We arrived in the Gran Paradiso National Park for the Royal Ultra Sky Marathon to cloudy skies with overnight rain forecast. This year the 55km/4000m+ race was also doubling up for the inaugural World Masters Skyrunning Championships, and with the Brazilian team out in force (as well, less surprisingly, as the Italians) it was still a party atmosphere at the teams presentation and briefing. The rain duly came but the skies had cleared by 6.30am, giving near perfect conditions at the spectacular start line on the Lago di Teleccio dam.
A predictably frantic start to position for the first set of single track hairpins gave way to a steady climb up to the Colle del Becchi at 3000m. With significantly less snow than in previous years the organisers had added chunks of time on to the cut offs, accurately predicting relatively slow going over previously unexposed massive boulder fields at the highest points on the course.
The first nerve shredding descent eventually gave way to some fabulous running, and stunning scenery where I had the pleasure of the company of Tom Owens who was running with his Shettleston pal Iain Pender, after having to downgrade to the shorter course owing to a niggling hip flexor. After another climb the short course runners split off back down into the valley, while the longer race climbed back up to 3000m and the Colle della Porta. Yet more spectacular scenery, and a mix of technical and faster running, mixed with steady climbs ensued, along what was always a well marked course, with ample aid stations – and well stocked if you like the four C’s – coke, cake, chocolate and cheese.
By the time we hit the Lago Serru dam temperatures in the valley were rising and with one big climb, over Colle del Nel, to go, for the majority it was a case of hanging on and not shedding any places. The final descent down to the Lago Ceresole was a pleasure, and after a 1km sprint (of sorts) along the road, the finish line and obligatory brass band.
The Spanish dominated the men’s race with four in the top six, including overall winner and V40 gold medalist Pere Aurell in 7h08. Coming back from injury, Andy Symonds had an outstanding result taking third place overall in 7h38, and also V40 World Master Bronze. Fellow Brummie Mark Darbyshire and I rolled in close together almost a couple of hours behind Andy, but still both in the top 25%, and me 7th in the somewhat unorthodox v48-55 category.
Meanwhile, the Italians proved strongest in the female race with Marina Cugnetto first overall and Chiara Giovando V40 Masters Gold.
Many thanks to the organisers for what proved to be a challenging but hugely enjoyable and literally breathtaking course, with superb marshaling and a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended race, as is a recovery ride up the Colle del Nivolet, although fox (with marmot snack) appearance is not guaranteed.
Official race write up here https://www.skyrunning.com/the-masters-are-first-at-the-royal-ultra-skymarathon/ and a great little video here giving a flavour of the race https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=34&v=byD19ZnH3Fo&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.royalmarathon.com%2F&source_ve_path=MTM5MTE3LDI4NjY2&feature=emb_logo
Paul Faulkner