International Mountain Running Youth Challenge Scheduled for July

Junior USMRT member Laura Beresford at the 2010 World Mountain Running Championships

The 8th Annual WMRA International Youth Cup will be held in Gap, France on Sunday, July7.  This mountain/trail running event provides an opportunity for athletes ages 16 and 17 (in the year of the competition) to participate on an international stage.

The event is held under the auspices of the International Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) who awarded the hosting of the 2013 Youth Mountain Race World Cup to the City of Gap and the Athletics Club of Gap Hautes-Alpes in 2012.

Junior USMRT member Chase Culkins at the 2010 World Mountain Running Championships

The race course in Gap will include mountain paths with the junior boys running run 5.3 kilometers resulting in a total elevation gain of 335 meters. The junior girls will run 2.5 kilometers with 170 meters of climbing.

Read the full story by +Nano Hobbs on her Examiner page here.

2013 USA Mountain, Ultra & Trail National Championships

The 2013 trail running season is well underway but there are still several national championship races on the calendar.  From 10k to 100 miles and on steep mountain slopes, there's a championship for all experiences levels.  +USA Track & Field mountain, ultra & trail running championships feature some of the fastest elite trail runners but are also open to all runners.  National championship medals are awarded to the top 10 overall men & women as well as to the top 3 in each 5 year age group over 40.  Selected MUT championships are include team scoring for USATF registered clubs.  

The Central Mass Striders win the open team competition at the USA Trail Marathon Championships

Erica Baron (Los Alamos, NM) winning the 2012 USA 50k Trail Championships

Go for it!  Pick the +USA Track & Field National Championship that is right for you.  There are even a couple non-trail ultra championships!

USA 10 km Trail Championships – Beech Mountain, NC – June 29, 2013
USA Mountain Running Championships – Cranmore, NH – July 21, 2013
USA 100 Mile Trail Championships – Burning River, OH – July 27-28, 2013
USA Marathon Trail Championships – Manitou Springs, CO – August 18, 2013
USA 50 Mile Road Championships – Boalsburg, PA – October 20, 2013
USA 24 Hour Championships – Oklahoma City, OK – October 26, 2013
USA Half Marathon Trail Championships – Moab, UT – November 2, 2013USA 50 km Trail Championships – Boulder City, NV – November 9, 2013

Joe Gray (Lakewood, WA) winning the 2009 USA Mountain Running Championships

These races have been designated championships by the +USA Track & Field Mountain, Ultra & Trail Running Council.  Learn more about the "MUT" Council here.

Max King's Running Tip of the Month

The following article was written by Max King and originally printed in The Footzone Bend's May e-mail newsletter.  Reprinted with permission from The Footzone Bend and Max King.

Max King, 1st place, 1:15:48. 2012 USA 1/2 Marathon Trail National Championships

It's trail time. Trails are opening up more and more every week, we're getting into trail race season, and we're all getting out there to log some miles on new terrain. To help you out this year here are some tips that will make your trail experience safer and more fun.

1. Carry the essentials. Depending on the distance this is going to mean different things. Shorter runs can be accomplished with a simple hydration carrying system and a little bit of food. If you're new to a trail system I definitely recommend carrying a map, compass, a GPS device or all three. It's easy to get turned around in the woods. And know how to use them. For longer runs in the mountains, a jacket, hat, food, water, and probably some emergency equipment such as a fire starter, space blanket, and water purification is important. You may not need it but if you do, you'll be glad you have it.

2. Be courteous to other users. Since the high mountains aren't open yet a lot of the lower trails are heavily used this time of year by hikers, runners, bikers, and horseback riders. We all love being out in the forest, so we all need to get along. Yield to horses and get off the trail, bikers are supposed to yield to you, but keep your head up and be on the lookout, they're going faster and sometimes it's easier (and safer) if you take the proactive approach to remove yourself from the trail first. And remember, you're in Central Oregon, be nice!

3. Let someone else know where you'll be going, or at least the general area. I'm terrible about this, but this is something that can get you into big trouble if you get injured with no one else around.

4. If you're new to trail running do a little research before heading out to familiarize yourself with the trail system you're going to and the trails you want to run. Use a map or an internet resource to read up on a trail. Nothing can ruin a run faster than getting on a trail that is technically over your head. Your one hour run might turn into a 3hr hike.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of recommendations for staying safe on the trails this summer, only a guide to help you to remember to think about your safety when you head out into the forest and mountains. Happy running!

Training 201 Clinic with Max King -

Thursday, May 9th at 7pm 

Join FootZone for Training 201 with Max King, a follow up to the popular Training 101. Max will lead a discussion answering questions such as:

• How the body adapts to different training stresses and environmental stress?
• Do you respond better to speed or endurance training?

Attendance to Training 101 is not necessary to attend Training 201, but you may find attending both helpful.  

Let us know you're coming, please RSVP!

The Footzone is a locally owned full service running store in Bend, Oregon