South African Skyrunning Association

Skyrunning UK announce the 3x3ULTRA

2014-01-13T23:40:00.002-08:00

A new year and what better way to start than with the announcement of the first race in the new Skyrunning UK ‘Skyrunner® National Series’ – the ‘3x3ULTRA’ by High Terrain Events.Over 4000m (13,000ft) of ascent await participants of the 3x3Ultra. “It’s an opportunity to cover three classic Lakeland peaks in an accumulative distance of 80km’s”, says High Terrain Events race director, Ian Mulvey.

Salomon athlete, Ricky Lightfoot (IAU World Trail Champion 2013 and Otter course record holder) has been instrumental in combining his skills and knowledge in designing a course that will bring Skyrunning UK an event that ultimately will create the perfect flagship for the Skyrunner® National Series (SNS) within the UK.

Based on the classic ‘Lakes 3000’s’ the 80km route will include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Skiddaw. An amazing circular route over the best mountains available within the UK, it promises to be a tough challenge.

Lauri van Houten, executive director for the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) has been instrumental in providing the backing and support to enable Skyrunning UK to become a reality. When asked about Skyrunning in the UK, Lauri had this to say:

“Some of the world’s top athletes come from the UK! Andy Symonds, Tom Owens, Ricky Lightfoot, Robbie Simpson, Tessa Hill, Anna Lupton and past SWS (Skyrunner World Series) Champions Angela Mudge and Rob Jebb... British races are known for being tough and challenging. Skyrunning captures the spirit and tough technical challenges runners are looking for today. That’s the ‘feel’ we’d like to bring to the UK.”

The race route combines all the elements of a classic Lakeland run with aspects of European racing. “Skyrunning UK offers a great opportunity, we already have the main ingredients; technical terrain, beautiful mountains and hills” said Tom Owens (UK based Salomon athlete) “The UK has brilliant and committed athletes who love racing. We may not have the required altitude that a Skyrunning race would require in Europe but this is compensated for with the amount and steepness of climb that we can accumulate over distance, the 3x3Ultra is a great example of this.”

No stranger to Skyrunning, Salomon International athlete, Andy Symonds has performed with the best-of-the-best all over Europe, his podium finish at Transvulcania La Palma in 2012 a particular highlight also offered his approval of the 3x3Ultra:

"Skyrunning is about running high up on rough ground. Getting up, over and along big mountains with big views. The 3x3Ultra does just that and it's great to see it finalized on the all new Skyrunning UK calendar, it’s an exciting time".

The Skyrunner® National Series will bring a new race series to the UK. Made up of five races in each category (Sky and Ultra), runners will accumulate ranking points by competing in at least three out of five races over the SkyRace® and Ultra SkyMarathon® distances. Respective male and female winners of the ‘SNS’ in 2015 will be rewarded with the ultimate prize; not only they will they be crowned champions of the ‘SNS’ but they will also receive the opportunity to race in the final of the Skyrunner® World Series.

Ian Corless, director for Skyrunning UK has been working for months in conjunction with the ISF Athlete Commission to bring this moment to fruition, “It’s about progression and development. Having witnessed Skyrunning from every level for the past 2-years and seen the growth, the excitement, the opportunities; to not be part of this in the UK would be a shame. The sport is growing at all levels. In time I hope we will have a series of UK based Skyrunning teams similar to the model that inov-8 have created. A Skyrunning National Series will provide not only a great structure for the sport but it will also provide a springboard for UK athletes to race in other countries but equally, we hope to attract foreign athletes to race on home soil. The announcement of the 3x3Ultra clearly states our intentions for what a Skyrunning event should be in the UK.”

Lauri van Houten continues, “The only setback has been the difficulty in finding the right person to represent Skyrunning in the UK and bring it in line with other countries. It’s been hard to find a replacement but Ian Corless has embodied that and with his contacts and know-how we’re confident he’ll pull a great movement together.”

The stage is set for the 3x3Ultra.

Ian Mulvey, race director for the 3x3Ultra explained his thoughts and vision:

“It will showcase what we have to offer in the UK and hopefully attract international runners enabling the top UK athletes to race against the world's best on their home terrain.”

When asked about the benefits Skyrunning will bring to the UK race circuit, Ian replied:

“Having raced in Europe I can see the potential of bringing Skyrunning to the UK. In terms of raising the profile of UK ultra running, I think this will take ultra running to the next level and give us recognition on an international scale. Now is the perfect time for this type of event, runners are looking for tougher challenges to strive for. Being part of the Skyrunning UK series I hope will raise the profile of the event & attract international athletes.”

