News

After several serious breakdowns of   www.ElbrusRace.Ru  , we had to run its own copy on a new engine: www.ElbrusRace.Com !

At this point we start posting NEW INFORMATION on the NEW SITE:   www.elbrusrace.com  . It is still having rather  poor design, but is not broken every few month !!!!

+Now we will be able to organize some new services, (forum / guest-book, etc.) to make it more interactive!!!

We'll keep ElbrusRace.Ru as it is for a while, and later on will transform it to ElbrusRace.com mirror

See his short moovy (with a higher energy!!) about his preparation to Elbrus Race 2009:

and 2 articles in Italian GAZETTA

http://www.gazzetta.it/Sport_Vari/Altri_Sport/Alpinismo/04-09-2009/elbrus-race-tocca-luca-colli-501212360841.shtml

http://www.gazzetta.it/Fitness/19-09-2009/volo-italiano-elbrus-501342942363.shtml

 

Valentin Vergiljush (Rostov-Don) became the nominee of  «Breakthrough» First State Award for Talented Youth. He was one of three nominees in Pro-tur nomination.The award ceremony was held in Moscow Dec, 17

Top 10 WOMEN (on Classic Class)

01 Svetlana Sharipova (KAZ) 3h21m (2006)
02 Ekaterina Andreeva (KYR) 3h41m (2007)
03 Maria Khitrikova (UKR) 3h48m (2009)
04 Oksana Novak (RUS) 4h26m (2006)
05 Anna Petrova (RUS) 4h38m (2008)
06 Natalia Kurakina (RUS) 4h42m (2009)

 

Top 10 EXTREME CLASS
01 Denis Urubko (KAZ) 3h55m (2006)
02 Semjon Dvornichenko (KYR) 4h18m (2007)
03 Serguey Fursov (RUS) 4h19m (2009)
04 Andrey Mariev (RUS) 4h30m (2009)
05 Alexander Sidorenkov (RUS) 4h34m (2009)
06 Alexander Kerimov (KYR) 4h35m (2006)
07 Denis Berezovsky (RUS) 4h40m (2009)
08 Vitaly Shkel (RUS) 4h41m (2009)
09 Milan Marhan (CZE) 4h47m (2009)
10 Roman Gubanov (RUS) 4h53m (2008)

 

Top 10 CLASSIC CLASS
01 Valentin Vergilyush (RUS) 2h36m (2009)
02 Anton PRoshchenko (RUS) 2h43m (2009)
03 Mikhail Klimov (RUS) 2h45m (2009)
04 Andrey Puchinin (KAZ) 2h46m (2006)
05 Serguey Fursov (RUS) 2h47m (2008)
06 Roman Gubanov (RUS) 2h52m (2007)
07 Serguey Seliverstov (KYR) 2h54m (2007)
08 Roman Gubanov (RUS) 3h07m (2006)
09 Serguey Fursov (RUS) 3h15m (2007)
10 Yuri Klim (UKR) 3h15m (2008)

Statistics by Rodrigo Granzotto Peron (Brazil)

The story about Elbrus Race 2009

Results in "Classic" 

Results in Extream Class

Gallery 

 

Press release

Saint Petersburg, Sep.14, 2009

Elbrus accepted the fifth annual International ELBRUS RACE competitions very graciously: the weather was picturesque in the day of qualification race and in the main race day. The athletes have a real pleasure to work on a good track. 38 people have applied to participate. These were the guys from Russia, Ukraine, Bielorusssia, Czech Republic and Italy.

With financial assistance of the general sponsor of the competition — BASK company — and prize fund, provided by the Anatoly Boukreev Memorial Fund, Elbrus Race is not only successful now, but was able to significant development.

For the fifth year we run the race on Mount Elbrus, and each time the competition differ from each other. Different athletes, mood, a different shape training and the circumstances of the event. This year, for example, the opening day of competition, it was appeared that the cableway does not work. Therefore, during all the competitions it was only possible to go by foot or by car to reach the Barrels (3708 m). On the way to the Caucasus, the organizers got call from one of the main contenders for victory in the «Extreme» Roman Gubanov. He said he would not be able to take part in the race, having problems with his foot. There were also calls from two high-altitude judges too sudden, circumstances did not allow them to come to the competition. Therefore, at the opening, we were a bit worried, but soon realized that to no avail: an application for «Extreme» showed a great list of participants — 9 athletes instead of usual 3-4. Some of them tried to force there, while others who were already familiar with the route, hoped to improve their results. Since judging team, too, everything turned out well.

