away from Nat Lane… Read more…

  339. Tibradden returns for the Winter League!

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Sun 21 Feb '10

    Eoin Brady

    The flat reddish hulk of Tibradden Mountain has been known as a vaunted ‘ankle-breaker’ in hill-running folklore, strewed as it has been with loose rocks and scree. In later years, heavy erosion of the central trail had forced the route out of circulation for a while… Read more…

  340. Tanui and Masai book World XC berths

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 20 Feb '10

    Paul Tanui

    The Kenyan Cross Country Championships took place on Saturday in Nairobi, and whilst the women’s event produced a relatively predictable winner in Linet Masai (World cross champ Florence Kiplagat is injured), the men’s race produced a new star… Read more…

  341. Moel y Ci

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 20 Feb '10

    Anna Bartlett

    The 2010 edition of this classic fell race in north Wales took place in snowy conditions. Some great images from the Fell Running Pictures crew of Al Tye, Gwynfor James and Pete Mac – where would we be without this lot?! Read more…

  342. Fell racing this weekend

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 18 Feb '10

    Lloyd Taggart, Moel-Y-Ci record holder

    A race each for the Welsh and English this weekend. (We realise that there may be other races, but can’t find ‘em!). Two classic little races in the shape of Moel-y-Ci in Snowdonia, and Ilkley Moor, both races are 5 miles and should see some fierce racing at the head… Read more…

  343. Murray returns to defend Scottish title

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 18 Feb '10

    Freya Murray

    Defending champion Freya Murray (Edinburgh AC), who finished ninth overall when representing the British women’s team in December’s European XC Championships, returns to Falkirk this weekend to defend her Scottish XC crown… Read more…

  344. New Balance staff to 'Pound for Cumbria'

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 18 Feb '10

    The floods of November 2009 in Cumbria have directly effected over 1500 households and businesses. Many businesses are still closed severely affecting local employment… Read more…

  345. Teenage sensation defeats Vassalli

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 18 Feb '10

    Marie-Fee Breyer (left)

    It’s quite a while since Daniela Vassalli lost a tower running race. Imagine her shock when that defeat was dished out by a 13 year old, in the season’s fourth Vertical World Circuit ® race on Basel’s Messerturm last Saturday… Read more…

  346. OutFront - tracking for 'iPhone runners'

    This post contains video content

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 17 Feb '10

    Map My Tracks, the outdoor social network for sports and fitness enthusiasts, has launched OutFront, a multi–sport iPhone app for sports enthusiasts. OutFront provides F1-style performance runners of all discipline… Read more…

  347. 2010 is set as WMRA Council meet

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 17 Feb '10

    The 2010 WMRA Council

    Some important changes were made to the council membership and to races under the auspices of the World Mountain Running Association at the council’s annual meeting, which took place on the 23rd of January in Monte Carlo. Read more…

  348. Coe vs Ovett - the movie

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Tue 16 Feb '10

    Coe and Ovett in a frosty Moscow, 1980

    Arguably two of the greatest middle distance runners in history, Seb Coe and Steve Ovett are subject of a new BBC film that depicts their bitter rivalry that gripped Britain in the late 70’s and early 80’s… Read more…

  349. Brooks® Green Silence - no longer a secret...

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Tue 16 Feb '10

    I took delivery of these around a month ago. When I opened the box I thought that I had an odd pair, such is the penchant these days for running brand’s ‘fast shoes’ to be of differing colour on right and left feet. Styling-wise these shoes are very different too… Read more…

  350. iROC™ 2010 is postponed

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 16 Feb '10

    One of the most popular run/bike events of 2009, iROC™ has had to cancel this years event due to date clashes and feeback from competitors – however the organisers say that they will be back in 2011 bigger and better… Read more…

  351. Kiplagat will not defend World XC title

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 15 Feb '10

    Kiplagat - out of sorts

    Reigning womens World Cross Country champion Florence Kiplagat will not be on the start line in Poland for the 38th edition, on the 28th of March. Understandable really when you consider that the Kenyan has not run in anger since last year… Read more…

  352. Walsh Spirit Lite are here...

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Mon 15 Feb '10

    Well on my desk at least. Yes, we have finally got our hands on a pair of Walsh Spirit Lite shoes – the Bolton fell-shoemaker’s statement of intent in trail running. At first glance the understated Walsh signature is there, with very little in the way of bells and whistles… Read more…

