2012

Zegama – Aizkorri pre race report

Zegama offers a race over the classic marathon distance and has an elevation gain of 2736m and a total ascent and decent of 5472m. It takes place on the Aratz Massif and the Sierra del Aizikorri and covers the four largest peaks in Euskadi.

Renowned as one of the most popular events on the Skyrunner World Series calendar. As per usual the event attracts some of the best runners worldwide. I have just spent the last four days with Max King from the USA and Marco de Gasperi from Italy. Both champions.

It would appear that Marco is carrying and injury and therefore this leaves the door open for Max King who on what I have seen this week is in a perfect position to take the rewards that Zegama will offer. Chatting with him he says that ‘I see the main competition to be Tom Owen and of course Kilian Jornet but I am not sure who else is racing’. He goes on to say ‘ you gotta treat the course like a 50k and a super hard 50k at that’

Kilian placed 3rd at Transvulcania in his first race back after a long ski season. He collapsed on the finish line with exhaustion. Normally you would exclude anyone who finished such a long race in this condition to then race a super tough race just a week later. But this is Kilian. His recovery is superb and his talent is without question.

Many of the runners that took part in the Skyrunning ultra ‘Transvulcania La Palma’ are also heading out to the Basque Country. It would be fair to say that all of them are lacking fresh legs… Certainly Dakota Jones and Anna Frost (if she races) will not be up at the front. They plan to soak up the atmosphere! My potential tip from the American contingent would be Mike Wolfe or should I say ‘Wolfeman’ as he is affectionately known. He didn’t have the race he wanted Transvulcania and this may motivate him. He said in La Palma ‘ yeah, I had an off day at Transvulcania but I hope to race well at Zegama, it may just be too short for me’

Another American hopeful is Nick Clarke. Nick is without doubt a lover of vertical, he didn’t race in La Palma so will be fresh for 5000+ meters of ascent and decent. He is fiercely competitive and is two back to back raves in 2011 at Western States and Hardrock show how strong he is getting 3rd place in both just 2 weeks apart.

Anna Frost, winner at Transvulcania is still undecided if she will take part. She prepared meticulously for her race in La Palma, smashed the course record by 1hr 45m and an effort like that requires recovering from… Certainly if she takes part it will not be with the object of winning the race. However, Nikki Kimball who placed 3rd at the same race is super ready to race and she said, and I quote ‘I’m gonna kick ass. I’m gonna race as hard as I can’. Nikki without doubt can’t be ruled out. She’s a great competitor and she seems to have a new lease of life at the moment.

It’s going to be a great race and with this being so close to the Transvulcania La Palma it helps make sure that the profile of our sport is kept high. The success and the reputation of Zegama are mainly down to three factors; the gruelling course, the stunning natural beauty and the massive participation of both runners and spectators.

On a final note we have had word this week that the Zegama course has had 1m of snow on it. This may very well may prove decisive on Saturday.

Less cloud. MORE SKY

less cloud MORE SKY

2012 signifies a key moment in time for Skyrunning. Some 20 years ago, Marino Giacometti introduced a series of races to the world. In 1992 the first circuit was introduced. In the Alps on Adamello, Monte Rosa, Mont Blanc (summit) and then to Nepal for a race to Everest base camp at 5,200m altitude.

Over the years many mountains have been raced upon and many records have been broken, currently 23!

In 2008 it became a Federation, the ISF, International Skyrunning Federation. Currently the ISF has some 20 member countries and 3 associate members.

In an effort to continue delivering quality events and meeting the needs and goals of its participants, the industry and the sport, Skyrunning has evolved and that evolution has resulted at this significant moment in time, May 2012.

