The Skyrunning Continental Championships continue with Africa heading the bill this coming weekend. Both the Ultra and the Sky disciplines will be contended on the beautiful island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
The Extreme Dodo Trail (50km with 3,500m elevation gain) and the Ti Dodo Trail (25km with 1,500m elevation gain) represent the events hosting the championship in a magnificent mountainous arena, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1,600 runners will be toeing the line in the fifth edition of the events. Hotting up the competition in the 50 km Extreme Dodo Trail are last year’s winners, Britain’s Ricky Lightfoot (Salomon) in 5h19’21” and South Africa’s Landie Greyling (Salomon) in 6h49’10” . Skyrunning World Champion, Laura Orguè (Salomon) and Maite Maiora (La Sportiva), both from Spain, will race the Ti Dodo Trail. Both events are valid for Skyrunner® World Series points.
Runners from 16 countries will take part, but the gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the winners and countries representing the African Continent: Mauritius, Republic of South Africa, Madagascar and Reunion. Runner’s from these countries including Landie Greyling, are: Christiaan Greyling (RSA), Thabang Madiba (RSA), Estrine Rasoa (MAD), Anthonio Randrianantenaina (MAD), Fabrice Hoareau (RUN), Estelle Carrot (RUN).
While the top altitude reaches no more than 828m, the 3,500m vertical of the XDT crosses seven major climbs, including steep ascents and descents, some of which are equipped with ropes for a true skyrunning experience.
Representing the ISF is Jordi Marimon, former Secretary General and SASA, the South African Skyrunning Association which is chaired by James Hallett. Event organisers are Yannick and Dominique Doger de Speville, Yan de Maroussem and sponsor, Heritage Resorts.
Yannick Doger de Speville comments, “We are very proud to be the first race in the Indian Ocean to become part of the Skyrunning family. Both the 50km Xtreme Dodo Trail and the 25km Ti Dodo trail are part of the 2015 African Continental Championship because they ideally suite the criteria of skyrunning: technical, very steep climbs, mainly off-road tracks to the peaks, and great scenic views. It is a result of the success of the previous four editions of these races that we have achieved this recognition. The Dodo Trail has been an international event since inception, with great runners like Dawa Sherpa, Erik Clavery, Pascal Blanc and Ricky Lightfoot coming to compete over the years. Now being part of the global skyrunning calendar opens the races even more to the world. We look forward to welcoming more and more international runners to future editions.”
INFO: Race website
