Early morning, Sunday 23 April 2017. Thousands of runners – full of excitement and nerves – headed to Blackheath to start a 26.2 mile adventure. A few miles westward, many younger athletes were simultaneously getting ready for their own adventure. The final three miles of the London Marathon course, warming the roads up before the greats via the Mini London Marathon.

One of those was a seventeen-year-old Julia Paternain. That day, her love of the roads was born. Nine years – and one World Championships bronze medal – later, she returns to the same streets for the full distance. If there is one word that describes how she feels about the prospect of a first race in England since 2018, and a first visit in nearly five years, it is excited.

“I’m extremely excited, I grew up watching the London Marathon! I grew up only an hour away from London, so I’m very familiar with it. My mum worked in London. It’ll be fun just to be able to go home. I have a lot of friends that I’m already planning on seeing after the race”.

Growing Up

Julia now lives in Flagstaff (Arizona), coached by Jack Polerecky as part of the McKirdy Trained group. However, it was at Cambridge & Coleridge that her love for the sport was nurtured, under the guidance of Mark Vile and Ric Park. It is a club and environment to which she places a great deal of gratitude.

“Ric Park and Mark Vile created such a great atmosphere, it was a great community and such a great environment. Everyone at the track was there for a common purpose, everyone just wanted to put in the hard work. Sometimes the weather would suck, it was gross, cold, miserable. But we were all out there, just trying to get better. They instilled in me that you get out what you put in.

I really like Mark, he was a no excuses type of coach. He instilled this mental toughness in me from a young age and I will forever be grateful for that. I remember one time, someone came up to him at training and said, ‘Mark, I’m really tired today’. He was like, ‘You’re a distance runner. You wake up tired, you got to sleep tired, what do you expect?’. Obviously, within reason, he’s not crazy!

I loved that attitude, C&C really did a lot for me. They are people who want to be there for the love of the sport, I think that is great”.

One of her training partners was Tom Keen, who had English Schools success at the same time as Julia. It is nice that, in the same year Julia made her senior international debut Tom did too, at the European Indoor Championships. Running is a small world, as the pair recently met for the first time since.

“I ran into him on the treadmill in a gym a mile from my house! I haven’t seen him since we both won English Schools when we were 15 or 16. It was really cool, a full circle moment”.

Julia & Tom Keen at the English Schools. Photo: Mark Vile

Lighting A Spark

There are many highlights to Julia’s junior career, too many to mention all. Perhaps at the top is back-to-back English Schools titles over 3000m in 2017 and 2018. However, it was a second-place finish at the 2017 Mini London Marathon – on the day Mary Keitany set a (women’s only) World Record – that helped light the spark that led to April’s London debut.

Back then, the Mini London Marathon required qualification and saw the best of the UK’s junior athletes race against each other. It covered the final three miles of the marathon course and was run on marathon morning. A race like little other, at that age at least.

“It’s kind of crazy when I think about it. I think it was one of the first road races that I ever did. I had a great race, it was probably one of the best races of my junior career. I remember finishing and thinking, ‘man, I like the roads, that was cool!’. I remember being really starstruck with the elites running the London Marathon and just thinking about how cool the whole environment was.

I remember really enjoying those last three miles and just the atmosphere. Everything was something I’d never experienced before. It’s going to be amazing to be able to enjoy that for a full marathon.

To look back at it, and to get to live out my childhood dream, is really special. I’m very excited”.

Running at the 2017 Mini London Marathon. Photo: Mark Vile

Early Preparations

There are more similarities between that race and those of a professional athlete than might initially appear. For those reading this who experienced the Mini London Marathon, perhaps memories are flooding back. Early morning coach journeys, hundreds of athletes getting ready in one confined space, plenty of pent-up nerves and excitement. Experiencing that at a young age, including at other races in England, provided a useful grounding for Julia’s professional journey.

“I think the Mini Marathon was a really great experience. It was one of those races where I had no idea what was happening! I remember getting on a warm-up bus and then being with all the other athletes. I was really nervous, just happy to be there.

It was a really great experience because that is truly what a lot of road races are like. There was a warm-up bus in Japan. You’re around a bunch of other athletes. Everyone’s kind of nervous and you’re making small talk.

I think it really did prepare me well. I have to credit a lot to growing up in England and the British races I did. The way they are set up prepares you very well for once you get to the bigger races in your senior career”.

The Road to Tokyo

If the Mini London Marathon was the best race of Julia’s junior career, then last September’s was the best of her senior career. So far.

Much has changed in the eight and a half years between the two. Life is lived in Flagstaff with the McKirdy Trained group. It was at the McKirdy Micro: The Road to Tokyo that Julia made her marathon debut, finishing in 2:27:09.

The race’s name is apt, given six months later it was where Julia found herself. The World Championships, as (literally) the last qualifier. After two- and a-bit hours on the roads of the Japanese capital and one lap of the Olympic Stadium, a bronze medal awaited. The first for Uruguay in World Championships history. Disbelief, for Julia and those watching, made for a heartwarming reaction. It was a proud moment, and one that took a while to sink in.

“I had a lot of moments in my career where I very nearly quit running, so it was a really just great experience to be able to put together this huge body of work that I feel like I’ve trained for my whole life. It sounds cliche, but it was really, really satisfying to kind of see it all come together.

Only in the last month has it sunk in. It was all kind of ‘go, go, go’, it didn’t feel real. I was on cloud nine for a very long time. During Christmas and New Year, I think life and the world has kind of moved on. It’s allowed me time for it to sink in and realise, oh, that really did happen!”.

Photo: James Rhodes

Full Trust

Jack Polerecky and James McKirdy guide Julia through her senior and professional career, just as Cambridge & Coleridge did when a junior. It’s a close-knit group, and Julia credits their guidance as the biggest factor in her Tokyo success.

“My team out here is great. I would consider all my teammates as friends and then teammates. It’s really enjoyable, because I get to show up to training and enjoy the people I’m around. I really enjoy the people I have around me. Not only are they just great people to be around, but I trust everything that they tell me so, so much.

They really know what they’re doing, especially when it comes to the marathon. In preparing for Tokyo, they knew the key thing was to stay cool and get all your fuelling in. You could really see that that was one of the main things that helped in my race.

I truly trust all the advice they give me. I can stand on that start line without thinking, ‘did I do this right, did I do that right?’. I know I did everything in my power to be here and I did the best I could. Just having that blind faith in them is this really great. Mentally, it really helps give me a lot of confidence.

They’re just great people. After the Worlds, for example, my agent said it will be a bit of an emotional roller coaster. It is a really great thing, but there’s the highs and the lows, the post-Olympic blues people call it. Just having someone that fully understands that is really is really useful”.

Photo: Bjorn Paree

Back to London

After running 2:27 in her first two marathons, Julia’s primary goal for London is to run faster than she has before. Continuing to learn too, given the event is still relatively new. As Julia puts it, “going through the process of the marathon build and seeing what I can get out of myself is what really excites me”. There is more to the race than that, however. Reconnecting with the younger self whose dreams were born in London all those years ago.

