WMRA Masters - Italy

A select contingent of Westies Masters ('old gits') travelled to the land of pizzas and pasta to participate in the WMRA world masters mountain running championships. The event was based at the ski resort Sauze d'Oulx (various dodgy pronunciations of this) in the north west of Italy. The course was mainly uphill (8.5km 862m climb) with a short downhill section at about 6km, finishing at a small hamlet Sportinia. As with most continental races there was a chairlift to this area (why do they not get the chair lift up and race down rather than the other way around?).

The course itself did a loop round Sauze d'Oulx, including a steep slightly muddy section in woods, a descent down the streets to the bottom of the village then a climb back up continuing up the hill on ski slopes, paths and dusty tracks. As this area is hosting the 2006 winter olympics there was major rebuilding of the upper ski slopes which meant the finish was up a steep hill on bulldozed new track (not very scenic). The finish was a bit mean - you had to run around the hamlet of Sportinia watching everyone drinking beers then slog up an incline (didn't dare to walk)to reach the line. The different age groups were started at 20min intervals, oldest first. On route there was great support including some of the main Scottish team who were out training prior to the World Trophy which will be on the same course next weekend. Weather conditions were dry and warm - great for the sun tan but not ideal for slogging up a steep hill. Overall good performances and the apres racing was very enjoyable - too many stories for this report but they will no doubt be recounted over beers or at curry nights in future.

MV60 19th Gibson Flemming 1;04;22

48th Drew Turnbull 1:21;41

MV45 94th Peter Baxter 1;10;29

MV40 60th Steve McLoone 56;27

FV40 15th Elspeth Scott 1;09;05

Posted by Elsie Baxter on Wed 1 Sep 2004 | comments are closed

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