  353. Classic Hill Runs - Steven Fallon

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Mon 15 Feb '10

    Thanks to the Run4It footwear guru Steve Wales for providing us with this little gem which we missed when first released back in December, 2009. Steven Fallon is a hill runner and racer of repute, with regular Vet category prizes north of the Border – and has completed an amazing 14 Munro Rounds! Read more…

  354. Brooks DNA - clever stuff

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Mon 15 Feb '10

    Not just the product, but also this little Brooks micro site which highlights the effects of it’s new technologies in a light-hearted, and slightly self-deprecating manner. Brooks are a little left-field of the running mainstream, and we like ‘em for it! Read more…

  355. Those Crafty Swedes

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Mon 15 Feb '10

    Sweden make some great kit. None more so than the lovely ProWarm Olympia crewneck thermal top, which has been looking after me on the hill for the last month. Craft are masters in the cold, but also provide some of the best textiles for all climates… Read more…

  356. 2009 Trans Alpine Run - film now online!

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Mon 15 Feb '10

    After months of editing the Gripmaster finally unleashes the 2009 race highlights in one super trail running packed 16 minute film. The race was an epic last year, with Saab Salomon pairings of Andy Symonds and Tom Owens carrying all before them... Read more…

  357. Dathan puts on the Ritz at US XC champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 13 Feb '10

    The Ritz

    Dathan Ritzenhein won his third senior USATF xc title in Indianapolis today, running away from a select group with around 3km to go. With many top athletes choosing to sit the race out ‘Ritz’ was always going to be head and shoulders above the rest… Read more…

  358. Carnethy 5 Hill race - results and images

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Sat 13 Feb '10

    Andy Symonds, with Robbie Simpson behind...

    Chris Upson runs the excellent Scottish Hill Racing site, as with many in this sport it is for the love, so thanks must go to him and the SHR guys out on the hill at yesterday’s Carnethy 5 Hill race. Some great shots from Chris here… Read more…

  359. Breaking: Jebby makes it '5 at the Carnethy 5'

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 13 Feb '10

    Rob Jebb @ Ben Nevis, 2009

    Running in almost perfect fell running conditions Rob Jebb cemented his place still further in Carnethy 5 Hill race legend’s role call, as he won today’s race from Carnegie Harrier Andy Symonds… Read more…

  360. Morton and Rowlands ensure Eryri sweep at Tarren Hendre

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 13 Feb '10

    Iwan Morton

    Although a crisp wind was lightly tugging at the runners in today’s Tarren Hendre race – run off in excellent mountain running weather. Eryri Harriers’ Iwan Morton and Andrea Rowlands both comfortably won the mens and ladies categories, in the shadow of Cader Idris… Read more…

  361. Carnethy 5 Hill race

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 11 Feb '10

    Angela Mudge

    The first real ‘big one’ of the 2010 Scottish scene is almost upon us. The Carnethy 5 Hill race is a classic in many ways (route – 2500 feet total climb over 5 summits, race history, past winners). There are 610 entered for this weekend’s race, and the men’s field is pretty nicely loaded… Read more…

  362. Vernon eyes-up the National

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 10 Feb '10

    On current form Vernon could be the man to beat...

    Northern off-road specialist Steve Vernon is getting his sights set on landing the big prize in English cross country this winter at the National XC champs in Leeds later this month. He can expect a tough challenge as ‘the National’ is on the shopping list of many an XC racer… Read more…

  363. USA XC champs are this Saturday

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 10 Feb '10

    The US national XC championships and selection race for the World Cross Country Championships, take place this weekend in Indianapolis. Read more…

  364. Beardsley still inspires

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 10 Feb '10

    Dick Beardsley

    Not off-road running, but we are always attracted to inspirational running stories and thought it appropriate to point you towards this inspiring little interview by Pre’s Mustache of marathon legend Dick Beardsley… Read more…

  365. Reid wins at Annacurra

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 09 Feb '10

    In the absence of many established hill runners in this year’s Winter League, notably defending WL champion Eoin Keith of Boards AC, there has been room for daring outsiders to establish themselves among the echelons of IMRA race winners. Read more…

  366. Wadsworth Trog

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Tue 09 Feb '10

    In pictures. Thanks to jellybabyfairy and Eileen Woodhead for covering the Wadsworth Trog and Half Trog, in less than ideal photographic conditions! Results are on the Calder Valley home page... Read more…