Seize the opportunity now and sign up for what will become an iconic Skyrunning UK event.

Enter online here: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=1222

Chairman's Report - 2013

2013-12-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

What an amazing year 2013 has been for South African skyrunning. As we move forward into 2014, I'd like to reflect on some of the exciting developments that have dramatically changed the landscape and have set the South African Skyrunning Association (SASA) up for an exciting future on the local and global stage.

Earlier this year, due to the increasing interest in the sport globally, local and international media outlets began avidly profiling the prospects of skyrunning on the African continent, allowing the association to gain some fantastic momentum amongst the local off-road running community in the build up to the first sanctioned event on the calendar, the Matroosberg SkyMarathon®, in late October. With the resounding success of South Africa's first SkyMarathon®, the focus then shifted to the Lesotho Ultra Trail in November, Africa's first Ultra SkyMarathon®, and the imminent announcement of the 2014 national skyrunning circuit shortly thereafter.

We also had the launching of two newly sanctioned races, the Ingeli SkyMarathon® in KwaZulu-Natal in April (organised by KZN Trail Running), and the Hogsback SkyMarathon® in the Eastern Cape in May (organised by Backyard Adventures, more details coming soon), the 2014 national skyrunning circuit will include 4 events offering runners the opportunity to compete in a minimum of three of these races to gain valuable ranking points on the road to crowning of the national skyrunning champion at the end of the season.

Much like a Formula 1 drivers championship, skyrunners will receive ranking points at each race they participate in. A maximum of 100 runners in 2014 will receive these points with the top male and female skyrunner claiming the ultimate prize, the national skyrunner champions crown and the chance to compete in the World Skyrunner® Series finals amongst some of the best skyrunners in the world.

On a corporate note, I'd also like to welcome Trappers as the association's official retail partner on our member benefits scheme from 2014. Look out for great deals and discounts when you join as member in 2014 and beyond.

Coupled with the local developments, the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) have also been hard at work preparing for the upcoming SkyrunningWorld Championships in Chamonix, France which takes place in June next year. Through the inclusion of South Africa into these championships, the Ingeli SkyMarathon® has been announced as the national selection race to send a four-person team (one male, one female) to compete in the SkyMarathon® event.

In closing, I'd like to thank all of the people who have shown their support of SASA in 2013, especially to Andrew Booth (KZN Trail Running) and Ghaleed Nortje (Running The Cape) who have embraced the skyrunning concept and produced two world-class events this year, as well as to the SASA board for their ongoing committment to the association.

To all the runners out there interested in being a part of #SkyrunningMzansi, all I can say is look out for our members applications opening soon and get ready for an exciting 2014 ahead.

We'll see you in KwaZulu-Natal in April.

James Hallett
SASA Chairman

Lesotho Ultra Trail Wrap Up

2013-12-11T07:18:00.001-08:00

Runners from all over South Africa, as well as an international contingent from Belgium, Australia, Spain, North America, Britain and Canada, descended upon Maliba Mountain Lodge in the heart of the Maluti Mountains on Friday 29th November to participate in the Lesotho Ultra Trail – Africa's first Ultra SkyMarathon® - presented by The North Face and KZN Trail Running.

Stormy weather in the days preceding the race kept organisers and Maliba Mountain Lodge staff on their toes as final preparations were made.

“The mountains are unpredictable as was the build up to race day,” commented race director Andrew Booth of KZN Trail Running. “We had to work around the afternoon thunderstorms when marking and do as much as we could in advance to ensure we were ready for crunch time. Having some of the elite athletes at Maliba days before the race added immensely to the vibe. We knew what we where working for, the event had huge potential and we had to pull it off.”

As the sun rose slowly above the Maluti Mountains on Saturday 30th November, Africa's first Ultra SkyMarathon® got under way, with many of the runners merely soaking up the experience of their first ever trip to the “Mountain Kingdom.”

At the sharp end of the race however, a handful of South Africa's top runners, including Lucky Mia, AJ Calitz and Iain Don Wauchope, began to set a blazing pace early on, drawing in a 6-man leading pack which also included overall winner Andrew Hagen. An exciting women's field, including up-and-coming Canadian ultra trail runner Stacie Carrigan, Robyn Kime, Su Don Wauchope and experienced local mountain runner Tracy Zunckel, were also running strongly and had begun to mould an interesting race for the women.

