Taiwan Action Asia 50
Ixel and Croft Claims Overall and Female Championship in the First Taiwan Skyrunning Race
Press Release / 13.11.2014
Around 400 runners showed their great enthusiasm for trail running in Taiwan and took part in the Taiwan Action Asia 50 on 8th November 2014. The Taiwan Action Asia 50 has four courses on offer- 5k, 13k, 21k, and 50k. All courses are started at 5:30 am early morning in Shimen Reservoir, Taoyuan County. The top male and female runners of the 50k category will be sponsored to participate in the Asian Skyrunning Championship competition in Hong Kong on Feb 7, 2015. Together with the top Taiwan local runner as Wei Fu Teng and Hsiao-ying Lin, they would all be sponsored to join the coming MSIG Saikung 50 on Feb 7, 2015 as it is just authorized to become the Asian Skyrunning Championship Competition.
Vlad Ixel from Australia grabbed the champion in 50k race, finishing in 5 hours 34minutes and 30 seconds. 'This is a lot more enjoyable compared to trail running races in Europe. There might have better view in Europe, but Taiwan has better trails. For this course, there were lots of technical parts, and extremely well marked at the same time. It started quite easy so I really enjoyed the race. This is my first time running in Taiwan and I’d definitely love to come back. I just had 5 races in 5 weeks, and will do the vertical k race and Lantau 50 in December in Hong Kong. 'Said Ixel.
Petr Novotny, the overall winner of OtterBox Action Asia X-Trail Taiwan two years in a roll grabbed the 1st runner up in men's 50k. Novotny finished the course in 6 hours 16minutes and 13second. 'I'm very tired. The last 15k was killing me, but I love the race. I practiced the course once, and it was for fun. Compared to other trail running races in Hong Kong, this race involved a lot more obstacles. I had a fierce competition with Ruth, and she took over me later. I am happy with it since we are good friends.' Said Novotny.
Wei Fu Teng came third in men's finishing in 6hours 29 mimutes and 27 seconds.' I used to run for a shorter distance around 20-30k. I just started practicing for a longer distance after the Maokung race in September. I think the course today was very technical. Runners should remind themselves to keep hydrated all the time. ' said Teng.
Ruth Croft, champion of women's 50k category finished in 5hours 52 minutes and 23seconds. 'The course was quite enjoyable for the first 10k, loving the up steep climb. However, the last 10k was really tough so I kept telling myself I am getting close to the finish line. It's like playing a mind game. The course was well marked, very clear. Looking forward to the next trail running race organised by Action Asia Events.' Said Croft.
Jochun Ho placed second in women's 50k, finishing in 8hours 50minutes and 21second. 'Nice view, fantastic course. I enjoy trail running but I haven't tired a long distance trail like 50k today. I expected to finish the course in 10hours, I'm so excited that I accomplished task in less than 9hours. So I guess I can have a longer rest now. ' laughed Ho.
The second runner up of women's 50k goes to Hsiao-ying Lin. Lin finished in 9hours 15minutes and 57seconds. The difficult part was mainly focused on the second half, it was so energy consuming. To aim for a better record this time, I run regularly both on road and trail, so as to improve my performance in elevation gain and loss.' Said Lin.
Singaporean runner Marcus Leong finished in 2 hours 13 minutes 58seconds grabbed the champion of the 21k race. ‘I did the Lantau 2 peaks trail running race in Hong Kong a month ago. It was a great experience and that motivated me to take part in this race in Shimen, Taiwan. The last part was the hardest as the downhill was quite difficult. Great course, excellent organization.' Said Leong.
Erica Reinhold won the champion of women's 21k, finishing in 2hours 25 minutes and 24seconds. 'This is my first time running in Shimen and the course was very beautiful especially we ran across the lake. I'm glad that my physical condition was pretty good today. As for preparation, I run in a daily basis with Taiwan Beast Runners.' Said Reinhold.
Action Asia Events is thankful to the sponsors SUUNTO, MSIG, Salomon, Taiwan Tourism Board, Max Pure, TXG, Otterbox, ActionX, Outside, Elmore Oil, Runivore, AminoMax Aqualyte, China Airlines, Taipei Metro Hash House Harriers, China Hash House Harriers Taiwan, China Skyrunning Association and Action Asia Foundation.
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