  367. Vertical World Circuit® - Italians triumph on London’s Gherkin

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 08 Feb '10

    Fabio Ruga and Daniela Vassalli

    In the third 2010 Vertical World Circuit® race to the summit of the Gherkin, Sunday, February 7, Italian runners Fabio Ruga and Daniela Vassalli were the winners in this first race up London’s iconic landmark. Read more…

  368. Getting a grip at ISPO

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Mon 08 Feb '10

    The biggest expo of running gear – bar none. ISPO is the place to go if you want a handle on what’s hot for the coming 12 months. Not being one to shy away from new kit the Gripmaster made the trip to Munich to enlighten us… Read more…

  369. Cram heralds new 'off-road' marathon

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 08 Feb '10

    Steve Cram at Kielder Water

    Olympian and Olympic commentator Steve Cram has unveiled plans for a brand new race around Kielder Water & Forest Park. The marathon doesn’t appear to have a name yet, but Athletics Weekly reports that all will be revealed in their magazine, out this Thursday… Read more…

  370. Clubs Cup goes to Bekele in Bilbao

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 08 Feb '10

    Alemitu Bekele

    All points of the continental compass were represented among the gold medallists at the 2010 European Clubs Cup Cross Country in Bilbao. Spain won the senior men’s individual and team titles, Russia’s Sports Club Luch Moscow took both women’s team competitions and Turkish athletes romping to three individual victories… Read more…

  371. No crash and burn with Orbana

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Mon 08 Feb '10

    Another new name in energy drinks – yes. Same formula, different bottle – no. When you cut through the detail of this new product you will see that they promise ‘no crash’ running, after the ‘spike’. What am I on about? Well you know how when you take an energy drink… Read more…

  372. Davies wins Long Mynd

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 08 Feb '10

    Andrew Davies at Long Mynd

    A measly 8 seconds separated Mercia’s Andrew Davies from 2009 English fell champ Simon Bailey at yesterday’s Long Mynd Valleys race in Shropshire. In what appears to have been a really close race the first 6 finishers were separated by less than a minute… Read more…

  373. Kipsiro triumphs at Ugandan champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 08 Feb '10

    Moses Kipsiro

    This next few weeks will see many National XC championships take place in Africa and Europe, ahead of next month’s World XC. Moses Kipsiro defeated 2009 World Mountain Running champion Joseph Kusuro at Saturday’s Ugandan championships on a dry course in the Amuria district. Read more…

  374. Twell and Vernon take 'expected' wins at BUCS

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 06 Feb '10

    Andy Vernon - having a great season

    St.Mary’s students Steph Twell and Andy Vernon took expected wins at Saturday’s BUCS cross country championships in Sterling. With Twell facing little in the way of international class opponents, her win looked a formality. Read more…

  375. Moire's feet are back!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Fri 05 Feb '10

    Some of you might remember the Irish pocket-rocket that is Moire O’Sullivan? Now residing in Vietnam, Moire is still putting here running abilities to test in the heat and hilly terrain just outside of Vietnam City. You might also remember Moire’s XT Wings review? Read more…

  376. Fell racing this weekend

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 05 Feb '10

    Long Mynd 2009

    An absolutely glut of races this weekend after a quiet few weeks. The Mickledon Straddle is cancelled, but otherwise there is plenty to choose from. One of the picks for us is the super-tough Long Mynd Valleys, regarded as one of the hardest races on the calendar… Read more…

  377. Hand Crafted...

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Fri 05 Feb '10

    There can be nothing worse than cold hands (in my book anyway). The Swedes know a thing or two about keeping warm – they have to. So, when Simon @ Big Sky Agencies sent me through some Craft cold weather goodies I was rubbing my (cold) hands in glee… Read more…

  378. PUMA Lakeland Trails - new deadline

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 04 Feb '10

    The 31st January deadline for the discounted early bird rate created a huge surge of online entrants over the weekend of 30/31st January, causing online entry breakdown for many. Some entries managed to get through the PayPal system, but many were left disappointed Read more…

  379. Bezebeh is in the club...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 03 Feb '10

    Bezabeh - awesome in Dublin

    Spain’s recently crowned SPAR European Cross Country Championships gold medallist Alemayehu Bezabeh will be out to defend his European Champions Clubs Cup Cross Country title on home soil in Bilbao on Sunday… Read more…

  380. 4 weeks to first Turbo X of 2010

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 03 Feb '10

    It only seems like yesterday that we were down in Bordon covering the last of the 2009 Saab Salomon Turbo X races. Well, its now February and it’s just over 4 weeks until the first race of the 2010 series gets underway at Surrey Hills near Bracknell on the 7th of March… Read more…