As the race entered the middle stages along the 3100m high ridge line above the Tsehlanyane National Park, heavy cloud reduced visibility to mere meters making for extremely difficult running conditions. A decision by the front three runners Mia, Calitz and Don Wauchope to press hard in the worsening weather, resulted in all three of them temporarily going off course. This opened the door for the chasing trio of Andrew Hagen, Quintin Honey and Spain's Manuel Diez-Roabago who managed to hold on to a commanding lead as they descended to the main aid station.

“The race did not unfold as predicted and some where hesitant to give the winner Andrew Hagen full credit for a race strategy that paid full dividends,” continues Booth. “But his presence on the mountain as one of the fastest descenders in the field put a lot of pressure on the favourites who knew they needed a decent time gap before the main descent.”

True to the saying “there is strength in numbers” many runners, including the top women's pack, maintained running in a group, slowing their pace slightly to remain on track in the tough conditions. It was only until the latter stages of the race where eventual race winners Andrew Hagen and Tracy Zunckel showed their metal, as they staved off a bold final effort from the likes of Manuel Diez-Raobago, Quintin Honey, Robyn Kime and Stacie Carrigan to take line honours in the men's and women's fields respectively.

With the announcement of the 2014 national South African skyrunning circuit shortly after race prize giving, which included the Lesotho Ultra Trail as the season finale, many commented that the race was set to become one of Africa's premier ultra events, paving the way for a bright future of off road running in the Maluti Mountains.

“There are simply too many people to thank,” stressed Booth. “It was the most dynamic and passionate team I have ever worked with and the event reflected that in every aspect, so much so that I cannot wait to get my teeth stuck into LUT2014.

Final Results

Men's top 5:

1. Andrew Hagen 6:07:22
2. Manuel Diez-Roabago 6:22:14 (SPAIN)
3. Quintin Honey 6:23:10
4. Lucky Mia 6:31:28
5. Iain Don Wauchope and AJ Calitz 6:53:39

Women's top 5:

1. Tracy Zunckel 6:56:17
2. Robyn Kime 7:07:28
3. Stacie Carrigan 7:23:36 (CANADA)
4. Gina Trealeaven 7:56:37
5. Julia Hackland 8:44:15

For more information, head to www.lesothoulratrail.com

Excitement is building for Africa’s first Ultra Skymarathon®

2013-11-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

The countdown has begun to Africa’s first Ultra Skymarathon®, the Lesotho Ultra Trail, on 30 November.

With just three weeks to go before the 55km ultra trail race through the Tsehlanyane National Park in the heart of Lesotho’s Maloti Mountains, anticipation is building amongst the trail running community for this, the second South Africa Skyrunning Association (SASA)-sanctioned event on the South African trail running calendar.

After the success of the Matroosberg Skymarathon® in October, skyrunning fever is running high, setting the ground for the imminent announcement of a national skyrunning series in 2014.

Sponsored by Race Food and The North Face, and hosted by Maliba Mountain Lodge, the Lesotho Ultra Trail will see a selection of South Africa’s best trail runners facing the challenge of an ultra-distance, high altitude course boasting more than three kilometres of vertical ascent, peaking at 3 155m above sea level.

Big names include South African trail star and winner of the Verdon Canyon Challenge in France AJ Calitz (K-Way/Vivobarefoot), mountain running legend and winner of the 2012 Otter African Trail Run Iain Don Wauchope (The North Face), 2013 SA Ultra Trail winner Nic de Beer, and Gauteng trail speedster Lucky Mia.

In the women’s field, Canadian ultra trail star Stacie Carrigan will be dicing the most competitive women's contingent of any southern African trail race to date, including Matroosberg Trail Challenge winner Robyn Kime (The North face), 2013 SA Ultra trail champ Tracy Zunckel (Race Food), 2011 Otter African Trail Run winner Su Don Wauchope (The North Face), SA ultra running legend Linda Doke (Salomon), Megan Mackenzie (Salomon), and Chantel Nienaber (Vivobarefoot).

With Lesotho offering world class skyrunning terrain, the Lesotho Ultra Trail promises to be an event not only worth every lung-burning breath, but is also set to become one of the continent's premier off-road ultras.

For more information about the race, visit www.lesothoultratrail.com of follow the race live via Twitter

SA gears up for first official Skymarathon®

2013-10-21T01:48:00.000-07:00

Excitement is building as the South African trail running community gears itself for the country’s first South African Skyrunning Association (SASA) sanctioned event, the Matroosberg Trail Challenge (MTC).

