THE SPORTSSHOES #GETAPIC PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2019

**ENTRIES NOW CLOSED***

The competition winner is John Allan (ENTRY NO.1) for his photograph of Helen Buchan, taken during her Bob Graham Round attempt

1ST PLACE!

If you’re like me, then you’ll love taking photographs during a run. So why not enter your favourite personal photograph of 2019 and be in with a chance of winning a free pair of inov-8 X-TALON G 235 !!

It costs nothing to enter and ALL entrants will be showcased online.

Prize

The winner of the competition will receive;

• 1 X FREE pair of inov-8 X-Talon G 235 (RRP. £139.99)

*In the unlikely event of these shoes being unavailable in your size, you will be offered a suitable alternative.

How to Enter

• You can enter via my Facebook page or email (ben_mounsey@hotmail.com). Please include a copy of your photograph, along with your name, a short description and the date it was taken (see example below).
• Don’t forget to tag me in any entries on Facebook so I can see them!
• LIKE & SHARE the post and include the hashtags #sportsshoes #GetAPic
• All entrants will be showcased here on my website www.benmounsey.net and the winning photograph shared on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

EXAMPLE ENTRY:

BEN MOUNSEY – ‘A GRAN DAY OUT!’

Gran Canaria (1st March 2019)

The best £5 I’ve ever spent on airfare. Blitzing and blazing the trails in Gran Canaria with Kirsty Hall, Sarah McCormack, Heidi Davies, Tom Adams, Jack Wood and Joe Baxter. A ‘Gran’ day out!

Entry Rules

• Photographs must have been taken by the person entering the competition
• Entrants can only submit 1 photograph each
• Photographs must have been taken during a walk/run/cycle (January 1^st – December 31^st 2019)
• Entries are open from December 29th 2019 – January 3rd 2020

The winner will be judged by the Sportsshoes team and announced via social media shortly after the closing date.

#sportsshoes #GetAPic #NoFunStandingStill #inov8

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COMPETITION ENTRIES 2019:

JUST TO BE CLEAR…THE ENTRIES ARE NUMBERED IN ORDER OF WHEN PEOPLE ENTERED THE COMPETITION – JOHN JUST HAPPENED TO ENTER FIRST! )

1. JOHN ALLAN – LEG 5 BG (WINNER!)

The Lake District (14th July 2019)

Photo taken during Helen Buchan’s Bob Graham Round attempt 2019.

 

2. GIOVANNI TOWER TORRE – Rupert’s Trail

The Amalfi Coast, Italia (2019)

Exploring the paths of Rupert’s Trail, 2019 edition.

 

3. KRIS LEE – LONG AWAITED RUN

The Lake District (22nd August 2019)

The long awaited first run in my G260 mudclaws over Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg and Stone Arthur.

 

4. NICK OWEN – (UNTITLED)

Llandwyn Beach, Anglesey (4th October 2019)

Evening run making the most of the daylight chasing my 8 year old daughter (in her x-talon 212) around the forest and sand dunes.

 

5. JAMES WILLIAMSON – “I SEE A LITTLE SILHOUETTE…”

The Panopticon (10th March 2019)

A cold run in fading light with my son Archie over The panopticon (a.k.a. ‘The singing ringing tree’)

 

6. PATRICK WARDLE – “LOO WITH A VIEW”

The Lake District (22nd June 2019 at 5:22am)

I call it “Loo with a view” supporting Tom on his BG, he smashed his target time of by 2 hours doing it in 20:09! It was a fab day in the hills.

 

7. CHRIS FARRIMOND – “DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME?”

The Lake District (6th April 2019)

9. DECLAN BULMER – “HIGH UP IN THE HIGHLANDS”

 

10. AMJID KHAN – “SUNRISE ON THE CANAL”

The sun rising through the trees on the Rochdale canal. Not a person in sight. Beautiful.
Taken on 29th December by myself whilst on a run.

 

11. GERALD GRECH – “TRAIL ON FIRE”

 

12. MARK ANTHONY ROGERSON – “UNTITLED”

This was taken on a run up Gowbarrow fell including Aira Force. Being back on the fells to get views like this down Ullswater.

 

 

13. ALISTAIR NASH – “ALI’S GUEST RUN”

Ali’s ‘Guest Run’ (new) rules…. beast your pals on the fells then find time for a cream tea…..in a ski lift….in Addingham.

 

14. PAUL MYERS – “X-CITED”

 

 

15. ALUN WOOD – “UNTITLED”

 

18. LAURENCE MARTIN – “UNTITLED”

Autumn sunshine in Tong village. Catching some early morning rays of sunshine before heading back into the valley during my long run.

 

19. DAVE MIDDLEMASS – “UNTITLED”

 

 

46. SIMON TAYLOR – “UNTITLED“

Fell Running with my twin boys at The Great Hill with Darwen Tower and Pendle Hill, Lancashire in the background.

 

47. PETE LLOYD – “UNTITLED“

Embsay Crag Maffetone run (walk), early December 2019.

 

48. ROB MORTI – “UNTITLED“

This is my favourite photo of 2019… This was taken by my fellow club mate Catherine Slater as I was starting to feel the pain on my Bob Graham Round on the 14th September. I am climbing the path towards the base of Bowfell with the sun rising over the Langdales and Rossett Pike. Was so proud to complete my round in 23 hours 3 mins.

 

49. BEN HARTLEY – “UNTITLED“

Little trot on Crib Goch. Set off at 3am to see the sunrise. Beautiful day.

 

50. JOCASTA FLETCHER – “UNTITLED“

Sunset on a Tuesday night pack run – Stoodley Pike West Yorkshire.

 

51. PAUL SUMNER – “UNTITLED“

Commuting in Wigan, snapped whilst catching my breath on a run home from work.. Picture is the sunset across Scotsman’s Flash.

 

52. GLYNN JENNISON – “UNTITLED“

 

 

60. JILL HOLMES – “UNTITLED“

Quick drink stop on the Kentmere Horseshoe, inov-8’s now worn out!

 

61. TAMSIN COOKE – “SUMMER SOLSTICE SUNSET“

Summer solstice sunset: a two-day walk. High up in Calderdale with James Cooke, Toby Sid, Richard Sunderland, Charlotte Wetton & Liam Edward Matthew Williams.

 

62. ADAM OLIVER – “UNTITLED“

 

 

66. CHERYL SPEIGHT – “UNTITLED“

 

 

68. DAVE CULPAN – “UNTITLED“

Sheepstones, above Hebden Bridge, a wintry morning.

 

69. MARK TAYLOR – “UNTITLED“

Approaching Snowden Summit.

70. DIANE MACDONALD – “UNTITLED“

82. SARAH WRIGHT – “UNTITLED“

Arthur’s Pike, August. First fell run after injury rehab.

 

83. ANDREW SLATTERY – “HISTORY IN THE MAKING“

Paul Tierney on a brief coke break as night fell on Bannerdale Crags during his epic record run of the 214 Wainwright fells.

 

84. OWEN BARNICOTT – “UNTITLED“

Trying to catch a pic of the wife during a drizzly run around Derwent. When the pooch made unexpected appearances.

 

85. MEL PRICE – “SEEING OFF 2019“

Snowdon, Rhyd Ddu path, Caernarfon

 

Black Crag, The Lake District.

 

87. SPANIEL BENTLEY – “BURNS NIGHT HANGOVER CURE“

 

90. RICK CRABTREE – “UNTITLED“

This was taken at Sango Sands, Durness , in late October, on my eve run whilst doing the North coast 500 trip.

91. ROB OWEN – “UNTITLED“

Sorry I’m currently semi-retired.

