News: Nordic walking

Credit : Ecotrail de Paris La Verticale de la Tour Effeil The weekend of races started Friday with the Verticale de la Tour Eiffel during wich for the first time since 1906, 39 Elite runners and 18 recreational runners picked in a lottery climbed the 1665 stairs that lead to the third floor of the Eiffel Tower. Top 10 Men 1 Piotr LOBODZINSKI Poland 00:07:50.93 2 Kiril NIKOLOV Bulgaria 00:08:12.16 3 Bernard DEMATTEIS Italy 00:08:12.97 4 Christian RIEDL Germany 00:08:15.41 5 Cedric FLEURETON France 00:08:25.46 6 Urban ZEMMER Italy 00:08:28.01 7 Tomas CELKO Slovakia 00:08:29.39 8 Julien RANCON France 00:08:38.96 9 Martin DEMATTEIS Italy 00:08:40.38 10 Etienne LOISEL France 00:08:44.98 Top 8 Women 1 Suzy WALSHAM Australia 00:09:44.74 2 Christel DEWALLE France 00:10:22.84 3 Francesca ROSSI Italy 00:11:10.42 4 Rosa Maria LLORENS ZAFRA Spain 00:11:42.38 5 Cristina BONACINA Italy 00:11:45.47 6 Madeleine FONTILLAS RONK Etats-Unis 00:14:43.59 7 Alexandra RENAUD France 00:15:23.74 8 Danielle Marie VILLELA EIRAS UHEBE Brésil 00:18:06.42 Complete Results 30 km Saturday morning at 10, 2828 runners started in Meudon the 30 km race. Top 10 Men 1 Moritz AUF DER HEIDE Germany 01:57:26 2 Régis DURAND France 01:57:27 3 Nicolas DUHAIL France 01:58:36 4 Aurélien ROUXEL France 02:01:18 5 Raphaël HOGUET France 02:02:53 6 Julien GUEDON France 02:04:32 7 Laurent LAMBERT France 02:04:33 8 Nicolas DUPIN France 02:05:28 9 Olivier ANGE France 02:05:36 10 Jean-Felix CHEVASSU 02:06:08 Top 10 Women 1 Malika COUTANT France 02:08:35 2 Marie-Amelie JUIN France 02:12:38 3 Laure BOUCENA BADON France 02:15:41 4 Frédérique MARTIN France 02:18:44 5 Marion DELAGE France 02:20:50 6 Lucile CHAILLOUX France 02:22:57 7 Emmanuelle BLANCK France 02:23:21 8 Audrey GENTILHOMME France 02:24:13 9 Alvine GENTILHOMME France 02:24:16 10 Yasmina SOUFI France 02:24:20 Complete Results Le 50 km 1611 runners gathered along the Grand Canal in the park of the Château de Versailles to take part in the 50 km trail. Top 10 Men 1 Romuald DE PAEPE France 03:24:05 2 Samir BAALA France 03:28:17 3 Martin SCHEDLER Germany 03:29:12 4 Sylvain MILAN France 03:31:50 5 Luca CARRARA Italy 03:33:40 6 Benoit GANDELOT France 03:33:58 7 Christophe LOZAC H France 03:39:40 8 Adrien DOS SANTOS France 03:40:43 9 Xavier BIGNON France 03:41:09 10 françois LE BRIS France 03:41:26 Top 10 Women 1 Laurence KLEIN France 04:01:29 2 Marie PRIOUX France 04:08:06 3 Marie Noelle BOURGEOIS France 04:10:51 4 Carole JUSZCZAK France 04:14:34 5 Francesca CANEPA Italy 04:15:56 6 Maricruz ARAGON FALCES Spain 04:37:23 7 Virginie THEVENOT France 04:39:30 8 Coraline ROUL France 04:42:00 9 France Line LE THIEC France 04:43:39 10 Florence CASTAGNET France 04:51:00 Complete Results Le 80 km At noon, 1734 runners left St Quentin en Yvelines to reach the first floor of the Eiffel Tower after an 80 km run.u Premier étage de la Tour Eiffel. Top 10 Men 1 Emmanuel GAULT France 05:35:02 2 Yoann STUCK France 05:49:12 3 Fabien CHARTOIRE France 05:51:16 4 Vivien LAPORTE France 05:53:31 5 Richard LA COCK South Africa 05:53:49 6 Thomas SAINT GIRONS France 05:54:47 7 Eric PLENNEVAUX Belgium 05:58:24 8 Bertrand COLLOMB-PATTON France 06:04:17 9 Frédéric LEJEUNE France 06:11:36 10 Francis GARNIER France 06:12:11 Top 10 Women 1 Badia EL HARIRI France 06:56:39 2 Sylvaine CUSSOT France 06:58:23 3 Simona MORBELLI Italy 06:59:21 4 Anne VALERO France 07:39:38 5 Fanny COYNE France 07:52:36 6 Laura COYNE France 07:52:37 7 Géraldine HEUZE France 08:00:04 8 Isabel MOLEIRO Portugal 08:12:39 9 Marie FROTTIER France 08:16:30 10 Agnès FRANCASTEL France 08:24:01 Complete Results

