World class runner entered in 2015 Mount Marathon

  • Wednesday, March 25, 2015 12:04am
  • Sports

As if it needed the boost of competition, the famed Mount Marathon race, held every year on July 4 in Seward, will be receiving another dose of intensity in 2015.

Spaniard Kilian Jornet, one of the world’s premier mountain runners, broke the news that he is planning to participate in this year’s mens race on his online blog on a post detailing his 2015 schedule.

Hailing from Sabadell, Spain, Jornet wrote on his blog that he will not be taking part in a specific running circuit this year, opting instead to pick and choose a number of races held in the United States and Europe. Following a seven-week trek through the Himilayas that includes an attempt at the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, Jornet will set his sights on the 3,022-foot peak of Mount Marathon in Seward, which has become one of the state’s most popular attractions every Independence Day.

“This is one of the oldest races in the world, as it has been held since 1905,” Jornet wrote. “Besides the fact, it is a rather technical race with many high-level athletes.”

Those athletes include three-time men’s winner and course record-holder Eric Strabel of Anchorage, 2012 winner Matt Novakovich of Anchorage, and 2013 runner-up Ricky Gates of San Francisco, who also went under the previous record in 2013 along with Strabel.

The 2014 National Geographic People’s Choice Adventurer of the Year, Jornet has captured victories in many of the world’s oldest, most prestigious and most grueling running races, and has set a few course records along the way. Jornet also set the record for hiking up and skiing down 20,237-foot Mt. McKinley last summer in less than 12 hours.

More in Sports

Nikiski's Everett Chamberlain, Lynn Deveer, Seth Payne and Oliver Parrish celebrate the touchdown run of Parrish on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at Nikiski Middle-High School in Nikiski, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Nikiski tops Eielson, advances to 9-man state final

Thanksgiving came early Saturday at Nikiski Middle-High School. Nikiski defeated Eielson 40-6… Continue reading

tease
Kenai girls, SoHi boys swimmers capture Seward Invite

The Kenai Central girls and Soldotna boys swim teams won Seward Invitational… Continue reading

tease
Kenai volleyball takes 2nd at West Spiketacular

The Kenai Central volleyball team finished second at the West Spiketacular on… Continue reading

tease
Soldotna football wins 18th straight conference title

The visiting Soldotna football team defeated Eagle River 55-7 on Saturday to… Continue reading

tease
Region 3 cross country: Seward girls, Ingalls take titles on home course

The Seward girls cross-country team warmed up for the defense of their… Continue reading

Kenai Central quarterback Zeke Yragui throws against Kodiak on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Kodiak High School in Kodiak, Alaska. (Photo by Derek Clarkston/Kodiak Daily Mirror)
Mid Alaska: Kenai football blows past Kodiak; Barrow tops Homer

The visiting Kenai Central football team defeated Kodiak 49-6 on Friday in… Continue reading

tease
Windigo sweep Brown Bears

The visiting Kenai River Brown Bears were swept decisively by the Wisconsin… Continue reading

tease
Beeson, Aldridge win 4th Chainwreck Cyclocross Series race

Brian Beeson and Morgan Aldridge won the fourth race of the Chainwreck… Continue reading

Soldotna libero Kiara Forkner digs up a ball against Nikiski on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at Soldotna High School in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna volleyball avenges earlier loss to Nikiski

The host Soldotna volleyball team defeated Nikiski 25-20, 25-18 and 25-19 on… Continue reading

Most Read