“I am excited to be able to go back and almost reconnect with like the younger athlete in me. I haven’t been home in so long and I’m excited to experience the British distance running scene again. It’s such a great environment back home, everyone really does it for the love of the sport.

I’m just excited I’m getting to run the London Marathon. It’ll be very special, regardless of whatever the outcome is”.

The post Julia Paternain: London Calling appeared first on Fast Running.

Phil spoke to James Rhodes ahead of this weekend’s London Marathon – his fourth – where he goes in search of a maiden British title and a spot in Tokyo.

At 09:35 on Sunday, it will be Phil Sesemann’s fourth time on the start line hearing the gun go for the London Marathon elite men’s race.

In each of the three past appearances, he has finished inside the top-ten. Seventh on his marathon debut in 2021, tenth in 2022, and eighth in 2023. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that he has run faster each time. 2:12:58, 2:12:10, 2:10:23. In fact, the last time you put Phil and the words “London Marathon” outside the top-ten, it was that Mini London Marathon race in 2010. A twelfth placed finish in a field including now-fellow Olympians Ben Connor, Marc Scott and Zak Seddon.

Both of those trends are things the Leeds-based athlete hopes to maintain this year. Training suggests it will be possible.

“I’m pretty good. I’m deep into the taper now and you do start to question your build, question how you’re feeling, any little niggles and stuff. I’ve had a really good block, so I’m pretty excited to get out there and race”.

Early Season

It has certainly been a good start to the year for Phil. A significant PB of 28:08 over 10k in January was followed by a 61:28 half marathon in Barcelona in February. Both events Phil notes as not his strong point in the past; a perfect confidence boost to start a marathon block.

“I’ve been pretty useless at the other distances over the last three and a half years! It’s been quite nice to be competitive at those and be improving at those again.

I definitely feel like I’m just fitter through this block than I have been before. All the way from back in November, in December. I haven’t really felt like I’m chasing the fitness and waiting for it to arrive like I have in previous blocks”.

Different Approaches

Phil is no stranger to the marathon now, London being number eight. That of course includes the Olympic Games last summer, and the quick-turnaround PBs in Valencia and Seville to get there. There is plenty of learning and experience that comes from seven marathons. This year’s build up to London has seen some considerable changes. Perhaps largest, and best, is the birth of daughter Frankie in October.

“I guess the biggest difference is no training camps whatsoever. I’ve just been at home the entire time. Other than the two trips to Spain for races, I haven’t stayed away anywhere. That’s been quite a big thing for me.

Plus, it’s been my first training block as a father. That’s been challenging in terms of sleep, having that added priority in my life. But that’s also been really special. As cliche as it is, it’s been quite inspirational and definitely given me a maybe slightly different perspective on what I’m doing”.

Another change has been in sponsor, with Asics coming on board in place of Adidas. The partnership has worked well so far and in itself provides an added layer of motivation to perform well.

“It has been slightly different, getting used to new shoes and stuff. ASICS have great racing shoes, but they also have a really good set of easy running and a steady running shoes. That ticks all the boxes for me and has really helped me push my training volumes up higher than they’ve ever been before. I’ve been able to sustain that for longer than I’ve ever done before.

There’s also, maybe, extra kind of motivation when you’ve changed sponsor and want to reward Asics for that show of faith that they’ve put in you. It definitely gives an extra motivator to really do something good for them as well”.

Something Good

Of course, what comes next is the goals and definition of going something good. Naturally, a visit to Tokyo in September for a maiden World Championships is high on the agenda.

“I really want to qualify for the World Championships. I need PB to do that, need to run in the 2:07s and be in the top two Brits. That’s definitely the main goal. I do feel like I’ve done a really good block and I want to give another shot at something really quick. I’d like to aim for 2:06-something and give that a good roll.

I haven’t been outside of the top ten in my three London Marathons, so that’s definitely also on there as something I want to try and do. I’ve also never won an individual British Championship, so that is a big motivator for me. I want to do that so will be doing my utmost to be the first Brit across the line”.

He will be joined on the start line by a stellar field (“it’s wicked!”). A large group is more than likely to go out hard in search of a quick time. That provides some exciting opportunities.

“The race is going to be unbelievable. I think, ‘can I catch any of those guys, can I beat any of them?’. I don’t know, but I’m going to give it my best shot. Hopefully if I finish strong enough, there’ll be a few people to who’ve gone out pretty hard and hopefully I can catch one or two”.

Whatever happens, we are near-guaranteed a great race. The elite men start at 09:35 on Sunday 27 April. Live coverage is on the BBC with updates on Fast Running’s X and Facebook channels. As Phil says:

“It’s been a good training block. It’s never perfect, but I’m excited to race on Sunday and see what I can do”.

The post Phil Sesemann’s London Marathon appeared first on Fast Running.

The past fortnight has been quite an exciting one for Justin Davies. At the start of February, he had raced just one indoor 800m this year. Since then, a maiden British Indoor Championships title, a British U23 Record and an unexpected goal ticked off. A spot at the European Indoor Championships and his track debut representing Great Britain on an international stage.

Justin opened his year with 1:46.94 at the Miting Catalunya in Sabadell in early January. It was his fastest ever time indoors, and only the start of things to come. It is fair to say it has exceeded all expectations he had for this winter.

“It’s totally surreal being in this situation, because it was completely unexpected. It’s just fantastic! I think I would have been very happy with a 1:46-mid indoors. My season opener was good, and my coach said, right, we’re going to try and aim for this time. The European Indoor standard. Just give it a shot“.

Birmingham Brilliance

His next race was the Keely Klassic. Justin’s first time stepping onto this track since winning bronze at last year’s British Indoor Championships. It was a race to remember, victory in 1:45.78. The European Indoor standard – 1:46.40 – the target for the year was well and truly secured. It took a while for to sink in.

“The race went really well. I saw the time and I thought ‘oh my god, this is amazing!’. It sunk in later that evening, it did take a good minute for me to unpack it all.

It was a good event for it. I found it almost got me used to the crowd a week out from the British Championships. At last year’s British Championships, you can see on the footage, I was absolutely terrified. I feel like the Keely Klassic was really good for getting me used to that number of people. It helped make the British Championships, not easier, but more manageable especially in terms of handling my nerves”.

Furthermore, as well as a British U23 Record, 1:45.78 is the fastest by a British athlete indoors in three years. That fact was one that Justin was not aware of, and adds to his optimism for what might come in the future.

“That’s fantastic! I don’t really know what to say to that.

It makes me feel quite optimistic about the summer. My PB is just under half a second faster. On a nice outdoor track, a completely still day, a nice train. We’ll see what happens”.