Runners of all abilities will lace up their sneakers for the inaugural Walkway Marathon, which takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2015, in the beautiful Hudson River Valley of New York State. More than 1,500 runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes are expected to compete in one of three flat, fast, USATF-certified races – a marathon, half marathon, and 5K run – all of which traverse the Hudson River on the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. “These races combine fantastic views of the Hudson River with a shady and nearly flat running surface,” says Walkway Executive Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart]. “From first-time racers to veterans hoping for a Boston Marathon qualifying time, all types of runners will enjoy this one-of-a-kind event. On June 13, participants in all three races will converge on the riverfront campus of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, where the marathon and half marathon will begin and end. Utilizing the mid-Hudson Valley’s extensive system of rail trails, marathoners and half marathoners will head south on the paved and tree-lined William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail, passing by picturesque lakes and forested areas. Later on, racers encounter similarly smooth and scenic running along the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, located across the river in Ulster County. Connecting these two trails is the spectacular Walkway Over the Hudson — a 19th-century railroad bridge that has been converted into the world’s longest linear park. Competitors get a literal “runner’s high” as they cross – and re-cross – the Walkway, admiring jaw-dropping views of the dramatic Hudson Highlands and Catskill Mountains from 212 feet above the ground. Runners in the 5K race follow a different route: Beginning at the Walkway’s western entrance, they head east across the 1.28-mile bridge, then travel north along Poughkeepsie’s waterfront to the finish line at Marist. Besides the magnificent scenery and virtually flat course, the Walkway Marathon has another big draw: It is a “green” race. In fact, it is the first marathon in New York State to follow the criteria outlined in the “Pledge of Sustainability” issued by Athletes for a Fit Planet. Runners will notice – and appreciate – the event’s eco-friendly stance: All registrations are processed through the web (no paper entries allowed); electric buses will transport 5K runners to the start line; course hydration stations are equipped to refill BYO water bottles (cutting down on paper cup waste), locally sourced foods are on hand at the finish line – and your finisher’s medal is made from recycled materials. Runners are encouraged to use mass transit to get to the race; to that end, discounted round-trip tickets between Grand Central Terminal and the Poughkeepsie train station are available on Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson line. Registration for the Walkway Marathon, Half Marathon, and Rooftops to Treetops 5K is now open. Early bird entry fees (marathon $65, half marathon $45, 5K $25) extend through March 31, 2015; beginning April 1, fees increase to $75/$55/$35, respectively. Bib pick-up is Friday, June 12 at the Dutchess County Tourism/Walkway Marathon Expo, taking place from 2-8 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Market Street, Poughkeepsie. The Walkway Marathon is organized under the auspices of the Walkway Over the Hudson, Dutchess County Government, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Walkway Over the Hudson, the 501 © 3 charitable organization dedicated to completing and enhancing the state park; runners are encouraged to solicit pledge donations to this worthy cause if they wish.