Staged in the Matroosberg Nature Reserve near Ceres in the Western Cape, the 36km race classifies as a Skymarathon®, in which runners will exceed an altitude of 2 000m, enduring inclines exceeding 30%, with climbing difficulties of less than 11 degrees.

Runners from across the country will be on the start line on Saturday 26 October, with big trail names like AJ Calitz, Nic de Beer, Ake Fagereng and Charl Soumer contending for the top positions, with the likes of Derrick Baard, Noel Ernstzen, Luke Powers, Michael Owen and Leo Rust in the chase group.

The women’s line up will be equally competitive, with Robin Kime, Linda Doke, Annemien Ganzevoort and Chantel Nienaber predicted to give each other a good run for their money.

SASA is an associate member of the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF), whose founder Marino Giacometti saw the birth of the sports discipline of skyrunning some 22 years ago. He believed the name spoke for itself – it was about running where earth and sky meet.

The MTC is the first of two SASA-sanctioned events in 2013. The much-awaited Lesotho Ultra Trail, southern Africa’s first Ultra Skymarathon®, will cover 55km in the Maluti Mountains in the Kingdom of Lesotho on 30 November. The starting line-up will boast one of the best ever fields in trail running in southern Africa, including Canadian ultra-distance trail runner of the year 2012 Adam Campbell.

Both races will form part of a national skyrunning circuit from 2014 – the details of which will be announced soon.

MTC race organiser Ghaleed Nortje is excited to have his race as the one that introduces local trail runners to skyrunning in South Africa.

“I’m really excited about the MTC being sanctioned by SASA, and by the prospect of it forming part of a national skyrunning circuit from 2014. Gone are the days when we trail runners had to drool over skyrunning events in Europe and the USA – our South African athletes can now be a part of the rich experience too, by participating in local skyrunning events,” says Nortje.

With just a few days to go before the race, all eyes are on the weather – just a fortnight ago the Matroosberg was still covered in snow. As with all mountain trail races, runners will be required to carry specific mandatory kit with them during the race to prepare for all weather eventualities.

To watch the action unfold come race day, follow the event on Twitter

Trail stars flock to South Africa’s first Skymarathon®

2013-10-03T03:25:00.000-07:00

The first South Africa Skymarathon®, which debuts on October 26 at Matroosberg Private Reserve in the Western Cape, has attracted the cream of the crop.

AJ Calitz, one of the country’s top trail runners, takes off as firm favourite, but will certainly not have things all his own way - other strong performers pose a stern challenge.

Calitz, a relative newcomer to trail running, has taken the sport by storm with several victories and new records including Puffer, Three Peaks Challenge and the Red Bull Lion Heart. He also triumphed in a 100km trail run in Verdon, in the Provencal district of France and last month finished third in a super strong field at The Otter, finishing inside the existing record.

Included in the chasing pack are SA Ultra Distance Champion and former Puffer winner Nic de Beer, SA trail team member Charl Souma and top local trail specialists, Noel Erntzen, Derrick Baard and Ake Fagereng. Last year’s winner, Michael Owen attempts a repeat.

The women’s event appears no less competitive with some serious talent looking to conquer the tough 36km course. Leading the field will be the experienced Linda Doke, adventure racer and 2013 Bat Run winner Annemien Ganzevoort, and Robyn Kime, 4x Dusi Canoe Champ and a rising star in trail running. Ingrid Peens, last year’s champion, will also line up at the start.

A Skymarathon® is a mountain race with a minimum of 2 000m in total elevation gain and between 30km - 42km over paths, trail, moraine, rock or snow; total asphalt must be less than 15% of the course.

“Skyrunning is hugely popular overseas, particularly in Europe,” says race director Ghaleed Nortje. “The Matroosberg is a perfect venue, with a summit at 2 249m, spectacular views, tough ascents and technical descents.”

Sponsors on board include VIVOBAREFOOT, Adventure Inc, Wintergreen, Protect, K-Way, Red Bull and Bio-oil; but Nortje seeks a title sponsor.

“There are many costs involved for such an event and we consider this is an outstanding opportunity for sponsors to become linked to Skyrunning; the sport, making its debut in Africa, will be massive here.”

The Witzenberg Municipality, in which the run falls, are also excited about the run and have offered full support for the event.

