Everything You Need To Know About September’s Adventure News
Photo by Ben Tibbetts
The outdoor world is buzzing with excitement as September saw new records shatter, daring adventures unfold, and colossal events captivate our attention. With so much happening, it's tough to decide what to choose.
If you're a trail running, mountain biking, or adventure movie enthusiast, you're in for a treat with our latest updates on the most exciting highlights.
Adventure racing had an eventful month!
UTMB
Chamonix recently hosted an exciting week of trail races, where Courtney Dauwalter dominated the women's UTMB race and Jim Walmsley made history as the first American man to win the UTMB. Jim finished the race in a time of 19:37:43, finally breaking the barrier to claim the golden title at his fifth attempt.
Early on, four men emerged as strong challengers to Walmsley: Petter Engdahl (SE), Zach Miller (US), Germain Grangier (FR), and Tom Evans (UK). However, Engdahl and Evans had to withdraw from the race, leaving Miller and Grangier as Walmsley's main rivals. Miller took the lead at Les Contamines Montjoie (32km) and held it for nearly 60km until Refuge Bonatti, where Walmsley overtook him for the first time. In a thrilling race, Walmsley eventually secured the gold medal, narrowly surpassing Miller on the descent from La Giete to Trient. Miller came in second followed by Grangier.
In the women's division, Courtney Dauwalter delivered an awe-inspiring performance, seizing the lead at the 32km mark and refusing to relinquish it. Her triumph was nothing short of legendary, clocking in at 23:29:14, which not only secured her UTMB victory but also completed an unprecedented trifecta of wins at the Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and UTMB – all in a single calendar year. Dauwalter's achievement made history as she became the first person ever to conquer this remarkable trio of races. Following her epic journey, Katharina Hartmuth (DE) claimed the second spot, finishing approximately 40 minutes behind Dauwalter, while Blandine L'Hirondel (FR) secured a well-deserved third place.
UCI MTB WORLD CUP
The UCI MTB World Cup in Lets Gets was a blast! Mona Mitterwallner (AU) and Victor Koretzky (FR) clinched women and men elite Cross-Crountry Olympic gold, with Koretzky enjoying a faultless performance. In a dazzling display of hometown heroics, the French rider not only took home the short-track race on Friday but also added an electrifying home double to his accolades. He seized the lead early in the race and surged across the finish line in a breathtaking 17 seconds ahead of the overall leader, Nino Schurter (CH), who secured a hard-fought second place. Completing the podium, Vlad Dascalu (RO) showcased his prowess, locking in a well-deserved third position.
In the women’s race, Mitterwallner made it two wins out of two in the cross-country event after a faultless ride. After a double French success on Saturday in the downhill event, the crowd at Les Gets was optimistic about more French success. Ultimately, Dutch rider Puck Pieterse came in a close second, closely followed by Frenchwoman Pauline Ferrand-Prevot in third place.
matterhorn ultraks ‘exteme’
The 2023 Skyrunner® World Series reached its thrilling ninth stage, delivering an exhilarating and unpredictable race in Zermatt that left fans and spectators on the edge of their seats. Spain's Manuel Merillas and the unexpected dark horse from Russia, Anastasia Rubtsova, emerged victorious in a stunning showcase of talent at the Matterhorn Ultraks « EXTREME ».
In the men's race, Roberto Delorenzi (CH) initially led the pack during the first 1,600m climb, closely pursued by Frederic Tranchand (FR), Manuel Merillas (SP), William Boffelli (IT), and Daniel Antonioli (IT). However, at the halfway point at Rothornhütte, two-time champion Boffelli took the lead, with Merillas and Tranchand in pursuit, and Delorenzi falling to fourth place. In a dramatic twist, Merillas surged ahead on the final descent, securing his first victory of the season with a winning time of 3:19:6 – just 90s ahead of Boffelli, while Tranchand rounded out the men's podium eight minutes behind Merillas.