  381. To bare or not to bare

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 03 Feb '10

    That seems to be the question right now, as mainstream media, big brands and the likes of inov-8 battle it out over the question of barefoot / minimalist running, with inov-8 stating, “Slowly there is a weight of impartial scientific evidence emerging… Read more…

  382. Moon is in the sky in NYC

    This post contains video content

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 03 Feb '10

    New Zealand mountain great Melissa Moon won the Empire State Building Run-Up in New york yesterday. The 40 year-old ran the 1,576 steps and 86 floors of the historic skyscraper in 13 mins13 secs, well outside the women’s record of 11:23 set by Andrea Mayr in 2006. Read more…

  383. Kigen blows away class field in San Sebastian

    This post contains video content

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 02 Feb '10

    Mike Kigen at Antrim, 2010

    After winning in Antrim just over a week ago Kenya’s Mike Kigen underlined why he is being hailed as one of the contenders for this years World XC champs, with a demolition job on some top class African and European opposition at the Cross Internacional de San Sebastián on Sunday (31). Read more…

  384. Winter isn't over

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Feb '10

    Nope, no siree, not if the uplands of Wales are anything to go by. There is still some snow on the roadside here in mid-Wales, but in Snowdonia there is still plenty to remind us that it is still only just February… Read more…

  385. Jess strikes a light at Southern cross

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Feb '10

    Jess Sparke

    Emerging as one of the best young XC prospects in the UK, Jess Sparke ran away with the coveted Southern Cross Country Championships this weekend at the home of XC in the south, Parliament Hill. Bedford’s Neilson Hall took the men’s title. Read more…

  386. Das trail magazin ist cool!

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Feb '10

    This must be one of the best magazines on the world’s newstands. Except it is online. I can’t read German, but it didn’t stop me from spending 20 minutes looking at the imagery and taking in the emotion of the superb off-road running e-zine that is Trail Magazin… Read more…

  387. Discovery Kenya XC

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Feb '10

    Huge crowds appear to have greeted the racers at this weekend’s Discovery Kenya XC championships in Eldoret. Yet another name was served up on the east-African conveyor belt in the form of Joel Kimurer, who ran away from top marathon man Sammy Kitwara to take the win. Read more…

  388. Tough Guy Challenge...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Feb '10

    Ummph!

    A whole different game of mud, sweat and tears this one. Not really off-roading as we know it, but wanted to post this one for the images alone. Some great shots on the BBC site from AP on yesterday’s 8 mile Tough Guy Challenge in Staffordshire… Read more…

  389. Milan, New York, London – sport not fashion

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 01 Feb '10

    After Milan and New York, the 2010 Vertical World Circuit® uniting the world’s most spectacular skyscrapers in an exciting new sports discipline, will head for one of London’s most iconic landmarks on Sunday, February 7. Read more…

  390. Mesfin wins XC classic Cinque Mulini

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 31 Jan '10

    Humegaw Mesfin

    Ethiopian Humegaw Mesfin took his second major Cross Country win this year at the 78th edition of the Cinque Mulini in San Vittore Olona on a sunny but chilly morning. The women’s race went to reigning 1500m Olympic champion Nancy Langat who beat young Ethiopian Tizita Bogale by five seconds. Read more…

  391. The North Face® Single-Track - reviewed...

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Rene Borg on Fri 29 Jan '10

    Autumn has been a busy time in terms of trying out new alternative trail running shoes for this reviewer and with my inflamed metatarsals I hoped to find a shoe that struck a good balance between grip, lightness, and protection from the dangers of the trail. Read more…

  392. Walsh trail shoes arrive

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Thu 28 Jan '10

    Fell shoe originators Walsh have recognised that time stands still for no man (or woman). The ultra-pure sport of fell running will never leave their hearts, however in a nod towards other off-road running activities that are emerging the Bolton pioneers have released a range of trail shoes… Read more…

  393. Jono gets out there - whatever the weather...

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Thu 28 Jan '10

    Jono's 'cross wings'!

