In addition to the successful Vertical, Sky and Ultra formats, the International Skyrunning Federation has confirmed the introduction of the new Sky Extreme Series, with three countries, including Scotland, hosting three technical races.
One of the world’s best trail runners, Kilian Jornet, said: “When I discovered Skyrunning years ago it was the images of small runners traversing huge glaciers, scrambling rock ridges and descending steep snow fields. I’m really happy to see this new series, with the most technical races. It’s the soul of Skyrunning!”
Salomon Glen Coe Skyline race. Pic credit: Ian Corless
Sky Extreme
Sky Extreme kicks off on August 7, with the Tromsø SkyRace® in Norway, where Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg launched the first, made-to-measure SkyRace in the Northern territories. Then comes the (biennial) Kima Trophy before the 2016 series concludes with the new entry, the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline.
The 53km Salomon Glen Coe Skyline is set in the Scottish Highlands. The inaugural race took place this summer and it is claimed as being “probably the toughest Skyrunning race to date”.
Race Director Shane Ohly said: “I’m delighted that the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline is joining the most prestigious mountain running series in the world. My team of professional staff and volunteers worked so hard to deliver a world class race at the first event in August. The participants also proved how their high mountain competency could make this race route really work. This latest World recognition is a justified reward for everyone.”
Ian Corless, Skyrunning UK Director added: “I had a dream two years ago when Skyrunning UK was launched in the UK that within three years we would host a Skyrunning World Series event. That dream is now a reality and with it the world’s best will come to Scotland in September to race in the mountains of Glen Coe. It would not have been possible without Shane Ohly and Gary Tompsett who made the dream a reality.”
Salomon Glen Coe Skyline race. Pic credit: Ian Corless
Salomon Glen Coe Skyline 2016
The Salomon Glen Coe Skyline 2016 route extends to 53km and totals 4,500m of ascent. It takes in some of the most challenging Scottish mountain terrain. There are long sections of scrambling, including an ascent of Buchaille Etive Mor’s Curved Ridge and a full Aonach Eagach traverse.
And with the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline now catapulted on to the world stage, the 2016 race on Sunday 18th September will see the stars of Skyrunning competing in Scotland for what is expected to be the most competitive mountain running field seen for a generation in the UK.
The €5,000 cash prize for the leading runners will likely encourage the best British fell and mountain runners to compete.
Skyrunning World Champion (Ultra) Emelie Forsberg was enthusiastic in her support for the Salomon Glen Coe Skyline after finishing second overall in 2015. She said: “This is seriously the best race in this distance. Super technical ridges and gullies – think Trofeo Kima but no via ferrata – and with some parts that are very runnable on nice but still tricky trails.”
Entries for the race open at noon on the February 1, 2016. Climbing experience is required and entries will be restricted and vetted. Places will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
