Middle Pack

Some dates for your diary for 2009 if you are interested in Ultra running.

The guys over at runfurther have annouced their 2009 race line up.

There have again been a few changes but the classics are still there and are now forming the backbone of the competition. Other races kind of making guest appearances.

New this year is the Wye Ultra 30 miler and the Dark and White Peak Race that is as yet an undecided length. Both of them fall into the short category along with the Wuthering Hike/Howarth Hobble and the Pumlumon.

The medium category remains unchanged from last year with Calderdale, Malborough Downs, Osmotherly Phoenix and the High Peaks 40 making up that category.

The long had embraced the Lakeland 100 which is an excellent thing to see as it looks and sounds an amazing race and I do hope to be able to complete it this year with a steady away approach. Alongside this future classic is an old classic in the form of the Fellsman. Joining these is the Highland Fling and Long Mynd.

Another great set of races and with over 500 miles of racing to cover this looks to be a series that is growing from year to year and attracting quite a cult like following.

After last years failed attempt at the Runfurther series due to injury I am going to be revisiting the series this year and incorporate these into my main goals for 2009. Already booked in the diary are the three Yorkshire Ultras of the Howarth Hobble, Calderdale Hike and the Fellsman.

I then get to enjoy summmer briefly with a BG and the Saunders Klets just in time for the Lakeland 100 and hopefully extra bonus points for completing this gruelling race. So that would be my 4 races for the series completed. A tough order and relies on a good injury free period.

With the Runfurther series as my backbone of races throughout the year alongside the Saunders, Rab and OMM Mountain marathons it looks like 2009 is coming together quite nicely.

Runfurther.com has announced most of their races for their 2008 series. So no reason not to be training over the winter months.

The Montrail Ultra Running championship 2008 will be run over 12 races during the year. These are split into 4 short, medium and long races. Your best score in 4 races (with at least 1 at each distance) goes towards a final series score. Other awards for highest total in all events and a number of spot prizes along the way hopefully keeps most running.

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