 

92. ED NEWBOULD – “A BREAK IN THE CLOUDS“

Faithful running buddy Ned taking in the Lakeland views. Catbells.

 

93. NEIL ‘BRAVESHORTS’ WALLACE – “A STORM BEYOND“

The 2019 Three Peaks Race, following the running snake to Ribblehead and back towards Pen-y-Ghent.

 

94. ROB REID – “UNTITLED“

Cat Bells, looking Derwentwater to Keswick and Skiddaw. Taken on a trip round the Newlands Horseshoe.

 

 

95. MIKE FANNING AKA. TFM – “KEEP YOUR EYES TO THE HORIZON AND YOUR NOSE TO THE WIND”

 

98. LEON SEVERN – “UNTITLED”

Out for a solo reccie of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks race, with Ribblehead Viaduct in the foreground and Whernside in the background.

 

99. GAV DODD – “UNTITLED”

 

 

100. JOANNE AINSLEY PERRY – “TIME TO PLAY, BEFORE THE WORKING DAY”

Early run towards the sun – 6am run (nr Wycoller).

 

101. CHRIS JACKSON – “UNTITLED”

Glen Coe, September 2019.

102. ROSE GEORGE – “FELL NINJA”

No kilt but a Scotsman in Scotland, atop Merrick in the hills of Galloway,, during Wigtown Festival.

 

103. ALEX FROST – “UNTITLED”

Last race of the year no52 Auld lang Syne.

 

104. TOM PHILLIPS – “UNTITLED”

Unusual trail running near Chelva (Spain) Built to carry water by Romans 2000 years ago – now makes a sublime section of trail running!

 

105. JIM HARRIS – “UNTITLED”

 

 

107. STEVE HOOK – “SCAFELL PIKE FROM SEATHWAITE”

A SPORT ON THE UP!

There is no denying that over the last few years, there has been a huge increase in the popularity and growth of trail and mountain running. As more people continue to hit the trails, the future of our sport looks extremely promising. This steep surge in participation has also risen significantly within the UK and Ireland, with an increased representation of our athletes in European mountain races. These are exciting times to be a mountain runner and I’m very proud to consider myself part of this growing movement.

Now don’t get me wrong, we’re certainly not the first runners from the UK and Ireland to venture into Europe in search of new and exciting races. Early pioneers, such as Billy Burns, Martin Cox, Anne Buckley and Angela Mudge, have been doing it for years and have enjoyed a huge amount of success.

“THE FUTURE OF OUR SPORT LOOKS EXTREMELY PROMISING…THESE ARE EXCITING TIMES TO BE A MOUNTAIN RUNNER“

But this is different. Different because I’m not just talking about a handful of athletes, now we’re more like an army, invading Europe and entering races on mass. Inspired by the achievements of others, our ranks are swelling in size. Leading the line are the famous names of Robbie Simpson and Victoria Wilkinson, newly-crowned World Cup winners Andy Douglas and Sarah McCormack, Skyrunning champion, Holly Page, European champions and medal winners Jacob Adkin, Sarah Tunstall, Emmie Collinge and Emma Moran. The list goes on. British and Irish mountain runners are flocking to the continent to compete and we’re giving our European counterparts a real run for their money. The lure? Aside from the prizes, the chance to run in truly amazing places, compete against some of the best athletes in the world and most importantly, enjoy new and exciting experiences. There are literally hundreds of races out there and thousands of trails and mountains just waiting to be explored.

Take the Trofeo Vanoni relay, in Northern Italy, as one such example. In 2006, only one woman and one men’s team from the UK and Ireland entered the race. This year, a staggering total of ten women and nine men’s teams competed. It’s a huge contrast, but it’s also easy to see why this particular race has become so popular.

Pictured above: The start of The Trofeo Vanoni Relay 2019 (Credit – Roberto Ganassa)

THE HISTORY

Held annually in the town of Morbegno, the Trofeo Vanoni relay is one of my favourite events of the year. One of the things that makes this race so special, is that Morbegno is twinned with Llanberis, in North Wales. This partnership between the two countries is particularly strong and has been for many years – they are both connected and bound by a love of mountain running. Each year, the Italians send a strong representative team to compete in the Snowdon International, held annually in July. In response, the Snowdon race sends a team of athletes to compete at Trofeo Vanoni every October, which usually consists of the best-placed athletes in the Snowdon race from the UK and Ireland.

“TWO COUNTRIES, BOTH CONNECTED AND BOUND BY A LOVE OF MOUNTAIN RUNNING”

It’s a tradition that has been upheld for decades, a celebration of unity between the two towns. I find it incredibly refreshing to see this kind of friendship, with shared values and respect between two very different cultures, still existing and continuing to thrive in today’s modern society. It’s such a shame that things like this don’t happen more often in the world.

THE RACE AND THE RECORDS

The Trofeo Vanoni relay consists of three individual legs over the same 4 mile circuit. The route runs along the historic town centre and the ancient paths that lead to the tiny village of Arzo. Unfortunately, the women compete in a stand-alone race, on a slightly shorter 3 mile course, much to their disappointment. Perhaps in the future it might also be possible for women to compete in a relay style event – I certainly hope so.

To run a fast time* at Trofeo Vanoni, you have to be a complete runner, fast on the flat, super-strong on the climb and a demon descender – confident on every type of terrain and willing to push yourself harder than ever before. There is no respite, no time to take your foot off the gas and certainly no time to enjoy the views. It’s eyeballs out and full-gas race from start to finish. Formula 1 pace is the only way to take your place on the podium.

The fastest team record at Trofeo Vanoni is 1hr28’55”, set by the famous Italian ‘Forestale’ team, in 2007. A staggering achievement, but when you learn that Marco Rinaldi, Emanuele Manzi and the great Marco De Gasperi were in the team, it’s easy to understand why. I have to say, it will take an unbelievably talented trio of athletes to ever break this long-standing record.

Pictured above: Record breakers! The Forestale Team, 2007 – (L to R) Emanuele Manzi, Marco De Gasperi and Marco Rinaldi 

Great Britain’s Emmie Collinge, is the current women’s race record holder, setting a time of 21’13” in 2015. She is one of only a handful of elite women to ever run under 22 minutes.

The men’s individual leg record is held by italian superstar, Alex Baldaccini, in a jaw-dropping time of 28’21” in 2012. He has dominated this race as an athlete for many years, posting three of the four fastest ever times, all well under 30 minutes. My best ever time is 30’21” in 2015, which pales in comparison. How anyone is able to run 2 minutes faster on that course is beyond my imagination, my lungs are still burning four years later.

Pictured above: King of Trofeo Vanoni, Alex Baldichinni, leading the climb, 2019 (Credit – Maurizio Torri)

Throughout Trofeo Vanoni history, only three men from the UK and Ireland, have ever managed to run sub-30 minutes on this course. It’s probably no surprise to learn that GB’s Kenny Stuart, arguably our greatest ever fell runner, has the fastest time of these three athletes. He completed the course in 29’15”, in 1985, currently the 11^th fastest ever time in 62 years of this famous relay. It’s worth mentioning that Kenny also has the 14^th fastest time, clocking 29’21”, in 1984. Joining Kenny on the all-time greatest list are John Lenihan (Ireland), 29’35” in 1986 and Mark Kinch (GB), 29’41” in 1997. Both outstanding achievements and quite rightly earning their place in the history books.

Although he didn’t break 30 minutes, Kendal’s Craig Roberts, is the only other athlete from our home nations to win the fastest leg at Trofeo Vanoni, recording a time of 32’17”, in 1999. Craig assures me that the times this particular year were slower than usual due to torrential rain and extremely slippy conditions. Even so, his name will be forever etched on the list of past winners.

