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MARCO DE GASPERI SECOND AT MT KINABALU

24 October 2011
Source from http://www.skyrunning.com Deemed the World’s Toughest Mountain Race, the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is the ultimate challenge to take for those who are game enough to test their endurance by running up and down Mount Kinabalu for a total distance of 21 kilometres. In a gripping battle for the Skyrunner® SuperCup title, Kilian Jornet triumphed very tightly over Marco De Gasperi in last weekend's men’s race. 2h37’04” was Jornet’s winning time, De Gasperi, just 44” later, closed in 2h37’48” and Spain’s Hernando, finished a happy third in 2h42’36” behind these two skyrunning super stars. Marco De Gasperi was the first to reach the summit but lost his advantage due to a fall during the descent. Marco reached the 4,095m summit in 1h37’39” (2’10” short of his record) followed by Kilian Jornet 3’39” later and Luis Hernando hot on his heels a mere 5” behind him. Marcos descent was not so fortunate however, with a fall that possibly cost him the title. Despite this misadventure, he managed to maintain his lead until the final stretch when Kilian Jornet overtook him. If it wasn't for his fall while asscending SCOTT top-athlete Marco de Gasperi might have successfully defended last year's victory. Skyrunning races are typically won on the descent and it’s interesting to note the fastest time ever recorded in the 25-year history of this race was by Sudip Kulung today: 55’57”. Jornet’s time, the second fastest, was 56’24”. Marco De Gasperi descended in 59’59” – fall included. Click here for more information and all results of the 25th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon.