RACE ADVENTURES APRIL
RACE ADVENTURES CALENDAR FOR RUNNERS:
1 April 2018: ALEXANDER THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, GREECE
This race in Thessaloniki connects the past with the present, crossing within 42 km over 2.500 years of Macedonian history and Hellenism. Run from past to present, along remains of the Royal Palaces, tombs and golden treasures and discover Alexander’s the Great Heritage.
The International Marathon “ALEXANDER THE GREAT” refers to the route Pella-Thessaloniki.
Pella is the ancient capital of Macedonia and the birthplace of the great Commander, whereas Thessaloniki is the modern Hellenic metropolis of Macedonia and the second largest city of Greece. It was founded in 316 BC and named after the sister of Alexander the Great.
The International Marathon is a member of the International Marathons Association (AIMS) and has the Bronze IAAF Marathon road race label. Apart from the full Marathon distance, you can join a 5K and 10K race.
#ATGMarathon
2 April 2018: ULTRA FIORD, CHILE
An International Trail Running event that takes place in the extreme southern end of Chilean Patagonia; a long journey that enters into the magical world of fjords. This region of the planet is characterized by thousands of kilometers of fjords, formed by the passage of gigantic glaciers since thousands of years ago. This is possibly the country’s “best-kept secret.” The journey into the world of fiords is both magical and mystical, as Genis Zapater (3rd place winner of 70K Ultra Fiord 2015) described, “This entire section floated below a forest worthy of being its own Lord of the Rings, which I was advancing through with goosebumps.”
This is a trail running event where you will need a sense of adventure to come face to face with one of the wildest natural landscapes, shaped by the unpredictable weather conditions and challenging terrains of Southern Patagonia. On the race course you will traverse across rivers, mud, peat bogs, glacier-filled mountains and big rocks, pushing your limits through a unique experience that is both rewarding and self-transcending.
“It has the potential to be a big, classic world race. It seems to me like what Hardrock was in the beginning, like before they thought ‘Oh, we should probably put a fixed rope on the snowfield coming off Virginius Pass’. I really think it has the original Hardrock spirit.” — Jeff Browning, American 100-Mile Winner
Ultra Fiord is an Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) and Hardrock 100 qualifying race.
One of the fundamental objectives of Ultra Fiord is to contribute to the conservation and the sustainable development of the Chilean Patagonia. In line with this goal, efforts are focused on two main areas: environmental awareness and promotion of the region’s tourism, both geared toward aiding in the sustainable development of its local communities.
Location: Patagonia, Chile, South-America
Race distance: 100mi, 100K, 70K, 50K, 42K,30K
Race info: #UltraFiord
6–16 April 2018: MARATHON DES SABLES, MOROCCO
At 28 years of age, Patrick Bauer decided to make for the Sahara to try to traverse a 350km expanse of uninhabited desert, on foot, alone, where he wouldn’t come across a single village, oasis or watering place. Totally self-sufficient, with a rucksack weighing 35kg and containing water and food, he set off on a journey which was to last 12 days. It was the starting point of what was to become the Marathon des Sables.
In 1986 23 pioneers took part in the first edition of this legendary multi-day running event in the Moroccan Sahara.
The Marathon des Sables is a footrace, open to runners and walkers, with several stages, freestyle, and with food self-sufficiency over a distance of about 250 Km. Each participant must carry his/her own backpack containing food, sleeping gear and other material.
Especially in Southern Morocco at a time of year when the temperature can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the sun, the body is under strain.
Participants will be advised carefully on how to avoid certain mistakes and how to prepare efficiently for this “extraordinary expedition”.
#MDS2018
#MarathonDesSables
7 April 2018: American River 50, CALIFORNIA, USA
The 2nd largest 50 miler in the USA. One of the American River 50’s strengths is it’s breathtaking, dramatic climb to Auburn at the end of the race, an ascent that leaves ultra runners looking for something extra while on a friendly dirt surface. Course Elevation: 3,800 ft climb and ~800 ft descent.
The point-to-point route offers a mix of pavement (27 miles) and trail (23 miles) which makes it a great race for beginning 50-milers and for those who want to run a PR.
It is a qualifier for the Western States Endurance Run as well.
Location: Folsom Lake Marina, El Dorado Hills, California, USA
Race distances: 50mi-27mi-23mi
Race info: #AR50
7–8 April 2018: PATAGONIA RUN, ARGENTINA
Patagonia Run is a race of roads and mountain tracks in San Martin de Los Andes. San Martin de Los Andes has one of the most impressive landscapes in the world, located in the most beautiful of the Andes — Patagonia — Argentina.