Aside from the overall finishing times, there are also two other greatest ‘all-time’ lists, one for the fastest climb and the other for the fastest descent. This helps to make Trofeo Vanoni one of the most exciting and unique events on the mountain running calendar, because these challenges have incorporated two extra races within the main race.

Unsurprisingly, the overall course record holder, Alex Baldichinni, has the fastest time for the climb, clocking 19’30”, in 2012. Only 45 men have posted times below 21 minutes for the climb, since split-time records were first recorded in 2005. Robbie Simpson and Andi Jones are the only two athletes from the UK and Ireland to have done this, clocking 20’09” in 2017 and 20’32” in 2006 respectively.

Pictured above: King of the Descent, the great Ian Holmes, Trofeo Vanoni, 2005 (Credit – Zee Holmes)

When it comes to the descent, English fell running legend, Ian Holmes, is the reigning king of the downhill. He has the overall descent record of 8’37” in 2007. Since 2005, only 29 men have dipped under the magical 9 minutes. Perhaps my biggest claim to fame is that I am the only other athlete from the UK and Ireland to make this prestigious list, 8’56” in 2015, 19^th place on the all-time list.

Pictured above: Team inov-8 at Trofeo Vanoni 2018 – The legend Ian Holmes passing me the baton at the end of leg 1 (Credit – Roberto Ganassa)

Alongside from these notable performances, our home countries have actually enjoyed far more success in the women’s race. In fact we’ve celebrated six different individual winners since 1984. Diane Ellerton (GB) was our first female victor in 1985, with a time of 24’08”, briefly holding the record for a year. Then along came GB’s Carol Haigh (now Greenwood) in 1986, setting an outstanding record of 21’48”, which lasted for 31 years, until it was finally broken by the talented Czech athlete, Anna Pichrtova in 2007 and now more recently, by Emmie Collinge in 2015. Other winners from the UK and Ireland include Susan Dilnot (GB), 23’32” in 1988, Tricia Calder (Scotland), 23’54”, in 1990, Anne Buckley (GB), 24’18” in 1991 and Carol Haigh (again!), 23’21” in 1993.

THE MAGIC OF MORBEGNO

For me, this race is special in many ways. It’s a truly unique event, both amazing to race as an athlete and extremely exciting to watch as a spectator.

The crowd roaring your name, urging you to go faster and the deafening screams of “Dai, dai, dai!!!” ** ringing loudly in your ears.

THE CROWD ROARING YOUR NAME, URGING YOU TO GO FASTER…THE DEAFENING SCREAMS OF “DAI, DAI, DAI!!!” RINGING LOUDLY IN YOUR EARS”

There are a number of key locations from which the action can be seen. It’s possible to watch the runners at various points on both the climb and descent, despite it being a circular route, and the lead usually changes several times during the race. It’s also the biggest annual athletic event in Morbegno, the whole town becomes completely immersed in the action. The local athletic club, CSI Morbegno, host the event and they do an amazing job in accommodating all of the teams, making sure everyone involved feels extremely welcome. The race organiser Cristina Speziale, deserves a special mention for her efforts, always working tirelessly before, during and after the event.

Pictured above: Sarah McCormack – The Snowdon Team, at Trofeo Vanoni 2019 (Credit – Angelo Testa)

When race day finally arrives, the atmosphere is absolutely electric. Hundreds of people gather in the streets to spectate and cheer for their favourite athletes and teams. Imagine busy sections of a Tour De France climb and you’re somewhere close. As a competitor, you cannot ignore the waves of excitement and huge surges of adrenaline coarsing through your body. It’s an amazing feeling and what I really love most about Trofeo Vanoni. The crowd roaring your name, urging you to go faster and the deafening screams of “Dai, dai, dai!!!” ** ringing loudly in your ears.

The race route has a real mix of everything, including a huge variation in terrain, from tarmac, to mud, grass, tracks, cobbles and rocks. It’s full of twists and turns, steep climbs, sharp and technical descents, fast running, big jumps and plenty of challenge, all of which leaves you feeling like you’ve just completed an assault course by the finish. The organisers have certainly managed to pack a lot of excitement in to such a short race. One of the hardest decisions is actually deciding what kind of footwear to wear! Some people prefer to compete in road shoes, others wear trail and some even choose fell shoes for increased grip. In my opinion, it depends entirely on the weather and October in Northern Italy can be very unpredictable. I usually travel with three pairs of racing shoes just to be on the safe side.

Pictured above: Tackling the descent! Trofeo Vanoni 2019 (Credit – Maurizio Torri)

Aside from race records and most importantly, Trofeo Vanoni is a race that brings people together; athletes of all ages, disciplines, abilities and nationalities. You don’t have to be an Alex Baldaccini or an Emmie Collinge to take part. It’s a celebration of mountain running, one of the last big events on the mountain running calendar – a chance to run as part of a team, experience the wonderful Italian culture, make new friends and race against some of the finest athletes in the world. Anyone can compete and everyone can enjoy the spectacle, as both an athlete and/or a spectator. It represents everything that is good about the sport and in my opinion it’s the perfect advertisement for mountain running.

THE 62^nd TROFEO VANONI, 2019

This year, the UK and Ireland almost celebrated our first female winner since Collinge in 2015. Irish superstar, Sarah McCormack, was only 7 seconds behind winner Lucy Murugi in an inspired performance, both women within a whisker of the record. Murugi clocking a time of 21’16”, McCormack 2^nd in 21’23” and Elise Poncet of France, 3^rd in 21’28”. Only 12 seconds separated the top 3 women. Also making the top ten were Scout Adkin, Scotland, 8^th in 23’04” and Kelli Roberts, Snowdon Race Team, 10^th in 23’19”. I think it’s only a matter of time before we celebrate another female winner from the UK or Ireland, and based on this performance, I’d put good money on McCormack achieving this goal in 2020. Perhaps Emmie Collinge will make a return, in a bit to break her own record? Or maybe even Victoria Wilkinson, Sarah Tunstall or Heidi Davies? All of these talented athletes certainly have the potential to win this race.

Pictured above: Lucy Murigi breaks the tape to take the win, Trofeo Vanoni 2019 (Credit – Roberto Ganassa)

As for the men’s race, unsurprisingly, it was once again dominated by the Italians. Team Valle Brembana, took the victory from a strong Valle Bergamasche, both teams stacked full of Italian national athletes, including the record holder Baldacinni, who formed part of the winning trio. France, the previous winners in 2017 and 2018, could only manage third place, despite an outstanding team performance. The Snowdon race team, were the first trio to cross the line from the UK and Ireland. They finished in 6^th place, with a team consisting of Joe Baxter, Michael Cayton & Zak Hanna. They were closely followed by team inov-8 UK, which included Jack Wood, Tom Adams and myself, finishing in 9^th position and putting the high standard of competition in perspective.

There were also a handful of other teams from Wales, Scotland and Ireland, who all performed strongly.

Pictured above: Nadir Cavagna at the finish, as Valle Brembana win Trofeo Vanoni 2019 (Credit – Roberto Ganassa)

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Only one team from the UK or Ireland, has ever won this prestigious trophy – the Snowdon race team consisting of Ian Holmes, Lloyd Taggart and Will Levett, in 2005. A few others have come close, but will we ever celebrate another winning team?