    Multiple world mountain running champ Jonathon Wyatt can’t afford to hang around for the good weather. Jono takes the elements as he finds them, and crack on. What’s more running in the white stuff does great things for your endurance, and trail-handling skills. Read more…

  394. The Craving - Nick Goolab

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Tue 26 Jan '10

    Goolab - coming of age

    For top UK youngster Nick Goolab the last month or so has been a trying time. A lack of racing due to postponements and the poor weather has left the Belgrave man chomping at the bit to get out there and test himself in the competitive arena… Read more…

  395. Kit galore!

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Tue 26 Jan '10

    A glut of snazzy running gear has arrived at the MST lounge this week for some hardcore testing over the coming season. Brooks have delivered their all new Green Silence shoe, designed for the flat lands, and isn’t even out yet – so we’ve got some fresh produce… Read more…

  396. Kenyan Police champs - in video

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Tue 26 Jan '10

    Most XC runners (outside of Africa) don’t really associate the discipline with flat, grassy courses and warm sunshine, but this is what the runners got at this weekend’s Kenyan Police champs in Nairobi… Read more…

  397. Charity road races under the spotlight

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 26 Jan '10

    Uber-road races the Great North Run and the London Marathon are placed on investigative journalists operating table to be sliced and diced in how they operate when it comes to charity entries and donations. Read more…

  398. Devils Burden Relay

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 26 Jan '10

    The day dawned overcast and cool, the tops were clear and only a few spots of rain dampened the day. Conditions under foot were still tricky in places as the last of the compacted ice on some well used tracks lingered and a snow bank on the lower approach to Bishop Hill provided interest! Read more…

  399. Retreating winter on Ticknock opens Irish season

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Tue 26 Jan '10

    Ticknock Winter

    The Spiritual Home of Irish Mountain Biking it may have been called but Ticknock woods remains a deeply rooted fixture both during winter and summer in Ireland and with Howth Winter cancelled by recent snow… Read more…

  400. Worldwide XC round-up

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 26 Jan '10

    Leonard Komon

    African cross country is really ramping-up its act as 2010 creeps towards the IAAF World Cross Country in Bydgoszcz, with Kenya holding its annual police and forces championships and Ethiopia’s 3rd Sululta Cross Country meeting… Read more…

  401. Now that's what I call TESTING!

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Mon 25 Jan '10

    You know MST, a few pairs of shoes here and there, we like to take our time over these things. The guys at Gripmastertrails.com like to test things with a little more gusto it seems. Goodness knows how many pairs of shoes hit the trails on this little test, but it was a lot! Read more…

  402. Cullen bounces back

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 25 Jan '10

    Mary Cullen

    After her despondent weekend in Dublin back in December, Mary Cullen gave Euro champ Hayley Yelling a taste of her own medicine at the Antrim International XC on Saturday. The leading Irish XC runner romped her way to a 31 second gun-to-tape win on the Greenmount course… Read more…

  403. Milan’s Vertical Sprint - a double tower triumph

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 25 Jan '10

    Vassalli (centre), with Anna Frost (left) and Nat White (right)

    The 2010 Vertical World Circuit® kicked off on Sunday with a double sprint up Italy’s two highest towers. 2009 VWC® champions, Thomas Dold from Germany and Italy’s Daniela Vassalli lived up to their reputation by scaling the 70 floors to win. Read more…

  404. Kiprop out - IAAF previews Antrim XC

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 22 Jan '10

    Liz - up against Europe's best in Antrim

    Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion Boniface Kiprop may be a late withdrawal, but there is still a formidable field for the Antrim International, the sixth IAAF Cross Country Permit race of the season, which takes place on Saturday (23). Read more…

  405. Geb is laughing all the way to the bank...

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 21 Jan '10

    A $million is a lot of cash by almost any sporting standard. The super-rich Gulf states seem to be happy fritter their money about these days and I am sure that the great Haile Gebrselassie will be more than happy to add that little lot to the small-fry $250,000 for the win at tomorrow morning’s Dubai Marathon… Read more…

  406. Exclusive Salomon trip for comp winner awaits...

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Thu 21 Jan '10

    One lucky winner of this prize contest will get to travel to the South of France to run alongside the likes of Kilian, Jono, Adam Chase and Ricky Lightfoot, have a closer look at the 2010 Salomon range, and some exclusive future products, developed by the world’s best. Read more…

  407. SHR proposes navigation courses

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 20 Jan '10

    You can never have enough mountain-craft, so the good people of the Scottish Hill Runners have called on clubs to come forward should they be interested in taking part in navigation and safety courses. The courses would be open top all runners, not just SHR members.. Read more…

  408. Cullen and Felix head to Antrim

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 20 Jan '10

    Felix Dulce, looking for revenge in Antrim

    Mary Cullen and Ana Dulce Felix will head to Northern Ireland this weekend in an attempt to revenge surprise Euro XC winner Hayley Yelling at the Antrim International Cross Country. The race will also be an opportunity for Cullen to put the disappointment of Dublin behind her, where 12th place was well short of expectations. Read more…

