Race preview: The 2nd Chamonix Vertical KM - Friday June 29, 2012
The big trail-running weekend will kick-off the season in the Chamonix valley with the Vertical Kilometer (VK) race. A fast, spectacular, high-caliber event!
Since its first edition the Chamonix Vertical Kilometer race has set the standard in this race format: a race against the clock with a 1000 metre of elevation gain over a distance of 3.7km. The trail climbs to dizzying heights under the pylons of the Planpraz gondola. A bonus upon arrival is the view of the Mont-Blanc range!
For the men, Emmanuel Vaudan, record holder in this event, won the first VK in a time of 36'39'' and confirms that it is a very mountainous course. " I loved the route, very varied, rolling and extensive but we can run practically the entire way. Poles are useless. Personally, this "mountain" Vertical KM is the pure spirit of the event."
While there now are a number of Vertical Kilometer events in France, the race in Chamonix is unique: starting from the town center it finishes at an altitude of 2000m, the final section amongst rock and air, and the use of walking poles forbidden.
Fred Comte, Director of the Club des Sports de Chamoinx is happy with the success of the first edition. "It is a true Vertical KM with rollers in the first part, rocky sections requiring commitment, and a few aerial passages equipped with cables and ladders! Today Chamonix Mont-Blanc multiplies the race formats and positions itself as a mecca in the trail running world organizing four recognized events: the Mont-Blanc Marathon and the Vertical KM, the UTMB and the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges.
With nearly an end to the demolition of the old gondola towers the trail will be even more accessible and will probably become a permanent training site!"
In 2011 there were over 200 participants at the start - this year the limit of 400 runners is expected to be met, with 160 people already registered.
Records: The Vertical KM in Fully (CH) has become a major event and the benchmark! It is here that the records have been played out over the last 10 years. The world best is held, in men, by the Italian Manfred Reichegger in 30'46'' (2011). On the women's side Laetitia Roux (FR) holds the record since 2009 with a time of 37 minutes and 55 seconds.
The big trail-running weekend in Chamonix
Friday June 29, 2012
Saturday June 30, 2012
- Mont-Blanc Cross, 23km
- Mont Blanc 10km race (start in two waves)
- Mini-Cross
Sunday July 1, 2012
- Mont-Blanc Marathon, 42.195km
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