§staticmap(10883,3,450,250)Hello, on June 9th 2012, you’ll be organizing the Madeira Island Ultra Trail 100. Can you tell us where it is located?
Our race will cross Madeira Island from southeast to northwest. Madeira Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 1h30 by plane from Lisbon, and no more than 4h from the majors European cities that have direct flights to Madeira. Madeira Island itself is a tourist destination, there are several features that make it so, such as nice temperatures throughout the year, nature walks, the beauty of its landscapes, the hospitality of its people and, not least , its appreciated local cuisine.
Madeira Island Ultra Trail was born in 2008. We challenge ourselves to organize a 100km race in this beautiful island because we think that the wild scenery, the green of the Laurel forest and Madeira as a tourism destination itself makes the perfect combination for a tourist visit to our island, run the race and enjoy a few holidays.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
We think that an ultra trail in an island must be a cross side to side. MIUT 2012 will start in Machico, taking technical paths, levadas, and historic walk path’s towards the highest peaks (Areeiro and Ruivo) with breath taking routes. Then athletes will deep in the Laurel forest, a Unesco Heritage site, with up and downs until reaching the finish line at Porto Moniz Village. Runner’s will have about 8 refreshment points during the race.
We expect about 200 runners at the starting line. We will have some top class runners, like the Portuguese Carlos Sá, 5th place at 2011 UTMB and others, but we want to attract the type of runner that is strong enough to finish the UT100, but also wants to appreciate all the beautiful landscapes that we will show during the entire race.
Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
Yes, we organize supporting races. We will have a 55km race, for those not yet prepared to run a longer distance, but have some preparation. This race will start before the highest peaks, the runners will see the breath taking paths! We also have an 25km race, designed for beginners and lesser capacity runners.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
Madeira is know for its microclimate. You can get the four seasons during the same day, but in June runners can expect good weather and nice temperatures during day and night. Diving in to the sea after the race must be done!
Yes, we will have a walk in the surrounding forest for accompanying family and friends. We’ll be providing transport and a guide. Near the event center, is located an aquarium and the live science center, which can be visited too. On the prize giving ceremony animation is guaranted!
The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Madeira before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
During the race, runners will face many sightseeing places, but after (our before) the race, they can go to places like Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos fishermen’s village, Funchal market, and make a visit to Madeira theme park, in Santana. In order to eat, runners must try some regional dishes like Scabbard fish with banana, Tuna steak, and the famous “Espetada” (skewered meat). Runners can also drink our most famous alcoholic drink (after race, of course) , called Poncha, made with lemon juice, honey and local rum.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Madeira Island Ultra Trail 100?
Feel the nature around you, run the Madeira Island Ultra Trail 2012!
Interview with Pedro Nuno Franco Medeiros.