All images courtesy Ian Corless
Over the weekend the Transvulcania Ultra Marathon was held with some of the biggest names in trail running. This is a massive race and the first of the 2015 Skyrunning series:
Starting in El Faro of Fuencaliente (lighthouse on the coast of Fuencaliente) it runs through the long-distance hiking path GR 131 (better known as the Walking Stick, Ruta del Bastón). Afterwards, it goes on through a leg of another long-distance hiking path, the GR 130 (better known as the Coastal Footpath, Camino Real de la Costa) from Puerto de Tazacorte up to the Plaza de España in Los Llanos de Aridane. With a total distance of 73.3km and accumulated slopes of 8,525 metres, this is a race of great endurance through the mountain and therefore we recommend a good level of physical fitness.
Carrying the South African flag were none other than Ryan Sandes and Landie Greyling. Other top names in the running were Luis Alberto Hernando Alzaga, Emelie Forsberg and Dakota Jones. With such top talent, it was certainly going to be a tough race.
Unfortunately, due to low energy levels both Ryan and Landie had to pull out. "Thanks for all the messages of support.", says Ryan. "I am disappointed but this is part of being an athlete. I still got to be part of an epic race and the sunrise this morning was incredible!" Landie was also disappointed, but as always radiated positivity even in this difficult situation. It's truly unfortunate, but come race day no one can predict what will happen.
The results were as follows:
Ladies:
- Emelie Forsberg 8:32:59
- Anna Comet Pascua 9:02:57
- Myriam Marie Guillot Boisset 9:15:06
- Alicia Shay 9:17:49
- Magdalena Laczak 9:23:45
Mens:
- Luis Alberto Hernando Alzaga 6:52:39 – NEW CR
- Dani Garcia Gomez 7:21:28
- Blake Hose 7:25:23
- Dakota Jones 7:28:59
- Zach Miller 7:29:00
