Mitja Kosovelj (SLO) - WMRA (© c)
The 8th WMRA Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge takes place in Podrdo, Slovenia on Saturday 18 June, with many of the top mountain runners assembling to compete for this prestigious title over a distance of 38km (with 2500m uphill and 2800m downhill).
So following on from the memorable World Mountain Running Championships last year in Kamnik, Slovenia is going to host other WMRA international event, and is sure to be a highlight for many of the competitors who’ll run in the Slovenian mountains around Podbrdo.
The course is unusual because there is more descending than uphill running with a net drop of 300m (2500m uphill and 2800m downhill).
In total 500 runners from 18 Countries will be represented, with 12 national teams in the men’s division and 7 nations represented by squads in the women’s category. The USA is returning to defend their Men's and Women's titles from 2010.
The men’s team favourites – in addition to the USA - will include Scotland who boast several in form athletes with 2008 winner Jethrow Lennox and Tom Owens who won the trial race ahead of the other top British runners. Just behind was 19-year-old, Robbie Simpson who is another international winner from Scotland adding youthful strength to an impressive Scottish side.
Host Country, Slovenia also boast a strong team and will pin their hopes on Mitia Kosovelj who won the junior title in 2003 and finished third in this event in 2008. Kosovelj is joined by Toni Vencelj and Peter Lamovec who have made the World podium previously. The women’s race is a more open affair although Slovenia again have a team that could top the podium.
The Slovenia hosts are always welcoming and Podrdo should see some great racing. The Local Crganising Committee together with AZS (Slovenian Athletic Federation) have worked very hard to organise a great event and WMRA – represented by Bruno Gozzelino, WMRA President, and Tomo Sarf, WMRA Council member – expect a great competition, and thank all were involved in the organisation.
WMRA and Bashir Hussain for the IAAF