For more information, contact Ghaleed on runningthecape@gmail.com or 0828873011

Official Website: www.matroosbergtrailchallenge.co.za

South African Skyrunning Association: www.skyrunning.co.za

Skyrunning in South Africa scoops its first Skymarathon®

2013-05-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

The Philippe Loop, a view to remember

The South African Skyrunning Association (SASA) is excited to announce its next sanctioned event, the Matroosberg Trail Challenge, on 26 October 2013.

Organised by Running The Cape, the 36km race is set in the Matroosberg Private Nature reserve, two and half hours from Cape Town, near Ceres in the Western Cape.

With the race distance meeting the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) requirement of between 30km and 42km, and its elevation gain of 2 200m on mountainous 4x4 trails and rocky single track, the Matroosberg Trail Challenge qualifies as a Skymarathon®, guaranteeing a route packed with lung-burning climbs, incredible scenery and testing terrain.

As SASA’s second sanctioned skyrunning race, the event will be southern Africa’s first Skymarathon®, pioneering the way for South Africa’s first ever national skyrunning circuit.

The route of the Matroosberg Trail Challenge will take runners up to the 2 249m Matroosberg Peak, the second highest peak in the Western Cape. Runners will overlook the Bokkeveld, Ceres, Droë Hoek, Koue Bokkeveld, and the Ceres Karoo, with views of the Witzenberg, Cedarberg and Du Toitskloof Mountains.

A snowy contour at the 2012 race

October weather in the Western Cape often brings surprises, and the chance of cold weather could even give competitors the opportunity to run in snow.

Running The Cape’s Ghaleed Nortje is confident the route will challenge every runner, even the strongest and most experienced.

“For the privilege of having spectacular views, the route will make runners pay – they’ll have to negotiate mountainous terrain, very steep climbs and descents, high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. Near the top, the chance of snow will be good – a snow-covered track makes for smoother running, but will make the course even more challenging,” explains Nortje.

Nortje sees the event’s association with skyrunning in South Africa as a tremendous boost, not only for the race but for national trail running as a whole.

“I’m really excited about the MTC being sanctioned by SASA, and by the prospect of it forming part of a national skyrunning circuit from 2014. Gone are the days when we trail runners have to drool over skyrunning events in Europe and the USA – our South African athletes can now be a part of that rich experience too, by participating in local skyrunning events,” says Nortje.

Running above the clouds is part of the MTC experience

Being a SASA-sanctioned event, the Matroosberg Trail Challenge will also enjoy exposure to the international trail running community through SASA’s association with the ISF, potentially attracting athletes from outside of South Africa’s borders.

Defined as mountain running up to or exceeding 2 000m, where the incline exceeds 30% and where the climbing difficulty is not more than 11˚ gradient, the sport of skyrunning has taken the trail running world by storm in Europe, America and Asia over the past 20 years.

Skyrunning, a term coined by the ISF, is a discipline conceived by Italian mountaineer Marino Giacometti who, with a handful of fellow climbers during the early1990s, pioneered records and races on Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa in the Italian Alps.

Today, skyrunning has grown to span some 200 registered races worldwide, with about 30 000 participants from 54 countries.

Formed in 2011, SASA is an associate member of the ISF, and aims to promote and facilitate the growth of skyrunning in South Africa.

Event information will be posted towards the end of May, and entries will open during the second half of June 2013.

Lesotho Ultra Trail announces world class field

2013-05-10T00:29:00.002-07:00

Adam Campbell © Arc'teryx

On 30 November 2013, Skyrunners® from all over the world will toe the start line of the inaugural Lesotho Ultra Trail - Africa's first Ultra Skymarathon® - ready to tackle the 55km, high altitude course through the Tsehlanyane National Park in the heart of the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho.

As the event continues to attract the keen interest of both the local and international trail and skyrunning communities, four of the world's top international men's athletes have already confirmed their entry into the race. Americans Mike Wolfe (The North Face), winner of the 2012 Transvulcania Dakota Jones (Montrail/Clif Bar), and 2nd place finisher at the 2012 Hardrock 100 Joe Grant (INOV-8/Arc'teryx), will join 2012 Canadian ultra trail runner of the year Adam Campbell (Arc'teryx) in making the long trip across the Atlantic Ocean to go head to head with some of South Africa's best.

“One aspect that I love about mountain running is the opportunity to explore beautiful places around the world” comments Campbell. “I specifically choose races based on their aesthetic and the accompanying sense of adventure that they bring. Being able to compete in Africa's first Ultra Skymarathon®, amongst some of the most stunning mountain terrain that I've seen more than satisfies that criteria. I can't wait to experience the local culture and to race through the region's mountainous landscape on foot.”