Photo: James Rhodes

Maiden Title

One week later, a return to the Utilita Arena for the British Indoor Championships. The assignment was simple. With the qualifying time in his hand, a top-two finish was all that was needed to secure a spot in Apeldoorn. That might sound easier on paper than in reality. A particularly tough qualifying process from five heats saw only the first finisher progress.

“There was definitely a lot of pressure. I was talking to Jack Higgins, and I think we were both more nervous for the heats. There was no room for error.

For the final, I knew I just had to finish in the top two. That’s all I could think about to be honest. I had faith that I could kick on from 300m and not let anyone pass me. It went really well, the gamble paid off!”.

In the space of less than two minutes of racing, the latter half of which were particularly eventful for those behind Justin, his fate was decided. British Indoor Champion. Two spots higher on the podium than the year before. A Great Britain track debut was on its way.

“I was happy, but compared to last year where it was really energetic happiness, it was more just a relief. A satisfaction that it was done, it was finished. That was the overwhelming emotion”.

Europe Bound

Now, it is less than one week until Justin takes to the track once again. It is the culmination of the season, which he describes well.

“It was almost like going up a ladder, each time I wasn’t expecting to make the next rung. I’m feeling good. Training is going well, last weekend was a nice confidence booster. I’m optimistic and can’t wait!”.

Whilst he has represented Great Britain at the World University Cross Country Championships, this is something new. Justin’s biggest goal is to learn from the experience. Many of those learning experiences are unknown at present, as they are brand new. For example, pre-race protocols for a competition of this level, how it feels to be part of a team.

Learning from the experience is not the only objective, however.

“My biggest goal is to just learn, to see what it’s like to be at this level. It’ll be a completely different experience. I think there’s going to be a lot of things which I don’t know right now, but I’m going to be so grateful for learning having done it. I just can’t say what they are yet.

To learn, obviously to give it my all and to make sure I leave it all out on the track. I would love to make the final, it would make my year if I made the final. Navigate the rounds as best I can and see what happens”.

Photo: James Rhodes

Racing Companions

He will go travel to Apeldoorn and race alongside Jack Higgins, who too is making his Great Britain debut. They will be joined by Tom Randolph and Justin is looking forward to racing with them both – and others.

“I’m really grateful Tom and Jack are there. Jack and I are going to have very similar experiences. They’re really nice guys, it’s a good team”.

Amongst those Justin would like an opportunity to race are Spaniard Elvin Canales, fastest in the field this year, and Dutchman Samuel Chapple. The former he raced in his season opener in Sabadell, the latter only 0.3 seconds faster.

“In my season opener, he [Canales] gapped the rest of the field quite significantly. I’d love an opportunity to go up against him again. There’s also Samuel Chapple from the Netherlands, who ran at the Keely Klassic.

He’s just ahead of me on the rankings and I keep seeing him on Instagram. I really want to see what happens, I haven’t raced against him before. It probably wouldn’t end too well for me, but I still want to give it a shot”.

Photo: James Rhodes

Future Goals

There is plenty to look forward to beforehand, but the outdoor season is not far around the corner. Amongst Justin’s goals are to get some more experience of racing internationally and improving his PB as far as possible. Depending on how well the latter goes, one eye is naturally on the World Championships qualifying time of 1:44.50.

“My first goal has to be the European U23 Championships. It’s my last year in that age group so I want to give it my best shot. Hopefully I do make the team there. It’s in Bergen and I’ve always wanted to go to Norway, so this would be a great excuse!

Then, the goal would be shifting and maybe looking at the World Championships time. It’s 1:44.50, which is so fast, but I feel I’ve got to stay optimistic. Ideally I can get in the right race and try and aim for that time”.

It will be an exciting year, starting with this weekend in the Netherlands.

Justin is joined by Jack Higgins and Tom Randolph in the men’s 800m at the European Indoor Championships. The heats take place at 10:05 (UK time) on Friday, the semi-finals at 19:13 (UK time) on Saturday and the final at 16:27 (UK time) on Sunday.

The post A Surreal Fortnight – Justin Davies’ Indoor Season appeared first on Fast Running.

Not many people can say they have an Olympic medallist as a training partner. Ava Lloyd can go one better; she has two. The 19-year-old is part of the M11 Track Club, coached by Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows. The lineup of athletes is small but mighty; Keely Hodgkinson and Georgia Hunter Bell amongst them.

It was at the meeting named after the former, in a race won by the latter, that Ava set an indoor PB that has helped dictate her next race. A senior Great Britain debut at the European Indoor Championships.

With less than a week both until she races and since she found out she was on the team, excitement levels are high.

“I’m quite excited, I haven’t really had a lot of time to process it. There’s just nothing to lose, really, so I’m just excited. I am nervous too, but the excitement is outweighing that at the moment!”

Birmingham, Twice, & A Surprise Call

One of the many benefits of having Keely Hodgkinson as a training partner was a lane at the Keely Klassic. Ava finished third, setting a big indoor best of 4:12.59. It was an opportunity she relished.

“As our group is quite large, I don’t get many opportunities to race where there’s a lot of the group there, plus Jenny and Trevor. It was such a good atmosphere and one I really enjoyed. At my level it’s hard to find decent 1500m races indoors. The season is so short and there are so many athletes. You don’t get many opportunities like that.

It was kind of two separate races in the race, which was certainly interesting. I think I made the most out of the event. My training has been indicating towards that form, ideally I would have actually liked to run slightly faster”.

Photo: James Rhodes

After finishing fifth in the 1500m at the British Indoor Championships, Ava had concluded that was the end of her indoor season. There was a twist in that story, however – in part started by a tweet by the person writing this. A simple list of the assumed team selection, before it was announced. It included Ava’s name.

“I had no idea that I was still in contention after the British Championships. The day after the final, I was putting a post on Instagram and I almost captioned it ‘see you outdoors’. I didn’t, because I thought Trevor would suggest me doing a 3000m.

I then saw your tweet and wondered why my name was on there. So I had a check of the rankings and saw that I was qualified! I didn’t even realise my name would be in those kinds of conversations, it was a bit surreal. An hour later, I got the call!”.

Valuable Experience

Ava is no stranger to a Great Britain team at junior level. Her debut came at the European U20 Championships held in Jerusalem in 2023. Last summer she competed at the World U20 Championships in Lima, finishing fifth in the 1500m. There are valuable lessons and experiences she has taken from both that will be carried to Apeldoorn.

“I’ve grown a lot as an athlete since the first time I was selected for a championships for Great Britain. My debut was as a junior in Jerusalem, and I went into that just being really happy for the opportunity, for just being selected. I ended up disappointed in my performance, and since then I have progressed as an athlete.

 I’ve gone from being overwhelmed at my first Great Britain experience in Jerusalem to then racing in Lima. I was very comfortable that I would make the final and then it was just about my performance in the final. I hope to carry on that progression and being confident in my own ability, in wearing that vest no matter if it’s a junior or a senior event.

