At the end of July, Luis Arribas will move from Amsterdam back to Spain, where he will start his new job as a planner after his PhD research in planning logistics at the University of Amsterdam. Arribas is also one of the editors of the Spanish running site http://www.correrytirar.com and therefore it is not surprising that he is also already planning a new ultrarun in his home country. With pleasure we publish hereby the preliminary announcement of this Avila mountain trail, scheduled next year 6 November 2004. Hopefully, some European runners are curious in due time to find out what this landscape run is all about. And good luck to Luis and his family! Martien Baars
TRAIL “CASTILLOS DE AVILA”
On 6th November 2004 http://www.CorreryTirar.com
organises the first edition of this ultra running event. The course will link history and nature along a frequently forgotten part of Spain: Amblés Valley (Avila).
The distance will total 45 kilometres along footpaths and no asphalt at all. The start will be at the charming Villaviciosa Castle, and the run will go through the Gredos range and past Sotalvo Castle. The finish line will be at the feet of the fantastic Avila mediaeval walls. The first 20km will go up-and down to 1800 m, whereas the second part is run over plains at 1100 m. So some little extra is asked to the runners’ spirit. Climate may get very cold for Spanish standards (max average in November 10.8º C, min average 1.6º C), and temperatures around zero can be found at the starting time.
Though the organisation will set one intermediate aid-station with food and drinks, every runner will have to carry its own supplies. There will be no control of compulsory material unless extreme weather appears (snow, icefall) but extra clothes and energy supplies are highly recommended. Avila Red Cross and Protección Civil will give medical support at the finish line.
Time limit is set at 7 hours. It is enough to enjoy the run, don’t get stressed, as the purpose is to talk and share some miles with Spanish mates. Provisional timetable: Start 9:30 / Intermediate time limit 12:45 / Time limit finish line 16:30. Gathering dinner – 17:00 to 19:00
You may pre-inscribe at our email luis@correrytirar.com
No payment needed or obligations are derived from this inscription. Send an email with your data (complete name, date of birth, email address –or contact postal address- and your club or city of residence), and you will be kept in a priority list for the event. We need to check how many foreign runners are interested as an entry limit is set. Only 100 runners will be able to start. In order to allow foreign runners in, we will keep some 20 to 30 entries for countries abroad. Official entry period will start in May 2004.
A special website will be soon available, including course map and profile.
Luis Arribas, race director