Pictured above: Rule Brittania! The Snowdon Race Team, 2005 – (L to R) Lloyd Taggart, Will Levett and the great Ian Holmes (Credit – Zee Holmes)

One positive to take from this year’s race is that we had more teams entered in 2019 than ever before, and if our participation in European mountain races continues to rise, then who knows? It will be a huge task to overcome the sheer strength and dominance of the Italian and French teams. Perhaps a Scottish dream team combining the super-powers of Simpson, Adkin and Douglas could finally give the Italians a run for their money? Let’s wait and see what next year’s edition of Trofeo Vanoni will bring. You might even see your own name and team on the start list for 2020. One thing is for certain, I can guarantee there’ll be plenty of entries from the UK and Ireland.

Visit the website www.trofeovanoni.it for all other information, including results and entry details.

* Sub-30 minutes is a time generally considered to be worthy of making the ‘all-time’ greatest list for this event.  

** This basically translates as “Go, go, go!!!” in English, not “Die, die, die!!!”, as I originally first thought and certainly nothing to do with the feeling of hatred towards Brits in relation to Brexit 😉

 

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THE NEW INOV-8 X-TALON G 235

inov-8 first launched the X-Talon back in 2008 and I’ve been racing in this range of shoe ever since. Like all fans of inov-8, I’ve been waiting patiently for the release of the new X-Talon G 235 and I’m delighted to say that they do not disappoint.

For me, the G 235 is a shoe that combines the very best features of the X-Talon 210 and the X-Talon 230. It’s a perfect hybrid version of both successful models.

I love the 210’s because they’re so lightweight and the grip is outstanding. However, this love does come at a price. They only usually last about 200-250 miles and I wear out quite a few pairs over the length of a season. This is where the G 235 impress. Not only are they comfortable and lightweight, they’re built to last and don’t need ‘wearing in’. They also offer a similar protective quality and feel to the X-Talon 230. The upper materials are made from hard wearing ballistic nylon, with a black printed rubber rand wrapped around the front of the shoe. It’s worth mentioning that, like the 230, there is a rock plate built into the mid-sole, for additional protection against sharp rocks. The combination of these materials and protective features make the new X-Talon G 235 the ideal choice for running over extreme and rugged terrain.

For a lightweight racing shoe, the G 235 is extremely comfortable to wear. The precision fit suits the shape of my feet and I like the split shape of the gusseted* tongue (*this means that it’s been stitched to the inside of the shoe and helps prevents mud and debris getting in). Both of these features really help to improve the fit and feel of the shoe.

I also love the fact that I raced in these shoes straight out of the box. I first wore them for the Hodgson Brothers Relay in the Lake District in October. I slipped them on 10 minutes before the race and quickly made the decision to use them. They immediately felt comfortable and the fit and feel gave me enough confidence to race in them before testing at length.

The G 235 is a tough-wearing, high-performing lightweight racing shoe. I’ve worn this shoe to run in the Lakeland Fells, the Yorkshire Dales, the Alps, the Pyrenees and also on the Costa Blanca trails. It is primarily built to tackle soft and muddy ground, but it easily handles all other types of extreme terrain, from wet mountain rock to hard-packed trails. So far I’ve clocked over 200 miles, with minimal signs of wear. This improved durability is undoubtably the most impressive feature of the new X-Talon G 235. The combination of Graphene with STICKY GRIP rubber means that they will now last up to 50% longer than previous X-Talon models and most importantly, with an upper that’s just as strong.  I would predict that I’ll get at least 600-750 miles out of the G235 before I’ll need to consider replacing them.

So if you need an off-road racing shoe that’s lightweight, comfortable, durable, and protective, with unrivalled grip across all types of off-road terrain, then look no further – you’ve just found exactly what you’re looking for.

SPECIFICATION:

WEIGHT: 235g (average over size curve)

DROP: 6mm

LUG DEPTH: 8mm

WIDTH (1-5): 2 Precision fit

RECOMMENDED FOR: Racing on serious off-road terrain

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

 

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A VK (Vertical Kilometer®) is no ordinary race. The rules are simple – run uphill as fast as you possibly can! Every VK is different and unique, but MUST always include 1000m of climb, in less than 5km of distance.

Such is the popularity of this type of race, there is now even a Vertical Kilometer® World Circuit, with fixtures all over the globe, most commonly held in the mountains of the Alps and Pyranees. There are now even two Vertical Kilometer® races in the UK – the Salomon Mamores VK and the Snowdon VK.

There is even such thing as a K3, a triple VK race, with a jaw-dropping continuous climb of 3000m. I wouldn’t recommend tackling this beast until you’ve completed a standard VK. However, if you are interested, check out this Red Bull blog for more info.

The Trentapassi VK, Lago d’Iseo, Italy 2017. Photo credit: Lessons in Badassery

In 2017, Italian Philip Goetsch set a new world record for the discipline at the Kilomètre Vertical® de Fully, in Switzerland. At 1.9km and reaching an altitude of 1,500m, he completed the 1,000m lung-busting ascent in an astonishing 28’53”!!!

Earlier this year, at the Vertical® du Grand Serre, in France, in a super-human time of 34’01”, Axelle Gachet-Mollaret became the new women’s world record holder for the VK, smashing her own previous WR from 2018. This particular race is famously known as the world’s shortest and steepest VK, with an incredible 1,000m of vertical climb over a distance of just 1.8 km!

The Piz-Tri Vertical, in Malonno, 2018. Photo credit: Justin Britton

I consider myself to be an experienced trail runner, having trained and raced for most of my life. But it wasn’t until last year that I completed my first ever VK.

In all honestly, it was one of the toughest, most challenging and excruciatingly painful experiences of my entire life. It took me over 41 minutes to complete the 4km route – my lungs were burning, my legs were on fire and I was gasping for breath for the entire duration of the race…but in a strange and very sadistic way, I absolutely loved it!

For anyone reading this and still wanting to try a VK, there are a good number of reasons to sign up and take part. Firstly, they’re an amazing challenge – a race completely different to anything that you’ve ever done before.

To run a fast VK, it requires lots of training and maximal effort during the race, from start to finish. But you could always just run (or walk) for fun! They always finish at the top of a mountain and the panoramic views are always incredible. The PizTri Vertical, in Malonno, Italy, even has a mobile bar at the finish, serving Bèpete BAM mountain beer – definitely worth the effort to get to the top! Please remember that at some point you will need to return to the bottom of the mountain and drinking at altitude usually makes the 1000 metre descent more challenging than the uphill race itself.

MY VK TOP TIPS!

1. Practice makes perfect!

Power to weight ratio is the key to VK success. Training your body and legs to climb continuously at pace for 1000m takes serious commitment and effort.

Ideally, the best training is on a VK course or a hill over 1000m. It takes practice to train your body to climb for this length of time and you need to know how to pace your effort. However, if you live in the UK, then obviously you might struggle to find a climb over 1000m, especially if you live in England! In all the VK races I’ve competed in so far, I’ve always felt strong up until around 700m of climb and the last 300m is my ‘death zone’!

It’s also important to vary your training as running up and down too many long mountains all of the time is not always good for the specific demands of a VK. I would recommend regular hill reps, but varying the gradient, distance, terrain and speed, especially as every VK race is different and unique. Leading up to an event, sessions below 60 minutes will help keep you sharp and ready for race day. Check out this article for some ideas for hill training.

Kirsty Hall competing in the Salomon Mamores VK, 2017. Photo credit: James Mackeddie

2. Poles apart!

Most of the top European mountain runners use poles during VK races. That said, you don’t have to run with them! Poles help to balance your centre of gravity and are advantageous when gradients become much steeper, but only if you know how and when to use them. Personally, I’m no expert with poles, but I would recommend trying them if you’re serious about improving your climbing performance, particularly on the steeper VK courses. You will need to practice your technique before using them during a race. Check out this blog by Ian Corless for some handy tips. 

3. Strength exercises!

All the best runners have a super strong core. It’s what drives everything during exercise and is essential when you’re climbing the hills. If you improve your core strength, it will help to improve your technique and ultimately this have a positive impact on your results. You don’t even need to go to a gym to improve your core strength, as exercises can be done in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Try and challenge yourself to doing a certain amount planks, sit ups, press ups, burpees etc. daily or a few times a week. There are lots of websites that provide good ideas and guidance on core and cross workouts for runners.

The more consistently you train, the easier it gets. My good friend, Peter Maksimow, Team USA international trail and mountain runner, has the perfect daily routine – 15 minutes of planking, 50 pull-ups, along with 160 pushups (2 sets of 80-with and narrow stance) and 320 sit-ups/crunches (varying types). His plank record is 2hrs 22min 22sec and he admits to drinking several beers during that time. No matter what he’s doing, or where he is in the world, he will always make sure he completes these exercises – even if it means planking on the floor in an airport!

Most importantly, you need a strong pair of legs for competing in Vertical Kilometer® races. Exercises such as lunges, calf raises, leg press, leg extension, squats and box jumps are all great ways to help improve your leg strength. Check out this simple strength plan from Runners World if you need a few handy tips.

4. Treat your feet!

Running light = running fast in the world of Vertical Kilometer®. So it’s incredibly important to wear and use the right kit – this includes clothing, poles and especially shoes! My top recommendations are the inov-8 X-Talon 210 and the Hoka Evo Jawz. Both are incredibly lightweight and have unbeatable grip, especially the former.

Also look out for the new inov-8 X-Talon G 235 shoes, available to buy at Sportsshoes.com from the beginning of December 2019. They share the same incredible grip as the 210 model, but with the addition of graphene in the sole, meaning they will last up to 50% longer. The uppers are also more durable, with greater protection from sharp rocks. They are my perfect choice for VK racing!

The Puig Campana VK, 2019.

5. Have fun!

Choosing and racing a Vertical Kilometer® is tons of fun! There are loads of races to choose from and it will give you a great opportunity to visit somewhere new and exciting.

You don’t always need to race either. Some VK routes, like the 1000m climb to the summit of Puig Campana, in Alicante Spain, is marked with permanent signs. You can have a go at your own leisure, without having to compete in a race environment. Visit the official website of Vertical Kilometer® World Circuit to see the official fixtures for next season, or check out this blog on the Trail and Kale website, for some top VK recommendations.

Finally, just a word of caution…VK’s can be addictive and can seriously improve your health!

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I’m not the greatest runner in the world and nor do I claim to be. In fact the more I think about it, I’m not even the fastest person in my house. But fear not, I do know a few things about the sport and I can spin a good yarn – it’s safe to say that I have more than a few stories to tell.

Over the last 15 years, I’ve competed in some pretty epic races, visited some amazing countries, ran up and down some spectacular mountains, and I’ve trained and raced with the very best mountain runners in the world. So if you fancy a few training tips, travel advice, or just simply enjoy listening to tales of adventure (mostly amusing and self-deprecating), then this event on Tuesday 12th of March, at the Ellis Brigham store in Manchester at 7pm, might just be of interest…

https://www.evensi.uk/fell-running-obsession-mounsey-ellis-brigham-mountain-sports/291215234

Andy Jackson Photography

The new MUDCLAW G 260 is inov-8’s latest running shoe to utilise graphene – the planet’s strongest material.

200 times stronger than steel, graphene has been infused into the rubber outsoles, making the 8mm studs stronger, more elastic and harder wearing.

In June 2018, I was given a prototype pair of the MUDCLAW G 260 and asked to see how many running miles I could put into them. Seven months later, I’ve managed to rack up a mammoth 1,100+ miles and counting (see photo above).

The revolutionary graphene-enhanced rubber compound used in the outsole of my prototype pair is the same used in the final version of the MUDCLAW G 260, which is on sale now at inov-8.com and via selected retailers. The only changes are in the upper of the shoe, where, following more rigorous testing, inov-8 have used our most durable materials to date.

MOUNSEY VS MUDCLAW

As a brand ambassador for inov-8, I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the testing and development process for the new inov-8 MUDCLAW G 260.

Initially, I tested a number of different prototypes, before receiving a pair in June 2018 that I’ve been wearing for the last seven months.

It is worth pointing out that the shoes I tested were prototypes, so while the rubber outsole compound has not changed, there have been some changes to improve the upper materials for the final production model that is now on sale.

The first thing I noticed about the shoes was how super-comfortable they were. I have what I think are fairly normal shaped feet, perhaps a little skinny, but not too much. From that first feel, I instantly knew these were shoes I could use for both training and racing.

The grip is the most aggressive I’ve ever seen and the best I’ve ever tested. It’s given me more confidence than ever before to attack any type of descent.

With the sticky rubber having been infused with graphene and promises made that these outsoles would go the distance, I was super-keen to test their durability and lifespan. I wanted to see if they could cope with the rigorous demands of fell, mountain and trail running, and, of course, a high volume of mileage, all of which I logged on my Strava account.

In fact, I saw the opportunity of testing these shoes as something of a personal challenge – could I use them enough to the point where they might actually wear out!? And so the battle began, Mounsey vs Mudclaw.

Over the last seven months my trusty pair of prototypes have travelled with me all across Europe. I’ve tested them on all types of terrain – from the hard, rocky ground of the Italian Dolomites to the snowy mountain peaks of the Swiss Alps, the loose, rough rock slopes of Mount Vesuvius and, of course, the soft, muddy fells of the UK’s Lake District.

Most recently, I wore them to complete the Dales Way (UK) – and 81-mile trail (muddy in places) from Ilkley in Yorkshire to Bowness in Cumbria. It was an easy decision to make – there is no other shoe that offers the same grip, comfort, grip and durability.

I know, yes, I’m an inov-8 ambassador and I rave about the brand’s products, but honestly, these are my favourite ever inov-8 running shoes. They are also the first and only pair I haven’t been able to wear out!

7 months, 1123 miles, 8 countries, 15 races, 226 runs, all weather, all terrain, 1 shoe

The MUDCLAW G 260 shoes with revolutionary graphene infused (G-Grip) rubber outsoles, weigh just 260g, feature a 4mm drop (heel-to-toe differential) and a snug inner fit for foot stability. The super durable graphene-enhanced studs (which look more like fangs) claw through mud and soft ground, while also moulding and sticking to rocky, wet terrain.

The shoes are perfect for trail and fell runners, as well as obstacle course racers, orienteers and cross-country runners, all of whom compete in muddy underfoot conditions.

Runner’s World (UK) have just published their ‘first impressions’ review of the shoes. ‘When the apocalypse finally arrives, only cockroaches, Keith Richards and the inov-8 Mudclaw G 260 will survive’ – read it HERE.

SHOP MUDCLAW G 260

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The inov-8 #GetAPic Sport Photo Competition 2018

I’m delighted to announce, that the winner of the inov-8 #GetAPic Sport Photo Competition 2018 is…

JIM HARRIS

For his beautiful photograph of a Bob Graham Round attempt, capturing runners as they climb the super-steep Steel Fell, from Dunmail Raise, in the Lake District.

