TRAIL

Dimitry Mityaev

In last year ’ s 100km race , Dmitry Mityaev finished joint first when he crossed the line together with Germany ’ s Hannes Namberger . This year he dominated once again , but he had to keep pushing hard to maintain the lead , with a determined Caleb Olson ( USA ) and others chasing him . That contributed to the Russian suffering a hard fall on the descent of Table Mountain , and though in some pain and running considerably slower , he had built up enough of a lead to hold off the chasing pack . Mityaev says : “ I am very happy to have won for a second time . It ’ s an amazing race , a very difficult and technical race , and a beautiful community with friendly people .”

Mityaev ’ s win in 10:43:06 was only made a bit more comfortable due to Olson slowing in the last stretch due to foot pain . The Russian ’ s lead had been whittled

down to just five minutes at the UCT aid station , with 12km to go , but Olson eventually finished just over 15 minutes adrift in 11:02:28 . Olson ’ s compatriot , Anthony Costales , was third in 11:24:08 .

Olson says he went out quite conservatively , but was able to move up on some of the technical climbs and descents , as the technical sections suit him . “ I was 10 to 12 minutes behind Dimitry most of the time and managed to get closer at UCT , but I was pushing as hard as I could , and on the very rocky terrain , my feet were blistering and painful , so I slowed . It has to be one of the coolest views of any race . It reminded me of some of the tall alpine areas near home , but it is right

above the ocean in the city as well . It was a great day .”

Ryan Sandes was the first local runner home in eighth place ( 12:02:58 ), and says he experienced bad cramping near the start of the race while going up Platteklip , after possibly going out too fast . He also suggested that he should perhaps do the 100-miler next time : “ This is a tough route with a high level of technicality , and you can never get into any rhythm , especially when you are tired . But there was such amazing community support that kept me going in some dark patches .”

UT100 Men