Abahan sees action in world skyrunning tilt

SANDI Abahan is gunning for a record finish when she competes in the upcoming Sky Running World Championship in Kinlochleven, Scotland, United Kingdom from September 13 to 15.

The former University of the Cordilleras varsity player will be joined by Filipino trail runners Don Santillan, and Rachel Peña in representing the country in the race sanctioned by the International Skyrunning Federation.

Abahan is set to compete 29 kilometer Salomon Ring of Steall SkyRace.

The Salomon Ring of Steall SkyRace incorporates two lofty ridges within the Mamores mountain range, including the Devil’s Ridge, which provides a thrilling and airy traverse. The route features uncompromising mountain running, including easy scrambling, steep ascents, traverses and descents on technical and challenging terrain.

“For the past weeks, nag-concentrate ako sa swimming para sa upper body strength and gym training para ma-compensate yung kakulanang sa pagtakbo dahil sa ulan,” said the former Pilipinas Akyathlon queen.

Abahan, a three time The Asian circuit champion said she hopes to complete the course within four hours and 30 minutes in a bid to secure a top 10 finish.

“Aside from the terrain siguro kailangan mag adjust din sa weather kasi ang pinaka mataas ata na temperature na this time is 10 degrees Celsius so dapat well equipped din sa damit,” she added.

After four World Championships held in Italy, France and Spain, the Scottish Highlands will welcome skyrunners from across the world to race the Vertical, Sky and Ultra disciplines for the world titles and the 27 medals at stake.

The races are open to both individuals and national teams. Individual world titles and medals are at stake in each discipline as well as a combined title based on the best results of the Vertical and Sky races.

World’s top skyrunners Stian Angermund-Vik, Maite Maiora, Laura Orgué, Emelie Forsberg, Sheila Avilés, Marco De Gasperi, Jan Margarit, Alexis Sévennec, Kiril Nikolov, Pascal Egli, Hillary Gerardi, Mira Rai, Tom Owens are expected to join the Ultra Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra 52 kilometer race.

The Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra will feature a specially designed course to fit the new skyrunning criteria with a cut off time of 16 hours. The race will incorporate some of the best elements of the previous route which summits Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis where the world’s first mountain running race took place in 1895. (Roderick Osis)