By now there is no need to introduce the MABO, trail race date 22nd March 2015, as trail running lovers already know about this long established challenge. This event has earned the title “The Valencian Zegame” (in reference to the famous Basque race) due to the difficulty of the course, participants being well looked after by the organization and the massive support from the people of Borriol.
The 400 race entries sold out in just 75 minutes on the 22 December. Now 3 months later el Club Muntanyer La Pedrera is working hard to offer participants and spectatators, an authentic weekend of adventure. Ridges, technical trails and constant climbing and descending will test the mind and legs of the 400 particants, next Sunday.
For the second year running, the race will be part of the EMM race series (European Mountain Marathons), a 13 race series throughout Europe, with races in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Russia and the UK. The TugaMABO, will be the second race in the series after the Baikal Ice marathon in Russia. Also the race will deservedly be certified by FEDME.
The program will begin on Saturday morning, at 11:00, with the first edition of the Inov8 Vertical MABO, a vertical race beginning in the centre of the village, climbing towards the local castle and finishing at “la roca de la Dama”. 75 partipants will run this 1.5km 350m+ race, guaranteeing a thrilling event. Some of the best specialists in this type of event have signed up including Emili Sellés, Toño Quilis, Pere Aurell, Carlos Pascual in the male category and Silvia Leal, Sofía García and Laia Cañes in the female category.
The weekend of adventure will continue with the II ExpoMABO which will take place between 1700 and 2100 in Plaça de la font. At this fair, participants can visit different stands from different event sponsors along with stands run by sports shops and important local sporting events. All competitors must go to this fair in order to collect their race number and attend the “briefing” where important race information will be given. There will also be a photography exhibition with photos taken at previous races. This will be held at the town hall where the offical presentation will also take place which will be followed by an informal chat with some of the race favourites. The II Petit MABO, races for children of different age groups will also take place on Saturday evening.
The weekend’s main event will begin on Sunday at 0700 with the start of the marathon. The 400 participants will challenge each other once more, in one of Spain’s most demanding race courses. They will try to devour the 42km and 2550m+ in order to reach the finish line within the 9 hour time limit set by the organization.
Amongst the favourites to win in the male category are Alfredo Gil (current Spanish champion) and locals Cristobal Adell y Victor and Bernad. The competition in the female category will be intense and contenders include Nuria Dominguez (current female race record holder), Silvia Trigueros (Spanish ultratrail champion), Ragna Debats and Raquel Martinez, guaranteeing a titanic podium battle.
Also, we are pleased to announce that Josele Ferre, father of Maria, a girl affected by Rett Sindrome, will run the race along with Alvaro Navarro, the best “pilotari” (a local traditional sport) Valencia has ever produced. The “ Obra Social La Caixa” collabored this solidarity challenge with 3000 euro.
Remember that this event is supported by la Diputación de Castellón and Tuga Active Wear who are the main sponsor of this event. The British brand “Inov8” has joined the “fiesta” along with el Ayuntamiento de Borriol.
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