In the women’s race, Rubtsova seized the lead from Switzerland's Myrielle Weingand just past Rothornhütte, maintaining it until the finish line, completing the race in 4:10:33. Maria Christen (CH) secured second place, eight minutes behind Rubtsova, while Karina Carsolio (MX) impressively climbed from eighth to third place, finishing thirteen minutes after Rubtsova. Unfortunately, pre-race favorite Hillary Gerardi (US) had to withdraw after three hours due to stomach issues.
our top movie picks for the month
As mountain enthusiasts, Why Europe’s Tallest Mountains Are Growing More Treacherous resonates deeply.
Brace for awe in this documentary revealing Chamonix's rapid mountain transformation, a far cry from what late 1800s explorers once witnessed.
Loudenvielle Peyragudes hosted the penultimate round of the UCI Enduro World Cup, delivering an epic five-stage, 38km adventure for enduro riders.
With nail-bitingly close times, full-throttle racing, and impressive performances, catch the thrilling highlights above!
A story of extraordinary proportions
Photo by Ben Tibbetts
On July 26, Polish ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel etched his name into the annals of mountaineering history by conquering the 8,080-meter-high Gasherbrum I in the Himalayas' Karakoram region. What's more, he achieved a remarkable first – becoming the first person to ever ski down from the summits of all the Karakoram 8,000-meter peaks.
Just days before this historic feat, he conquered the formidable Gasherbrum II at 8,035 meters without relying on extra oxygen. Bargiel's extraordinary list of accomplishments includes skiing down K2 and Broad Peak, each time accomplishing the seemingly impossible feat of not removing his skis or using extra oxygen.
His recent expedition in Pakistan saw him and his team tackle Gasherbrum II before ascending Gasherbrum I due to challenging weather conditions. On July 26, at 4:15 am local time, Bargiel reached the summit of Gasherbrum I and then executed a perfect ski descent, marking a triumphant return to base camp. The Karakoram range, which spans the borders of Pakistan, India, and China, boasts the world's highest concentration of mountain peaks and the largest glacial system outside the polar regions.
Bargiel's audacious achievements continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of mountaineering and adventure.
Your digital outdoor digest
#1 - Sage Canaday's Top 5 Tips for Hydrating During a Trail Running Race - Originally published in Strava Stories
Sage Canaday, an illustrious runner with a diverse career in road racing and ultra mountain runs, is celebrated for his resilience, including a near-death experience from a pulmonary embolism. In 2022, he set a new FKT on Hawaii's Haleakala volcano, and he co-owns the coaching business Higher Running with Sandi Nypaver.
Here are Canaday’s top 5 hydration tips for trail running races:
Drink Early, Drink Often: Start hydrating before feeling thirsty to prevent dehydration, regardless of the race distance.
Add Electrolytes: Mix electrolytes with water for optimal performance, especially in longer races, and experiment with different brands.
Select the Right Gear: Choose a hydration vest that matches the race's aid station distances and requirements.
Practice with Gear: Train with your chosen gear setup, including fluid and calorie intake, to avoid surprises on race day.
Freeze Your Bottles: Freeze or add ice to bottles in your aid station drop bags to enjoy a refreshing drink even on scorching days.
With these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your trail running adventures!
Photo by Jason Buscema
#2 - 15 Best Stargazing Destinations in the World - Originally published in Afar
While city life often keeps us distant from the stars, there are over 200 places worldwide, recognised by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), that preserve our planet's most dazzling, star-filled skies. UNESCO also designates select Starlight Reserves among its Astronomical Heritage sites. These locations, spanning from Utah to Namibia, offer unmatched stargazing experiences, reconnecting us with the awe-inspiring universe above and our beautiful planet below.