Even though I have got nothing to lose [in Apeldoorn], and it’s exciting this being my senior debut, my main aim is still to be as competitive as I can be. I’ll take the same level of confidence from the junior competitions into the senior competitions, there will be a slightly different feel. I’m really excited to experience a senior team environment. I want to make the most of it, being selected with those girls is super exciting”.

Photo: James Rhodes

Familiar Faces

Apeldoorn may be a senior debut and a new experience, but the faces won’t be. Especially Georgia Hunter Bell, one of Ava’s training partners, who will also contest the 1500m. Confidence naturally grows when the fastest in the field is someone so familiar.

“It’s pretty crazy to be honest. When I look at the line up, day-to-day I’m training with the higher end of the field that I will be running against. It’s so nice to have that support from the team, but also when you get down to racing it helps not to be intimidated. Those racing are just the calibre of athletes I am training with regularly.

All the British Championships that I’ve ever done with Georgia, we’ve always been in the same heat. I think we’ll probably be in different heats this time, but her being there is an extra confidence boost”.

Fellow M11 teammates Erin Wallace and Annemarie Nissen compete in the 800m, and Sarah Healy the 3000m. With the final of the 1500m taking place on the second of four days, there is opportunity for some spectating. As a fan of the sport, Sarah’s race is one Ava is particularly looking forward to watching. It also features friend Innes FitzGerald, also making her senior debut.

“I’ve always been quite a big fan of the sport. It’s super weird going from watching these athletes on TV, transitioning into being an out-and-out competitor. I’m really excited to experience that.

I think the 3000m races will be quite interesting. In the women’s is Sarah, and I’m really good friends with Innes [FitzGerald]. It’ll be exciting to see how they both get on. I’m super excited that both Innes and I got selected. I first met her properly in Peru and we got on really well. It’s really cool!”.

Photo: James Rhodes

Looking Forward

The European Indoor Championships will mark the end of Ava’s indoor season. Before long, focus will shift to the goals for outdoors. This season is her first in the U23 age group. Notably, the European U23 Championships take place in Bergen (Norway) in July.

“I can’t count myself out of anything. There was talk of qualifying for the European Indoors back at the beginning of winter training, but it wasn’t something that I really expected.

At the moment for outdoors, the focus will be on the European U23 Championships and performing well. I made the final in Peru and hopefully will continue building on those performances. I’m of course not discounting any senior opportunities that come along!”.

Ava is joined by Georgia Hunter-Bell and Revee Walcott-Nolan in the women’s 1500m at the European Indoor Championships. The heats take place at 18:10 (UK time) on Thursday and the final at 20:00 (UK time) on Friday.

The post A Senior Debut – Ava Lloyd’s Indoor Season appeared first on Fast Running.

He might be most frequently seen racing over 1500m (or 109m extra), but next week Adam will step up to the 3000m at his debut European Indoor Championships. It is not the only indoor competition on his mind for March. He spoke to James Rhodes about the year ahead and his goals for the remainder of the indoor season.

When Adam steps onto the track in Apeldoorn, it won’t be his Great Britain debut. He competed over 1500m at last year’s European Championships and World Indoor Championships, more on those later. However, Adam is relishing the opportunity to don the Great Britain vest once more after a strong start to 2025.

“This indoor season has been off to a pretty good start. The big goals for the season were to make both the European and World Indoor Championships. One of them is now ticked off! Hopefully I’ll also be selected for the World Indoors.

Describing the start of the year as ‘a pretty good start’ feels like a small understatement. A 3:53.49 season opener was followed by 3:49.85 at Boston University’s famed track. There have been 26 sub-3:50 indoor miles run in history. Of those, 85% were at The Armory – home of the Millrose Games – or Boston. Adam became the second person after (now former) World Record holder Yomif Kejelcha to do it at both venues.

Photo: Jan Figueroa

Millrose Magic

After earlier struggling to get into the Wanamaker Mile, that performance unlocked a lane in the Millrose Games 3000m. A race etched in history, after Grant Fisher and Cole Hocker duked it out for the World Record. Adam clocked 7:40.84 and finished eighth. European Indoor standard secured.

“I ran pretty well but I think the race was too quick for me! I think I can go a couple of seconds faster, but not in a race that’s won in 7:22. From pretty early on, I knew I was going a little too quick and I paid for it in the second half”.

The race may not have been absolutely perfect, but the experience was something Adam enjoyed being part of.

“It was such a cool race to be a part of. After running 3:49 in Boston, they gave me a spot in the 3000m which I was pretty thankful for. I wanted to go out there and give it a really good crack.

It was such a great experience, I could hear the crowd the whole time – in particular on the final lap. I was on the back straight when [Cole] Hocker and [Grant] Fisher were going at it down the home straight.

For me, where I’m at right now, the race was just a little too quick from the start. I think I went through 1600m in 4:01, I was definitely working pretty hard at that point. I was hanging on for dear life in the last kilometre!”.

Easy Decisions

With the European Indoor standard, the decision was set. He would race the 3000m at the British Indoor Championships and target selection over fifteen laps in Apeldoorn. It was an easy decision with standards secured in both.

“Going into the indoor season, I wanted to focus on the 3000m at the European Indoors. The goal all along was the 3000m at the Europeans and hopefully get picked in the 1500m at the Worlds. I’ve got both standards ticked off and just have to wait and see about China”.

Illness in the week prior threatened to derail the plan, with Adam finishing fourth (7:50.65). However, with the third spot being decided solely by fastest time in 2025, Adam was confident of his selection.

“I gave it 100% and got everything out of myself that I possibly could. I felt like I was working so hard from the gun. If I was not under the weather, I’d probably have felt a little more relaxed for at least a couple more minutes of the race.

Anything can happen, but I was thankful to get that spot. You never know for sure!

I’m feeling pretty good now. The illness was pretty poorly timed! I don’t think I was quite at my best last weekend, but thankfully I got selected. My body has definitely come around, I’ve had a good couple of sessions since. I’m looking forward to being in the mix with a really strong group of contenders”.

Photo: James Rhodes

Race Goals

Adam’s championship appearances last year didn’t exactly go to plan. A home World Indoor Championships in Glasgow preceded the European Championships in Rome. Both involved trips and falls, and (in his own words) having nothing left to give in the respective finals.

“The whole experience of Glasgow was a little bit dampened by what happened in my heat. It was completely out of my control and definitely impacted me for the final. It was a really cool team to make, but the racing was almost a right off after being tripped and having nothing for the final.

My shoulder was sore for weeks, months after. Sometimes it still actually comes back”.

Photo: James Rhodes

He has clear goals for Apeldoorn after these two experiences. One of these, of course, is said in jest.

“Try and stay on my feet! I really want to be in the final, I think I am capable of doing that. I need to have a clear run in the heats, I’m well aware of how strong the field will be. In my heat it’s just going to be about running smart and not wasting too much energy early on. Trying to find a nice spot on the rail, not run too much extra distance. See if I can get myself through and give it a real crack in the final.

