Briton Holly Page clinched another win in the Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series with today’s Buff® Epic Trail 42K in the Vall de Boí in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees. The men’s winner was Marc Pinsach from Spain.
The fifth stage of the Sky Classic category saw 404 runners from 19 countries toe the start line in this newly designed course, 42 km long with 3,325m vertical climb.
Page finished a strong 17th overall in 5h03’40” after leading throughout. “Normally I set off too slowly so I decided to go out hard from the start. I was first from the beginning which is quite scary as you don’t know who is behind. I’ve done quite a lot of racing the last few weeks so my legs are quite tired. It was a race for strength but also mental strength,” she said. “It was amazing being on the ridge at the top and enjoying the views all around, making the most of it before the London office tomorrow morning,” she added.
Last year’s winner Oihana Azkorbebeitia held a strong second to close in 5h30’22” while Maria Mercedes, from Ecuador, took third in 5h30’22”.
Pinsach, new to the Series, led from start to finish in 4h23’32”. “It was a really tough race, for the heat, the kilometres, the vertical climb, the technical terrain…!” he commented.
Runner-up, Scotsman Finlay Wild, closed six minutes off the winner. “It was really good. I was a bit worried about the heat but I just kept drinking a lot and was quite steady to start with. On the last big climb I started overtaking people and when it got technical – that’s what I love so I just kept going downhill to the end. I’m delighted!” he exclaimed.
Third man was Miguel Caballero from Spain in 4h33’47”.
The race was part of the weekend’s Buff® Mountain Festival which saw 1,200 runners from 31 countries compete in the events which are set in a historic Romanesque area, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by 3,000m high peaks and 200 mountain lakes.
After five races, Holly Page now leads the Sky Classic ranking with 307 points. The men’s ranking continues to be led by Andorran Marc Casal Mir, 212 points followed by Finlay Wild in second with 175 points.
Just one week away on July 7, the High Trail Vanoise will take place in Val d’Isère, France with the 70 km / 5,400m vertical climb, valid for the Sky Extra category.
The sixth Sky Classic category race will take place in the Italian Dolomites on July 22 with the Dolomyths Run.
Buff Epic Trail 42K results
Men
- Marc Pinsach (ESP) – 4h23’32”
- Finlay Wild (GBR) – 4h29’44”
- Miguel Caballero (ESP) – 4h33’47”
- Albert Pujol (ESP) – 4h36’17”
- Ander Inarra (ESP) – 4h37’00”
Women
- Holly Page (GBR) – 5h03’40”
- Oihana Azkorbebeitia (ESP) – 5h27’55”
- Maria Mercedes Pila (ECU) – 5h30’22”
- Montse Martinez (ESP) – 5h47’53”
- Laia Andreu (ESP) – 5h51’58”
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