The first Skyrunner® Vertical Series race of the season kicked off on the island of La Palma in the Spanish Canary Islands, Friday, May 5 with some of the strongest athletes in the field and a new entry who stole the show with a new record.
The dark lady was Briton Emily Collinge who, in her first attempt at a skyrunning race, powered up the 7.6 km course to reach the summit, 1,203m above the sea, in the new record time of 57’56”, nearly two minutes less than the previous record.
Second was one of the best known athletes in the field, Christel Dewalle from France, in 59’56” and third, Spaniard Vanesa Ortega 1’03’15”.
The men’s winner was Columbian Saul Antonio Padua, race favourite and a top specialist in the field. He closed in 48’43”. Second was another new entry, Ondrej Fejfar from the Czech Republic, an excellent 49’23” and third, Andorran Ferran Teixido, one of the race favourites, closed in 50’51”.
More than 130 competitors from 18 countries completed the third edition of the Kilómetro Vertical Trasvulcania Binter, designed to complement the Ultramarathon on the Skyrunner® World Series, along with the other distances over the weekend’s events.
The 5pm start on the sea-front town of Tazacorte made for a great attraction for locals and tourists alike who followed sections of the race on a giant screen, when the runners climbing up the steep cliff became had become just specks. The day’s celebrations continued until dark with a 9pm prize ceremony where, apart from the top runners, a special category for locals was also awarded.
Kilómetro Vertical Trasvulcania Binter results
Men
1. Saul Antonio Padua Rodriguez (COL) – 48’43”
2. Ondrej Fejfar (CZE) – 49’23”
3. Ferran Teixido Marti-V entosa (AND) – 50’51”
Women
1. Emily Collinge (GBR) – 57’56”
2. Christel Dewalle (FRA) – 59’56”
3. Vanesa Ortega (ESP) – 1h03’15”
The Vertical Series is composed of seven races where the four best results will score for the end of season prize purse. Look out for the next race on the calendar on June 24 with the Santa Caterina Vertical Kilometer® where “Emmie” Collinge spends a lot of her time and will challenge the best in the field in her new-found role as a world-class Vertical Kilometer® record holder.
The Skyrunner® World Series races continue with Saturday’s Transvulcania Naviera Armas Ultramarathon, where more than 1,600 runners from across the world will rise the challenge.
Thanks to the support of our Partner Migu Xempower, Sponsor Alpina Watches and Official Pool Suppliers, Scott, Compressport and Salomon.
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