Once you’re in the final, anything can happen. I’d like to see how close I can go to getting a medal. I know that is an extremely hard thing to do, and there’ll be so many guys who are more likely to medal than me. But by putting yourself in there, anything can happen. There are often guys on the podium who I could see myself beating at some point”.

Looking Beyond

Two weeks later, the World Indoor Championships take place in Nanjing (China). With the standard on his resume, selection is one of Adam’s goals.

“We’ve heard a lot of the top guys aren’t going to go to China, because of the travel or training for outdoors. I’m not in that kind of position; I want to make every team I can.

Even though some of the top guys will be missing, it’s still a World Indoor Championships. If it opens the door to getting a bit closer to the top, then brilliant. I’d love to make the most of that opportunity. We’ll have to wait and see, but if I get the call up, I’ll definitely be on the plane and raring to go”.

Towards Tokyo

Notably for later this year, Adam’s 3:49.85 is inside the qualifying standard for September’s World Championships in Tokyo. It removes the need to chase a time early in the outdoor season and allows flexibility in race decisions. Certainly, it is a welcome position for an athlete.

“It’s huge. It’s good to have got it done at the start of the year. We can now focus on choosing races fairly selectively. Although, we’re not blessed with being from a country where running the standard means you’re guaranteed a trip to the World Championships!”.

The plan for the outdoor season is not set in stone. However, the flexibility on offer opens the door to 12.5 laps of the track. It is something Adam did twice in the latter end of last summer, running 13:17.08 in Copenhagen in summer. The standard for Tokyo (13:01.00) is a tough ask, but sits in the back of Adam’s mind.

“I’m definitely not going to shy away from the 5000m after trying it a couple of times last year. I’ve only run two of them properly, and got down to 13:17. By that point in the season I was pretty tired and ready for a break, so I think there’s definitely more in the tank.

The standard is obviously really tough, but I would like to see how close I can go to it. It would be nice to be able to pick and choose which event to actually run, depending on how training is going”.

The possibility of doubling up is off the table, for this year at least.

“Where I’m at, I would prefer to put all my eggs in one basket and just focus on doing really well in one. To try and make a final, so no doubling… yet!”.

European Indoor Championships

The post Adam in Apeldoorn: Adam Fogg’s Indoor Season appeared first on Fast Running.

“I’m quite excited but nervous at the same time”.

At the start of the year, Innes FitzGerald’s plan for the season did not include a trip to the Netherlands. A trip to the National Cross Country Championships, perhaps. Parliament Hill, a terrain and event she knows all too well.

Yet, there was to be no outing in the glorious North London mud last weekend – or at all this year. Instead, an adventure into something new. Laps, laps and more laps of a 200m oval.

It is thanks to that venture that, in a few days, the Netherlands is exactly where the 18-year-old will find herself. Guided by Gavin and Jo Pavey, and now in possession of a British Indoor Championships medal, Innes will soon be getting ready for her senior Great Britain debut. The European Indoor Championships await.

Season Beginnings

At the start of the year, Innes took to the track at an unassuming indoor meeting in Cardiff. Fifteen laps of the track, where the goal was to run low 8:50. That was easily ticked off – 8:48.30, almost half a minute ahead of the rest of the field. Notably, it was less than one second shy of the European Indoor qualifying time. As Innes says, “I shocked myself”.

Fast forward a fortnight, and an invite to compete at the Czech Indoor Gala. It was a race of firsts; first World Indoor Tour appearance, first indoor race abroad. Another fifteen laps, this time with a considerably larger spotlight.

8:40.05. The European Indoor standard secured, the European U20 Record shattered. Another surprise, but not for all.

“Going into Ostrava, I thought I’d been so close to the qualifying time, let’s just try and get under it. I was aiming for 8:45, so I surprised myself again! Coming out with 8:40 was completely unexpected, but my coach knew it was in me; training had been leaning towards that. Jo had said maybe low 8:40s, but Gavin had said ‘well, we’ll see’.

He knew I was in that shape, but he didn’t want to put too much pressure on me. He let me go out and run without feeling the expectation in that way. I think that’s the reason I ran so well”.

Photo: Czech Indoor Gala

Birmingham Bound

Last weekend’s British Indoor Championships was just her fifth indoor race. Not that you would have guessed. After leading for much of the race she was rewarded with bronze, joined on the podium by Hannah Nuttall and Laura Muir.  It could easily have been a daunting experience, but Innes took it in her stride – literally.

“In some ways, I had things on my side as I was a bit of an underdog going into it. I hadn’t done it before, there was no expectation on me.

Sometimes I run really well when there’s a bit of pressure, but also it’s good to have those times when there isn’t any pressure on you. You can go and completely relax. If it goes well, it goes well, but no one’s really expecting anything.

That was the main thing going into it. No one’s expecting anything from me, if it goes well that’s great, but it’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t. I’ve got so many more years to run indoors and do well at the British Championships”.

Photo: James Rhodes

Race Tactics

Four in the field had the European Indoor standard, and others had got close to it. There were a number of ways in which the race could have played out.

“We weren’t really sure how it was going to go. To be honest, I didn’t really want to be at the front! I always hear on the commentary, ‘Innes is at the front, that’s where she likes to be’. Sometimes I do like to be at the front, but I didn’t really want to be there on Sunday!

I knew I was working a bit harder than everyone else by being at the front. I wasn’t expecting to be there, but once I got there I knew I needed to relax and keep it moving at a decent pace so I’d be left in contention at the end.

If I’d sat back, it could have turned out differently and maybe the result would have been different. I can’t complain really!”.

That feels like an understatement. Not many people enter their first championships and come away with a medal, least of all in a field of such quality. “A medal at a British Championships – I wouldn’t have dreamed of that happening!”.

Nervous Wait, Or Not

With only the top-two guaranteed selection for the European Indoors, selection was not a certainty. Particularly when coupled with a medical exemption from the trials granted to Melissa Courtney-Bryant, the European Leader.

“I came away thinking I’m probably not going to get selected, I didn’t want to get my hopes up. I was thinking I wouldn’t be selected, but I got a call on the way home. It was a surprise, but I was really excited”.

As it later transpired, Laura Muir had torn her soleus muscle in the latter stages of the race. She ruled herself out of selection contention immediately afterwards, noting on Instagram to allow the next placed athlete to immediately begin preparing. A notable gesture by someone with so much experience of these championships, and it is pleasing to see that message was quickly passed on.

The Goal

Innes will toe the line in Apeldoorn ranked sixth fastest on season best. She has clear goals, but at the same time recognises the relative infancy of her career. Running is a long journey, and this is an early stop.

“The main thing for me is just to go there and enjoy it and do my best. Getting some more experience on an international stage will be really useful, I can’t wait.

It would be silly to say I don’t have any expectations of myself, I want to do as best I can, I want to get into that final. I know people looking in aren’t expecting me to go out there and win or anything like that. It’s just about going in and doing the best I can on the day. Hopefully I will get into the final, it’s where I want to be and I believe I can be in that final”.