Serguey Fursov participated in the International ELBRUS RACE fot the third time. In 2008 he won the «Classic», and now he became a winner in the «Extreme» with a magnificent result 4 hrs19 min.

Six athletes in «Extreme» class had results times less than 5 hrs. Of course, the record of Dennis Urubko is yet unattainable, but the density of the results, which the guys showed today, suggesting that the time of running of «Extreme» route will be decline in the future. For example, Andrew Mariev, who took second place (4 hrs and 30 min), improved his result from last year at 1 hour 17 minutes! And Vladimir Kuznetsov — on 37 minutes! Alexander Sidorenko reach the top a little behind Mariev, and he he became the third medal in the class of «Extreme». But Alexander took part in Elbrus speed climb in Baldyberdin race 1990! The vast experience allows him now to compete with younger athletes now.

Fursov Serguey 4 hrs 19 min 09 sec

Mariev Andrew 4 hrs 30 min 09 sec

Sidorenkov Alexander 4 hrs 34 min 26 sec

Berezovsky Denis 4 hrs 39 min 52 sec

Shkel Vitaly 4 hrs 41 min 38 sec

Marhan Milan (Czech) 4 hrs 47 min 22 sec

Kouznetsov Vladimir 5 hrs 31 min 04 sec

Soushko Pavel 5 hrs 55 min

Vorobjev Maxim 6 hrs 55 min 36 sec

 

But the application to the class of «Classic» showed that the International ELBRUS RACE becoming popular among young people. And if the previous records on the «Classic» belonged to an experienced Asian high-altitude climbers Andrew Puchinin, Semjon Dvornichenko, now frisky young guys from Omsk and Rostov-Don showed that they afford to press Elbrus champions. Valentin Vergilyush (Rostov-Don), 23 y.o. set a new record on the «Classic» route «Barrels — West top» — 2 hours 36 minutes. And the judges on the top had noted that he had obviously more reserve forces. Anton Proshchenko from Omsk was the route for 2 h 43 min. Mikhail Klimov (Moscow) for 2 h 45 min.

Among the girls Maria Khitrikova (Ukraine) won with time 3 hours 48 minutes on Classic route. In her 19 years Masha, the daughter of a famous soviet mountaineer Vladimir Khitrikov, has already climbed Lenin peak (she was 15 y/o/ and climbed in Alpine style), then Ama Dablam in 2007, then Khan Tengri and Korjenevskaya peak. Natalia Kurakina was a second girl who had reach the top, her time 4 hr 42 min. (Four girls had applicated to the competition)

The Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria had greatly supported our competitions. The head of Tourism Department Mahti Otarov welcomed athletes at the open and the awarding ceremony. Beautiful Caucasian prizes (artfully decorated daggers) were awarded to the winners of all nominations, and also (it was so unexpected and pleasant!), to organizers of the competition Shustrov Nikolai and Elena Laletina, Chief Judge Vladimir Shopin and the head of BASK company (the general sponsor of the event) Vladimir Bogdanov.

I want to commend separately the excellent judging panel. The Chief judge of the competition Honoured Master of sports in mountaineering Vladimir Shopin has extensive experience not only as a strong athlete and coach in the past (he was a member of the first and the second Soviet Himalaya Expeditions — to Everest (1982) and Kangchenjunga (1989), but also as a judge, and even was the judge on balyberdin's Elbrus competition in 1990. Responsibility for the athletes, fast competent decision-making, clarity and finesse — that's Vladimir's leadership style. All this combined with his real great prestige did it possible to organize the competition on a good level.

Dmitry Krasnov, champion of Russia on mountaineering in the winter class of 2008, was the senior among high-altitude jugges team. He has worked already at the International Elbrus Race last year. His duties included not only competently prepare all the necessary equipment to work on the saddle and the top, place judges according to the conditions, but also to keep filming.Thanks to its cadres at the top, and during the opening and closing events, the result will be a film about Elbrus Race 2009

An event was broadcast on the official site www.elbrusrace.ru, in the News ITAR TASS, www.gazeta.ru. TV channel Vesti (Nalchik), and TV «1 channel» gave a report from an altitude of 3700 m (despite the dead cableway).