We are at the Transvulcania La Palma on the island of La Palma in the Canaries. Skyrunning have brought together one of the greatest ultra running fields ever, runners such as Kilian Jornet, Dakota Jones, Geoff Roes, Mike Wolfe, Erik Clavery, Sebastien Chaigneau, Joe Grant, D’Arcy Africa, Nikki Kimball, Anna Frost, Andy Symonds, Iker Karrera and so many more…

Yes, we ant to see a great race over what has been universally agreed as a ‘stunning course’ but Skyrunning also have another objective… With the race over and Dakota Jones crowned men’s champion and Anna Frost crowned ladies champion, a three day conference has been assembled to discuss the future of Skyrunning. It’s a key moment in time as not only is the Federation accepting that they need to move forward but they are also accepting that to move forward they need to listen to and discuss what the athletes, journalists, team managers and sponsors want. It’s refreshing to have such a forward thinking approach.

The conference ‘less cloud MORE SKY’ took place over three afternoons.

Day one showed all participants the history of Skyrunning. How it began, key moments, an introduction to the key athletes, a talk by ‘Sky Doc’ on the physical demands the sport places on its athletes and we also had some great video footage of races and events from the past.
Day two concentrated on media and in particular how social media can dictate how the sports future is made or broken. Athletes and journalists alike openly discussed how social media such as Facebook and Twitter are used to help get a message across to a media hungry public. Next day, a week later or even a month later is no longer acceptable for ‘News’. We want the news NOW and we expect it… It has it’s pros and it has it’s cons!
Day three I guess was the most important day. Although all participants had an opportunity to interact on the previous two days, day three discussed how the sport would progress and how the series would unfold. It was a great debate and all parties really did bring something to the table making Skyrunning look at its series of events, the locations that they use and how they can develop the sport so that European and non European runners have the opportunity to race on a level playing field.

Of course at this stage it was a point of discussion and the ISF now need to go away and discuss and bring together all that has been discussed over the last three days and formulate a plan for the future. It’s no easy task but I feel confident that in the hands of Marino Giacometti and Lauri Van Houten that the future of the sport is in safe hands. They are passionate about what they do, what they offer and they understand that although the sport needs to progress to the demands of the public, the participants and the sponsors they also know that they must not loose the roots of the sport and what makes it great.

With the inclusion of ‘Vertical’ and ‘Ultra’ circuits to the already very successful Skyrunner World Series the sport has exciting times ahead…

It is now important that we as athletes now work hard to ensure that our future in the sport is one of harmony, cohesion and importantly, as Marino and Lauri said, ‘in the spirit of the sport’ so that it’s future is secure.

We will face new challenges, new horizons and we must go to our respective home countries and/or federations and ensure that we remove the cloud so that we can all see MORE SKY!

Notes:

The ISF new formula world series offers a distance for every runner with three stand alone circuits and a combined title. Twenty spectacular races available across the world. Skyrunning offers more titles, more prize money and without a doubt, more kilometres and more altitude.

ISF MEMBER COUNTRIES
Andorra, Brazil, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, USA, and Venezuala.

Skyrunning Contacts
Skyrunning
info@skrunning.com

2012 CALENDAR
SKYRUNNER WORLD SERIES
Spain – Maraton Alpina Zegama-Aizikorri May 20
Italy – Giir Di Mont Skymarathon July 29
Switzerland – Course De Sierre-Zinal Aug 12
USA – Pikes Peak Marathon Aug 19
Malaysia – Mount Kinabulu Climbathon Oct 14

VERTICAL KILOMETER SERIES
Russia – Elbrus May 7
Greece – Gerania June 10
Italy – Dolomites Jul 20
Switzerland – Le KM vertical de Fully, Valais Oct 20
Spain – Puig Campana, Valencia Nov 11

SKYRACE SERIES
Russia – Elbrus May 9
Greece – Goura Coninth May 27
Italy – Dolomites Jul 22
UK – Snowdon Jul 21
France – Marathon Du Montcalm Aug 18

ULTRA SKYMARATHON
Spain – Transvulcania La Palma May 12
USA – Speedgoat 50k, Utah Jul 28
Italy – Trofeo Kima, Sondrio Aug 26
Spain – Cavalls de Vent, Pyrenees Sep 29
France – La Course des Templiers, Millau Oct 28

2012 SKY GAMES
RIBAGORZA ROMANICA, PYRENEES, SPAIN. JUNE 29 to JULY 8

Hoka One One 2012 stock

Hoka One One stock is due to arrive between March 5th and 12th.

