This weekend the inaugural  running of the Hounslow Classic will take place in the Grose Valley of the Blue Mountains of Australia. The Hounslow is part of the 2015 ANZ Skyrunning Series and like the Buffalo Stampede back in April a strong crew of New Zealand runners will travel over to take on the best “skyrunners” in Australia.

Hounslow has 2 distances- 68km with 4100mD+ on the Saturday and 23km with 1700mD+ on the Sunday, with girls and guys from New Zealand likely to podium, if not take the win in both distances.

Ruby Muir, when fit and healthy, has the potential to win whenever she takes to a start line- no matter the distance or terrain. Most are well familiar with her trail/mountain running exploits, but over the last year Ruby has been running more and more road, in both training and events- winning this year’s Wellington Marathon in 2hr49. Ruby is running the 23km SkyRun at Hounslow as she works towards defending her Kepler Challenge title.

Kristian Day has also been focusing big on roads and speed as of late. From the outside looking in Kristian seems to be easily running the best he ever has, as he works towards the Auckland Marathon on the 1st of November. How this road forms transfers into a 23km trail race with 1700m vertical is another question, but I am sure he will be in the mix on Sunday.

Jo Johansen ground out a tough day at the Tarwera Ultra earlier in the year, but seems to be back on track and showing the form that saw her win the 2014 TuM and Hillary Ultras. Jo had solid outings at the Buffalo Stampede and Mt Difficulty Skyrunning races and recently won the  Kinloch Offroad Marathon. The Hounslow 68km course should play to Jo’s strengths!

Marty on his ways to placing 3rd at the Buffalo Stampede Ultra in April. Photo: Greg Robinson.

I think Marty Lukes was somewhat of an unknown to our brothers and sisters that occupy the West Island before the Buffalo Stampede Ultra earlier in the year. After placing 3rd (2nd in the Oceania Sky Running Champs) he goes into the Hounslow as the highest place getter from Buffalo. For the win, it will be a race between Marty, Ben Duffas and John Winsbury.

Other kiwis toeing the line-

Jean Beaumont is as tough as they come. A former Northburn 100mile winner and record holder. Add podium finish in her age group at the 2014 UTMB and a sub 25hr, 10th place at this years Leadville 100, Jean will be in mix.

Matt Bixely returns to Australia for his 3rd Skyrunning event on the West Island. I am sure he travels over for the smack-talking as much as he does for the runs themselves. Matt enjoys nothing more than damaging peoples egos and I expect there will be a bit of that come Saturday if he runs as well as he did at Mt Difficulty back in June.

Grant Guise- too much beer and not enough chocolate after walking and napping my way around UTMB for 35hrs, but I am looking forward to a fun day  in the Grose Valley all them same.

Past the halfway way mark in the New Zealand/Australia Skyrunning series I got interested to see how the table was lining up for the last 3 races, who could improve who might win overall. The table hasn’t been updated since Buffalo but with those results easily available I added a few numbers together (hopefully correctly, maybe not) to have a look at the top 10 men and women. A MAXIMUM of 4 races each are to count.

The Women

Ignoring Landie Grayling who won’t be at another race in the series, Beth Cardelli has this sown up. Technically there are enough points at the Sky Rock ‘n’ Run at Mt Oxford and the Houslow Classic for Jo or Justine to sneak the series, but they would have to win both races and for Beth to be a no show. Beth is currently on the start list for Mt Difficulty as is Jo. Expect to see Fiona Hayvice shoot up the table with a few more points next weekend also. Gill and Julie will be involved with the Australasian Rogaine Championship on Hounslow weekend, so don’t expect to see them move up the table. Depending on where Justine Medin shows up again, she could substitute her Buffalo score with something a bit more substantial and seal a podium finish.

Mt Difficulty will be a bit of a lottery for the women with at least 3 lining up who would normally feature in the top 3 wherever than ran. Hopefully Beth is coming, she is currently a class above the rest and will deserve the series win.

The Men

This a bit more wide open, in fact it’s anyone’s guess. Again, Tom Owens is out and I think Blake is heading back overseas, as is the current front runner, Scott Hawker. But I have no doubt Scott will find time to add an extra set of points to his tally. Work as got in the way of Dave Byrne adding to his tally next weekend and I’d have tipped him for the 200 points- I’d go so far as to call him the early favorite for the 400 at Mt Oxford in November though. So he could jump to an 800+ tally. Andrius, Grant and John Winsbury are all lining up at Mt Difficulty. They will all pick up points although how many is open for debate and there are couple of other names on the start list that will disrupt any plans for a points grab.

I’d be confident in saying the mens table won’t be sorted until the 1^st half dozen finishers have crossed the line in the Canterbury Foothills later in the year.

* Dave has an asterix because he scored points twice at Buffalo, but only one is to count.