POUGHKEEPSIE—Nearly 1500 runners are expected to converge on Dutchess County on Saturday, June 13th for the first annual Walkway Marathon race series, which is being presented in partnership with Dutchess County Government, and will feature a marathon, half-marathon and the already established Treetops to Rooftops 5K event. Representatives from the Walkway Over the Hudson organization, Dutchess County Government, Marist College and several other partnering organizations unveiled plans for the new premier running event on Tuesday, during a press conference held at Walkway State Park’s eastern entrance. The event, which will serve as one of the Walkway organization’s primary fundraisers for 2015, will feature marathon and half-marathon routes that begin at Marist College, include a significant stretch of the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail in Dutchess County, cross over the Walkway Over the Hudson , with a turnaround on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Ulster County. “The Walkway Marathon represents an exciting new regional running attraction that highlights and utilizes some of the Hudson Valley’s greatest recreational assets—our remarkable new rail trail network and Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. In particular, it showcases the recently-completed Dutchess Rail Trail and we are pleased with the commitment and cooperation from County Executive Marc Molinaro and Dutchess County Government in bringing this race to fruition,” said Walkway Executive Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart. “We are fortunate to be working with many other committed partners as well—such as Marist College, New York State Parks, Ulster County and the Town of Lloyd, Dutchess Tourism, Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club, the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and several others—in making the dream of a Walkway Marathon become a reality.” Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be working in partnership with the Walkway Over the Hudson to bring this race series to Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley region. With spectacular venues like the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail and the Walkway Over the Hudson as well as Marist College and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, this is certain to become a ‘must run’ event for marathon enthusiasts from all over. We have a full spectrum of community partners committed to making this a destination event for our region that will increase exposure, tourism interest as well as provide another important health and recreational event opportunity.” “We are excited to partner with the Walkway Over the Hudson for what I am sure will become one the premier events in the Hudson River Valley. The Walkway Marathon gives us the opportunity to showcase our beautiful campus to runners, visitors and guests throughout the region. The course presents a unique opportunity for runners to start and finish the marathon from one of the most scenic stretches of the Hudson River,” said Tim Murray, Athletic Director at Marist College. The Walkway Marathon and Half-Marathon races will build upon the well-established Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club Treetops to Rooftops 5K race that has been attracting hundreds of area runners to Walkway State Park annually for the last four years. Keith Axelrod, President of Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club (MHRRC), said, “During last year’s Treetops to Rooftops 5k race, Race Director and MHRRC Board Member Sue O’Neil suggested adding a Marathon and Half Marathon. I immediately realized it would be a great idea to utilize the Walkway and the Rail Trails as well as Marist College to make it a great regional running event. Our members have been asking to bring back a full marathon and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. We are excited to help coordinate the three race event.” Runners interested in registering for any of the Walkway Marathon races scheduled for Saturday, June 13th can do so by visiting the Walkway Marathon website at WalkwayMarathon.org. Registration will officially open on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. Roger Robinson, a longtime columnist with Running Times Magazine, embraced the idea of the Walkway Marathon, adding that the event will help solidify the long-term alliance between running and linear parks. “Runners back in the 1960s were the first in the world to used disused railroads and old canal tow-paths for recreational exercise. The much bigger sport today continues to be active in the development of linear parks as safe and scenic places to run. With miles of trail, and the unique asset of the Walkway Over the Hudson, this race will be a leader in the ongoing alliance between running and the environment,” Dr. Robinson said. Organizers also plan to pursue “green certification” for the race from Athletes for a Fit Planet, making it one of the first green Marathons in New York State. Sustainable practices, such as shuttling runners using Dutchess County Government’s public transit system’s hybrid buses, and race bibs and other elements made from recycled materials will be followed wherever possible. Walkway thanked lead race sponsors Royal Carting and Health Quest during the press conference for their pledges of support for the new recreational venture. Additional sponsorships are available and interested parties can contact Walkway Development Manager Ellen Henneberry at (845) 454-9649.