A Surprise Season

Innes is the first to say this winter has not been what was originally envisaged. The primary focus was the European Cross Country Championships as the main aim. With her U20 title successfully retained, a short break before Christmas followed. What came next was not entirely fixed.

Photo: Bjorn Paree

“I didn’t really have the enthusiasm for the cross country post-Christmas! I thought we’d do a couple of indoor races, and maybe then a couple of cross country races. This whole indoor season has come as a bit of a shock! It’s been good fun, I’m really grateful.

It feels I’ve been competing for quite a while, but I’m excited to see what comes this weekend”.

Innes will be joined by Hannah Nuttall and Melissa Courtney-Bryant in the women’s 3000m at the European Indoor Championships. The heats take place at 09:20 (UK time) on Saturday 8 March and the final at 16:36 (UK time) on Sunday 9 March.

The post A New Adventure: Innes FitzGerald’s Indoor Season appeared first on Fast Running.

For almost eight years, there has been an exclusive club in British running. So exclusive, in fact, it had only one member. That was Laura Muir, the only British woman to have run inside 8:30.00 for 3000m indoors.

Until last weekend. With one of the best races of her career – so far – Melissa Courtney Bryant doubled its membership. An added benefit, she did so with a victory on a ‘home’ track. There aren’t many who can say that when racing in a different continent to home.

A cold Sunday afternoon in Boston. The TRACK at New Balance, home of the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix and Melissa’s sponsors. It’s a track she knows well, after visits for the two years prior. This time, despite the same distance and same fifteen laps, it was different.

8:28.69. PB. Welsh Record. World Lead. A move to second on the British and fourth on the European all-time list. It had been a long time coming.

“I’m really happy. I knew I was capable of running a time like that, and I feel like I have been capable of it for quite a few years, but never quite got there.

Training had been going really well in the build-up, and I was really confident I could run under 8:30. I didn’t put too much pressure on myself, as I knew I had Millrose as well. I thought, just go out and enjoy it. Obviously, I didn’t know how the race was going to pan out, or what was going to happen.

I felt very ready and relaxed. Once I got running, I thought ‘wow, I didn’t expect to feel this good!’. It’s a nice surprise when things like that go really well”.

Photo: James Rhodes

The Near Perfect Race

Go well, it did. Melissa sat behind American Elise Cranny – who had run a 4:20:83 mile two days prior –for much of the race. The bell sounded, and the decisive move was made. Questioning whether to make the move earlier or not, advice from coach Rob Denmark played its part:

“I felt really good for that last 200m. My coach had been quite specific that if I was in that position, to just wait and until the last lap. I think that was the right decision, considering we know how quick Elise can be.

I’m glad I did that, but now looking at it I wonder ‘Should I have gone earlier? Could I have gone a little bit faster?’ Hopefully another time!”

Another time? We’ll come to that soon.

The race came off the back of a successful training camp in Kenya, with the potential disruptor of long travel and jet lag due to the eight-hour time difference avoided. Iten is a venue well known to Melissa, this being her ninth visit.

This visit was a bit different with usual training companions such as Adelle Tracey absent. However, in a place like this, you are rarely training alone.

She was joined by Poole AC clubmate Mark Ruby, who raced at the BUCS XC Championships last weekend, for the first two weeks, and the pair did a number of sessions together. Plenty of others joined too.

“The first week I was a bit apprehensive, thinking I’m going to be here for a whole month on my own, but it really wasn’t like that. You always meet people, so that is nice. I had a good camp, training couldn’t have gone better”.

It was a much better experience and build up than twelve months prior. A torn soleus over Christmas 2023 meant minimal running in Kenya, making last year’s sole indoor appearance, 8:37.74 at the same meeting, all the more impressive.

Moving to Millrose

What’s better than having the near perfect race, the belief you can run faster? Having the opportunity to do so just six days later! A Millrose Games debut, and another fifteen laps, await. The goal is clear.

“I’ve never raced at Millrose. It’ll be really exciting, it’s such a prestigious event to compete in. I think that, when you’re in this kind of shape, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to compete. I’ve had those injury years where I haven’t been able to compete, so I know what it’s like to be sat at home watching.

I’d love to run a really fast time, faster than 8:28. The British Record is 8:26, and that is in the back of my mind”.

With a field including Australian Jess Hull, who has said she wants to run inside the World Indoor Championships standard of 8:33.00, it certainly is possible.

Eyes on the Europeans

After a trip to the Big Apple, attention moves to the British Championships and qualification for the European Indoors. This year, it isn’t a given, as seven women have run inside the qualification standard, five over the past week.

The Europeans, taking place 6-9 March in Apeldoorn (the Netherlands), is a competition Melissa knows well. Two appearances, and two bronze medals. They are both meaningful for their own reasons, but a step up the podium would be a welcome advancement.

“At the moment the focus is definitely on the Europeans. I really want to do them, that was my plan through the whole of winter. I love both of those bronze medals, they mean different things for me. One was my first medal, and the other was coming back from injury, so they are very meaningful.

I’d take any medal, but I’d really like to upgrade from bronze to silver or gold. It’d be the best thing! I feel like I’m in a very different place in training now that I can go in there with a lot more confidence”.

Photo: James Rhodes

Nanjing or Not

Whilst 3000m is the only distance that Melissa will run indoors, what lies beyond early March remains an uncertainty. Two weeks after the Europeans, the World Indoor Championships take place in Nanjing (China). With the standard now secured, a trip could be a possibility. It’s not ruled out, but it’s not ruled in either.

“Every time I speak to Rob about it, he says ‘oh I’m not sure yet!’. After the weekend, I asked ‘what are we going to do now?’. I feel like we will play it by ear, see how the next couple of weeks go. It would make it quite a long indoor season, and I really want to do well in the outdoor season.

But at the same time, I feel like if I’m in good shape and things are going well, it would be nice to go. We’ll hopefully know in the next couple of weeks how things are going, how I’m feeling, how I come off the back of doing two races as well”.

One uncompleted desire will remain, however. Ticking off running a 5000m indoors. That desire has grown a little more after how Sunday’s race went. The internal question of whether it’d be possible to run the World Championships (Tokyo) standard will remain unanswered. The draw of a visit to the magic track at Boston University next weekend hampered by the thought of racing four consecutive weekends hampered.

Instead, attention will move to the outdoor season. An appearance over the 5000m can be expected, plus a welcome return to the London Diamond League. For the first time in a while, this year will include a women’s 1500m. For now, all attention is on the banked track of The Amory.

The women’s 3000m at the Millrose Games is at 22:09 (UK time) tomorrow, Saturday 8 February.

The post Melissa Courtney-Bryant’s American Adventure appeared first on Fast Running.

Tor des Geants. Here’s what we know. It’s a 330km race around the Aosta Valley, with 24,000m of ascent. You’ve got 150 hours to complete it. There are six lifebases where you can refuel and sleep, plus many refuges and aid stations. And, it will be hard. Those are the facts.