Lena Laletina ,

www.Russianclimb.com

Denis Urubko, the holder of the record time (3 hours 55 min) ascent from Azau (2400) to the western summit of Elbrus (5642), after reading stories about balyberdin's competitions, wrote: «Oh, yes … I tried to imagine what time would had Boukreev if he run from Azau … I think three hours and fifteen minutes. Well, maximum, three-thirty …
ll have to think about it next year. Yes. We will come, and will try to win. I will do everything to beat my own record»

Vladimir Shopin will be the Chief Marshall of V International ELBRUS RACE. Vladimir was well-known mountaineer and rock-climber in USSR, the member of the first Soviet Himalaya expedition , multiple prize winner of the mountaineering Championships of the USSR (including for the first ascent of Communism peak South Face (81), and Communism peak winter climb)

Reporting on competitions will be filmed by TV «Channel 1». Italian cameraman Emmanuel Mathez wants to record all route by Italian athlete Colli TibaldiљLuca

One of the contenders for victory this year — Czech Marhan Milan. He was born in 1968, lives in Prague. Participation in the race: Memorial J. Psotku, at 2500 m Experience in speed ascents: Matterhorn (Alps) (4 hours from Zermatt), Mont Blanc (5 hours from Chamonix), Aconcagua (7.5 hours from base camp), p. Korjenevskaya (10 hours from base camp), Bhagirathi (6 hours from base camp ) I think he is a great rival. It will be interesting.

And one woman is applicated yet: 19 years old Ukrainian young lady Maria Hitrikova from Dnepropetrovsk. In her 19 she had already climbed Lenin peak, Ama Dablam, Khan Tengri and Korjenevskaya peak.

The story by American climber Kevin Cooney about the competition in 1990

The story how the idea of mountain speed ascent contest had occurred in USSR.

We are happy to say that company BASK confirmed its General Sponsorship of V International Elbrus Race ! Even in our difficult times, they found the opportunity to support  our a bit crazy competition with money and prizes. The event's organizers are very grateful for BASK's help!

We are happy to inform as well that we have got a new partner from USA  for the Race: The Anatoli Boukreev Memorial Fund  gave us $1000 as prize for winners of  Elbrus Race 2009!

Elbrus Races continues the tradition of races, founded by the legendary climber Vladimir Balyberdin.

Champion of the race was Anatoly Bukreev — on the route Refuge 11 — East Peak, he fixed a time 1 hour 47 minutes. One of the participants — American Kevin Cooney — was the second of a race 1990 (in the next report we will tell more about «balyberdin» race, and show the old photos from our archive)

This spring Kevin introduced Elbrus Races to Anatoly Bukreev International Fund and they decided to support our competition. It is a great honor to the organizers!

In addition to its other achievements, Anatoly Bukreev made a lot of excellent high-speed ascent.
He won first place in the preliminaries to the second Himalayan expedition climbing in the USSR at the peak of Communism, the Pamirs climbing from a height of 6700 to 7400 m-1 hour 25 minutes. 

Moreover, in his background:
1987 First high-speed ascent on the section of Lenin (base-apex-base), 14 hours
1990 May Dehn, 6193 m, the first solo speed ascent on the West edge, 10,5 hours
1994, May 15, Makalu, 8,476 meters high-speed ascension 46 hours.
1995, October 8, Dhaulagiri, 8176 m, 17 hours and 15 minutes.
1996 May 17, Lhotsze, 8505 m. solo speed climb 21 hours 16 minutes
1997 July 14, Gasherbrum II 8035 meters. Solo climbing speed, ABC (5800 m) — peak of 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Kevin Cooney, on behalf of The Anatoli Boukreev Memorial Fund wishes to all participants of the competition, health and the best results!

Dear Friends,
due to huge technical problem, we lost all half-year information published on our web site www.elbrusrace.ru ... We need a time for reconstruction, so please do not hesitate to ask any questions by phone +7-812-740 12 10, by fax +7-812-320 05 86. We are waiting for your requests for participation in Elbrus Race 2009!

BASK company has been producing great sport and outdoor clothes for more than twelve years. BASK took part in equipping of a great number of modern extreme expeditions so we are very proud that BASK company became the general sponsor of IV internationa Elbrus Race!!! By the way that means ElbrusRace's participants will be well equipped!!!

Dear Friends, preparation to Elbrus Race goes successfully. You are still have a chance to participate or to be a guest of the Race. We are waiting for your requests, please contact us.

The impressive line-up of champions didn’t disappoint at the third SkyGames® – the “high altitude Olympics” — held in the Italian Dolomites on July 18-20, with an array of champions and two new world records in the Vertical Kilometer®.

With nearly 1,000 entries over the four events and athletes from 20 nations, Spain and Italy took the prestigious combined SkyGames® champion titles: Spain’s Kilian Jornet and Agustì Roc headed the combined ranking while Italy’s Antonella Confortola and Pierangela Baronchelli commanded the women’s category. The total points accrued in three of the races determined the two winners, but many of the participants took part in all four events.

