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MIUT MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL 2024 (27-28APR). WORLD TRAIL MAJORS. PREVIEW AND FAVOURITES

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MIUT MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL 2024 (27-28APR). WORLD TRAIL MAJORS. PREVIEW AND FAVOURITES. Our ULTRA TRAIL travels to Madeira in Portugal on time, to bring us the latest news of this ultra trail that crosses the Portuguese Island every April.

MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail returns for its fifteenth edition. The rugged Portuguese island hosts this race, which joins the ranks of the Gran Canaria World Trail Majors for the first time. With its challenging terrain, steep slopes, breathtaking natural beauty, and the ever-present Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, MIUT attracts 3500 runners annually to Madeira.

Photo World Trail Majors

MIUT MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL 2024.

WORLD TRAIL MAJORS. PREVIEW AND FAVOURITES

The MIUT isn’t your average race. It’s a journey that takes runners across the entire island, showcasing its most breathtaking landmarks with the ever-present ocean as a backdrop.

Since its debut in 2008, MIUT has become a world-renowned event, selling out quickly year after year. Amateur and professional runners alike flock to participate, making it a coveted spot on the international long-distance mountain racing calendar.

The race attracts a global audience, with participants from 58 countries – over 3,000 traveling from outside the island – along with their family and friends. This influx fills the island with the vibrant spirit of trail running.

MIUT caters to all levels, offering distances ranging from 16 kilometers to 115 kilometers. Regardless of the chosen route, all runners experience the same thing: impressive, challenging trails that create unforgettable memories. The race goes beyond the typical tourist circuits, allowing participants to discover the hidden gems of the island.

Photo World Trail Majors

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MIUT MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL 2024.

The Races

MIUT 115

The standout challenge of the event is the longest distance, spanning 115 km, renowned globally for its rugged terrain and breathtaking route. Beginning at Porto Moniz and culminating in Machico, it ascends to the lofty heights of 1760 meters at Pico Ruivo, accumulating an impressive 7090 meters of elevation gain along the way. Traversing the island’s rugged spine, it shares its path with the iconic levadas, historic channels that once channeled mountain water to the island’s settlements and fields.

The female victors in Madeira have showcased exceptional talent, including names like Courtney Dauwalter, Caroline Chaverot, Hillary Allen, Manon Bohard, Andrea Huser, and Mimmi Kotka. Among the men, champions such as François D’Haene, Jim Walmsley, Julien Chorier, Zach Miller, and Luís Fernandes have left their mark. Notable winners include Nerea Martínez, alongside revered podium finishers like Tòfol Canstanyer, Pau Capell, and Jordi Gamito.

The current course records stand at an impressive 12:58:14 for Jim Walmsley and 14:40:35 for Courtney Dauwalter, both set during the lightning-fast 2022 edition.

 

MIUT 85. Around 85 km / 4700 D+

The departure of the MIUT 85 race will be given at 07:00 (7:00 a.m.) on the 27th of April 2024, in center of São Vicente towards Lombo da Achada do Til, Ribeira Grande before the arrival at Encumeada, where the route enters the Central mountainous massif, but not before making an incursion to Curral das Freiras, before facing the mythical peaks, Ruivo and Areeiro. From there, the route is mostly downwards, with passages at Chão da Lagoa, Portela, Porto da Cruz, Larano foothpath towards the levada of Caniçal, with a previous passage at Boca do Risco. The final part is along a levada having Machico in sight, with the finish line at the Forum Machico.

MIUT 60. Around 60 km / 3100 D+

The departure of the MIUT 60 race will be given at 09:00 (9:00 a.m.) on the 27th of April 2024, in the center of Boaventura towards Lombo do Urzal, then uphill to Boca das Torrinhas where the route enters the Central mountainous massif before facing the mythical peaks, Ruivo and Areeiro. From there, the route is mostly downwards, with passages at Chão da Lagoa, Portela, Porto da Cruz, Larano foothpath towards the levada of Caniçal, with a previous passage at Boca do Risco. The final part is along a levada having Machico in sight, with the finish line at the Forum Machico.

MIUT 42. Around 42 km / 1700 D+

The start of the MIUT 42 race will be at 11:00 (11 a.m.) of the 27th of April 2024, in Monte – Funchal, departing towards Chão da Lagoa, passing on the way in Terreiro da Luta, Pico Alto then entering in Parque Ecológico do Funchal till Casa do Burro. From there, the route is mostly downwards, with passages at Chão da Lagoa, Portela, Porto da Cruz, Larano foothpath towards the levada of Caniçal, with a previous passage at Boca do Risco. The final part is along a levada having Machico in sight, with the finish line at the Forum Machico

MIUT 16. Around 16 Km / 390 D+

The departure of the MIUT 16 race will be given at 08:00 (08:00 a.m.) on the 28th of April 2024, in the centre of Porto da Cruz towards the foothpath of Larano that will take participants to the levada of Caniçal, with a previous passage at Boca do Risco. The final phase, along a levada, will have the backdrop of the Machico valley, with the finish line at the Forum Machico.

 

MIUT MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL 2024. THE FAVOURITES

Women elite

The women’s category of the upcoming Madeira Island Ultra-Trail (MIUT) boasts an exceptionally high level of competition, with none of the favorites having previously clinched victory. Leading the pack is Anne Lise Rousset from France, and ITRA score of 767. Rousset’s stellar track record includes a remarkable second-place finish in the 2023 Hardrock 100 Endurance Run, alongside notable achievements such as her runner-up position in the Grand Raid de la Réunion the previous year and a victory at Transvulcania in 2019. Joining her is Martina Valmassoi from Italy and holding an ITRA rating of 765. Valmassoi’s credentials include standout performances in events like the TDS of UTMB 2022, Transvulcania 2023, and Lavaredo 2021.

