September 29th. Ultramarathon, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc & Kílian Jornet

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Runners in the Rialp Matxicots Trail 82Km Run

An ultramarathon (also called ultra distance) is any sporting event involving running longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres (26.2188 mi).

There are two types of ultramarathon events: those that cover a specified distance, and events that take place during specified time (with the winner covering the most distance in that time). The most common distances are 50 kilometres (31.069 mi), 100 kilometres (62.137 mi), 50 miles (80.467 km) and 100 miles (160.934 km), although many races have other distances. The 100 kilometers is an official IAAF world record event.

Many ultramarathons, especially trail challenges, have severe course obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain. Many of these races are run on dirt roads or mountain paths, though some are run on paved roads as well. Usually, there are aid stations every 5 to 15 km apart, where runners can replenish food and drink supplies or take a short break.

The International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) organises the World Championships for various ultramarathon distances, including 50 km, 100 km, 24 hours and ultra trail running. These events are sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the world governing body of track and field. Many countries around the world have their own ultrarunning organizations, often the national athletics federation of that country, or are sanctioned by such national athletics organizations. World records for distances, times and ages are tracked by the IAU.

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (also referred to as UTMB) is a mountain ultramarathon. It takes place once a year in the Alps, across France,Italy and Switzerland. The distance is approximately 166 km, with a total elevation gain of around 9,400 m. Some believe that it is the most difficult foot race in Europe.

While the best trailers complete the loop in slightly more than 20 hours, most runners take 30 to 45 hours to reach the finish line. There is no prize money awarded.

Logistics:

 1700 volunteers were involved in 2010.

 The North Face is the main sponsor.

 Runners are supposed to carry a minimum of equipment for safety reasons. This includes a waterproof jacket, warm clothes, food and water, whistle, survival blanket and head lamp.

 There are food and drink points along the route, every 10 to 15km. In addition, four big "life bases" provide hot meals, beds and massages:Chamonix (France), Les Chapieux (France), Courmayeur (Italy) and Champex (Switzerland).

 At Courmayeur and Champex, runners can collect a bag they previously left at Chamonix.

 Runners' race numbers contain a magnetic badge that is read at approximately 50 check points. Timings and rankings are available online and by Short message service in real-time.

 The organizers encourage solidarity between runners and respect for the environment.

Route:

The route follows basically the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking path, that is usually completed in 7 to 9 days by hikers. This is a loop around Mont Blanc.

It starts from Chamonix (1,035 m) and goes up to the Col de Voza (1,653 m) to reach Les Contamines (1,150 m). It then climbs to the Croix du Bonhomme (2,479 m) before going down back to Les Chapieux (1,549 m), which is the first life base. The path then runs up to the Col de la Seigne (2,516 m) to enter Italy, follows the ridge of the Mont-Favre (2,435 m) before going down to Courmayeur (1,190 m), the second life base. It climbs again to the Refuge Bertone (1,989 m) and Arnuva (1,769 m) before reaching its highest point, the Grand Col Ferret(2537 m), which also marks the border with Switzerland. The path goes down again to Praz de Fort (1,151 m) via La Fouly (1,593 m) before reaching the third life base, Champex d'en Bas (1,391m). The last part includes two rather low cols: Bovine (1,987 m) and Les Tseppes (1932 m) separated by Trient (1,300 m). On the descent to Vallorcine (1,260 m), the path enters back France, crosses Argentière (1,260 m) before terminating at Chamonix, its starting point.

Slight variations are applied to the route every year sometimes for safety reasons. In 2010, the route was 166 km long for a total elevation gain of 9500m.

Race profile

Year Runners Finishers Winner Winner time

2008 2500 1269 Kilian Jornet  20h58

2009 2500 1382 Kilian Jornet  21h33

2010 2400* - Jez Bragg*

2011 Kilian Jornet                     20h36

Kílian Jornet

Kílian Jornet Burgada (born October 27, 1987) is a Spanish ski mountaineer, long-distance runner, mountain biker and duathlete (mountain running and mountain biking). He is a three time champion of the Skyrunner World Series from 2007–09 and the winner of the 2011 Western States Endurance Run.

Biography

Jornet was born in Sabadell in Catalonia, Spain. He started ski mountaineering in 1999 and competed for the first time at the La Molina race of the Spanish Cup in 2000. In 2003 he became a junior member of the Spanish national ski mountaineering team, and has raced as a senior since 2007. He is a member of the international Dynafit team and lives in Puigcerdà.

Selected results 2011

Mountain Running / skyrunning

 1st, The North Face 100, Blue Mountains, Australia. Course Record

 1st, Western States Endurance Run

 1st, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc 

Ski mountaineering

• World Champion Overall

• World Champion Individual

• World Champion Vertical Race