“The” downhill at Mt Difficulty, freefall straight down between the red tape.

Today we chat with Whitney Dagg, who has had recent wins at the Shotover Moonlight Marathon and Northburn 1/2 Marathon, despite coming off a long injury layoff. Whitney, like the rest of Team UD, will be running the Buffalo Ultra- 75km and 4545 meters of vertical!

Before we get to the Buffalo, how has your summer of running/racing gone and where has the Buffalo fit into your summer and with the other races you have (or have not) done?

Whitney on her way to winning the Shotover Moonlight.

WD: My summer of running/racing has not gone to plan. I had surgery on my ITB back in June 2014 and I was expecting to be back to full training and racing this summer. Unfortunately my recovery has been a very long haul, and training has been very up and down. I have managed a few shorter mountain races this summer but Buffalo will be my first big race back post surgery. My knee is still slightly niggly, but I am hoping I will have a good run on the day. Fingers crossed!

How has your approach and build up in training been compared to other races?

 WD: 

Will this be your first Skyrunning race?

 WD: Yes! Super excited and amped for my first Skyrunning race!

What has you more nervous- the 4545m of vertical over 75km at Buffalo, or the Snakes?

WD: This sounds abit silly, but probably the snakes. Uphill is actually the best type of running for my knee, so the more the better! And 4500m will be the most vert I have ever climbed, which will be a pretty cool achievement.

What are you looking forward to most at the Buffalo Stampede?

WD: Looking at the footage from last years race, it looked like a very cool atmosphere. Because I have had so much time off with my injury, I am basically super excited to be involved, and to race my first Skyrunning event. I’m looking forward to meeting new trail runners and having some good quality chat.

Your post (or pre for that matter) beer choice at the Bright Brewery?

 WD: M.I.A.I.P.A, and post race of course!

Do you have any idea how big a “schooner” is?

 WD: I’m pretty sure it’s less than a pint.

A few folks are doing the “Grand Slam”- the Buffalo 26, 75 and 42km races over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Who are you more excited about seeing suffer up the “Big Walk” on Sunday- Matt Bixley or Dan Bleakman?

 WD: Who is Dan Bleakamn??

Post Buffalo Stampede what other races do you have on the calendar for the year? Do you plan on running any of the other Oceania Skyrunning Series races?

WD: Depending on how my knee holds out, I do have a few races in mind for the rest of the year. I would like to do 3 more Skyrunning races, so that I can get a overall ranking in the series. I am hoping to get to the TNF 100 in May, the Mount Difficulty Ascent Marathon in June, Barney’s Bluff SkyMarathon in August, then Mt Oxford Sky Rock n Run in November.

More Buffalo Stampede and Skyrunning Australia/New Zealand info-

Buffalo Stampede Website and Facebook page.

Skyrunning Australia/New Zealand Website and Facebook page.

SKYRUNNING LAUNCHES FIRST UNIFIED TRAIL SERIES DOWN UNDER

For the first time, athletes from both sides of the Tasman Sea will be able to compete head to head in search of points to be crowned the overall Skyrunning Oceania Champion for 2015. The overall winners will go on to represent Australia and New Zealand at the 2016 Skyrunning World Championships.

Overall, there will be 13 races held over eight events, with four brand new Skyraces that will challenge the most accomplished trail runners from both Australia and New Zealand.

From January to November 2015 runners will have the opportunity to race over distances from 24kms to 100kms in some of the most iconic terrain in the world. New locations selected for races include the first ever race of its kind in the Blue Mountain’s World Heritage area of the Grose Valley and the iconic coastline of New Zealand’s North Island Hillary Trail. The series will also explore Queensland’s Scenic Rim World Heritage area and also take runners to Cromwell, Wanaka and the Victorian Alps.

The 2015 Skyrunning Calendar

• January: The Ultra Easy – New Zealand
• March: The Hillary Trail – New Zealand (North Island); La Sportiva Mt Buller Skyrun – Australia (Victoria)
• April: The Buffalo Stampede – Oceania SkyRunning Championships – – Australia (Victoria)
• June: Wild Earth Ascent – New Zealand (South Island)
• August: Barney’s Bluff – Australia (Queensland)
• October: Hounslow Classic – Australia (New South Wales)
• November: The Ultimate Direction Sky Rock n’ Run – New Zealand (South Island)

Marcus Warner, president of Skyrunning New Zealand says, “The 2015 series will rival those put on in the Northern Hemisphere countries of France, Italy and Spain.”

He adds, “When you have runners required to climb nearly 5000m over little more than a marathon distance on rocky and technical trails, the Oceania series will test the most elite trail runners from anywhere in the world.”

The series is a collaboration between a number of Race Directors across ANZ whose individual races meet the strict criteria required to be sanctioned as an official Skyrun by the International Skyrunning Federation.

