Rolando Ortiz of Colombia - World Mountain Running Trophy (© Pete Hartley)
High above the valley of the Canton of Valais in Switzerland lies the small mountain village of Ovronnaz. Here athletes from 35 countries are gathering for the 23rd edition of the WMRA World Mountain Running Trophy this Saturday (15).
This year's Trophy races are up/down events (as opposed to even-numbered years when the events are held on uphill courses), with the senior men running 12.15 km, the senior women and junior men running 8.1 km, and the junior women running 4.05 km.
Current World champion, Rolando Ortiz (COL) is here to defend his title. There is great interest in seeing if he can convert his strong "uphill only" running into success in the up/down version of the trophy this weekend. Italians Marco Gaiardo and Marco de Gaspari are specialists in the downhill sections of the 3 lap course.
The team result will be a close fight between the Italians and the current holders Eritrea.
The women’s World champion Andrea Mayr (AUT) will defend her title but as usual the result of the race is difficult to judge. Anna Pichrtova (CZE) is performing well and is a specialist at downhill running. The 2 lap course will suit her. Challengers will include the current South American champion, Maria Quijano (COL), local Swiss girl, Martina Strachl, and Mateja Kosovelj (SLO).
The WMRA Annual Congress took place on Friday 14 September. The USA were approved as the hosts to stage the 2009 World Trophy. Former Marathon and track running great Ingrid Kristiansen (NOR), the 1987 10,000m World Championships track gold medallist was elected to fill the reserved women’s position on the WMRA Council.
Danny Hughes for the IAAF
