Irish Mountain
Running Association

WMRA Long-distance Challenge

Forum Messages

AuthorDateMessage
Brían O'MearaFeb 11 2011, 11:59amI've done a lot of hiking in this area. It's a great spot for a long distance race.
Gerry BradyFeb 12 2011, 8:35pmThe long-distance course is a serious challenge for any IMRA folk wanting to run a race in Europe: 37 km with 2500m climb and 2800m descent. See http://www.wmra.gm4o.si/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=66&lang=en

Anyone running it could consider staying on to watch the International Youths race the following weekend.
Colm HillFeb 12 2011, 8:46pmLooks like a class course!
The 2nd climb (of two) looks seriously painful... but the descent would be epic!
Rene BorgFeb 12 2011, 9:18pmPerhaps if they stretched out the horizontal axis, it'd look friendlier ;-)

On the surface is has some similarities with the Three-Peaks course a number of years back (http://www.threepeaksrace.org.uk/RouteProfile2.gif) but this route has 900m more ascent so looks a serious challenge alright but probably easier than last year's Pike's Peak.

Pat RyanMay 9 2011, 7:41pmKaren Alexander has been selected to represent Ireland in the World long-distance championships. With 2800m of descent and 2500m of climb over 37 km, it will be quite a challenge.
Barry MinnockMay 10 2011, 11:19amI ran most of this course last year - fantastic course - tough, but very runnable on well established trails.

I also have local accommodation contact if any anyone is going ...
Gerry BradyJun 18 2011, 6:18pmWorld Long-Distance Silver for Karen Alexander

Karen Alexander (Sperrin Harriers) won a magnificent silver medal for Ireland in the World Long-Distance Challenge in Slovenia. The course was held over a very testing 37 kilometres with 2500m of ascent and 2800m of descent.

With full teams entered from the USA, Russia, England, Scotland, Wales, Poland, Czech Republic and host country Slovenia, the depth of competition was high. Midway through the race Alexander was in 11th position but place by place she moved through the field to claim silver in a time of 4 hours and 16 minutes. English runner Philippa Maddans won the gold with Helen Fines (ENG) in bronze.

In the mens race Slovenian runner Mitja Kosovelj raised home cheers with victory in 3 hours 22 minutes. Scottish runners Thomas Owens and Robbie Simpson took the silver and bronze medals.

Women
1. Philippa Madans (ENG) 4:08:46
2. Karen Alexander (IRL) 4:16:21
3. Helen Fines (ENG) 4:19:14

Men
1. Mitja Kosovelj (SLO) 3:22:32
2. Thomas Owens (SCO) 3:26:59
3. Robbie Simpson (SCO) 3:29:05
Richard NunanJun 18 2011, 6:20pmFantastic Result !!!! Well Done Karen
Dermot MurphyJun 18 2011, 7:24pmGreat result for Karen today!! Well done!!
Mick HanneyJun 18 2011, 8:25pmTerrific result. Well done Karen!
Turlough ConwayJun 19 2011, 6:57amWell done Karen!!! A world silver medal is a fantastic achievement, youve done us all proud!
Rene BorgJun 19 2011, 10:31amMatt's report from an English perspective but including photo of and mention of Karen: http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/2011/06/18/kosovelj-and-maddams-are-world-champions/
Ian ConroyJun 19 2011, 5:31pmGreat result in what was a very tough event and difficult course. Well done Karen!!
Gerry BradyJun 20 2011, 10:13amPodium photo uploaded
Jonathan McCloyJun 20 2011, 11:41amCongrats Karen! Great news!
Gerry BradyJun 21 2011, 1:13pmDetailed womens results added to race report.
Gerry BradyJun 21 2011, 7:42pmRace report from Karen up.
Mick HanneyJun 21 2011, 8:40pmGreat race report!
Brian FureyJun 21 2011, 8:53pmWell done Karen! Great achievement, nice report.