  409. 300 set for Empire State Run-Up

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 19 Jan '10

    Empire State Run-Up legend Thomas Dold

    Defending Empire State champion Thomas Dold of Germany will attempt to join two other five-time winners of this historic tower race in NYC, when he headlines the field at the 33rd annual NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up on Tuesday, 2 February. Read more…

  410. Snowdon Race gets new site

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Tue 19 Jan '10

    This year’s 35th edition is set to be one of the most exciting as the organising committee are looking to attract a world-class field to this historic mountain race up and down the highest peak in England and Wales… Read more…

  411. Worldwide XC racing round-up

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 18 Jan '10

    Benita Johnson - back on song for 2010

    The 2010 world XC circuit was back on track last weekend, with racing in Seville, Rovereto, Cardiff, Eldoret and Victoria (Australia). Wins for Benita Johnson at the Aussie Nat champs, Linet Masai in Seville and Abere Chane in Italy, plus much more… Read more…

  412. The inov-8 Philosophy

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Mon 18 Jan '10

    Interesting news piece on the inov-8 site, regarding the off-road shoe specialists’ drive towards ‘neutrality’, and how some of today’s running shoes could be adding to runners’ injury lists… Read more…

  413. Ultimate Cartmel Trail Race 2010

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 18 Jan '10

    Ultimate Trails™ is a new series of off-road events in adventure trail running, mountain biking scheduled for 2010. With an exciting and fun atmosphere for competitors and spectators alike high on the agenda. Race commentary, great courses and other entertainments all make for a fun family day out. Read more…

  414. Wicklow Round becomes UTMB qualifier

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 18 Jan '10

    Straightforward stuff on Wicklow Way

    This classic Irish round has been awarded status as a points scorer for the years big French Ultra, the UTMB. Writing for IMRA, Eoin Keith reports that runners wishing to take part in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc need 4 points from qualifying events, the Wicklow Round will now carry 3 points… Read more…

  415. 2010 Vertical World Circuit® hits the stairs in Milan

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 18 Jan '10

    The 2010 Vertical World Circuit gets underway this Sunday (24 January) at the Vertical Sprint Regione Lombardia. The event is organized by Vista Comunicazione in collaboration with the International Skyrunning Federation which has carried out research on Vertical Running® since 2007. Read more…

  416. Vernon cruises to Cardiff win

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 17 Jan '10

    Andy Vernon - comfy Cardiff win

    Andy Vernon crushed the opposition at today’s McCains Cross Challenge in Cardiff. The Aldershot athlete delivered a 30 second defeat to the feet of Stroud runner Tom Russell. Hatti Dean was also comfortable in her victory of the women’s 6km race. Read more…

  417. McCain Rd3 hits Cardiff

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 16 Jan '10

    Richard Goodman (Shaftesbury Barnet) Cardiff winner in 2009

    The premier UK cross country race series, the McCain Cross Challenge, arrives Cardiff this weekend. GB internationals Jessica Sparke and Andy Vernon are in great form and should start as favourites as the series comes to the Principality on Sunday (17 Jan)… Read more…

  418. Masai and Geb head stellar fields in Seville

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 16 Jan '10

    Masai - running poetry

    Kenya’s Linet Masai and reigning world XC champ Gebre Gebremariam head up the women’s and men’s line-ups for this weekend’s top international cross country event, the Cross Internacional de Itálica, in Seville on Sunday (17 Jan) Read more…

  419. Fell programme felled once again!

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Fri 15 Jan '10

    Most of the UK fell programme remains badly affected by the snow and ice, albeit a thaw is expected this weekend. White Holme Circular, K.G.S.M.R. (Kielder) are canceled / postponed respectively, with Ashurst Beacon leaving it til the last minute... Read more…

  420. Commonwealth champion Kiprop returns to Antrim

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 14 Jan '10

    Kiprop returns

    Boniface Kiprop is the latest addition to a classy field getting ready to assemble itself in Northern Ireland in just over a week. As reported on MST a few days back, many GB athletes will be making the trip west to Antrim for some quality competition and a taste of international cross country running… Read more…

  421. The Big Melt - not all good news

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Thu 14 Jan '10

    You might think that the end of the white stuff is good news for people to start getting about again, and for races to go ahead. However, an article on the Grough tells us to be extra cautious if you are out there on the hill this weekend, as melting snow on higher ground means the risk of avalanche… Read more…