During the first edition of the Eco-Trail de Paris, the 80km race has a unique location for it finish line. The runners had to climb to the first floor of the Eiffel tower to complete the race. This certainly contributed to the event’s success. During the past few years the finish line had to be relocated to the ground because of the renovation project taking place on the first floor. In 2015, the renovation being finished, the 80km race will again take the runners to the first floor. The organizers will also organize a new unique race: La Verticale Tour Eiffel. The race consists of climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower: 1,665 steps and 279 meters. It will be the first time since 1906 that such a race is organized. Unlike similar races organized in various sky scrapers all around the world, the runners will not run in a closed stairwell, but outside. If you’re afraid of heights, this race is not for you! The race is unique, also because usually, the stairs going from the 2nd floor to the 3rd floor are closed to the public. Only 60 runners will have the opportunity to partake. A committee of experts will select 40 Elite runners and 20 ordinary runners will be picked in a lottery. If you want to take part in the lottery, please go to the race’s website.

§staticmap(13363,5,450,250)Hello, on May 4th 2013, you’ll be organizing the Trail 110. Can you tell us where it is located? The race is organized in the valley of the Yonne River, in Burgundy France, starting in the city of Sens. It will be the inaugural edition. Why was it created in the first place? I’ve been riding my mountain bike on the trail of Yonne for 15 years. As I’ve ridden my bike in many different places, I knew I had to introduce the beauty of the local trails and the sceneries they offer to others. It seemed that trail running was the best way to do it. What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it? The Trail 110 will cross many valleys that lead down to the Yonne River. The participants will run on forest trails and on altitude plateaus offering gorgeous sceneries. The route is characterized by the variety of trail it follows: forest single tacks that can be steep and country path both offering the most beautiful landscapes of the region. How many runners do you expect on Saturday afternoon? What type of runners do you plan to attract? Our goal for the next 3 years is to grow the race so that it becomes one of the largest trail races North of the Loire River. With 2,200 of elevation gain, the race will be a great « training race» for runners preparing the summer mountain ultra races. Do you organize other races during the Weekend? If so, on what distances? Yes of course, 3 other races are also set up for a progressive approach to long distance trail running in a festive and fun environment. In addition to the 110K race, there are a 35K, a 63K and a 85K. The 35K and 85K can be run as a 4-runner relay. At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect? The weather should be fine, as spring can offer in the region, but nowadays, it is quite impossible to predict. Have you planned festivities around the race? The route will cross 14 towns or villages that will do their best to welcome the runners: activities, food, drinks and music. The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Sens before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing? After the trail, I strongly encourage the runners to visit the Cathedral which is at the center of the old town of Sens. The many restaurants in Sens will be happy to help them recover while discovering the gastronomy of Burgundy. In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Trail 110? They would never have imagined such a beautiful route 100km from Paris. Interview with Henry Kam, Race director.