Mike Wolfe © The North face

Mike Wolfe, having never travelled to Africa, is thrilled to be making the journey in November:

“The locale looks amazing, and I have always wanted to travel to South Africa to experience a new landscape and people. It is wonderful that the South African Skyrunning Association and the organizers of Lesotho Ultra Trail are enthusiastic about hosting international athletes. This kind of event helps our sport of ultra running grow on an international level, and continues to grow the international community of runners.”

Amongst the top South African men's athletes already securing their spots, is up-and-coming trail star AJ Calitz (K-Way/Vivobarefoot) joined by winner of the 2013 SA Ultra Trail Champs Nic De Beer and mountain running legend, and winner of the 2012 Otter African Trail Run, Iain Don Wauchope (Mountain Splendour).

Not to be out done, the women's field is also stacking up to be a stellar affair with confirmation already coming in from local South African ultra running legend Linda Doke (Salomon South Africa), winner of the 2013 Women’s SA Ultra Champs Tracy Zunkel (Race Food), 2011 Otter African Trail Run winner Su Don Wauchope (Mountain Splendour) as she makes a firm come back after almost 8 months of injury, new kid on the block Landie Greyling (Salomon South Africa)and 3rd place finisher 2013 Women’s SA Ultra Champs Chantel Nienaber.

Stephanie Case © Zandy Mangold

On the international front, Canadian ultra-runner and 2nd place finisher at the 2012 Gobi March in China, Stephanie Case, will be making the journey from her newly-adopted home of Kyrgyzstan, ready to test the skills of the local girls.

Having raced at the 2012 Sierre-Zinal in Switzerland, one of Europe’s oldest Skymarathon® events, Linda Doke knows the excitement and prospects of skyrunning first hand:

“I’m thrilled to be doing the Lesotho Ultra Trail” explains Doke. “Not only is it a new ultra on the trail calendar, but it’s in Lesotho, which guarantees fantastic running. Also, being an Ultra Skymarathon® will see the start of skyrunning in southern Africa and having experienced it last year, it’s brilliant that it’s coming to southern Africa!”

Hosted by the luxury 5 star Maliba Mountain Lodge, the Lesotho Ultra Trail will encompass some of the most spectacular mountain trails that the Tsehlanyane National Park has to offer, affording runners the opportunity to climb to over 3150m above sea level while immersed in the rich culture of Africa’s “mountain kingdom”.

For more information about the event, head to www.lesothoultratrail.com or follow @LesothoUltra on Twitter

Skyrunning hits southern Africa with the Lesotho Ultra Trail

2013-03-16T01:08:00.000-07:00

Running amongst the clounds - ©Andrew Booth

A new ultra-distance race has hit southern Africa’s trail running calendar with the announcement of the Lesotho Ultra Trail, to take place in northern Lesotho on 30 November.

Created by well-known KZN race organiser Andrew Booth, the 68km race will traverse mountainous, rocky trails combining steep ascents, descents, some contour running and loads of single track, will be hosted by Maliba Mountain Lodge, just one hour south from the Free State town of Clarens.
Sanctioned by the South African Skyrunning Association (SASA), the event will be recognised by the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF) as Africa’s first Ultra Skymarathon®, earning it the potential of being placed in the global circuit of ultras on the international trail calendar.

Defined as mountain running up to or exceeding 2 000m, where the incline exceeds 30% and where the climbing difficulty is not more than 11˚ gradient, the sport of skyrunning has taken the trail running world by storm in Europe, America and Asia over the past 20 years.

Skyrunning, a term coined by the ISF, is a discipline conceived by Italian mountaineer Marino Giacometti who, with a handful of fellow climbers during the early1990s, pioneered records and races on Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa in the Italian Alps. In 1993, sponsored by Fila, skyrunning took off across the world’s mountain ranges with a circuit of challenging races spread from the Himalayas to the Rockies, from Mount Kenya to the Mexican volcanoes.

Giacometti’s term skyrunning is, as the name suggests, where earth and sky meet.
Today, skyrunning has grown to span some 200 races worldwide, with about 30 000 participants from 54 countries.

Formed in 2011, SASA is an associate member of the ISF, and aims to promote and facilitate the growth of skyrunning in South Africa.