These requirements included selecting races on their extreme ascent and descent over unique and challenging terrain whilst encouraging the runner to move as fast and direct as possible carrying the most minimal of gear safely.

Salomon’s Anna Frost who has preformed at the highest level for some years in Skyrunning races in Europe is excited to see ANZ get its own series.

“It is a varied series of races with a little something for everyone. It will be a wonderful display of off-road running downunder and really test our strengths and weaknesses!

New Zealand athlete Grant Guise, an accomplished trail runner from New Zealand comments, “I am really excited to FINALLY have a Skyrunning Series in New Zealand, and having it as part of an Oceania Series is even better. I remember looking at Skyrunning races on YouTube in 2008 and to now have that in our backyard is going to be great.

“I love this steep, rough style of race and I think with eight events across Australia and New Zealand, we have a really good mixture of different styles of event. I’m excited to do some new races and travel to places I have not been to before, as well as lock horns with some top competition over the pond in Australia.”

Fellow competitor Matt Bixley when asked about the new series want’s to send a message to his Aussie rivals considering racing in New Zealand.

“Great spread of races and destinations right across New Zealand, having run in all the locations, not sure which is my favourite. But I know that the Ultimate Direction Sky Rock ‘n Run at Mt Oxford will ruin all Australians concept of what a trail run actually is.”

Australian athlete and current Six Foot Track champion, Dave Byrne is keen to target a win in the series and has been waiting for a series like this for some time.

“The SkyRunning series is a big step in ultra and trail running in Australia and New Zealand. The events each have unique features that set them apart and challenge athletes in varying ways. But what’s most exciting is the idea of having many of the top ultra runners from both countries going head to head on a regular basis. This will serve to better the sport and athlete in Australia and New Zealand set foundation for them to then tackle the European circuit.”

International trail and ultra running superstar, Anna Frost adds, “A varied series of races with a little something for everyone. It will be a wonderful display of off-road running down under and really test our strengths and weaknesses!”

New races for 2015

Race Director Sean Greenhill from Mountain Sports Australia was instrumental in putting on Australia’s first ever Skyrun in 2014 with the highly successful Buffalo Stampede. For 2015 he has upped the ante with two new races.

“The Buffalo Stampede while known as mile for mile, the hardest trail race in Australia is also quite achievable within the cut-offs allowed.

“The Hounslow Classic is a new event on a mountain that’s never been raced on before. It may well be a tougher event than Buffalo, climbing into and out of the rugged Grose Valley several times. It starts and finishes in Blackheath, the highest town in the Blue Mountains of NSW. It’s only a 2 hour drive or train trip from Sydney and is set in World Heritage National Park.”

“Barney’s Bluff covers the summit and hinterland of iconic Mount Barney, two hours inland of Brisbane and the Gold Coast of Queensland. Scrambling, rock hopping and extraordinary views make for a very difficult course but over an achievable distance and cut-off time, also set within a World Heritage National Park. Australia’s best mountain country isn’t all in NSW and Victoria!”

The series kicks off in January 2015 with the longest race in the series the UltraEasy 100km in Wanaka, New Zealand. Race Director Terry Davies was hugely attracted to having his races considered as Skyraces.

Single track on the Ultra Easy.

“Being part of the inaugural international series is a must for me. It’s an opportunity to show-off our unique and amazing locations to a wider group of runners. The Ultra Easy 100kms has a 3am start, which is probably pretty unique! But the view from Roy’s Peak just as the sun comes up will be something quite special, and the Ultra Easy probably has the most scenic views in the series – yes that is a big call but once you have been to Wanaka and around the course you won’t be arguing with us.”

Terry who also directs the particularly tough Mt Difficulty Ascent.  “I’d say it’s the steepest vertical kilometre as part of a Marathon in the series. Through absolutely stunning rocky, craggy country. Being at the start of winter no-one will be over-heating at this race. There’s a bit of snow expected around the tops, it will be a true adventure run.”

The series also recognises the beauty and history of the trails in which they the races are set. Shaun Collins from Lactic Turkey Events is delighted to be involved in the 2015 Series.

“Having The Hillary added to the 2015 Skyrunning Oceania Series is amazing!  Only in it’s second year the event will benefit by attracting some top runners from around the world.  My goal for the event has always been to show the awesome terrain and scenery that I take for granted to the rest of the world.  The next step in the event was to try and show Australians what an adventure the event offers and how easy it is for them to get to the start line being just 30 minutes from NZ’s largest city and airport.

“The trail was named in honour of New Zealand’s Sir Edmund Hillary, and it sums up the sense of adventure and personal achievement that Sir Ed himself championed and was renowned for.  Those that have run the Hillary would find it hard to disagree with that!”