Day one saw the new Vertical Kilometer® course, created especially for the occasion, reduced by the night’s rainfall to a tricky test for even the best vertical runners. But the organizers needn’t have worried as two new world records were set in the 1,000m uphill struggle:  34’51” (men) and 33’59” (women).

The sun helped athletes, organizers and the spectators’ spirits on day two’s racing programme with the SkyBike® duathlon and the afternoon’s SkySpeed® — 100 metres vertical climb.

Sixhundred and fifty athletes took part in the Dolomites SkyRace® Sunday, many of whom had already been racing throughout the previous days.  Spain and Italy were ranked equal with two gold medals each, while Andorra and France each gained a silver.

Fourth overall, Britain’s Rob Jebb, who participated in all four events, was fourth in each of the races. 

The FSA’s scientific research division didn’t miss the opportunity to test these top level athletes in the field with GPS, heart rate monitors and sophisticated altimeters, not just for certifying the records, but to study the athletes’ uphill performance.  Blood and urine samples were taken from some of the top runners not only for anti-doping purposes, but for a new study on skyrunners’ DNA.

The enormous success of all aspects of the event exceeded expectations of both organizers and athletes alike.  The potential of high altitude sport is finally shedding its “extreme” tag and skyrunning has already started the countdown to 2012 and the “high altitude Olympics” -  with a view to finally shedding the inverted commas.

Thanks go to the athletes, organisers and supporters who see the mountains as a splendid sports arena, to be revered and respected, but also as a theatre for authentic human performance.

Full results: www.dolomiteskyrace.com

 

Dear Friends,
please watch a film about Elbrus Race 2006 where record in Extreme class was fixed.

Finally we have returned from Caucasus and begin to publish results and photos.

Dear Friends!
We are waiting for your partcipation in Elbrus Race on September 12, 2007!
Application form is here.

«Good news from the Chilean/Argentinean Andes," reports Christian in an email that just arrived. «On November 3rd I managed to climb three 6.000m+ peaks within 16 hours and 16 minutes.«

Earlier this year, Christian Stangl achieved a no O2 speed ascent on Everest north side. «After climbing Everest on 25th May in a single push of 16h 42 minutes from the Tibetan base to summit I developed self confidence in speed-climbing high mountains," writes Christian.

GPS and moonlight for navigation

Here goes Christian debrief:

«For acclimatization, I first climbed Ojos del Salado (6.893m) in the high desert of Atacama from base (refugio Atacama) to summit in 4 and hours 52 minutes.«

"After some days of rest in very windy weather I started my series of speed climbs at the Base of Cerro San Francisco (6.018m). Summiting in only 3 hours and 15 minutes, I immediately descended in order to climb next 6.000m+ peak.«

"I reached the summit of Cerro Vicunas (6.067m) at sunrise. To reach the main summit of Barranca Blanca (6.119m) I had to traverse east summit (6.011m) and central summit (6.037m) first, which proved a little harder then expected.«

"The sunrise whipped up very strong winds again and slowed my progress. After a total of 16 hours and 16min I reached the third 6.000m+ peak, the main summit of Barranca Blanca.«

"I did the climb carrying just a waist-bag, filled with some carb gel`s and liquids stored in a kind of a 'camelbag' on my back under the down jacket.«

"I used a GPS as well as the moonlight to navigate through the dark. The biggest problem proved my heavy breathing in the very dry and cold wind — I lost my voice completely that day.«

"This experiment showed me possibilities when it comes to the art of climbing the highest mountains on Earth. I already have plans for 2007!"

On May 25, 2006 Austrian Christian Stangl reached the summit of Everest without using supplementary O2, 16 hours and 42 minutes after leaving ABC. He returned to ABC in six hours. Christian climbed in a light down suit and carried ½ liter of liquid, carbohydrate-gel packs and salted cookies. He used a ski-pole, but no ice-axe or jumar. He had no radio or sat-phone with him.

The earlier fastest no O2 ascent on Mount Everest's north side was made in 1996 by Italian Hans Kammerlander, who reached the summit from ABC in 17 hours and skied down from 7800m.

April this year, Christian Stangl also speed climbed Mount Elbrus in 5 hours 18 min from AZAU to the top. Christian has also climbed Kilimanjaro in 5 hours 36 min via the UMBWE Route, and Aconcagua in 4 hours 25 min from Plaza de Mulas to the summit.