  422. Time is right for Ricky to step up

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 14 Jan '10

    21 year-old Teessider Ricky Stevenson hasn’t yet set the world on fire, in world class terms. But the 2009 / 10 XC season has seen Stevenson emerge as one of the UK’s brightest young talents on the country, culminating with his big win at the weekend… Read more…

  423. Lightning strikes at Eastnor Park

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 14 Jan '10

    Top endurance-event organisers Pro-Velo Support have announced details for their latest ultra-trail race this Spring. The Wiggle Lightning 12 is a smaller incarnation of the Adidas Thunder Run 24 which takes place at Catton Park later in the year. Read more…

  424. Vasque 2010 Ultra-running champs

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 13 Jan '10

    This year’s runfurther championships are now online. The series opens up with the 32 mile beast that is Howarth Hobble / Wuthering Hike and finishes off with Round Rotherham. The series if free to enter… Read more…

  425. Team Montrail announce 2010 line-up

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 12 Jan '10

    Montrail has signed four new elite trail runners to Team Montrail including Max King, the winner of the 2008 and 2009 XTERRA Trail Run Championships and the 2009 USATF Trail Marathon Championship. Read more…

  426. Orbana - sustained energy, in a bottle

    Posted in Rated or Slated by Matt Ward on Tue 12 Jan '10

    New kids on the drinks block Orbana have come up with a product that looks to put an end to the ‘boom-and-bust’ of sports drinks – i.e feeling charged to feeling crappy due to the generous caffiene and sugar content that some beverages out there contain… Read more…

  427. Ebuya's humble background inspires

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Tue 12 Jan '10

    Joseph Ebuya

    Nicola Bamford profiles Edinburgh XC winner Joseph Ebuya for the IAAF and unearths yet another world-class talent from east-Africa who has found fame and fortune through athletics. After a time in the Army and then traveling to Europe without shoes or food Ebuya was (inevitably) snapped up by Ricky Simms... Read more…

  428. A hot drink works wonders

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Tue 12 Jan '10

    Whether running or biking, a hot brew is always a welcome sight after a session. A very timely little article on Triathlete’s World extols the virtues of a hot drink to re-hydrate at this time of year, especially if you have got extra cold out there… Read more…

  429. Big shoe brands - look away now

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Tue 12 Jan '10

    This is old news in a way. But the more barefoot running research comes out against heavily cushioned shoes, the more the body of evidence grows. Yes? No? All I will say on the matter is that since I have resorted to 90% of my running off-road, I have far less injuries, take from that what you will… Read more…

  430. Open Trail Series is announced

    Posted in At the Races by Rene Borg on Mon 11 Jan '10

    Jane and Graham Porter, organisers of the inaugural Wexford Open Trail Series have issued the dates for this year’s return: 28th March Little Sliabh Bhui, 25th April Kilbrannish South, 9th May Gibbet Hill. More details have been made available on the 2010 series at IMRA. Read more…

  431. More fun thanks to Daisy!

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Mon 11 Jan '10

    The SISU olx

    The main reason for the Gripmaster’s latest foray into the powder was (we think) to test out the Icebug SISU olx shoe. Whatever the reason we think that Stefan and his female partner had a lot of fun out there in the heavy snow that now covers Europe… Read more…

  432. Lancashire grit ensures champs go ahead

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 11 Jan '10

    Juniors Alistair Nelson and Ben Everson battle it out

    During a weekend that stopped most of the programme in its tracks those gritty Lancastrians showed the rest of the UK that the show must go on – whatever the weather. The Lancashire AA Country Cross Country Championships went ahead as planned at a snowy at Witton Park on Saturday… Read more…

  433. Mourne Way goes Ultra for 2010

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Mon 11 Jan '10

    Events company 26 Extreme have announced that the 2010 Mourne Way Marathon is set to take place on 12 June 2010. Last year’s event was a huge success and this year’s run aims to build on its popularity… Read more…

  434. Fog, Ice and awesome trail-action….

    Posted in Through the Lens by Matt Ward on Mon 11 Jan '10

    The Gripmaster needs to muster all of his gripping mastery in this weather, but shows us that he has lost none of his powers in this little set of playful images from Bavaria… Read more…

  435. Stewart sends Mo' for tests

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Mon 11 Jan '10

    Mo' is grounded in Dublin

    The head of endurance running at UKA, Ian Stewart, doesn’t think that there is too much wrong with Mo Farah, but none the less still sees the need to send the Brit distance ace off to see the UKA specialists to make sure that he is physically sound… Read more…