The series final will be in New Zealand and hosted by the Mt Oxford Rock ‘n’ Run and race director Kerry Uren had this to say

“The Sky Rock N Run is the only Sky Running race in Canterbury so it’s great for those wanting to experience something that is within an hour from an international airport. The Oxford Conservation Area is truly stunning – it’s like a wee slice of untouched NZ native beauty. It feels like you are in another world – and of course the views from the summit of Mt Oxford are AMAZING!! The terrain, changeable weather, and amount of vertical gain mean this race is going to be really challenging.”

The series is also proud to partner with Salomon, Compressport, Suunto, Arc’teryx, La Sportiva, Outdoor Research and PACE Athletic who have made the series possible through their commitment to growing the sport in Australia and New Zealand.

How the points system works

To qualify to be Included in the Oceania Series Championship runners need to complete a minimum of 4 sanctioned ANZ Skyruns. For those events that have more than one Skyrun over the race weekend e.g. Buffalo Stampede, Hillary Trail, Barney’s Bluff and Hounslow Classic only one result can be included in the series totals. The Buffalo Stampede attracts double points as it also doubles as the Oceania Skyrunning Championships. Each race has been allocated a set total of points on offer based on distance, difficulty and likely depth of field.

Media enquiries: Marcus Warner – Marcus.warner@hotmail.com 0409321464

For full information: www.skyrunninganz.com.au

A race is in many ways a microcosm of our human experience complete with itʼs highs and lows, successes and failures, victories and defeats. For me the experience of taking part in this years Transvulcania was a lesson in dealing with pressure, expectation and intense competition. This race was being talked about for weeks before hand due to the quality of the field and the depth of the competition.

There were the top runners from all the European countries along with a host of Americans, British and South American talents. This race has grown to the point now that if you are an Ultra Trail runner looking to make a name for yourself, this is the place to come and do it. The race itself starts at the southern most point on the island of La Palma and from there proceeds to climb steadily for the first 20km on black volcanic sand topping out at over 2000m. The first real crew access point is El Pillar at km 24, from where you head out along a dirt road on a ridge top which joins the southern Volcanoes with the amazing Caldera de Taburiente National Park. This is the spectacular remnants of a massive volcano and during the next section of the race you traverse the rim of this giant volcanic crater, gradually climbing to the high point of the race at Roque De Los Muchachos at 2426m. This is at 50km into the race and by this point you have climbed over 4000m and descended close to 2000m. From here you have the defining section of the race, a 2400m descent over 18km down to the Port of Tazacorte. The final section is only 5km long but is tough, it heads up a rocky ravine and climbs 340m in the heat of the day up to the finish at Los Llanos.

Vajin getting it done. Photo: Tony Perez

The race started hard and fast with the first 400m being a blur of arms and legs as people jostled for position before we reached the start of the single track. My plan was to not get sucked into the hot early pace, to run my own race and to move through the field as the race progressed. I felt this was the best way for me to place as highly as possible, if you want to win a race like this you need to stay in contact with the leaders, however there is always plenty of attrition and if you run smart you can often move up as other runners begin to falter. I felt that a Top 10 position would be a great result and that was my goal going into the race. Hitting the single track I was as far back as 30th and had to keep my wits about me to start moving up once some of the fast starters began to slow.

The first town we reached was Los Concajoes after 7km, with crowds lining the streets for several kilometers, all at 6.30am in the morning (you have got to love this Island). After all the excitement of the first hour of the race it was now time to settle into the race and start moving through the field. The climbing is all runnable in the first half but the soft volcanic sand makes things harder than usual. I find if I concentrate on lifting my feet, rather than pushing off, I would tend to stay on top of the sand and there would be less slipping backwards. As we headed up we were treated to an amazing sunrise above the clouds and with daylight came the opportunity to see where I was in relation to the other runners. Due to the volcanic nature of this part of the course the forest is very open which allows you to see a long way ahead (and behind). I could see a long line of runners ahead, spread out in 50-100m intervals, so I began to focus on picking people off one by one.

Around 20km I saw a bright green singlet ahead, which could only belong to one man, Timothy Olson. For me to be catching him at this point of the race meant one of two things, either I was having a great day or he was having a less than ideal one. We started working together and formed a small group which included Timothy, Phillip Reiter, Stefan Hugenschmidt and myself. We were all running pretty strongly and would end up working together and running in close order for the next 20-30km. We were running at a good pace and whoever was feeling best at that point in time would tend to take the lead to push the pace along. We were regularly passing runners that had perhaps gone out too aggressively and by the time we reached the Caldera I was inside the top 10 and feeling excited about what the day may hold.