A HUGE thanks to all those who entered, it was a very hard decision for the panels of judges to make. Of course, another HUGE thanks to inov-8 and James Appleton for providing the prizes and supporting the competition

Here are all the entries…

1. LEWIS DEAN – ‘Sheep are great on the descent!’

Underskiddaw, Keswick (6th July 2018)

This was my first visit to the Lakes, I was absolutely astonished. Couldn’t believe and kept saying to myself, this is on my doorstep. I was there as a result of supporting my first Bob Graham Round, I was doing legs 1 and 2. I possibly pushed myself a little hard on the climbs to get ahead of the other chaps so I could try and snap a few photos. I felt like a tourist, which I suppose I was, it was incredible. This photo takes me back to climbing Skiddaw and I just felt incredibly blessed. I took a few more, but this one truly resonates with me and takes me back to that very first time in the Lakes.

 

2. LEWIS DEAN – ‘Dark side of Blencathra!’

Threlkeld, Keswick (6th of July 2018)

Looking back and just seeing a silhouette of the mountain ridge looked incredible. Again, I feel a wave of nostalgia creeping over me as I look back on these photos. We were so lucky with the weather that day, no boggy terrain whatsoever, just dry ground underfoot making for an incredible descent. I was once again, having to speed up to catch the others as I was just completely overwhelmed by the beauty I was engulfed by as we made way into the ‘valley’.

 

3. LEWIS DEAN – ‘Be careful, disused mines ahead!’

Belmont, England (20th of November 2018)

I’m not great with self-navigation and especially when it concerns a map and compass. I was attempting to traverse with a map and compass and a little memory of the Rivington Pike Marathon route. Needless to say I got lost and wondered into heavy marshland where I felt at any moment I could sink under the ground and be lost for ever. It was particularly concerning when I hit a sign that warned me of disused mines ahead, I soon found comfort in the GPS of my phone and wandered back to a safe track. This photo reminds me of that moment, realising, I’m incredibly inexperienced and have a lot to learn. I would begin to think further about how I’d be truly out of my depth should I have been in a location further a field, lost in complete wilderness without the means to find my way back. It’s allowed me to truly sit back and reflect on how I’ll need to gain more exposure to events like that, being uncomfortable is truly the feeling of learning. Here’s to 2019 and the year I’m able to confidently and comfortably navigate using a map and compass!

 

4. FINLAY GRANT – Upper Swaledale Valley (30th August 2018)

Photo of the village of Reeth and the Lower Swaledale valley on a warm-up run of the course for the Reeth Show fell race, which I ran later in the day.

 

5. FINLAY GRANT – Reeth (27th August 2018)

Photo of me and the Upper Swaledale valley in the distance from the summit of great shunner fell on a training run to the summit and back again.

 

6. ADAM OLIVER – Helm Hill, Kendal (31st October 2018)

 

 

7. PAUL HAIGH – ‘One man and his dog’.

Luddenden Valley, Calderdale (16th December 2018)

 

 

8. PAUL HAIGH – The Calder Valley (18th October 2018)

Coming down from Crow Hill, Calder Valley, just after sunrise at 8am, with cloud still lingering on the hills.

 

 

9. EUAN BRENNAN – Scotland, 2018

 

10. EUAN BRENNAN – Scotland, 2018

 

11. EUAN BRENNAN – The Alps, 2018

 

12. STUART COWAN – Screel Hill and Bengairn, Scotland (17th December 2018)

Photo taken during a morning hill run over Screel Hill and Bengairn near Palnackie in Dumfries and Galloway. The view is looking towards the Solway Firth, Hestan Island and Auchencairn Bay.

 

13. STEPHEN SMITH – ‘The Mass Start’

Wainstalls Road, Calderdale (20th May 2018)

 

 

 

 

 

18. DAVE MIDDLEMASS – Sunrise on Latrigg (15th November 2018)

19. DAVE MIDDLEMASS – Panorama of Chevin Chase crowds (26th December 2018)

 

 

20. DAVE MIDDLEMASS – Kilnsey, Yorkshire Dales (28th August 2018)

Start of Kilnsey Crag Fell Race from the top of ‘The Chimney’.

I wanted to recce a coastal trail route so grabbed a new running friend and me, plus a generation, AKA my mum, and headed to the Jurassic Coast on a sunny November morning. We ran along the undulating South West Coast Path from Lulworth Cove, passed Durdle Door and I snapped this picture (out of breath and on my iPhone!) of them climbing the hill nattering away and admiring the view! Just as well we did because when we came back for the race a couple of weeks later we could’t see the sea it was so misty!

 

 

22. BRYN EVANS – Sunset at the Round Rotherham (20th October 2018)

The nerves of my longest ever run were eased by a beautiful sunrise as the settled fog started to disperse. It set up a lovely long day of plodding.

 

 

23. BRYN EVANS – The Reward (28th December 2018)

 

 

26. KAMILLA KONCZ – The Lake District (28th December 2018)

The one with the gingerbread was taken on 28 December during a hike around Elterwater, Hodge Close and Little Langdale. We had Christmas in the UK this year so I made some of my mum’s Hungarian gingerbread for a little taste of home.

 

 

27. KAMILLA KONCZ – The Hebden, Calderdale (January 2018)

This one with the snow was taken during The Hebden in January. There was so much mud too! It took me almost 7 hours to get around! Still going again this year, though…

 

 

28. RICH BALDWIN – The Bob Graham Round: Leg 4 (July 2018)

 

 

 

 

31. GERALD GRECH – Lost in Sestriere (29th August 2018)

The moment when I realised we were lost on a mountain bike trail in Valle Argentera, Sestriere, Italy at 2600m. The planned 2hour bike trip with 2French friends (father and son) who blindly trusted my guidance ended up in a gruelling 7 hour journey carrying our mountains bike through the woods including a very close encounter with an aggressive cow herd!

 

 

32. CHRIS MURRAY – Marsden Moor, Huddersfield (3rd February 2018)

 

 

 

34. CHRIS MURRAY –  Ogden Reservoir, Halifax (14th May 2018)

 

35. JEREMY DOUGHERTY –  Cadillac Mountain, USA (1st January 2018)

I live in Bar Harbor, Maine, USA, home of Acadia National Park which has steep, rugged, muddy mountains all clustered together, and surrounded by the ocean as we’re on a small island.  You can get in a great 50k with 20k in climbing here in about fifty different ways.
This is a pic from last new years day with local friends climbing of the highest peak on the eastern sea coast of the US, Cadillac Mountain.  It was 0 Celsius that morning and the surrounding ocean was full of sea smoke.  Nobody was in the park, but we are year round runners and embrace the elements here.  It gets real cold at times, but always beautiful.

 

36. JONATHAN COX –  Sgurr Alasdair, Isle of Skye (June 2018)

 

 

37. JONATHAN COX – near Annecy, French Alps (August 2018)

 

 

38. JONATHAN COX – near Annecy, French Alps (August 2018)

 

39. JIM HARRIS – Pennine Way (2018)

 

 

40. JIM HARRIS – Haworth, West Yorkshire (2018)

 

41. JIM HARRIS – Steel Fell, Lake District (2018)

 

 

42. SIMON WALKDEN – Grindleford Gallop Fell Race, (17th March 2018)

This picture is of my friend, Chris Marritt, as he braves the side winds on Baslow Edge, heading towards Curbar Gap in the Peak District. The race took place during the Beast from the East 2 and I think this photo sums up quite nicely just how brutal the -10C windchill was during this section of the race!

 

 

43. SIMON WALKDEN – Blacka Moor, Sheffield (4th May 2018)

 

 

 

44. SIMON WALKDEN – Higga Tor, Peak District (21st July 2018)

This is a photograph from a rare run with my 13 year old son, Sam, who took great delight in showing his Dad how easy it is to run up the steep hills! Here he is, showboating, by leaping off a boulder as we ran along the top of Higger Tor on our way back to Burbage Bridge and Stanage Edge.

