Ultra Fiord
The Third Edition Of Ultra Fiord With Some Noteable Changes
Anne-Marie Dunhill / 05.04.2017
The third edition of the Ultra Fiord race, organized by NIGSA, will start tomorrow in Patagonia Chile. NIGSA also organizes the Patagonian International Marathon, the Ultra Trail Torres del Paine and the Patagonian Expedition Race (PER). Runners from 24 countries have congregated in the charming town of Puerto Natales located on the Ultima Esperanza Sound.
In the 2017 edition there will be a 50km solo and 50km duo race, a 70km, a 100km and a 100mile race. The 30km distances from previous editions has been dropped this year. There are 59 runners on the 50km, 32 runners on the 50km duo, 58 runners on the 70km, 47 runners on the 100km and 50 runners on the 100 miles.
For the past two days, runners have been completing the registration process which has changed from previous editions. New this year is a mandatory equipment check that must be completed before runners can pick up their official race kit and race passport. (There is also a list of recommended equipment.)The gear checks have been taking place in the offices of RECASUR overlooking the Ultima Esperanza Sound. The checklist is divided into three categories: Documents, Technical Equipment and Clothes.
Sam and Sebastien from NIGSA worked in Spanish and in English to verify the contents of each racers’ pack. Although the list has been available on the website for some time, there was still the odd runner that did not have the correct gear and those checking were very firm in their refusal to sign off the paperwork until the right gear was presented. For example, at least three runners had to purchase the required synthetic thermal jacket; as Puerto Natales is the jumping off point to the internationally renowned Torres del Paine National Park, there is no shortage of well-stocked outdoor equipment shops.
Another runner, Tessa Roorda from Brazil, tried negotiating with Sam over the requirement to have two headlamps. (Tessa is an adventure racer who raced with team Columbia Vidaraid in Expedition Alaska.) When Sam didn’t budge, and explained the reasons and the possible conditions on the course, she gave him a hug and said, “Aww, you’re worried about me!” Sam looked at the ground and replied, “ I’m worried about all the runners!” There will also be checks of mandatory gear at the race start.
Once the runner successfully passed the gear check, they were issued a passport. They are required to have this passport signed by race staff at the beginning and the end of the race. They then picked up their official race kit with their race number at Nandu restaurant and shop on the main town square.
New this year is also mandatory attendance at a pre-race briefing. The briefings are in three different languages; Spanish, Portuguese and English. Fernando Nazario presented in Portuguese and Enzo Ferrari presented to the Spanish speaking runners racing on the 50km solo and duo. I attended the briefing for the 50km race in English, presented by Tito Nazar, who completed that distance in 2016.
With the help of images from a video projector, Tito took the runners through the course, describing the various conditions they could come across; mud, turba, etc. He explained what to expect from the aid stations, what would be available at the aid stations. as well as tips such as the importance of keeping the hands warm and not starting out too fast to conserve energy for the “Fortress” between Chacabuco 1 and 2. The “Fortress” is the most technical part of the race, going over Paso Byron (1,240m) with a glacier crossing. (This year crampons are part of the mandatory gear.)
Two runners from Italy arrived as the session was almost finished and during the Q and A they asked several pointed questions. Tatiana Strangino had competed in the 2016 edition and she asked if there would be sweepers on this edition. The race director had confirmed their presence at the press briefing last night and Tito repeated this information. She also asked if there would be medical staff on the route and was told that there would be mountain guides with WFR qualifications (Wilderness First Responder.)
Tito also explained that this year the race is using a private helicopter company and that a helicopter will be positioned in Serrano to respond to any emergencies. This positioning means that they will be 6-7 minutes away from “The Fortress”. But he also emphasized that this is Patagonia and the weather can be extremely unpredictable and he insisted on the importance of each racer assisting another racer they may come across in difficulty during the race.
He closed his presentation saying, “Success is what you make yourself, you have no idea what you’re about to experience, it’s going to be atomic, enjoy it with all of your heart!”
The race briefing for the 100miles and 100km will take place tomorrow (Thursday) and the 100miles will begin at 00:00 from La Peninsula. The 100k will begin on Friday at 11:00 from Hosteria Balmaceda. The race start time and location for this distance is another change for the 2017 edition. Runners will go directly up into the “Fortress” and should be off the glacier during daylight. The 70km will start from Hotel Rio Serrano at 08:00; this remains unchanged from previous editions.
Speaking to the race director, Stjepan Pavicic, in Punta Arenas before the transfer to Puerto Natales, he said this year he will also be on the course, along with Jordi Tosas, in the “Fortress” in order to be reactive should conditions require immediate course modifications.
The weather forecast has announced some rain but low winds; however this is Patagonia and any type of weather is possible and should be expected and planned for!
The international media will be following from the start of the 100miles and we will be returning with our stories at the finish line in Puerto Natales.
¡Buena suerte! to all the racers on the 2017 edition of Ultra Fiord!
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