We come to races with our own dreams, goals and aspirations but the day and the event often have other ideas. At the end of the day it is our experience of the race that gives it itʼs value. The objective reality may say we achieved or missed our goal, but our own personal experience may be completely different. As the race played itself out I found my lack of recent specific mountain training began to become evident and my legs became heavy and less responsive. At the high point of the course, Roque De Los Muchachos, I was still in 10th position but was definitely beginning to slow. In most races at this point most runners are starting to have some problems, and in most races I have done I would still be confident of holding my position to the finish. But this is not most races, this is Transvulcania, and here there are so many good runners that as soon as you start to slow you will quickly find two or three runners ready to take your place.

Vajin post race with 2x WS100 winner Timothy Olson

On the way down to Tazacorte two of the better descenders in the field came storming past and I had to simply let them go. Quarter of the way down I was passed by Phillip Reiter who was moving faster than me, but only just. I hung onto him for as long as I could and in the end was only a minute behind him when we reached the base of the descent. The last section was really always going to be about survival as it was now pushing 30C in the sun, I managed to close the gap slightly to Reiter and finished in 7.49.42 for 13th place. You wouldnʼt have know I was finishing 13th by the amazing reception I received, you are cheered the entire final 2km into the finish by hundreds of passionate locals. I have never given so many High 5ʼs to so many cheering children, good times.

Looking back on the race I am happy and proud that I ran as hard as I could and really left everything out on the course. I enjoyed the experience especially being able to spend time running with friends and people I admire and respect. The course is magnificent and is a true test of a trail runners ability. I would love to come back to try and get the result I feel I am capable of, but for now that is in the hands of the universe. For me the experience is the most important thing, the testing of ones limits and capacities and the learning that comes with that. This race tested me on all levels and and I am happy to walk away feeling that I passed, if only just, and that I have learnt and grown as an athlete and person.

As always Big thanks to all my sponsors and supporters and of course my wife and supercrew Prasasta, La Sportiva (the Bushido is the business and will be available in NZ later this year) Ultimate Direction (super functional packs from a forward thinking company), MACPAC (Christchurchs finest), VFuel Endurance gels, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (inspirational) and the wonderful Lotus-Heart in Christchurch (all things nutritional).

Kiwi Anna Frost won the womans race- check out her race report HERE

Buffalo Stampede Race Report

In the first weekend of April this year the first ever official Sky Running race took place in Australia, with the running of the Buffalo Stampede in Bright, Victoria. Bright is a quaint little town on the Alpine Highway and the perfect setting for a gathering of odd balls that want to “run” a good distance with an honest amount of vertical. Bright has it all- a good café, in the form of Bright Velo, its own brewery, that also makes a good pizza and most importantly an abundance of hills and trails- both the New Zealand version of a trail- ie single track, and the Australian version, aka a fire road. And when there was neither version of a trail, Sean Greenhill, the race director, just bulldozed straight lines down the sides of needlessly steep hills.

Team NZ at the Buffalo!

It was a small but strong New Zealand contingent that made the trek to Bright- Chris Morrissey, Vajin Armstrong, Grant Guise, Matt Bixley and Australia/New Zealand Sky Running federation vice president Anna Frost.

Both Chris and Vajin have given excellent accounts of their marathon races and you can read them HERE-
Chris and HERE- Vajin

At 630am, in the centre of Bright, Matt and I (Grant) lined up for the 75km, 4500mD+ ultra. The course starts with 2 relatively short, but bloody steep climbs and descents. In the first 15km or so over 1300m of ups and downs are included before the fast running of Buckland Valley and Kenton Ridge. My race was ticking along nicely here- I was certain, as most were, that  Dakota Jones would be the one to beat and lead off the front. What I was not so certain of, but really hoped would happen, is he would be chased by the young

Spot the cool kid with his headlamp still turned on. Closest I got to That Dakota, with 2 of my favourite Australia’s behind me.