“The Lesotho Ultra Trail is the ideal event to pioneer the way forward for skyrunning in southern Africa,” said SASA chairman James Hallett. “Not only does the location and route of the race represent the philosophy of skyrunning, but we have no doubt that it will the race be of a world class calibre. Offering spectacular terrain, incredible high altitude vistas and a 5-star host venue, we are extremely excited about the prospects of the Lesotho Ultra Trail.”

Hallett is confident that the Lesotho Ultra Trail will be incorporated into the ISF World Ultra Series, a new addition to the Federation’s global series offering.

“Following the inaugural running of the race in November, we will submit our recommendation and application to the ISF for possible consideration into the 2014 series. If successful, this will put South Africa into the world skyrunning arena, further exposing our country to top international athletes.
Booth said he believed there to be a great synergy between the race, its location and the development of skyrunning in South Africa.

“The Maluti Mountains offer some of the best terrain for high altitude running in the world. To be able to stage what is sure to become a world class event in this region is very special, and we look forward to playing a role in the pioneering of skyrunning in southern Africa.”

He added that the event’s partnership with Maliba Mountain Lodge as host for the race added an extra angle of quality to the event.

Hallett added that as the first official skyrunning event in southern Africa, the Lesotho Ultra Trail will also help facilitate the creation of a national circuit of skyrunning events.

“The Lesotho highlands and the regions of South Africa surrounding Lesotho are prime skyrunning regions, and we will be working with other race organisers in this area and around South Africa to develop the opportunities that present themselves there,” concluded Hallett.

South African Skyrunning Association [SASA] website – www.skyrunning.co.za
SASA on Twitter – www.twitter.com/lesothoultra
Media contact – Linda Doke, linda@inkpotandquill.co.za [SASA running ambassador]
General enquiries – James Hallett skyrunningsa@gmail.com [SASA chairman]

Capetonian trail and ultra-runner to represent South African Skyrunning at upcoming Sierre-Zinal Skymarathon

2012-08-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

Having recently announced its membership of the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF), the South African Skyrunning Association (SASA) will be sending a representative athlete to the Sierre-Zinal Skymarathon in Switzerland this week, race number 3 on the Skyrunning World Series circuit.

With a heritage that spans almost 40 years, the“Race of Five 4000m Peaks” as it is otherwise known, is one of the premier mountain running events on the European calendar, providing a challenge for all the runners toeing the start line come August 12^th.. 31 kilometres, 2800m of vertical ascent and the scenic backdrop of the Valais' Alps awaits runners from all over the world, testing their mountain running skills to the limits.

With the opportunity having been presented by the ISF to send an athlete to the Sierre-Zinal Skymarathon, and based firmly upon her impressive track record at some of South Africa's toughest trail and ultra events over the past 12 months, SASA named Linda Doke. The Hout Bay resident will be heading to the small alpine village of Zinal this week not only to compete amongst some of Europe's top runners, but also to represent SASA and soak up the Skyrunning concept, as the association embarks on developing a national Skyrunning circuit on home soil in years to come.

“With my focus for the trip being more on representing SASA than on trying to race, I’m hoping that I’ll be able to bring home to South Africa a reality of the fantastic potential that our dramatic landscapes have to offer as a venue for the concept of Skyrunning,” says Linda. “I have absolutely no doubt that the idea of introducing to South Africa a Skyrunning series as there is in Europe will take off like wild fire, and that trail runners across the country will be scrambling to take part in such a series.”

With the course record being held by none other than New Zealand's Jonathan Wyatt, multiple mountain running trophy winner, it’s sure to be an exciting event so look out for more details closer to the event, as well as on race day, by following SASA on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/SkyrunningSA) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/skyrunningsa)

For more information about the Sierre-Zinal, head to the official website by clicking here: http://www.sierre-zinal.com/

To follow Linda's throughout her trip, follow her on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lindadoke

Top SA runner heads to Sierre-Zinal

2012-05-26T02:39:00.000-07:00

Linda Doke training in the Alps

As part of SASA's 2012 launch campaign, thanks to the ISF and funding from the organisers of one of Europe’s longest standing European Skyrunning Series races, the Sierre-Zinal Skymarathon®, a top South African athlete will be heading to Switzerland in August to compete in the 2012 event.