Patagonia Run is a non-stop mountain trail run for individual runners, which includes 6 distances for all athlete profiles, from trail run debutants and short-distance runners to long ultra-marathon distances and slope experienced runners.
With an elevation gain of 9.000m, Patagonia race is a challenging race and the speed required to complete the 145k is 29 hours.
Maximum hours to finish the race will be the following: 36 hours for 100 mi, 27 hours for 100K, and 21 hours for 70K. Deadline to cross finishing line for all distances is 11:59 pm.
Patagonia Run is part of the Ultra-Trail World Tour, and a qualifying race for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) and Western States Endurance Run (WSER) 2019.
Location: San Martin de los Andes, Neuquén, Andean Argentinian Patagonia
Race terrain: Trail, mountain
Race distance: 100 miles, 100K, 70K, 42K, 21K and 10K
Race info: #PatagoniaRun
8 April 2018: PYONGYANG MARATHON, NORTH-KOREA
2018 will be the fifth year that the Pyongyang Marathon (or Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon) is open to foreign amateur runners. A unique chance to get to know one of the world’s most mysterious countries.
You can run the 10k, half or full marathon.
All three of these races follow the same course, which is fully recognized by the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations).
The race is a return course through the city center. Runners will go past many of the iconic buildings, monuments, and streets of Pyongyang, before heading out into the countryside, just outside the urban center, before running back again.
This new route, which is IAAF bronze label certified, gives runners the chance to see more of the capital than in previous years, and also allows more interaction with people along the course, as it includes more parts of the city than ever before. All races will start and finish inside Kim Il Sung Stadium, in front of a Korean crowd of max 50,000 people.
All non-Korean participants are required to enter the country as part of an organized tour group.
Just a few thousand people are granted entry to the DPRK every year, and tourists compose only a fraction of this number. Taking part in the Pyongyang Marathon via an organized tour is a great opportunity to be able to visit North-Korea.
Race info: #PyongyangMarathon
9 April 2018: NORTH-POLE MARATHON, ARCTIC OCEAN
Always wanted to run on water? This is your chance!
The North Pole is not part of any continent, as it is constantly shifting ice, located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. And that’s where this stunning race takes place.
Running under extreme conditions like this (-41C) takes lots of preparation, effort and persistence and the Marathon has been completed by only 378 people (319 men and 59 women) so far.
Participants are eligible to join the exclusive Marathon Grand Slam Club by finishing a marathon on each of the seven continents and the North Pole Marathon.
Race info: #NorthPoleMarathon
14–15 April 2018: AUSTRALIAN RUNNING FESTIVAL, CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
The Canberra Marathon is a yearly held race in the capital of Australia since 1976. It is Australia’s most historic city marathon. The festival is held on a circuit around old Parliament house and beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. Race distances are offered for all kind of runners starting from 5K.
The Australian Running Festival gives participants the opportunity to go ‘beyond the marathon’ and compete in a 50K Ultra Marathon. This option is popular with ultra runners seeking a fast course, marathon runners seeking to step up to ultra race and participants training for events like the Comrades Marathon.
The Ultra Marathon is a selection race for the IAU 50K World Trophy race and is certified with the IAU bronze label.
Race info:#AustralianRunningFestival #CanberraMarathon
20–21 April 2018: ZION 100, UTAH, USA
A challenging, scenic race through the southern Utah desert adjacent to Zion National Park.
4 distances will be offered: a Half Marathon, 55K, 100K, and a 100 miler.
Environmentally sustainable, destination trail races that push your limits and offer an unforgettable ultra adventure.
Zion 100 mile is one of the 6 ultra trail races in The Grand Circle Trail Series that take place in the natural diversity of the Southwest. A challenging but beautiful wilderness with meadows, mountains, deserts, canyons, forests and lakes.
Location: Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Race distances: 100mi-100K-50K-13,1mi (half marathon)
Race info: #UltraAdventures #zion100
20–22 April 2018: TEC 100MILES RUN, SWEDEN
The TEC 100MILES race is one of The 5 Continents Grand Slam 100 miles races and one the 4 Swedish 100 miles Grand Slam races.
It’s a qualifying race for the Western States Endurance Run and Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). Besides a 100 mile race you can join a 50 miles race, both a day and a night, 100 miles, 200 miles and a relay of 50 or 100 miles.
The beautiful race track takes place on mostly gravel and some kilometers with single track in the forrest, with some asphalt as well. One lap is 11.5km so you will run 7, 14 or 28 depending on your choice of distance!