pups. By Buckland this was how it was playing out, with Dakota and Ben Duffas leading, with  Blake Hose, Cain Warburton and Moritz Auf Der Heide chasing hard.  Meanwhile, what I am dubbing the “old man train” was forming. Mick Donges, Andrew Tuckey and I, all over 30, started up Keating Ridge together and rolled in to our scheduled stop at the Eurobin Creek aid station. We started up the “Big Walk” and were quickly joined by another old boy, the one and only Brendan Davis. Unfortunately we lost Mick during the climb as he dropped. To my surprise Andrew and I also got away from Brendan here as he was in a rough patch. The climb up Mt Buffalo was a real highlight, with nice single track down low and fun rocky trails over big granite slabs from about ½ way up. We had a fun 7km loop at the top of Mt Buffalo, which included a few tight squeezes and we go to get a good time check here on the fast guys, as we saw Dakota, Ben and Blake. Not seeing Mo and Cain meant they were pretty close and as we returned to the Chalet found out that Mo had dropped and Cain was less than 1min ahead. With around 35km to go, I figured time was on my side and continued on with my plan of keeping things really easy and steady, rather than trying to catch Cain as quickly as I could. After a brief time apart, Andrew and I reunited for the descent back to Eurobin Creek and walked back up Keating Ridge. Andrew questioned our walking here, but I reassured him that no one behind us will be going up this climb faster than us right now. Of course less than 1min later we looked back to see Brendan running up….. We all arrived at the top together the started the descent to Bucklands. We kept expecting to see Cain but he never came into sight until we saw a speck, about 4mins up on us, at the Buckland aid station. Brendan’s time with us was brief and he fell off the back here and it actually got pretty ugly as Andrew and I both had turns at walking the flat road. At this point I didn’t really care- I figured it would be nice if we picked off Cain and if I could hang with Andrew, but at best we where battling for 4-6^th place. That was until we came over a rise on Warners Wall to see Ben laying face down. After he told us he was OK and to keep going, we moved on and I think both Andrew and I where a little confused at what we had just seen, but mostly I was just jealous that Ben got to lie down. I blew up here and Andrew finally had some time to himself. It was a pretty ugly, slow crawl up on to Clear Spot for the 2^nd time. I was guessing that Dakota must have been finished or

Going up the Big Walk, with my new BFF Andrew leading the way.

about to and that Blake was around the top of Mystic, just an easy 20mins from booking his ticket to Europe (the first Australian or Kiwi would win a trip to the Sky Running World Champs in France!). I was just content that I could see no one behind me and started on down to Bakers, ready to drink some more coke and seeing my Ace Crew- Chris and Vajin. I was confused to say the least when I arrived and Chris told me I was now in 4^th and Vajin saying I was 6mins off “the ticket”. Blake was still lying down at the Bakers aid station unable to stand and all of a sudden the “also runs” were racing for a fully paid spot at the sky running world champs. Well, at least Cain and Andrew would be. 6mins was never going happen for me, but I still left Bakers with some new found motivation. To my surprise I caught a glimpse of Andrew on the steep section down low and that was all I saw of him until we hit the road about 1.5km before the finish. Somehow I had managed to get within about 90sec of Cain, but it may as well have been 90mins as far as “The Ticket” was concerned.

Heading down the Big Walk. I have that look on my face because some one just called me a Smurf- “Do I really look like a Smurf?”. The question consumed me for the 35km….

I was stoked with my race. For the first time in a long, long, time, I feel like I can say I ran a race that I am really happy with, having had some pretty average outings the last 3 years. The weeks that have followed Buffalo I have been thinking a lot about why I managed to finally have a good run. A few reasons I guess- relieving myself of a lot of self imposed pressure, the move to Wanaka and having a race like Buffalo as the main focus in training have all contributed to me enjoying my running more than I have in the last 3 years. I know, it is crazy but there seems to be a direct correlation between enjoyment and results.

Massive thanks have to go to Sean and Mel for their support – it was a real honour to be an ambassador for the Buffalo Stampede. Also thanks to Vajin and Chris for crewing, Andrew for being such good company during most of the run (sorry I talked you into walking up Keaton’s mate…). La Sportiva for the support- these shoes dominated the top10 at Buffalo!

And congratulations to everyone that toed the line at Buffalo- hope to see you all next year!

Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon October 19, 2013 – Guillaume Causse

I’m Guillaume a 35 years-old  French trail runner  who lives in Singapore since last July.

After several years racing in MTB, I started trail running with my first event being the Mont-Blanc Marathon in Chamonix in July 2012. I have always lived in flat places like Paris and Singapore. Because of that it might seem odd that my strength is technical mountain downhill.

Last May, when I was preparing for my relocation to Singapore, I looked online for a big sky running event in the region and I found the Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon.

Two races are held here. There’s the Summit Race: 33km from the national park’s entrance at 1500m to the summit at 4100m, then down to Mesilau resort, and finishing at Kundasang town at 1200m. And, there’s the Adventure Race: 23km half way up the peak.

After moving across the world to Singapore and then flying all the way to Sabah, I knew I wouldn’t be happy with just going halfway up the mountain. So, I signed up for the Summit Race.

This event is only open to qualified runners, and in early September the race committee finally qualified me, based on my previous mountain race results.

Qualifying for one of the highest mountain races in the world is one thing, but how do you train in Singapore for such event?

My training schedule was very simple and packed my weekends. Friday early morning – 1hr running, including short intervals at East Coast Park; Saturday – cycling with my mates from ANZA cycling team to help reinforce my thighs (it still hurts when I think about it…); and finally Sunday – 1hr 30-45min running with longer intervals on the trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

On October 18, 2013, my wife, Carol, and I drove from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park to collect the race kit and attend the race briefing.

Carol was excited because a delegation of Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes was there to compete. “It’s the first time I’ve met Kenyans and Ethiopians,” she said.