Despite stock not even being in the UK, I am already low on some models and sizes. To be honest, some shoes are sold out…. so, if you are looking for any of the 2012 shoes I strongly suggest you pre order before arrival in the UK.

The Stinson EVO in the ‘flag’ colour option was a limited edition anyway, but I now only have left one pair in each of the following sizes UK6.5, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 and 11.

I will be able to order the Stinson EVO in citrus/black/cyan from UK4.5 to UK11.5 (limited availability)

or I will be able to get anthracite/citrus/black in UK8 to UK13.5 (very limited stock).

Bondi B in the ‘flag’ is available, again very limited options and sizes. Other colour options are available in citrus/silver/black

and white/black/citrus.

Stinson B has good stock from UK7.5 but from UK4.5 to UK7 are sold out.

Please contact me directly at hokaoneone@me.com for stock updates and availability.

Hoka One One – 2012

Hoka One One shoes utilize a unique rolling motion to deliver superior underfoot performance. Featuring a 50% rocker profile, Hoka One One help provide an excellent stride transition. It propels you forward with every foot strike.

Hoka One One are the only shoe to utilize oversize technology. Using up to 2.5x the EVA volume in the midsole in comparison to conventional running shoes. Offering outstanding impact absorption they allow you to run natural irrespective of the terrain.

Your foot sits within the sole in a unique patented bucket design which is recessed between 20 to 30 mm into the midsole. This allows for precision striking and optimum stabilisation of the foot. Importantly, this bucket allows for for excellent responsiveness despite the high level of cushioning.

What is also key across the Hoka One One range is that they utilize a wider footprint. In comparison to normal run/ road shoes this platform is 35% wider. This profile works to counter the increased height but also to add confidence and increased grip to every foot strike.

The sole of the shoes are designed to synchronise with your terrain and as such, Hoka One One have developed a series of shoes so that you have the right shoe for your chosen terrain. The midsole is also designed with grip in mind allowing for the correct amount of deformation so as to provide constant contact with the ground.

The 2012 Range

The Hoka One One shoe range has taken a firm hold in 2011. In 1 year, they have featured in 8 Countries with 17 major victories.

Diana Finkel 2010Hardrock 100 Karl Meltzer Massanutten 100, Pony Express Trail, 2064 miles Dave Mackey 2011 Miwok 100k, 2011 American River, 2011 US Trail Championships, Bandera 100k Christophe Le Saux Sahara Raid 200k, 2011 Australian Outback 540k, 2011 Gutan Trail 200k,, 2011 Guadrun 150k, 2011 Tour des Giants 2nd place….. and so on, the results keep coming!

For 2012, the shoes will undergo some tweaks and minor adjustments based on feedback from runners and as an ongoing development of the shoes and brand. 2011 saw the introduction of the Combo XT (Stinson in the US) and it is this shoe that has been developed into a new shoe for 2012, the Stinson B Evo.

BONDI B

Bondi B is the road shoe in the Hoka One One range and is ideally suited to ultra runners, marathon runners and triathletes who want to push endurance boundaries. Ideal at reducing impact, shocks and lessening fatigue. The Bondi B also works exceptionally well on hard and compact trail. In principal, the shoe remains unchanged for 2012 with one exception. Sizing has beed tweaked and the Bondi B will now ‘fit’ inline with all shoes in the Hoka One One range. I recommend that if you are not already a Hoka One One user you should size up by a 1/2 size from your current run shoe.

Price – £130 plus postage and package

Ordering and colour options:

Pre Orders for 2012 will be accepted on completion of an order form. No payment will be required until stock has been received in the UK. Delivery is expected March 2012.

