From September 14-17, the 22nd World Masters Mountain Running Championships will be held in Ponta do Pargo, Madeira- Portugal. The host village is located in the most western point of the island that in total, encompasses 286 square miles with 90 miles of coastline. There will be 400 athletes representing 22 different nations at the event.
Fourteen athletes will be part of the USA contingent at the World Masters competition including Eric Blake, Buzz Burrell, Michael Ellis, Richard Ferguson, Chris Grauch, Len Hall, Kristina Hindert, Nancy Hobbs, Bob Jones, Bob Mulvaney, Mike Popejoy, Suzy West, Rose Wetzel, and Brett Winegar. Each athlete competing must be a current member of the national federation, for the USA this is USATF.
There will be two events with the mostly uphill 9.2k race on Friday, September 15, followed by the longer distance 32.4k on Sunday, September 17.
Courses for the World Masters.
Athletes compete in their 5-year age category staring with age 35 up to age 79. There are individual medals for the top three men and women in each category and team medals for the top three nations in each category, For the team competition, the top three athletes per nation score for the team. If there are not three full teams, scoring of the top two from a country then count for team results.
Nancy Hobbs and Suzy West have arrived in Madeira for the World Masters.
In advance of race day
Some of the U.S. athletes have already arrived in Madeira to combat jet lag and to enjoy some pre race preparations including hiking, running, and exploring the very beautiful island know for its agriculture (bananas are aplenty and sugar is a top export) and legendary wine.
Coastal views along the trail.
There are numerous trails with coastal views as well as higher elevation forested routes begging to be explored. Although the island is small, renting a car provides the option of picking different routes and traveling freely without the constraints of public transportation schedules (although taxis are relatively inexpensive as are buses). Parking is an interesting experience with cars often seen bumper to bumper near a trail head parked in one of the traffic lanes, or precariously perched at the edge of an overhanging cliff.
Village meeting spot.
Walking is a great way to explore the many small villages and also builds strength heading up and down the narrow and mostly steep streets replete with steps made of concrete or stone and rock. After a long walk, taking a break at one of the many neighborhood cafes dotting the landscape is a welcome respite.
World Masters competition schedule
In addition to the running events, there is also the opening ceremony and pasta party to be held on Thursday, September 14.
Friday, September 15
09:00 Start Uphill race Women 55–75
09:30 Start Uphill race Men 55–75
10:15 Start Uphill race Women 35–50
10:45 Start Uphill race Men 35–50
16:00 Award ceremony Uphill race
Saturday, September 16
10:30 Start Open Race Women/Men
16:00 Technical Meeting (Long Distance race)
Sunday, September 17
08:00 Start Long Distance race Women
08:30 Start Long Distance race Men
17:00 Award ceremony Long Distance race, including flag passing ceremony
The event manual can be found here, and the full entry list can be found here.