Then there was everything I didn’t know. What would the weather be like? How would the altitude affect me? How would my nutrition and sleep plans hold up? How would my legs cope with relentless descents?

One of the best pieces of advice I was given (by coach Robbie) was not to have a strict plan. To be ready to adapt. Not to stick to an inflexible sleep plan, trying to sleep for 90 mins if it was daylight and I wasn’t tired when I got to the lifebase, but to sleep when I needed to, ideally when it was dark. Little did I know at the start, but adapting the plan would be very much the theme of the race. Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face…

Adapt and keep moving forward

We set off from Courmayeur in the rain on Sunday morning. Having two waves of runners, two hours apart, meant that the start had a fairly relaxed feel and you weren’t crammed in with your face in people’s armpits (unlike those other races on the other side of Mont Blanc). The initial climbing was dictated by the snake of runners and I was happy just to settle in and keep it manageable. So far, so good.

One of the key things about this race is that you quite quickly find yourself up high, close to 3000m. So everybody starts to feel the effects of altitude early on.

You work harder and breathe harder, you feel sluggish, you might feel sick. But then you drop down again and hopefully you feel better fairly quickly. I got through the first night feeling ok, with nutrition plan pretty intact, but into the second day, the altitude punched me in the face. But actually, rather than a haymaker to the face, I think it was a series of light jabs over a prolonged period.

The reason? I hadn’t stayed on top of my hydration well enough, and I had let my nutrition slip when I started to feel nauseous. Add to that the general exertion and fatigue and it was no surprise I was feeling terrible. I had to work to turn that around.

A new day, a new weather forecast

Into the second day the rain stopped, the views opened up and I was absolutely punched in the face with the sheer beauty of this route. It felt like an incredible privilege to be on this journey in the mountains, seeing ibex, chamois, even a marmot, glimpsing snow-capped mountains all around. It is absolutely, hands-down, the most stunning route I have ever run.

The middle section of the race passed relatively well for me. I got back on top of my nutrition and hydration, I started to feel better, I was absolutely loving the route, the atmosphere and the fact that my legs were feeling pretty good (thanks Big Paul T, for my strength and conditioning plan).

We had a spell of running through pretty mountain villages, where the volunteers insisted we try their local delicacies on the aid stations. It’s touches like this that make the race unique and special and I loved soaking up these experiences.

A middling experience

I started to feel very fixated on getting to the mid-way point of the race, which was Rifugio Coda. It’s worth noting that the refuges are some of the highlights of this race. Ranging from small stone buildings to large, almost luxury hotel-like structures with bar and restaurant, all welcome you in and feed you soup and pasta. And some had beds. Actual beds!

At the lifebases you can sleep in camp beds, sometimes in a building, sometimes in a marquee, but always with a scratchy blanket that smelt of ‘other runners’ (you know that smell). But at some refuges they had beds, and that was an absolute highlight. Rifugio Coda didn’t have beds available, but the next refuge – della Barma – did, so I pressed on, buoyed by the fact I was halfway.

Rifugio della Barma just refused to appear. Over sections of ferrata with scary drops and up and down technical sections we went, but it just never seemed to get any closer. This is definitely a theme of this race – for every gloriously runnable section there is a long, bouldery, slow section which will mess with your mind. Eventually I reached it and entered to find about 30 runners, all with 1000 yard stares. 60 minutes in an actual bed never felt so good.

An ultramarathon with good food? Only in Italy

After another good day I got to Gressoney in pretty good shape. It was there that I had the culinary highlight of my trip to Italy – a cheese and tomato focaccia sandwich. I can’t explain how perfect it was in that moment. The fresh tomatoes, the salt, the soft bread, the salt, the carbs, the salt. I think I needed salt.

So I set off feeling good but also over-confident. I started to feel like the end was in sight and I just wanted to crack on and get that next section done. Fast forward a mere 15k with a couple of climbs in and I no longer knew what I was doing. This was my biggest punch in the face.

I found myself standing on the trail in the dark and I didn’t know where I was or what I was doing.

All I knew was that I had to follow the yellow flags. I read what it said on the flag (Tor de Geants) and then, with a sharp intake of breath, said “am I in Italy?”.

I’ve never been that confused through lack of sleep in my life and it was terrifying and something I am keen to avoid happening again. Fortunately I was close to Champoluc, an aid station with beds, so I followed the flags there and had an emergency sleep. If I’d been in a more remote place I could have been in danger, and it was the closest I came to a DNF.

Wall napping at its finest. Short sleeps like this help Tor des Geants runners keep moving forward.

Time for a nap?

After getting going again and after a big ascent to Rifugio Grand Tournalin and then a gruelling, long descent to Oyace I had another short nap. Then it was time for another push to Ollomont, during which the conditions were deteriorating with snow coming in.

After a final sleep I set off into what would be the last day for me, somewhat trepidatiously due to the conditions.  On the one hand I felt very privileged to experience some snowy mountain conditions, but on the other hand I was slightly scared about the final section already, let alone with added ice.

From the final refreshment point of Saint-Rhemy-en-Bosses it was essentially one big climb, punctuated by Rifugio Frassati, then one massive push over the top. “Easy”… maybe not.

Col du Malatra at 2900m looking chilly. Photo: Kirsty Reade

All four seasons in a race

Despite being so tired by this point the climb went well, but the conditions were very difficult by time I reached the refuge. I actually started to doubt if I had the courage to get over the scrambly summit in the ice. I was absolutely terrified by this prospect. Fortunately I buddied up with another runner and we took it as carefully and safely as possible, and we made it over just as night was falling.

The Tor flags are yellow for good reason.

It was almost literally all downhill from there and, once we were low enough to be below the snow/ice we could relax and run it in. The feeling that I was going to finish this race was indescribable and there were definitely tears shed. Coming into Courmayeur and seeing my crew (plus Nats, Rosa and Pica) is a moment I’ll remember forever.

The enormity of that journey, everything I’d seen and experienced, and the sense of pride I felt was completely overwhelming.

 This was without doubt the hardest race I’ve ever done, the most rewarding and the most beautiful. I don’t think I’ll ever top it. If you’ve got a good amount of mountain ultra experience and you’re looking for a race where you can test your limits in every way, I cannot recommend it enough. It’s an adventure with a family feel and a unique atmosphere and I honestly don’t know how to get back to normal life after doing it. I might need to adapt that plan.

The post Why the Tor is still a knockout race appeared first on Fast Running.

It’s the final week and as I prepare for my third attempt at the Tor des Géants, a wave of emotion washes over me.

Nerves and anxiety have crept in. They’re fueled by the memories of past races, the spectre of recent setbacks and the excellent women who I will race next Sunday. However, I remind myself that this is my journey, and my focus must remain on my own performance, not on the competition around me.

