The first edition of the Avila Castles trail has been a great major success. Finally
around 140 participants got into the start line at Villaviciosa Castle, to go through
mountain scenery, castles, up hill and downhill for a long 46km trail , that ended at the
feet of Avila world known city walls (World Heritage so far).
The total of 121 finishers under the 7 hours limit enjoyed a cold but sunny day. Entrants
from Portugal, England, Wales, and Netherlands accompanied local marathon and ultrarunners
into the debut of this trail. 0% asphalt and 3 aid stations was the main menu. A climb to
1800 altitude, the downhill making most of 23km, and a second climb to start an undulating
second section was enough to make winner Ricardo Fraile, from Zamora, end up in 3h17.
First female, Cristina Martinez, took up to 5h06, new course records obviously.
A pre-race coffee (friday night) and a post-race pasta party were the extras that runners
had, plus the bus transportation into the start line.
Pictures and results, at www.castillosdeavila.com.
By the way, a 300 runner limit is already set for 2005 edition. And PRE-ENTRIES ARE
ALREADY OPEN. It'll be the same course with a tiny extra section rounding up the trail to
48km.
Info, by email. Also at the race site (see above).
Luis