Inov-8 athlete Alex Nichols, will this weekend bring the curtain down on a superb 2013 ultra/mountain running season at the high-profile TNF Endurance Challenge 50-mile Championships, San Francisco, USA.

The 28-year-old heads to San Francisco brimming with confidence following a third-place finish in the 2013 International Skyrunning Federation Sky Series. Second at the Pikes Peak Marathon (US), seventh in the Mont Blanc Marathon (France) and eighth at the Limone Extreme Skyrace (Italy), Alex tore over some of the toughest mountain courses in the world to earn a podium place.

 

On Saturday, amongst what will be one of the strongest ultra running fields assembled all year, Alex will push his body to the limit one last time in 2013. And having finished fifth in last year’s TNF 50-miler – a gruelling race that includes 2815m of leg-sapping elevation – the committed athlete is aiming to go even better this time round.

 

Alex said: “My training has been going well, but just like last year I expect it to be a long, tough race. “Yes, there will be pain, yes, it is going to hurt, but for me it is all about running smart and, of course, running fast. “Just like last year, I will be up against some of the best ultra distance runners in the world. “However, while in 2012 I was pretty much off the radar, this year, after the season I have had, there is certainly more pressure. “I don’t mind that, though. Even with that pressure, and the fact the field is so stacked, I know I am capable of finishing very well.”

 

Alex will once again wear inov-8’s ultra-lightweight, super-gripping Trailroc 245 shoes, as he has done throughout 2013. He said: “I have used the Trailroc 245 for every race over half-marathon distance for the last year-and-a-half and even now they continue to impress me. “Incredibly stripped-back and lightweight (245g), yet still really protective underfoot, they are perfect. “When competing in these long and often rocky races, the Trailroc 245 gives me everything I need and nothing I don't. “The grip is awesome. It has never let me down.”

 

The Trailroc 245 features an outsole boasting three different rubber compounds – soft sticky, hard sticky and endurance – all specifically placed to deliver ultimate trail grip in the areas most needed. The shoe also has a third-generation Meta-Shank, guaranteeing both underfoot protection and flexibility. Alex will also use inov-8’s Race Ultra Vest on Saturday. The all-mesh, fully-breathable, body-tight vest is packed with unique features and has already drawn rave reviews. The one-size-fits-all vest – new for spring/summer 2014 – weighs a mere 195g, boasts seven stretch-mesh pockets, six adjustable straps and can carry four liters of fluid. Alex said: “After wearing the Race Ultra Vest in the Mont Blanc Marathon and Pikes Peak Marathon I have complete confidence that it will be perfect for the TNF 50. “The fit is like an extension of my body and all of the pockets/hydration options will be key to keeping me going for the full 50 miles.”

 

inov-8 is a fast-growing international sports performance brand that manufactures innovative, stripped-back gear for committed athletes wanting to run naturally fast on all terrains and smash hardcore workouts. Born in the UK in 2003, inov-8 now trades in over 60 countries and boasts more than 80 shoes in its range, meeting the needs of athletes who want to push boundaries. inov-8 sponsors a global team of athletes that represent committed competitors in mountain, trail and road running, functional fitness, as well as obstacle course racing.

 

To learn more, visit the inov-8 website at www.inov-8.com