Colour Options:

Limited stock and special orders are available for the Unisex white/citrus/cyan ‘branded’ with Hoka One One on the side. This is a statement shoe. I definitely recommend pre ordering of this colour way.The standard unisex shoe for 2012 will be available in sizes 4.5 UK to 12 UK in citrus/silver/greyThe Mens shoe (or unisex if your foot size is larger that 7.5 UK) will be available in 7.5 UK to 13.5 UK in anthracite/orange/white

Bondi B is still available at anytime in 2011 colours and size (please go 1 full size up from your current run shoe if it is not a Hoka One One)

STINSON B

Stinson B is currently named ‘Combo XT’ in the UK and will be renamed for 2012 to fall in line with naming in the rest of Europe and America. The shoe has no changes, other than colour for 2012.

Ideally suited for runners who love to mix road and trail. The Stinson B offers great comfort over mixed terrain, a breathable upper and a tough sole for increased durability and traction. This shoe in 2011 has become a ‘best seller’ for runwildrunfree. Clients have seen the benefits of it’s go anywhere attitude, increased comfort and it’s ability to leave you fresh from repeated running or racing. Sizing will fall in line with all shoes in the Hoka One One range and if you are new to Hoka One One, we recommend a 1/2 size larger than your current road/trail shoe.

Price – £116 plus postage and packaging

Colour Options:

Stinson B will be available in 7.5 UK – 12 UK in blue/silver/orangeA darker colour option and larger shoe size will be available in black/anthracite/lime in sizes 7.5 UK to 13.5 UKIf you require a smaller size from 4.5 Uk, we will be offering the Stinson B in white/silver/citrus as special order only

Ordering is possible by emailing ian@hokaoneoneuk.co.uk and requesting an order form for 2012. The current Combo XT model is still available at the 2011 price of £99.

MAFATE 2

Mafate 2 has been reworked for 2012. Designed for the most demanding off-road running the Mafate 2 has been constructed around grip and support. The outsole has been overhauled to provide a deeper 4.5mm lug profile, it has enhanced grip and increased abrasion resistance.

The upper has been re-designed offering high support construction for a precision fit and the lacing system has also been tweaked to help improve fit. The Mafate is how Hoka One One started and is the benchmark from which all Hoka One One shoes have been based. Oversize technology, rocker profile, great comfort, increased foot print and the ability to run on all terrain and maintain a high pace.

Price – £126 plus postage and packaging

Colour Options:

Mafate 2 will be available in citrus/anthracite/white in sizes 4.5 UK to 12 UKA darker colour option with larger sizes will be available as a special order only in anthracite/white/orange in sizes 7.5 UK to 13 UKOrdering is possible by emailing ian@hokaoneoneuk.co.uk and requesting an order form for 2012.

STINSON B EVO

Stinson B Evo is the new addition for 2012. A development from the Stinson B (Combo XT) it is designed for absolute racing performance. A new lightweight and highly breathable upper encloses the foot, holding it firm with a new ‘speed lacing’ system (conventional laces supplied). The outsole has been re-designed offering greater grip on trail. It has high abrasion EVA lugs to improve on weight without sacrificing abrasion resistance. The surface profile has been altered to provide enhanced grip on challenging terrain such as wet rocks, mud and when going uphill. Equally, it transfers from trail to road seamlessly. Stinson B Evo also features an ortholite insole that improves comfort through its breathability, anti-bacterial properties and the fact that it will not compress over time.

Price – £136 plus postage and packaging

Colour Options:

The two main colour ways for 2012 will be the unisex citrus/black/cyan available in 4.5 UK to 12 UKThe Mens shoe will be available in anthracite/citrus/black in sizes 7.5 UK to 13.5 UKA blog post with photographs on the Stinson B Evo is available here: https://iancorless.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/hoka-one-one-stinson-b-evo/

The above review is a little more in depth and the photographs show in detail the benefits of this new shoe.

All 2012 stock will be available from March 2012. I have been informed that 2012 stock will be limited and therefore if you have any special needs or requirements I strongly recommend pre-ordering. No payment will be required until your chosen shoes arrive in the UK and are available for postage. Please email ian@hokaoneoneuk.co.uk for an order form or if you would like any additional information.

Current 2011 stock is still available from http://www.runwildrunfree.co.uk and moving forward, all shoes orders will be taken via this website using PayPal as means of payment.