13K Ridge Run – Race Story

Posted: Wednesday November 26, 2008

Second race of the International Running Challenge

Tougher and longer than the first race, the Clásica de Lanzarote (10K Road Race) yesterday, the second race of the Running Challenge, the 13K Ridge Run, followed today.

Amongst the participants of this year’s Running Challenge are Bodil and Alice from the Danish Running Club Sparta. They are here with approximately 20 runners, aged 20-79 years, and therefore one of the biggest clubs that participate in the Running Challenge. Even the famous middle distance runner Wilson Kipketer was a member of this club!! “Yesterday was a little bit too hot but we are looking forward to the race and weather today,” said Bodil. It’s already her third Running Challenge and for her club mate Alice it’s even the 7th!

Starting signal was given once again in the stadium at 10 o’ clock like the day before. This time the course was not only on asphalt roads but also on dirt trails. Especially the last one with its tricky combination of rocky underground and hills made it very difficult for all runners. In addition to that they had to fight against much more (head)wind than yesterday. Furthermore, almost of the today’s 258 participants did already the road race yesterday which made it even harder. Cheered by lots family members, friends, club mates and all the other enthusiastic spectators, they were inspired to give their best in spite of everything.

In an impressing time of 43:24 today’s winner was again Danish Michael Jeppsen (see left picture below). Like yesterday, he was followed by Jonas Brandsbjerg who passed the finishing line in 44:04. The third place went again to an Irish runner, this time to Phil Kilgannon who finished in 44:19 and became 7th the day before.

At the women’s race we had the same winner and second place like yesterday. Tracey Ranson (second picture from the left) left her female competitors far behind and won in 49:16. She was once again followed by countrywoman Anna Critchlow in 50:02. Another Irish third place was ensured by Lucy Darcy who passed the finishing line in 51:09.

“We had a little help from heaven,” said Bodil shortly after the race. “There were clouds and the running conditions were better than yesterday, except of the strong wind of course!” Bodil, 72 years old, won her age group (W70-74) in 1:23:18, just one second before her club mate Marie. Her other club mate Alice finished as third of this age group in 1:53:43 and all three runners are looking forward to the Beach Race tomorrow.

Click here to check all the challenge results Club La Santa

Enjoy the little rest period! We are looking forward to see all of you running at Puerto del Carmen tomorrow!