 

 

45. PAUL HAIGH – Westminster Bridge, London (30th January 2018)

This captures London in a nutshell. Went for a jog along the river after work and came up with this by chance. Love just fitting in running wherever I can.

 

 

46. JOCASTA FLETCHER – Sa Calobra, Mallorca (13th October 2018)

Boiling hot weather 100+km ride , 2000m + of ascent. What goes down – always goes back up in cycling. Glad I live in Calderdale as prep for these hills! If you can cycling in Yorkshire you can cycle anywhere!

 

47. JOCASTA FLETCHER – Northton, Isle of Harris (31st May 2018)

A morning run along the 5 beaches to the temple under the shadow of Chaipaval – off day during our family cycle adventure doing the Hebridean Way.

 

 

48. OLIVER BLOMFIELD – “Chasing sunsets”

Arthur’s Pike, (18th November 2018)

 

 

49. PAUL MYERS – UNKNOWN LOCATION (2018)

First outing in the inov-8 Mudclaws.

 

 

50. PAUL MYERS – UNKNOWN LOCATION (2018)

 

 

51. PAUL MYERS – UNKNOWN LOCATION (2018)

Just the perfect day for running!

 

52. JAMES WILLIAMSON – “Snowhere i’d rather be”

Skiddaw, Lake District (8th January 2018)

Dawn raid of Leg 1 BGR, heading for Skiddaw, looking towards Blencathra.

 

 

53. JAMES WILLIAMSON – “I see a little silhouetto of a man…”

Bob Graham – Leg 3, Lake District (26th March 2018)

 

 

54. JAMES WILLIAMSON – “Walla, walla, walla!…ooooh”

Walla Crag, Lake District (8th March 2018)

Walla Crag, looking over Derwent Water towards Catbells.

 

55. MATT KAY – Buckstones, West Yorkshire (2018)

A brief respite when the Beast from the East came. Nearly lost my fingers to get back home, but nice pic all the same. Wearing inov-8 Roclites too, if that gets bonus points?

 

 

56. MATT BARKER – Loughrigg Fell, Lake District (14th October 2018)

Taken on the climb out of Ambleside.

 

57. KRIS LEE – Andorra (19th February 2018)

Skiing in Andorra, my faithful Mudclaw 300s to keep me upright when not on my skis.

 

 

58. KRIS LEE – UNKNOWN LOCATION (2018)

A lovely summer run out in my inov-8 Roclite 290s.

 

 

59. KRIS LEE – Langdale, Lake District (13th October 2018)

Free shoe cleaning service at the end of the Langdale Horseshoe race.

 

60. CALVIN FERGUSON – “Three Wise Men on a Bob (Graham)”

Lake District (28th July 2018)

Myself (taking the photo), Andrew Britton & Stuart Russell supporting Mike Clayton on his Bob Graham Round attempt. Glorious views down the valley.

 

 

61. JON BURDON – Holme Valley (2018)

 

62. APOLLO KWOK – “Waiting for Kilian”

Great Gable, Lake District (2018)

 

 

63. APOLLO KWOK – Great Rigg, Lake District (2018)

 

 

64. APOLLO KWOK – West Wall Traverse (2018)

 

65. MATT KAY – Dovestones (20th October 2018)

Out on the tops and looking down on the reservoir below.

 

66. MATT KAY – Turley Cote Lane (10th June 2018)

Sunny recovery run, snapped this one when out taking my time and just enjoying the views.

 

 

67. ALUN WOOD- “Morning views”

The Lake District (12th May 2018)

Waking up to this on a recce of the lakes 10 peaks on 12/05/18. Between Esk pike and Great End.

 

 

68. ALUN WOOD- “Lonely Shepherd”

Gilwern Valley, Brecon Beacons (17th July 2018)

Looking toward Sugarloaf mountain (wales) from the Gilwern valley on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

 

 

69. ALUN WOOD- “Sunset Fan”

Pen-Y-Fan, Brecon Beacons (23rd October 2018)

Evening run after work up and over Pen-Y-Fan and Corn Du in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

 

70. DAVID SEARLE- Old Man of Coniston, Lake District (2018)

This was taken descending the Old man of Coniston. Myself and a friend went to support another guy racing Lakeland 50 and he only went and won. We went for a run in the morning whilst waiting for the race to start and the clag cleared on the descent.

 

 

71. DAVID SEARLE- South West Coast (2018)

This was taken on the South West Coast path near Soar Mill Cove. It was a chilly moody autumnal day with a strong offshore wind. Very invigorating.

 

 

72. DAVID SEARLE- Devon (2018)

Running the ridge at Start point lighthouse in Devon at sunrise. Its one of my favourite spots to watch the new day break before a run. The coast path can be stunning and challenging at the same time.

 

 

73. MATTHEW BARKER- Lake Windermere (14th October 2018)

Lake Windermere spills over.

 

 

74. MATTHEW BARKER- Ruskin View (23rd June 2018)

Ruskin view after a steep-stepped climb to graveyard.

 

75. ANDREW BRITTON – “The Last Waltz”

Stair, Lake District (21st April 2018)

 

 

76. ANDREW BRITTON – Newlands Valley, Lake District (21st April 2018)

Anniversary Waltz 2018

 

 

77. ANDREW BRITTON – Stickle Tarn, Lake District (17th February 2018)

 

 

78. WILLIAM LAYE – L’Argentine, Switzerland (July 2018)

It was particularly striking as coming around into the second half of the loop, as you’re treated to a brilliant contrast of lush fields and imposing rock faces. An extra treat was my first sighting of a Marmot and the strange scream they give out when they see you! An amazing area to visit and so many brilliant trails to run.

 

 

79. WILLIAM LAYE – High Street, Lake District (March 2018)

Coming off High Street, completing the Kentmere Horseshoe route, whilst fending off the ‘Beast from the East 2’, in March. I’d never seen horizontal icicles before which completely engulfed cairns on the higher reaches. A route with a lot of bang for your buck, its just a shame I didn’t bring a sled to keep up with Emma! Perhaps even a bungee cord next time and she could pull me!

 

 

80. WILLIAM LAYE – Langdale, Lake District (March 2018)

Possibly my favourite place in the world – Langdale. First day out in sub zero temperatures with a fierce, biting wind. We traversed the modest Lingmoor, from the sheltered south side then quickly took cover behind that majestic wall. I’m ever in awe of the sheer beauty, quality and organic nature of Lakeland walls. A skill that’s thinner on the ground and a real craft that we shouldn’t take for granted. I love this picture as it captures all that’s beautiful in that area (except perhaps the warm retreat of the the Langdale pubs!) – Lingmoor, the perfect viewing platform.

 

 

81. DANAE DUMONTET – Upper Joffre Lake, British Columbia, Canada (4th November 2018)

A run through Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, eventually presented us with this unique perspective of Upper Joffre Lake’s emerald waters. If you look really closely, you can see two people paddle boarding down there!  

 

 

 

 

86. JAMIE MCILVENNY – “Sunset on The Fellsman”

The Yorkshire Dales (28th April 2018) 

My main target race of 2018 and what a great experience. My camera was away for most of it to concentrate on the run but couldn’t resist a quick snap as the Sun goes down over the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, leaving the beast of Fleet Moss and Beyond into the night ahead.

 

87. JOCASTA FLETCHER – Grasmere, Lake District (2nd July 2018)

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Scotland.

Rugged, wild and free.

