In this episode I travel to the Azores, Portugal, on the island of Faial, to race in the Whalers' Great Route Ultra-Trail by Azores Trail Run which was established in 2014.
I recorded the conversation post running the 25K race. I spoke with the race director Mário Leal, discussing the race, the experience of running in the Azores. It is a place where the runners run across incredible volcanic craters that formed the island. Plus we dive deeper into the history of the place and the historical passages of the ancient whalers that tell the story of this land and its people.
This podcast accompanies the YouTube video which adds an extra layer of depth alongside this conversation. Click the following link to watch it.
The YouTube video shows the natural blue of the ocean to the vastness of green from its forests and fields, the black sands of the last volcanic eruption that grew this island, to the pallet of colours of the environment are just some of the great sights you will experience on this journey.
The 25K race is called The Trail Ten Volcanoes. As the name indicates, it starts at spectacular volcanic calderas and passes, along 10 of the most important volcanoes of Capelo Peninsula’s fissural alignment. Visually the biodiversity and geodiversity are a constant on this course. What was striking was the incredible landscapes of this peninsula, where a great part of the Azores endemic plants can be found in its natural state.
This Capelinhos Volcano was last active 57 years old ago (2022) the terrain is formed mainly by volcanic matter. It ends at Porto do Comprido, at the sea level, on the main and largest whaling station of the Azores between 1940 and 1957.
Personally I found the change from road to trails challenging mentally and physically, but I felt so rewarded, it is an amazing race that will stay with me for the right reasons, and I am keen to run it again in the future.
Runners have the option of running these different distance races on the same event:
For the 118K race for runners who complete the race within 26 hours, they will qualify to enter a lottery where the runners for Western States 100 Miler will be selected.
This race takes place annually every May, so if you want to enter click this link.
www.azorestrailrun.com
—————————————————————
Episode 129 of A Runner’s Life podcast is sponsored by Tracksmith, who actively represent and support the development of a runner’s life in the running community.
—————————————————————
Thank you to my patreons your help pays for editing, equipment and much more.
If you value the content I deliver, please consider becoming a supporter of my podcast by donating via my patreon page. This helps me provide quality content.
https://www.patreon.com/ARunnersLife
#133 - How to Prepare a Marathon Training Plan with Coach Elisabeth Scott (Marathon Training Series)
#132 - Ali Lavender - On turning a setback into a set up.
#131 - Ingrid Walters - On becoming one of the all-time Best African American Female Marathoners
#130 - Marathon Training Series: How to Plan Your Maurten Marathon Fuelling Strategy
#128 - Me, Autism, Mental Health and Running
#127 - Why I Run with Erin Azar and Ayo Akinwolere
#126 - 2 Pro Mental Strategies to Race the Mile With Sam Lloyd-Perks
#125 - Sharada Maddox - on becoming one of the all-time Best African American Female Marathoners
Moment #3 - The Boston Marathon, Dave McGillivray race director
#124 - How to remain resilient in the face of adversity with Brian Wood MC
#123 - How to run your fastest mile coached by Nick Willis
#122 - Rose Harvey on a 2:27 marathon, World Championship qualifying time
#121 - Phily Bowden on a 2:34 marathon debut
#120 - Sara Hall on setting the US Half Marathon record
#119 - The Best of The Pioneers (Part One)
Moment #2 - How to impact your community for the better
#118 - Courn Ahn - Using your creativity as a way to create change in your community
Moment #1 - Making the best next step after hitting rock bottom
#117 - Arman Vestad: From crime to becoming a runner - One Man Reformed Through The Power of Sport
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Running with Jake - The PLODcast
Some Work, All Play
Every Step of The Way
Ali on the Run Show
The Strength Running Podcast