Patrick Kipngeno, Philemon Kiriago, Julian Carr & Adrian Macdonald | Cirque Series A-Basin Trailgating
Sep 7, 2024
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Patrick Kipngeno, a top athlete in the Cirque Series, along with racers Philemon Kiriago and Adrian Macdonald, dive into their experiences preparing for the A-Basin event. They discuss the excitement of competing in ultra-trail racing and how it transforms them personally. Julian Carr, founder of the Cirque Series, shares insights on the series' unique community-focused atmosphere. The group highlights the significance of Kenyan athletes in trail running, their supportive training environments, and the blend of skiing and trail cultures that enrich their racing experiences.
Adrian McDonald’s journey from amateur runner to ultra trail champion illustrates the transformative impact of the pandemic on his athletic career.
The rise of Kenyan athletes like Patrick Kipngeno and Philemon Kiriago in trail running signifies a growing trend and cultural shift in their home country.
Julian Carr’s Cirque Series fosters community engagement by blending competitive mountain running with a focus on inclusivity and the joy of the alpine experience.
Deep dives
Adrian McDonald's Journey into Ultra Trail Running
Adrian McDonald shares his remarkable transition from being an amateur runner to a prominent figure in ultra trail running. Growing up outside of Boston and later attending Gettysburg College, he initially focused on cross country and road running. However, the pandemic catalyzed his shift towards ultra running, leading him to participate in the Leadville 100 in 2021, which he won. His impressive debut set the stage for subsequent successes, including multiple challenges at Leadville where he consistently improved his times, culminating in a second-place finish in a record-setting year.
Kenyan Athletes Breaking into Trail Running
Patrick Kipnago and Philamon Kiriago represent the rising trend of Kenyan athletes entering the trail running scene, highlighting its growing popularity in their home country. They emphasize the importance of encouraging fellow Kenyans to embrace trail running, showcasing its accessible nature and unique experiences. Both athletes have made a significant mark in the competitive landscape of mountain running and are poised to inspire future generations of Kenyan runners. Their recent participation in the Cirque Series reflects the expanding opportunities for Kenyan athletes beyond traditional road racing and marathons.
The Cirque Series: A Gateway to Mountain Running
The Cirque Series is distinguished by its unique premise of hosting mountain running events that are shorter in distance yet challenging in terrain. Founded by Julian Carr, the series aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for both elite athletes and newcomers by emphasizing the joy of reaching high alpine destinations. The races not only promote competition but also foster community engagement, drawing attention to the beauty of the mountains and the shared accomplishment among participants. With the support of sponsors and a lively finish line vibe, these events offer an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Training Strategies and Approaches Among Competitors
Adrian McDonald discusses his training philosophy, which emphasizes speed workouts and incorporating shorter races like those in the Cirque Series to enhance performance for longer ultras. He believes that participating in such races allows him to practice racing hard without extensive recovery time, thus maintaining his fitness effectively. Meanwhile, Patrick and Philamon highlight the importance of teamwork within their training group, often pushing each other in different aspects of running, whether uphill or downhill. Their collaboration reflects the balance needed to excel in both mountain and trail running, adapting training based on what the terrain demands.
The Evolution and Future of the Cirque Series
Under the leadership of Julian Carr, the Cirque Series has evolved significantly since its inception in 2015, aligning well with the interests of the mountain running community. Carr notes the potential for growth with plans to expand the race series to new locations, possibly addressing markets in the Northwest and Northeast. The series’ success of attracting elite runners showcases its growing significance in the trail running calendar and validates its unique approach amidst a landscape filled with longer races. This commitment to innovation and community will continue to shape the future of mountain running events.
Freetrail’s first time at a Cirque Series event, the A-Basin event is the final of the 2024 series and has drawn an incredibly competitive field. Dylan talks to some of the top athletes racing tomorrow, including Patrick Kipngeno, Philemon Kiriago & Adrian Macdonald. We also chat with Cirque Series founder and race director, and big mountain ski legend, Julian Carr. Note: due to travel schedules, we’ll be talking to some of the top women racers after the race in our post-race show tomorrow.
Our coverage this weekend is brought to you by On.
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