Race info: #tabyextremechallenge #tec2018
21 April 2018: BLUE RIDGE MARATHON, VIRGINIA, USA
This road race made it to the “World’s 15 Toughest Marathons” list by the Weather Channel, was featured in Runner’s World Magazine, Ranked #1 on “Toughest Half Marathons in the World” by halfmarathons.net and too many more accolades to list in one spot.
The race earned a 100% satisfaction rating on marathonguide.com with hundreds of five-star reviews like this:
“My favorite race year in and year out because of the organization, scenery, volunteers, and the fans. The mountains are worth the climb as the views are spectacular. The festival that follows with music, food, and drinks is very well done.”
There are several races to choose from: a double marathon, full marathon, half marathon, Star 10K and Family 1 Miler.
#BlueRidgeMarathon
22 April 2018: LOSKOP MARATHON, SOUTH-AFRICA
The first Loskop marathon was run as a 46K race in 1979.
Because the Loskop Ultra is a Comrades Marathon qualifying road race, it also attracts elite runners who’re preparing for Comrades.
The 50K Ultra starts in Middelburg and the 21,1K Wild Challenge starts in Loskopdam. Both road races will finish at Loskopdam, a Forever Resort and have a time cut-off of 8 hours.
The qualifying time for Comrades is 6 hours.
The 4,9km Rhino Family Fun Run takes place on Saturday, 21 April 2018, from the start of the 21,1km Wild Challenge (near the Dam wall). This unique run will be towards the Resort along the dam. You may enter on Race day at the start for R35–00 per entry and contribute towards the FRIENDS OF LOSKOP CONSERVATION FUND. No prize money will be awarded, but all finishers will receive a medal. Walkers are also welcome. The Fun Run starts at 06:45.
Current Course Records for the 50km Ultra:
Men: 02:44:03 Josiah Thugwane (2005)
Women: 03:14:37 Thabita Tsatsa (Zim) (2012)
Veteran Men: 02:47:34 Charles Tjiane (2016)
Veteran Women: 03:27:03 Grace de Oliveira (2003)
Race info: #LoskopMarathon
28 April 2018: ULTRA MILANO-SANREMO 175-mile, ITALY
Europe’s longest point-to-point road ultramarathon is beautiful from the first 75 miles, winding through the Italian countryside and authentic farming towns, to the “mountain,” a 25-mile journey up and down the “Passo del Turchino,” to the absolutely stunning final 75 miles hugging the Italian Riviera.
While the temperatures are typically moderate (50s and 60s), and the terrain is basically flat (considering the distance), it’s a huge challenge to run 175 miles nonstop, within two days.It’s not the right race for people who’re quite new to ultrarunning.
Race info: #ultramilanosanremo
28 April 2018: MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA-TRAIL (MIUT) 115K, PORTUGAL
An exciting challenge across the island from sea-to-sea, with an ascent to the highest peaks of the island (Ruivo and Areeiro) with long and stressful climbs and stairs, but also stunning views of the valleys, crests, plateaus, rivers and sea.
The 7th edition (2015) reached the record number of 1329 participants from 36 countries, and raised the sporting level of the event, integrating the restricted Ultra Trail World Tour circuit, with the status of “future race”.
Besides the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail (MIUT) of 115 km, races with shorter distances of 85 km, 43 km or 16 km can be chosen.
Race info:#MIUTrail #MIUT2018
29 April-5 May 2018: SAHARA 7 DAYS, 250K FOOTRACE, NAMIBIA
Namibia is one of the driest countries of the African continent, and known for its iconic desert and stunning landscape.
The Namib Desert, on the west coast of Southern Africa, is the oldest desert and has the largest dunes in the world.
The course is located in and around beach of Torra Bay, in the the Skeleton Coast National Park.
During this multiday race you will see a great diversity of scenery and terrain as you complete the 250K / 155mi course.
This includes running along the beach where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean and through Seal colonies, over salt pans, past salt lakes which are home to flamingos, through the infamous dunes of the Namib desert, into dry riverbeds where a hint of water gives way to lush green vegetation, past deserted oil and diamond mines and across vast open red desert plains and hills.
The course follows four stages of approximately 40K / 25M, the Long March of approximately 80K / 50M, which takes place over two days, and the final “sprint” less than 20K / 13M.
It is a self-supported race; competitors must carry everything they need for seven days on their backs.
Race info: #SaharaRace
Originally published at Running Your Life.
