2009 Series

The Vasque Ultra-running Championships is now in its 4th year and is going from strength to strength. We have more registered runners than ever and, at the sharp end, it looks like the competition for top spots is going to be incredible. Witness the first race of the series where UK100km team member Jez Bragg was duking it out with 2008 Ultra Champs runner up Andy Rankin and 2007 Ultra Champs winner Allen Smalls. By all accounts it's going to be just as tough for the ladies - witness the second race in the series, Wuthering Hike, where former Commonwealth runner Sarah Rowell held off Wye Ultra winner Kate Jenkins by only 7 minutes with Helen Jackson, international adventure racer, just a further 6 minutes back.

The team competition is really hotting up too - in the mens category Team Vasque, North Face, Essex Fat boys and a newly energised Team Krypton will all be vying to knock last years winners, Mercia off the top spot. For the women, Run Like a Girl, Team Vasque, Goyt Valley Striders and the TRA will be challenging the Kryptonettes.

Whatever your ambitions use the arrival of light evenings to focus your training. Go out and get high - on those endorphins!!

MARCH 2009 SPOT PRIZES

Vasque Shoes from the Trail range - Ian Winterburn

ClifBars - Guy Oliver

OMM Ultra Waist Pack - David Chippett

Thorlo Socks - Julie Gardner

Mountain Challenges
Over the past few years the numbers completing  a Bob Graham round and its equivalent in Scotland and Wales have been on the increase. There hasn't really been a super-active scene in terms of record setting though. In 2007 Spyke set a new record for the Scottish 4000ft summits but  its been all quiet on the "big 3". In 2009 that looks set to change with Spyke rumoured to be preparing for another attempt on the Scottish 24 hour record, Chris Near aiming to shave time off his own 2008 Paddy Buckley round time of 18hrs 10mins to secure a record and Steve Birkinshaw well focussed on preparation for his attempt on the Lakes 24 hour record. Standing at 77 peaks this is the big one - names like Eric Beard, Mark McDermott and, of course, Joss Naylor have all held this in the past, with our very own Runfurther Mark Hartell as the current record holder.

We wish them all the best of weather and conditions - it's exciting to see so much activity; not just for the elite but because of the buzz it gives to everyone in our sport. Somehow it energises us all to runfurther, harder, stronger and to push our own boundaries whether we are preparing our first ultra or a seasoned veteran looking for new knees and new challenges. You will read elswhere about Stuart Walker and his amazing challenge to traverse these isles but there's plenty more ambition out there - 3 candidates for the grand slam we know of, lots of Bob Graham rounds being prepared for and rumours of a speed attempt on the 220 mile John Muir Trail in California.

If you have the time, check out some of the blogs on the site and look out for regular updates.

LAUNCHING - BIKEFURTHER

We are going broader and further. Bikefurther aims to keep us diverse, cross train and find some new stuff to keep you out on the hills.

Later this spring we will be launching a very new event that involves biking and/or running so we will keep you posted - But keep 22nd August 09 free.............Bikefurther Tour de Peak AND Runfurther Tour de Peak - a fun Charity Event organised by the Runfurther and Bikefurther Team

This month we are launching our involvement with Polaris Challenge - a mountain bike navigational event for teams of two or solo riders. The next event is course planned by Karen from Runfurther (now Bikefurther too!) and is on 12-14th June in the Peak District............... Read More HERE

GRAND SLAMMING 2009

We have four people so far made their intentions known, two still keeping quiet about it and these two letting us all know how they are getting on so far:

Nick Ham - We're sure he did most of the races in 2008 so am sure he will do well in 2009 - Good Luck Nick - read all about his races HERE

Paul Dickins - New to Ultra-running Paul has taken on not only our Grand Slam but alot more over the next two years and all for Charity - those of you at the Wye Ultra may have noticed his bright orange wig - read all about his races and support him HERE

STOP PRESS - FELLSMAN NEARLY FULL

Yep - we seem to be keeping up our tradition of increasing race numbers dramatically over the last few years. Fellsman organisers have told us they already have 350 entries and the race is full at 450 so please get your entries in now if you intend to race - you do not want to miss out on this one - a superb, hilly and tough event that everyone loves. Click HERE for an entry form.

The British Isles Challenge - Grand Slammer 08 Stuart Walkers next Challenge

In June and July I will be attempting a trip called the "British Isles Challenge". It's going to be, I think, the first human-powered journey the length of the UK.

The plan is to kayak from some rocks south of the Scilly Isles to Land's End, run along the south coast path for a couple of days, mountain bike up through Somerset, row across the Bristol Channel........ Blimey if you are not already lost or exhauted read the rest HERE

Wherever you race, train and run - appreciate the moment and enjoy.

Cheers

Karen, Mark and Si - Team Runfurther

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