A Weekend of Podium Finishes

SCOTT athletes had a huge weekend.  From Spain to Seattle, SCOTT athletes were out in force, showing that they all have something to prove.  Transvulcania, Cougar Mountain, and the Ice Age 50k all had elite competitors, and SCOTT athletes were at the forefront of those groups.

SAGE CANADAY - TRANSVULCANIA

On Saturday, May 11th, Sage took his first attempt at Transvulcania.  A 52 mile race on the Canary Island of La Palma, Transvulcania has quickly become one of the most closely watched Skyrunning events.  As the runners circle around the island, they encounter some of the most technical and extreme conditions, with mountainous and rocky terrain, and extreme elevation and temperature changes.  The race begins with 30 miles of climbing and quickly turns into a steep and treacherous 12 mile downhill stretch.  After 7 hours and nearly 10 minutes, Sage crossed the finish line.  Just 6 minutes behind the victor, Killian Jornet, Sage happily and enthusiastically celebrated his 3rd place finish!  Considering this is his first year in ultrarunning, and his first attempt at Transvulcania, it is fair to say that Sage will continue to find himself on more race podiums to come!  Click here for all results.

JOSEPH GRAY - COUGAR MOUNTAIN

Just outside of Seattle, the King County Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is home to rolling and runnable hills with a variety of trails ranging from wide to narrow and technical.  The Cougar Mountain Trail SEries is a series of races for beginners as well as elite runners.  Starting in May and going through August, the races get longer and more difficult as the season progresses.  The first Cougar Mountain, held on May 11th, saw Joseph Gray race to a memorable finish.  Finishing in an impressive 29:07, Joseph took first place and a new course record.  Click here for all results.

Topping off Joe's weekend, he was also named to the 2013 NACAC US Running Team.  Announced for July 21st in Canmore, NH, Joe and Team USA look to take both individual and team medals in what looks to be a competitive downhill then uphill race.  Click here for more on the NACAC and Team USA.

MEGHAN ARBOGAST - ICE AGE 50K

In South Kettle Moraine, the Ice Age Trail 50k draws participants on a national level.  The course winds through cross-country ski trails, scenic plains, and wooded terrain.  On Saturday, Meghan Arbogast, SCOTT's female ultrarunner athlete, took the Ice Age 50k course by storm.  Finishing in an impressive 4:04, Megham handily took the top spot on the podium.

MOUNTAIN MAGAZINE - TRAIL RUNNING TEST

Everyone has been talking about the T2 Kinabalu; from athletes, to fans, and the press.  See what Mountain Magazine's Swami Trail Running Test had to say:

"SCOTT T2 Kinabalu - SCOTT's eRide platform provides (just) enough rocker so that even our heel strikers weren't offended and prasied the shoe's consistent, rolling gait.  A stable, pronation-resistant feel and a wide fit with room for orthotics makes the T2 Kinabalu a smart choice for runners with issues.  The brand's AeroFoam offers ample cushion without adding much weight.  And the shoe's traction the the mud, dirt, and rocks earned accolades.  Tester's Take: 'Responsive and flexible, yet just enough control and support for trails.'  Swami Gripe: Laces run long and come untied. Swami Like: High marks for breathability.  Drained well in wet conditions and didn't overheat on hot days.  Best Usage: Racing; training; recreation trail running.  9.5 oz"

P.S. For those laces, try a double knot.  They stay put and aren't too bulky.

cover photo courtesy Monarch Running