Linda Doke (pictured left) is one of South Africa's most accomplished trail athletes, having performed exceptionally well at some of South Africa's premier trail running events over the past 8 months including the 2011 Salomon Skyrun and 2012 ADDO Elephant Trail Run (victory in the women's category for both races). Having also recently competed in her 16th Two Oceans Ultra-marathon, as well as having a solid training base behind her as she prepares for her 10^th Comrades Marathon in June, SASA has selected Linda not only for her ability as a runner but also as a fitting ambassador to represent South African Skyrunning.

“I’m incredibly excited to have been selected to represent SASA at the Sierre-Zinal in August,” says Doke. “I'm sure that being a part of the Skyrunning World Series, the race will be very tough, as will all the seasoned alpine speedsters I’ll be competing against, so it’s a real privilege to be a part of it."

She continues: "With the Skyrunning concept having taken Europe by storm, and through the formation of SASA, South Africa has a fantastic opportunity to showcase its most technically challenging trail and mountain races to the world.”

Follow Linda as she prepares for the Sierre-Zinal by following her on Twitter of logging onto her blog

Should you wish to find out more about Skyrunning, please visit the SASA website or folllow our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter

You can also contact SASA by emailing skyrunningsa@gmail.com

Skyrunning comes to South Africa

2012-05-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Marino Giacometti, founder of the ISF

In 1991, an Italian man by the name of Marino Giacometti introduced the world to a brand new concept of running. Traversing some of Europe's highest peaks including Monta Rosa in northern Italy and Mont Blanc in France, Giacometti's dream was to create a series of unique and challenging mountain running events that encapsulated the true meaning of “running in the clouds”. A few years later, and with the first high altitude trial hosted on the slopes of Mount Everest, Skyrunning was born.

Twenty years on, and as the interest in Skyrunning continues to grow at a rapid rate in both Europe and in North America, as well as in Asia and New Zealand, South Africa begins a new chapter in the development of off-road running as this dynamic sport makes its way to our country's mountain ranges.

In August 2011, the South African Skyrunning Association (SASA) was founded, becoming a voting member of the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF). As part of its mandate, SASA's goals and objectives include helping with the ISF's vision of growing and promoting the sport of Skyrunning on a global basis, introducing local South African runners to the idea of competing on a national Skyrunning circuit, and international runners to the opportunity of competing on South African soil.

So what is Skyrunning you ask? The ISF have introduced a unique criteria that defines a Skyrunning event. From specific cumulative altitude gain across the race route profile, to minimum and maximum elevations above sea level, Skyrunning events encompass a wide variety of mountain terrain. Comprising of events such as the Skymarathon®, Skyrace® and Vertical Kilomoeter®, as well as the newly introduced Skytrail, some 35 000 athletes world-wide enjoy National, European and World Series events. The Skygames®, which takes place every four years in the same year as the Olympics, also offers Skyrunners from around the world the opportunity to represent their country in a multi-disciplined format of mountain races.

Kilian Jornet at the 2011 Zegama Skymarathon

As one of the primary objectives of SASA, its mandate includes identifying existing trail and mountain running events in South Africa that will be interested in hosting a national Skyrunning circuit event. Coupled with these existing events, the opportunity also lies in the introduction of new mountain running races as part of this national circuit, events that will continue to pioneer this new chapter in the county's mountain running scene, all gaining recognition as official Skyrunning races. “There are many quality South African races which already exist and qualify to host a national circuit event,” says James Hallett, founder of SASA. “With a landscape that boasts some exceptional mountainous terrain, I feel that South Africa has the potential to become a world class Skyrunning destination.”

For the local runners, it's an opportunity to join SASA as a registered Skyrunner®, allowing them to enter and compete in these various national circuit events to accumulate points, much like a Formula 1 driver would throughout a racing season, in the hopes of being crowned national Skyrunning Champion.

“We feel that the idea of competing on a national circuit will appeal to both elite athletes and regular runners alike, allowing them to challenge themselves and others each year. This will not detract from them being a regular trail runner, however with the added opportunity of being selected to represent South Africa at a Skyrunning World Series event, or even a Skygames®, it's something that we feel will encourage runners to join, opening up many avenues for aspiring athletes wanting to perform on the world mountain running stage.” says Hallett.

SASA will be hoping to announce the 2013 national Skyrunning circuit later this year, with negotiations having already begun with interested event organisers. Runners wishing to sign up as registered Skyrunners should keep their eyes on the official SASA website for more details as and when they break, including information about the events hosting the national circuit.

Should you wish to find out more about Skyrunning, please visit the SASA website or folllow our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter

You can also contact SASA by emailing skyrunningsa@gmail.com