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
La Palma and Tenerife, Canary Islands
Mauna Kea, Hawai‘i
Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, Ireland
Denali National Park Reserve, Alaska
Atacama Desert and Elqui Valley, Chile
Uluru, Australia
Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, Texas and Mexico
#3 - How to Explore Hood River, Oregon, From Windsurfing to the Driveable 35-mile 'Fruit Loop' - Originally published in Travel and Leisure
Hood River, Oregon, nestled between the Columbia River and Mount Hood, is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. It's renowned as the 'windsurfing capital of the world,' thanks to the strong winds in the Columbia River Gorge. But Hood River offers much more, including hiking, biking, skiing, art, wine, and food.
The fertile soil yields an abundance of pears, apples, cherries, and grapes, making it a haven for locavores. The region boasts over 20 wineries, 13 cideries, and the most craft breweries per capita in the nation. Get ready to explore this vibrant outdoor region and have a great time.
Photo by Harrison Steen
Upcoming events
racing the planet
Exciting news for ultramarathoners from RacingThePlanet: Their next 'Roving Race' will take place in the stunning landscapes of Jordan. Jordan has been carefully chosen for its iconic desert scenery and rich culture. What better way to celebrate two decades of adventure than with a finish line at the ancient village of Petra?
With over 100,000 archaeological sites, Jordan offers a treasure trove of unexplored wonders. Competitors will journey 250km (155 miles) across this breathtaking desert landscape, taking in Petra, Wadi Rum, The Treasury, and other historical gems.
When: 5 - 11 November
Where: Jordan
How: More info here
westport sea2summit
Prepare to unleash your inner adventurer in Westport, Ireland's thrill-seeking hub. The Westport Sea2Summit race combines road running, cycling, and mountain hiking against the backdrop of iconic peaks. This race showcases the excitement of Westport, featuring iconic landmarks like Croagh Patrick, Clew Bay, the Sheaffry Mountains, and the newly developed Greenway.
There are two distinct races, each offering a unique adventure blending road running, cycling, and a mountain hike.
The Sea2Summit Spirit beckons those seeking a challenge, especially newcomers to adventure racing. Expect a speedy journey lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
For those craving an extra dose of adventure, the Sea2Summit Supreme awaits. Brace yourself for a gruelling ascent and descent of Croagh Patrick's front face in Murrisk, as well as the demanding ramps of the Maum climb that will truly test your biking and quad muscles. Elite athletes should anticipate a duration of about 3.5 hours.
When: 11 November
Where: Westport, Ireland
How: More info here
Photo by Morgan Sarkissian
wild women adventure race
The Wild Women Adventure Race made history in 2012 as Australia's inaugural all-female adventure race. It aims to provide women with a unique adventure racing experience exclusively for females.
This thrilling event on Australia’s Sunshine Coast encourages women to break free from the confines of the gym, office, or home and embrace the wilderness in teams of two. All you need is a basic level of fitness, a female partner, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
Participants should anticipate a course encompassing 20 to 30 km of mountain biking, 8 to 15 km of trail running/trekking, 1-3 km of kayaking/paddling (a water discipline), and basic navigation challenges.
When: 14 October
Where: Noosa North Shore Resort, Australia
How: More info here
Fastest Known Times that blew us away
🏆 Niall Harran notched an impressive FKT on the challenging 51km Bluestack Way (N to S), clocking in at 13h 19m 38s. This trail winds through the stunning County Donegal wilderness, covering the Bluestack Mountains and linking Donegal and Ardara on Ireland's west coast.
🏆 In New York's Adirondacks, Scott Benerofe conquered the formidable Bob Marshall Traverse, setting an FKT of 11h 29m 27s. This epic 48km journey scales 14 high peaks, making it an unforgettable adventure.
🏆 Cyclist Matt Jones secured an epic FKT on the 234-km Braunton 150, coming in at 17h 32m 56s. This adventure spans 150 miles (241 km), traversing Exmoor National Park and the scenic coasts of North Devon and Somerset.
See you out there!
Team FATMAP