Medals shared between 6 countries in the World Long Distance mountain Running Challenge

Men and Womens Gold Silver and Bronze medals shared between Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, Australia, Austria and France.

The 2nd edition of the WMRA World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge was held on Sunday (24th July) from the Pyrenees (France) mountain town of Cauterets, in conjunction with the Marathon du Vignemale.
More than 600 runners, set out on the 50 km course, facing a climb of over 2000 meters in fine weather. 12 countries were present.
Helmut SCHIESSL (GER) immediatly took the lead and was never passed. At one stage, he was 4 minutes ahead, but at the finish, Toni VENCELJ (SLO) was only 37 seconds behind after 4 hours of running. SHIESSL, the European mountain running championship silver medalist, recorded a winning time of 3 hours 59 minutes and 47 seconds.
Whilst SHIESSL started favorite in the mens race, the women race, over the same distance, was more unpredictable. French record holder for the marathon, Chantal DALLENBACH, lined up with 4 times wold mountain running champion, Isabelle GUILLOT (FRA). Both were surprised by the only Australian entry, Emma MURRAY (unknown in Europe), who established an early lead which she extended throughout the race. Despite a tumble on the upper part of the course, Emma finished in a fine time of 4 hours 37 minutes 42 seconds, in front of about 570 men!
Marion KAPUSCINSKI (AUT) started slowly but caught Isabelle GUILLOT at the highest part of the course and came home in second place with a time of 4.55.52. Guillot was third in 5.08.41 and Dallenbach retired.
The French spectators were delighted that they place on person on the podium to join the 5 other medal winning nations.