However, I know how fast those guys can be on the road, so I wasn’t anywhere near as happy as Carol. After all, I was about to race them.

Kundasang is the nearest city, or village should I say, to Kinabalu Park. It is very small with very limited dinner options, either rice or rice! The closest Italian restaurant is 100km away. In other words, there was no pre-race pasta party!!!

The next day was race day and here’s how it went:

5:30 a.m. – After a good night’s sleep, I wake up and eat an energy bar and a few mini-bananas.

6 a.m. – We drive to the park’s entrance and the start line in time for a beautiful sunrise with Mt Kinabalu in the background. The lodge there is very quiet with people still sleeping. But then my rental car alarm goes off. I ignore the noise and after 10 minutes, everyone is awake. Finally, someone turns it off. I hope the hotel guests at least enjoyed the sunrise. Without me, they would have missed it!

Next, it’s time for a 15-minute warm-up, which is enough as the race is going to be long. Kenyans, Ethiopians, Japanese, Filipinos, Americans, Germans, Aussies, Kiwis, French, Canadians and, of course, Malaysians are all on the start line.

7 a.m. – At last, we’re off!

I run slowly at the beginning as I know we have 12km to go to the summit, including the first 4km on a road. This is the worst part for a trail runner like me.

As we hit the trail, I feel I’m in my place and I pass several runners who had started fast. The trail is really technical. It’s rocky with lot of stairs and slippery thanks to the high humidity. I close the gap with the best sky runner from Philippines and pass him.

The flora is changing as we go higher, from jungle at the bottom to short trees, such as conifers, and then the rocky summit. I finally reach the most anticipated stage of the race. Some call it the “summit plateau”, but I won’t. It’s so steep a rope has been set up to help us climb!

I catch and pass a Kenyan, an American and a local Malaysian before tackling the summit. It’s a real climb where you need to use your hands.

Guillaume chasing hard.

I reached the top at 4100m in 2hr 35min in 6th position and ahead of the 3-hour cut-off time. It is 4 deg C and very windy. It’s so different from the start, where it was hot and humid. I take a gel … sorry I take an energy gel… and begin the descent.

I jump from one rock to another and feel my legs slump with 22km still to go. The downhill is very technical and I have never run a trail like this before.

I’m usually more comfortable in the downhill than in the climb. When the local Malaysian passes me with so much at ease, I’m disgusted. He knows exactly where to put his feet on each rock and stair. It is only the beginning of the descent and my legs are so weak.

We are back down in the jungle and the Filipino passes me as well. He’s not that fast, but I can’t keep up the pace as my legs are slumping. So I decide to keep running at my own pace to at least stay in 8^th position.

The American guy catches up and I’m now 9^th. He is in front of me, but I know I can fill the gap as the trail starts to climb again and he seems to struggle.

We are in the final part of the descent of the trail together and I do everything possible to stay in contact. But then I crash. My knee is bleeding, but I get up quickly so I don’t lose him.

The trail is over and the worst part of the race is now a 10km descent on a road. The downhill gradient is high and my entire body hurts with each stride. I don’t have any more water and the sun really hits me. Still, I decide to accelerate and get rid of the American.

By now, the road seems endless. But soon I can see the finish line far in the distance and can hear the event’s loudspeaker as I run through small villages with the support of the locals.

With 2km to go, there’s a huge climb up to the end. I look behind and see no-one. My 8^th position is secure. Then I see the Filipino in front of me. He is exhausted, but I am too.

Suddenly, a superb woman yells out: “Allez, Loulou!”
It’s is Carol. What the f***? She’s accompanied by some new friends from Kenyan and she is calling me “Loulou” (a stupid nickname she gave me).

I’m so happy to see her. It gives me the energy to cross the finish line in 7th position behind the Filipino. The Ethiopians did not finish after they crashed in the downhill.

I can definitely say this is one of toughest sky running races in the world because of its elevation, the heat, and its technical trail. And, it’s made even harder when you live and train in Singapore.

Fortunately, my mates from ANZA cycling team challenge me every Saturday. This helped me have the legs to handle this race in absence of real mountain training.

Now I’m looking for other mountain races in AU and NZ in order to try to get qualify for the World Sky Running Championship in France next summer.

If you are coming to Singapore please contact me caugui@hotmail.com and I will be happy to setup a trail running session at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Guillaume

Pretty rare that we cover a race out side of New Zealand (we like to give our attention to NZ events and athletes!), especially when that race is 7+ months away! But today the 75km Buffalo Stampede in Australia is official lunched and more significantly for New Zealand- “The race itself forms the launch of Skyrunning in Australia and New Zealand“.

Kiwi’s already locked into for the 75km Buffalo Stampede are myself (Grant Guise) and fellow Salomon Running team mate, Anna Frost, who is of course no stranger to Sky Running in Europe having clocked up many wins. Matt Bixley join’s Anna and myself as the kiwi representatives on the Sky Running Australia New Zealand Management Committee.