Welcome to Greece… Welcome to Crete… and its highest mountain Psiloritis, where Zeus was brought up. Τhe non-profit company “Race Psiloritis” is organizing the fourth international sporting endurance event called «Psiloritis Race», with a threshold of 250 athletes from Greece and abroad. The International Mountain Race Psiloritis, except the uniqueness of Crete, is offering a unique mountain endurance sporting experience and adventure. It aims to attract Greek and foreign athletes who dedicate themselves to mountain running and give them the opportunity to experience a unique struggle of seven (7) hours in touch with the natural environment of the mountain. Hence, athletes who will take part in «Psiloritis Race» should be able to implement the philosophy of semi-autonomy, carrying a mandatory minimum equipment that will provide them with both security and self sufficiency during the race, despite the systematic and regular supply intervals of the event. The «Psiloritis Race» will take place on a length total of 35 km. The race will start at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 2 from the site Nida in Psiloritis. The athletes who will participate in the race will experience a combination of ground (length 16.5 km) asphalt (length 3 km) and paths (length 15.5 km). They will pass through the following locations: Nida, Akolita, Louki, Korifi-Timios Stavros, Kalogrades, Katafigio, Spilia, Pardi, Mesoskouro, Lakoudia, Kouroutes. Those interested to learn more about the race can visit the website www.psiloritisrace.com, where they can apply and participate by completing an online application (http://www.psiloritisrace.com/en/application-form.php). With your participation either as athletes, as volunteers or spectators, we invite you to join us and experience in person the Cretan hospitality.

§staticmap(1264,5,450,250)On May 15th 2011, you’ll be organizing the Genève Marathon for Unicef. Can you tell us where it is located? For the first time ever, the Geneva Marathon for Unicef, now in its seventh year, will provide the runners with a unique route of 42,195km including the most beautiful landmarks of the city as well as Geneva’s historical and cosmopolitan centre and its magnificent countryside surrounding it over the weekend of the 14th and 15th May 2011. Unlike previous editions where participants had to make two loops of the same course, the 2011 route is based on one loop of the new course which for the full and half marathon courses, offers the runners a variation of vistas to help them on their way.  This will be the 7th edition of the race. Why was it created in the first place? The Geneva Marathon for Unicef has been created in 2005 because there are many runners in the state and in the city and because Geneva is one the most beautiful cities in the World : a perfect place for runners ! What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it? After a first part in the countryside in a stunning backdrop nestled in between the Jura’s crests and the Alpine summits, the participants will dive into the heart of the roads and discover the token monuments of Geneva (the water-jet, the flower clock, the Mont-Blanc Bridge…). They will then run along the Rhône quays and will finally cross the finish line drawn in front of the famous Palais Wilson for a prestigious finale in the heart of the city.   How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract? These breathtaking running routes will be extremely enjoyable to the running enthusiasts and we expect more than 5000 runners. The new layouts are proof of our the long-term commitment : to put of the Geneva Marathon for Unicef in the top 15 of marathons in Europe.   Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances? This year we will be following on from the success new format of last year, which saw a 6km race for female runners : La Genevoise on Saturday followed by the Kid’s race. There are four Kid’s Races for different age categories, ranging from 500 meters up to 3km for the eldest children. These additional races have really helped create a weekend event that appeals to all ages, running competencies and spectators. All the money raised through the Kids Race will go straight to Unicef while 5% of the Marathon, Half Marathon and La Genevoise race will go to Unicef.   At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect? The weather was fantastic last year with beautiful sunshine but not too hot for running. In May that is typical weather of cool sunshine and around 15 degrees… Have you planned festivities around the marathon? With the kid’s race, the Genevoise, the Half Marathon and the Marathon, the aim is to ensure that the whole family will be able to participate at their own pace in this great running festival. Of course, we will have a large program of activities all weekend long with a band along the course, commentator on the start line, and race village exhibitions with our partners and suppliers.   The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Geneva before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing? Useful information on restaurants, hotels and what there is do in Geneva after the marathon can be found here, http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/.   In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Genève Marathon for Unicef? This is a truly unique running festival, which support Unicef, with something for everyone and set in the heart of lakeside Geneva near the Alps – where else can you run in such a stunning flat location with such superb spectators and entertainment?  Interview with Benjamin Chandelier Outdoor Events Director at OC ThirdPole