Having been on the course a few times this summer, I’ve really enjoyed seeing the course in a non-race environment. The wonderful landscapes are both awe-inspiring and daunting. Each stretch of trail holds a memory, a lesson learned, and a challenge overcome. A new adventure awaits in each climb and descent.

Not all plain sailing, but par for the course

Preparation for the Tor des Géants has been a rollercoaster this year. After picking up an injury at the Gran Trail Courmayeur, my training has certainly not gone as planned but isn’t that often the way with these big dreams.

Each day presents a new opportunity to adapt and push forward, whether that means adjusting my training plan or taking the time to heal. Over the years of mountain running I have learned to roll with the punches when they come.

As the race approaches, I know I must focus on the basics: eating, drinking, and moving. These are my mantras for the race. Maybe I’ll add smiling to the list as well.

Staying fueled and hydrated will be crucial to maintaining my energy levels. I have been honing my nutrition strategy during training, experimenting with different foods and hydration methods to find what works best for my body.

Hopefully the weather is as good as this recce on the final day. For the whole week even. Photo: Natalie White

Keeping your head in the game

Equally important is the mental game. I must remind myself to focus on the positives. Every step on the course is a step towards achieving my goal, and I have the experience to draw upon from my previous attempts.

I’ve learned that comparing myself to others is a futile exercise; the Tor des Géants is a personal journey, and I can only control my own pace and mindset.

Despite the challenges, I am genuinely excited to get back on the course. I look to seeing my crew at every opportunity, Robbie Britton and Gary House, to provide support and top class banter. Well, looking forward to seeing Gary at least…

Follow along with excellent live coverage from Tor, for my race, but also the 430km Tor des Glaciers and other shorter events from 30 to 170km. 

The post Tor des Géants Reloaded appeared first on Fast Running.

They will launch this year’s competition with the Broken Arrow VK, our first short uphill gold label race, then follow that up swiftly with the 23k Broken Arrow Skyrace, our first long gold label race, on Sunday 23^rd.

It’s a fitting venue to set the standard for this year’s World Cup, the 25^th edition, as it’s an area rich in sporting history. Primarily known as a ski resort, it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, and in recent years Broken Arrow has grown both in size and reputation and is a hugely prestigious event, attracting elite runners from around the world across its five races. With a base elevation of 1,890 metres and stunning peaks all around, including the prominent 2,700 metre Washeshu Peak, it has the perfect credentials for mountain racing.

Broken Arrow has previously been a highlight of the World Cup in 2019, 2021 and 2023, and every edition gets more and more competitive. And while it takes place in the US, the event very much adheres to strong traditions of European mountain running, with steep terrain, scrambling and huge amounts of vertical gain and loss at altitude.

The courses

First up is our short uphill race, the Broken Arrow VK on Friday 21^st June at 9.30am local time (UTC -7). The race starts on the valley floor and climbs its way up 914m (3,000 feet) over 4.8km (3 miles) to the summit of Washeshu Peak at 2708m (8885 feet). Despite some changes to the course this year, along the way it still takes in some brutally steep terrain, leading up to the iconic Headwall Ridge and the ‘stairway to heaven’ bolted ladder to the summit of Washeshu Peak. Runners will experience steep rock slabs, snow and scree, which is guaranteed to deliver an exciting race.

On Sunday 23^rd at 8am it’s time for the long mountain race, the Broken Arrow Skyrace. This is a loop which climbs 1,533m over the course of 23km (or 5,033 feet over 14.25 miles). It starts in Palisades Tahoe Village and most of the race takes place above the tree line on technical and demanding trails. Runners will be treated to views of Granite Chief Wilderness and they will experience Emigrant Pass, KT-22 and, like the VK runners, the ‘stairway to heaven’ ladder to Washeshu Peak.

Please note that the courses are liable to slight changes each year depending on snow conditions. 

The Favourites

With registration still open for elites, there could still be changes to the final start lists, but there’s no doubt at all that we’ll see some highly competitive racing. Many of the runners from last year’s podiums are back this year, along with others who could well challenge them.

In the women’s VK last year’s winner, Anna Gibson (Brooks), will be back to defend her title. 2023 runner up, Jade Belzberg (Topo), will also be back, as will Annie Dube and Anna Mae Flynn (Mountain Endurance Team), who finished fourth and fifth respectively last year. But they will face stiff competition in the form of Allie McLaughlin(HOKA), Tabor Hemming (Adidas Terrex) and others.

The men’s VK is also looking incredibly competitive. Darren Thomas (Salomon), second last year, is back, as is last year’s fifth place finisher, Abraham Hernandez Cruz. Joining them will be some big names to watch, including Philemon Ombogo Kiriago (Run2gether), Jim Walmsley (HOKA), Eli Hemming (Adidas Terrex) and Christian Allen.

Darren Thomas (Salomon) is back to contest both races © Peter Maksimov

Many of the runners are racing both the VK and the Skyrace, with a day in between to recover. Last year the Skyrace was severely affected by snow but we understand the snowline isn’t as low this year. Memorably Allie McLaughlinbattled with Anna Gibson last year, taking the lead and stretching it out to win. McLaughlin is doing the double here, as are Tabor Hemming, who was third last year, and Annie Dube. Janelle Lincks, fourth last year, also returns. Sophia Laukli (Salomon), a breakout star in last year’s World Cup, also looks to be toeing the line and will be one to watch.

In the men’s Skyrace defending champion, Eli Hemming, returns, along with the rest of last year’s podium, Chad Halland Meikael Beaudoin-Rousseau (Brooks). Allen, Kipngeno and Thomas will double up, which should make things interesting. To shake things up even further former world champion Joe Gray (HOKA) is on the start list.

Zak Hanna(New Balance), who finished fourth in last year’s VK here, is just taking on the Skyrace this year.

Follow all the action on our on Facebook and Instagram and via Broken Arrow’s Livestream.

Allie McLaughlin (HOKA) on her way to victory in the 23k race in 2023 © Peter Maksimov

THE WMRA AND ITS COMMITMENT TO CLEAN SPORTMANSHIP

Since its inception, the WMRA has adhered to strict anti-doping regulations, complying with World Athletics protocols. The 2024 series will feature WADA-accredited anti-doping measures in every race, continuing the tradition of rigorous testing implemented since 2007.

In 2023 alone, 70 tests were conducted in the 18 races of the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup series, with more than 72 planned for this season and its 12 races, all of them by independent and accredited local entities, always recognized by the respective athletics local federation and the WADA.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram and get involved using #wearemountainrunning #valsirworldcup #wmra24 #wmra40years

About the WMRA:

Formed in 1984, the World Mountain Running Association is the global governing body for

mountain running and has the goal of promoting mountain running for all ages and abilities.
Aswell as the World Cup, the WMRA organizes Masters, U18 and area championships and

in partnership with the World Athletics, ITRA and IAU to deliver the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck, Austria. The WMRA also maintains the Mountain Running World Ranking, a system of points allocated to athletes based on the results in designated races.

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