Another French contender to watch closely is Fiona Porte (La Sportiva, ITRA 759). Porte had a stellar 2023 campaign, clinching victories in races like the Maxi Race and La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB, and securing a second-place finish in the TDS. Maite Maiora (Spain, Vibram, 751), who finished fourth in the 2019 MIUT, recently replicated that performance in her first ultra of the season, the Chianti Ultra Trail. With an impressive array of achievements spanning vertical kilometers to ultras, Maiora remains a perennial favorite in any race she enters.

Spain’s Aroa Sío (Craft, 748), aims to build on her season following a recent injury. Sío has demonstrated podium potential in races like The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB, Tarawera Ultramarathon, and Ultra Trail Cote d’Azur Mercantour, making her a strong contender for victory.

Other notable contenders include Varvara Shikonova (Montenegro, Salomon, ITRA 732); Sandra Sevillano (Spain, Millet, 722); Claire Bannwarth (France, RaidLight, 721); and Geneviere Asselin (Canada, On, 710).

Photo World Trail Majors

Men elite

The men’s category of the upcoming Madeira Island Ultra-Trail (MIUT) is leading by Miguel Arsénio (Portugal, Sport HG/AML Sport, ITRA 917) . Fresh off his recent title as Portugal’s ultra champion, Arsénio clinched victory at the Salomon Ultra Pirineu and secured a runner-up finish at the Transgrancanaria 2023.

Hailing from the United States, Ben Dhiman (Asics, 902), enters the MIUT with strong momentum following a stellar season. Dhiman notched victories at the Asics Penyagolosa Trails and Andorra 100 by UTMB, along with podium finishes at the Festival des Templiers, Réunion, and Ultra-Tour de Grand Raid des Pyrénées. With a residency in the French Pyrenees, Dhiman’s skillset may find a perfect match on the rugged terrain of Madeira.

Joining the American contingent are three more formidable contenders, reminiscent of the likes of Zach Miller, Jim Walmsley, and Courtney Dauwalter. Jeff Mogavero (On, 883), boasts solid results including podium finishes at Run Rabbit Run, The Broken Arrow, and Way Too Cool, establishing himself as a regular in European races. Tyler Green (Nike, 881), secured a third-place finish at the inaugural Anta Hong Kong 100 Ultramarathon, positioning himself as a strong contender for a top spot in the overall standings. Richard Lockwood (Norda, 866), boasts recent victories at Run Rabbit Run and a second-place finish at Doi Inthanon Thailand by UTMB, both achieved in 2022.

Other standout contenders include Jean Philippe Tschumi (Switzerland, Hoka, ITRA 891), with two third-place finishes at MIUT and podium appearances at Le Grand Raid de La Réunion. Benat Marmissolle (France, La Sportiva, 874) brings experience from MIUT and notable victories at Réunion and Euskal Trail. Finally, the local hero Luís Fernandes (Portugal, Madeira Ocean & Trails, 872), aims to capitalize on his intimate knowledge of the course, having emerged victorious at MIUT in 2015.

Photo World Trail Majors

WORLD TRAIL MAJORS: CLASIFICATION

MEN

  1. Courtney Dawalter 1500
  2. Rachel Drake 1500
  3. Lin Chen 1500
  4. Becca Windell 1420
  5. Claudia Tremps 1420

WOMEN

  1. Guangfu Meng 1500
  2. Raul Butaci 1500
  3. Hayden Hawks 1500
  4. Miguel Heras 1420
  5. Peiquan You 1420

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MIUT MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL 2024: WHERE AND HOW TO FOLLOW LIVE

There will be updates and live streaming of MIUT 2024 23.00pm to 16:00pm (local times) on Friday 26th April and Saturday 27th April with details on socialmedia channels.

Streaming according on time zones:

WORLD TRAIL MAJORS 2024

  1. Hong Kong 100 Ultramarathon: January 18-21, 2024. 102 km, +5314 m. Hong Kong, China. one of the events that internationalized trail running in China
  2. Black Canyon Ultras: February 10-11, 2024. 100 km, +1250 m. Phoenix, Arizona, United States. Pure American trail running on old ethnic trails and stagecoaches
  3. The North Face Transgrancanaria: February 21-25, 2024. 126 km, +6804 m. Canary Islands, Spain. One of the classics on the world trail running calendar
  4. Mt.FUJI 100: April 26-27, 2024. 165 km, +7574 m. Fujiyoshida, Japan. Japanese-style trail running with the great symbolic meaning of the highest mountain in the country
  5. MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail: April 27-28, 2024. 115 km, +7100 m. Madeira, Portugal. Iconic event on the spectacular island of Madeira
  6. Swiss Canyon Trail: June 7-9, 2024. 111 km, +5350 m. Val de Travers, Switzerland. Originating in 1994, one of the most relevant tests in Central Europe
  7. South Downs Way 100: June 8-9, 2024. 161 km, +3800 m. Winchester, United Kingdom. 100 miles following the historic South Downs Way route is a classic on the British calendar
  8. Quebec Mega Trail: July 5-7, 2024. 160 km, +6500 m. Quebec, Canada. Authentic trail running in the mountains near Quebec
  9. RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town: November 22-24, 2024. 166 km, +7516 m. Cape Town, South Africa. Pure mountains next to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa

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