§staticmap(9245,5,450,250)Hello, on May 8th, 2011, you’ll be organizing the DKV-Urban Trail. Can you tell us where it is located? The start and finish line are located Place de la Constitution (“Gëlle Fra”), in the heart of Luxembourg City. How old is the race and why was it created in the first place? It will be the second edition of the DKV Urban Trail. As a bus driver in Luxembourg City and great fan of trail running, I take advantage of my pauses at work to run in the forest of Luxembourg City and discover new trails and sites, each more unusual than the others. Thus was born the idea of organizing an Urban Trail. The route passes through the town, trails, forest and numerous stairs. It also allows runners to discover the history of the city as they run close to many historical sites. Credit : Wolfgang Staudt The course is roughly composed of 40% City, 60% forest trails for the 12k race and more or less 20% city and 80% forest trails for the 35K. We have capped the number of participants to 2000 because we already have reached 1300 runners for the first edition. Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances? We have set 8 races : the 12 km solo trail the 12 km relay trail (3 person relay) the 12 km corporate challenge (3 person relay) the 35 km solo trail the 35 km relay trail (3 person relay) the 35 km corporate challenge (3 person relay) the 2.7 km Mini-Trail for kids from 9 to 14 the 12 km Nordic Walking Trail At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect? We expect sunshine. Have you planned festivities around the marathon? Yes. There will be music at the start, finish line and along the course. On Place de la Constitution, we will have a DJ, an inflatable castle, the DKV-Fitmobil and some Portuguese Folklore. The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Luxembourg City before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing? For those who like to go out, I can suggest the café Urban located 2 rue de la Boucherie in Luxembourg-City. After the race , we invite runners to have something to eat on site : thüringer – Luxembourg sausage-, Portuguese cakes, gâteaux portugais, local sparkling wine (Crémant) and beers, Rivella… In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the DKV-Urban Trail? The DKV Urban Trail is a great way to discover the city and its nature in a new way while sharing a friendly and fun moment. Interview with M. Azevedo, founder of the DKV-Urban Trail

Winter seems to be a good time season to run a marathon in Arizona. I recently receved a mail from Debra Undhjem informing me that next year, a new marathon would be organized in Arizona. Debra, the race director of the new IMS Arizona Marathon, answered my usual 9 questions to present her new race. Credit : j.arsenault Hello, on February 15th, you’ll be organizing the first edition of the first IMS Arizona Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located? The IMS Arizona Marathon (IMS stands for Integrated Medical Services) is held in Arizona. It will run through 4 west valley cities  (ie. cities just to the West of Phoenix, AZ). The Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is approximately 15 minutes away. It is the inaugural edition. Why was it created in the first place? We created the marathon to increase health awareness while showcasing cities of the west valley. Hosted by a non-profit organization, the IMS marathon committee is comprised of community leaders from all over the Phoenix valley. What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it? The proposed route starts at the base of Estrella Mountain in Goodyear runs by the Cleveland Indians Spring Training Stadium continues to Avondale taking the runners by the Estrella Community College. The runners will continue running through Litchfield Park, home of the Wigwam Golf Resort and Red Door Spa. The course then takes runners by Luke AFB home of the F-16 Fighting Falcon finishes in Glendale at the Westgate Center home of Super Bowl XLII. The marathon will be a Boston Qualifier. How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract? We expect more than a thousand runners to join us for this inaugural race. All types of runners are welcome. From 6 minute miles to 14 minute miles. For participants safety the course will close in 6 hours. Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances? Half Marathon and team relay marathon At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect? February is a beautiful time in Arizona. The average high 67 F. Have you planned festivities around the marathon? Absolutely instead of organizing a carbo dinner we are asking all local business to give us discount coupons so that our participants can have all sorts of options for the pre-race dinner. A band and awards ceremony will be immediately following the event. The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Glendale before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing? We will have set-up information desks to help guide people to different areas of our city depending on their interest. ie; Golf, zoos, Grand Canyon, lakes, desert hiking, jeep tours, mountain biking, relaxing by the pool. In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Arizona Marathon? We want all levels to participate…just put on your shoes and come play in the Arizona sun and be a part of this family oriented event! Thank you Debra