Below is the official Buffalo Stampede press release-

For the very first time, Australia has a new trail running event which is part of the internationally prestigious Skyrunning brand that attracts top athletes to the top of the world, where earth and sky meet.
Officially launched today, the Buffalo Stampede in the Victorian alpine country is expected to attract a bumper field of talented local and overseas runners as it forms the foundation stone of a planned Australia‐New Zealand Skyrunning series.
To be staged on April 5 and 6 next year, it is hoped that ultimately the Buffalo Stampede will join the elite list of Skyrunning World Series events like the Mont Blanc Marathon in France, Speedgoat 50 in the USA and the Mount Elbrus Vertical Kilometre in Russia.
Skyrunning as a recognised discipline traces its roots back to Italian mountaineer Marino Giacometti and fellow enthusiasts who started pioneering races and records on famous European peaks like Mont Blanc in the 1990s.
Today the sport is managed by the International Skyrunning Federation and features superstars like Spanish alpine master Kilian Jornet.
Marcus Warner, the president of Skyrunning Australia and New Zealand, says the Buffalo Stampede embodies what Skyrunning is all about: “The purest form of mountain running … getting to the top of a mountain and back down again as quickly as possible. It’s the athlete versus the mountain. It’s not for the faint‐hearted. It’s definitely a significant challenge and the athlete needs to know what they are doing.’’
The Buffalo Stampede, Warner says, will finally “put Australia on the map’’ of Skyrunning because it will finally convince overseas runners that Australia possesses the terrain to stage a serious mountain running challenge. “Elevation is really what drives the difficulty of it. [The organisers] have really sought out the most extreme mountain in Australia that really embodies Skyrunning because of how steep it is. Nearly 5000m [of elevation gain] over 75km is up there with some of the best races in the world. [Elite overseas runners] are going to go away pretty sore and pretty beat up from this race.’’
The Buffalo Stampede has been organised by Sean Greenhill from the respected outdoor adventure company Mountain Sports. A passionate trail runner himself, Greenhill already stages popular trail running events like the Glow Worm Tunnel Marathon and the Sydney Trailrunning Series.

He chose Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria as the venue for the Buffalo Stampede Ultra SkyMarathon (75km) and Buffalo Stampede SkyMarathon (41.4km) because it is one of the few areas in Australia where he could satisfy the exacting Skyrunning rules about vertical gain.
No other runs in Australia over similar distances will have as much climbing as the Buffalo Stampede Ultra SkyMarathon (4545m) and the Buffalo Stampede SkyMarathon (2924m).
“I can’t think of a marathon in Australia that comes within 500m of gain of the Mount Buffalo SkyMarathon,’’ Greenhill says. “They are, in terms of elevation gain over distance, the most difficult events of their kind in Australia.’’ And because it is the eroded magma chamber of an extinct volcano, Mount Buffalo boasts a spectacular granite terrain like no other peak in the Snowy Mountains. Greenhill also chose Mount Buffalo because it allows him to start the Buffalo Stampede events in the beautiful town of Bright, which he loves for its alpine scenery, fine food, local produce, boutique beer and outdoor sports culture.
Clayton Neil, the manager for economic development with Bright’s Alpine Shire Council, said: “We see the Buffalo Stampede as a really strong addition to our events calendar that really aligns with where we are heading. It embraces being active in nature and living life outside. Bright has always been a popular place for people who love the outdoors and this event takes that to another level.’’
Although the Buffalo Stampede races will be among Australia’s toughest, they are open to entry from anyone, with no qualifying needed. Up for grabs in the Buffalo Stampede are tickets to the 2014 Skyrunning World Championships to be held next June in the famed French alpine resort of Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc
A three‐day Buffalo Stampede training camp based in Bright will be hosted by top Australian trail runners Brendan Davies and Hanny Allston from January 17 to 19.
Davies raced in the Skyrunning Mont Blanc Marathon this year and will be competing in the Buffalo Stampede Ultra SkyMarathon in April in the hope of winning a ticket back to the slopes of Mont Blanc for the Skyrunning World Championships. Davies, a Mountain Sports ambassador for the Buffalo Stampede, said: “The Skyrunning label brings with it a lot of credibility. It puts [Australia] on the world map as a destination for the world’s elite trail runners. For Australian runners, it gives us the capacity to dip our feet into the Skyrunning series without having to travel overseas. It’s just a plus for the sport. I see it as a real positive for everyone. I’m going to be going all out for that race.’’
Go to www.buffalostampede.com.au for more details about the Buffalo Stampede.
Sean Greenhill is available for interviews on 0409 047 714 or via sean@mountainsports.com.au

More info at-