It’s difficult to summarise a country in just 3 words, but hard pushed, I’d struggle to find a more concise and fitting description.

Those that know me, are aware of how much I love to travel. Italy being my obvious destination of choice. In my opinion, there is nowhere better in comparison, especially if you share my passion for the mountains. But perhaps I should have looked a little closer to home? I am, after all, a fell runner. I was born to run in the hills and mountains of Great Britain. The sport I love was forged in this environment. So what better place to visit than Scotland.

Pictured above: Running in the Isle of Skye (April 2018), with the famous Cuillin ridge looming in the distance.

Scotland boasts the highest mountains in the UK and has produced some of the greatest ever mountain runners that Britain has ever seen – Angela Mudge, Robbie Simpson, Andrew Douglas and Finlay Wild, to name but a few. So it was something of a New Year’s resolution of mine to discover a little bit more of this amazing country.

In January of 2018, I drove to the Isle of Mull. I was amazed by its beauty and it left me wanting more. In April, I decided to return to the north. I was desperate to see what the rest of the Scottish Islands had to offer and the Isle of Skye was at the very top of my list. It came with a flood of recommendations, my friends would always mention it during conversation. Many legends of our sport have previously graced its rugged landscape. I was treading in the footsteps of giants. No more so than the great Finlay Wild. An 8-times winner of the Ben Nevis fell race and renowned for his fell running prowess. A man with a reputation that proceeds him.

In this adapted extract from The Mountains are Calling, Finlay Wild, Scotland’s pre-eminent hill runner, is attempting to break the record for the fastest traverse of the notorious ridge line of the Black Cuillin.

Pictured above: The great Finlay Wild.

Finlay Wild stood on the summit of Sgùrr nan Gillean, the northern culmination of the Black Cuillin of Skye. The scree fountain of Glamaig across the deep trough of Glen Sligachan gleamed in dazzling sunlight; islands punctuated the glittering glass of the Inner Sound; away in the east, Ben Nevis stared impassively. The transcendent world of the so-called Isle of Mist was at harmony. The runner was not. He looked back along the ridge he had just negotiated – an eight-mile scythe of alpine pinnacles and splintered crags, flanked by plunging gullies. There is no greater examination in British mountaineering; it is, as Sir Walter Scott noted, unrivalled in its ‘desolate sublimity’. Finlay – a twenty-nine-year-old GP from Fort William, unknown outside the clique of hill running – had beaten the ‘unbeatable’, becoming the fastest to traverse the ridge, but something did not feel right. Doubt crowded his mind.

Starting from where it had all begun on Gars-bheinn, he traced the twisting blade of the ridge, silently counting mountains. His eyes lingered on Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich, the fourth of the eleven Munro summits. A surge of uncertainty. Finlay pulled out a flip book of summit diagrams, leafing through the pages until he located Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich. He looked hard at the drawing, then raised his eyes to gaze again at the mountain. A very simple question burst from his subconscious: had he touched the pile of stones on the 948-metre highest point? He had certainly climbed the peak; the spine of the central ridge made that unavoidable. The cairn though? Had he put his hand on it?

As Finlay descended, first to a road, then along a glen, the ridge now over his left shoulder, his mind dwelt on that airy crest. While he was unable to convince himself that he had touched the cairn, nor could he be sure he had not. His parents and a group of friends were waiting at Glenbrittle, ready to congratulate him. ‘I wasn’t, “yeah, I’ve done it”,’ Finlay remembered. ‘I said that I’ve kind of done it, but I need to check something. Basically, I got away from there as soon as I could and walked back up to the summit. That gave me time to think: what will I do if I haven’t touched it?’

Finlay clambered into the glaciated bowl of Coire Làgan, where vast chutes of scree cascade from a cirque of astonishing mountains. To the right was Sgùrr Alasdair, the acme of Skye; to the left, the shark’s fin of the Inaccessible Pinnacle; between them was the steep sliver of Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich, its west face forming the gigantic headwall of Coire Làgan. Scrambling up West Buttress, he made directly for the summit. Once on the ridge, the vista opened: mountains were everywhere; the islands of Eigg and Rum reared immaculate from the sea. It was the sort of day when you may have been able to glimpse the dark dots of the St Kilda archipelago, pitched some 100 miles to the west, jostled by the Atlantic swell.

Finlay was only looking to a summit of slabby rocks. Concreted to the cairn on Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich is a sixty-year-old plaque dedicated to climber Lewis Macdonald. Before it was shattered by lightning, a couplet read: ‘To one whose hands these rocks has grasped, the joys of climbing unsurpassed.’ Finlay knew before he got there. Unlike Macdonald, he had not grasped these rocks.

Desperately searching for a reason, Finlay began to piece together what had happened, why it had happened. He had approached the summit on a marginally different line to previous ascents – a common occurrence on the technical ground of the Cuillin. The newness must have momentarily disorientated him. Unconsciously, Finlay ran past the top, his mind already preparing for the difficulties ahead, principally the basalt-rudder of the Inaccessible Pinnacle and the six-storey down-climb from its top.

The summit of Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich had been ten metres away, amounting to a single metre of height gain. ‘Five seconds,’ Finlay said ruefully.

Finlay’s ambitions hinged on a decision of conscience. ‘The weird thing was that I knew I had done it, but at the same time, parallel to that, I knew I couldn’t claim it the way I had done it,’ he said. Finlay could have been excused for erring, for prevaricating. It was five seconds. The oversight was not deliberate. He had done everything else by the book: adhering to a set of standards enshrined by one-time record holder Andy Hyslop, demanding the contender visits the eleven Munros and two further summits, as well as undertaking four technical and exposed sections of rock climbing. Furthermore, to avoid any doubt over the record’s validity, Finlay had been taking splits at every summit on two watches. In races and mountain marathons there are marshals or checkpoints to ensure competitors do not – for want of a better word – cheat.

‘No-one is policing this traverse,’ Finlay said. ‘These things are done on trust. It is totally on your own conscience.’

Ultimately, there was no doubt, no debate. By strict definition, he had not summited Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich. It was five seconds but it could have been one, for if Finlay had not summited Sgùrr Mhic Choinnich, not gone as high as is physically possible, then he had not traversed the ridge. There could be no record. Not today.

It was a gesture that symbolised the ethos of his sport: nothing was more important than doing things the right way.

The Mountains are Calling, by Jonny Muir

Jonny Muir was a nine-year-old boy when the silhouette of a lone runner in the glow of sunset on the Malvern Hills caught his eye. A fascination for running in high places was born – a fascination that would direct him to Scotland. Running and racing, from the Borders to the Highlands, and the Hebrides to the hills of Edinburgh, Jonny became the mountainside silhouette that first inspired him.

His exploits inevitably led to Scotland’s supreme test of hill running: Ramsay’s Round, a daunting 60-mile circuit of twenty-four mountains, climbing the equivalent height of Mount Everest and culminating on Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak – to be completed within twenty-four hours.

While Ramsay’s Round demands extraordinary endurance, the challenge is underpinned by simplicity and tradition, in a sport largely untainted by commercialism. The Mountains are Calling is the story of that sport in Scotland, charting its evolution over half a century, heralding its characters and the culture that has grown around them, and ultimately capturing the irresistible appeal of running in high places.

Pictured above: The author, Jonny Muir

Jonny Muir is a runner, writer and teacher, and The Mountains are Calling, published by Sandstone Press, is his fourth book. A runner since his school days, Jonny ran and raced on road, track and trail before receiving a calling to the mountains. Since then, he has run extensively in the British hills and mountains, and has completed the Bob Graham Round and Ramsay’s Round.

http://heightsofmadness.com

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