  436. Mesfin out-sprints Gebremariam

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 10 Jan '10

    Mesfin beats Geb in Spain

    There must be something in the air in Europe right now. The weekend of XC shocks continued as Ethiopia’s Humegaw Mesfin outgunned world cross country champ Gebre-egziabher Gebremariam in the last few yards of the Cross Internacional Zornotza in Amorebieta, Spain yesterday… Read more…

  437. Shocks continue - Edinburgh XC review

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 10 Jan '10

    Dibaba - supreme in Edinburgh

    Excellent round-up from Nicola Bamford, reporting for the IAAF on the International races at this year’s Great Edinburgh cross country. The mainly domestic affair that was the men’s 4km (not reported on here yesterday) was yet another upset as north-east rising star Ricky Stevenson beat Mo Farah into third place… Read more…

  438. Cannock Chase Trig-Point

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sun 10 Jan '10

    Pete Vale leads 'em off at the Trig Point race

    One of the very few off-road races to survive a weekend running programme that was ravaged by the weather. It looked like a great turn out for the CCTPR with only one or two pairs of unprotected legs visible in the freezing conditions… Read more…

  439. BREAKING: Bekele suffers heavy defeat in Edinburgh

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 09 Jan '10

    Ebuya - super win in Edinburgh

    Erm, it didn’t quite go to script this afternoon at the BUPA Great Edinburgh International cross country. Kenenisa Bekele had made it clear beforehand that his recent layoffs and moves into business had not affected his running, and was in good shape… Read more…

  440. Dibaba romps to Great Edinburgh win

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Sat 09 Jan '10

    Dibaba - currently unrivalled in world distance running

    Double Olympic champion Tirunesh Dibaba stormed through the snow to take victory at the Great Edinburgh International XC. The Olympic 5 and 10,000 metre champion, made a surging break in the final lap to romp to victory on the frozen course… Read more…

  441. Running in the snow - how hard can it be?

    Posted in The Sweat by Matt Ward on Fri 08 Jan '10

    You might think that running in the snow is hard work but good fun. It can also be dangerous, with all of those hidden dips and rocks nicely concealed by fresh, white powder. Funnily enough Ironmate Mark Kleanthous states that the deep powdery stuff is safer that the hard-pack… Read more…

  442. Stars out to thaw frozen Edinburgh

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 07 Jan '10

    Bekele in action during his last visit to the Scottish capital

    One of the best of many, many previews of the big XC event of 2010 so far. The men’s and women’s fields are completely loaded. Set the TV to BBC One on Saturday, get a brew on and watch some world-class cross country… Read more…

  443. Dragon Duncan climbs for Shelter

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 07 Jan '10

    Duncan Bannatyne

    With all of this extreme weather around hill runners will be training up their local office block at this rate, however tower running is gaining credibility the world over with the likes of Step Change and of course the Vertical Running World Circuit. Read more…

  444. 53rd Campaccio XC

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 07 Jan '10

    Abraham Cherkos Feleke

    Abraham Cherkos Feleke from Ethiopia, the reigning World Junior 5000m champion, won the 53rd edition of the Campaccio International Cross Country race – EA Permit – which took place today (6) in San Giorgio su Legnano. Read more…

  445. Fell racing programme hit

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Thu 07 Jan '10

    Predictably the UK fell, hill and mountain racing events have been hit this weekend. This lot are a hardy bunch but the extreme weather has made much of the higher ground un-runnable, and then there is the travel logistics to add in… Read more…

  446. Bekele 'fears no man'

    Posted in Dishing the Dirt by Matt Ward on Wed 06 Jan '10

    Ken's back...

    The great Ethiopian graces the Scottish capital on Saturday at the BUPA Great Edinburgh international XC. In a super little interview with Herald Scotland Kenenisa talks about his first race of 2010 and his expanding business empire back in Addis… Read more…

  447. Weather hits UK XC programme

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 06 Jan '10

    The current conditions in the UK are having an impact on running events across the board, with cross country running being hit up and down the country. This weekend is Area champs weekend and it looks like many will be postponed… Read more…

  448. World XC organisers brave the cold

    Posted in At the Races by Matt Ward on Wed 06 Jan '10

    Commemorative statues in Bydgoszcz

    The citizens of Bydgoszcz are taking to their feet each week to promote the 38th IAAF World Cross Country Championships which will be held in the Polish city on Sunday 28 March 2010.