Chris' favorite climbs:

May 2006: Everest speed climb in 16h 42min from ABC north side to summit
April 2006: Ski speed ascent of Mt.Elbrus in 5h 18min from Azau to summit
October 2005: 900km solo Atacama traverse on foot. 34 days.
Februar 2005: Ten 6.000m+ peaks in Seven days
October 2004: Kilimanjaro speed climb via Umbwe route. 5h36min from National park entrance to summit.
August 2003: Huayna Potosi 2h28min from Zongo pass to summit, Illimani 3h43min from Basecamp to summit, Sajama 3h18min from Basecamp to summit.
March 2002: Aconcagua in 4h25min from Plaza de Mula Basecamp to summit

8.000m peaks:
2001: Cho Oyu via a partly new route at north side (“Junge Face”) solo and alpine style, 3 days, summit on 24th of September 2001
1998: Shisha Pangma via south face (British Route) solo and alpine style, 2 ½ days, summit on 10th of October

http://www.mounteverest.net/news.php?id=15272

19:30 09.11.2006 www.mounteverest.net

(MountEverest.net) «April 2004, I gained confidence to aspire for Everest by reading MountEverest.net section The Dream," said an email to ExWeb that immediately caught our attention.

Malli Mastan Babu, born in a middle class family in Andhra Pradesh, India got his Everest summit 2 years later — on May 21 this year — after climbing the South Col route with Tenzing Sherpa and SummitClimb. Malli bagged his dream peak at the first shot — after summiting Vinson in January, Kilimanjaro in March, and Kosciuszko in April.

Guinness world record?

With things going that well, Malli went straight for Elbrus in June and then to Denali, in July, thus completing the 7Summits Kosciuszko version. And just to make sure, on October 28 he also summited Carstensz Pyramid.

Malli's «dream» thus ended up with his becoming the first Indian citizien to accomplish both versions of 7 summits — and a possible world record:

“I would like to apply for a new Guinness world record for this achievement," he writes, claiming to be the fastest 7 summiter in the world — braking the existing guinness record of Andrew Salter (UK) in 2001 by 16 days. This would also be the fastest 8 summits record.

Moreover, Malli still claims another record: “I am the only person in the world to climb each of the 7 summits on 7 different days of the week; I also summited each mountain in 7 different calendar months for the Koscuiszko version,” he writes.

Malli's 7 Summits dates:

1. Vinson massif — Thursday (Jan 19, 2006)
2. Aconcagua — Friday ( Feb 17, 2006)
3. Kilimanjaro — Wednes day (March 15, 2006)
4. Koscuiszko — Saturday (April 1, 2006)
5. Everest — Sunday (May 21, 2006)
6. Elbrus — Tuesday (June 13, 2006)
7. Denali — Monday (July 10, 2006)
8. Carstensz Pyramid — Saturday (Oct 28, 2006).

Malli graduated in Electrical Engineering by Jamshedpur's National Institute of Technology, Master of Technology in Electronics by Kharagpur's Indian Institute of Technology, and Post Graduate Diploma in Management by Calcutta's Indian Institute of Management.

In later years logistic issues have resulted in two different versions of the 7Summit quest: For some time climbing was banned on the Carstensz Pyramid, the highest peak in Oceania; thus some 7Summiteers climbed the modest Mt. Kosciuszko, in Australia instead. When Irian Jaya’s government resumed giving climbing permits for Carstensz, 7Summit climbers returned to include that peak as the right one for the Oceania's stage.

http://www.mounteverest.net/news.php?id=15267

Congratulation to the winners!
Very impressive new speed records!   I already checked the report at www.mounteverest.net
There was mentioned a «2005 record»? Who was the winner that time?
When I visited Elbrus region this year I asked many climbers about the current record. Nobody knew anything about an «2005 record».
However- best regards and congrats to Denis as well as the others.
Andrey Puchinin did an impressiv skyrun project at the 7.000m+ (snow leopard peaks). Great!
Hope to see you in the future and compete with the fastest high altitude climbers in the world.
Personally I hope to climb again some 6.000m+ peaks in the chilenean andes during november/december.  

RussianClimb.com: Chris, last year we just provided the first Elbrus race, only from Garabashi
till West Top. It was only the pilot version, so the winner’s time was 4 hrs 10 min. So,
you have the previous record 5 hrs 18 min. By the time — do you use GPS or anybody fixed
your time at Azau and at the top?  

Chris: I just checked the results. Denis must be an «real animal»! ;—)
I verified my run by using a GPS Tracklog. Additionaly at Azau starting point there was this guy from «Tseget Hotel» in Tseget.(Who actually was my taxidriver from Hotel in Tseget to Azau /Cablecar bottom station)
At Top there was one guy of an commercial expedition. He didn`t know that I just made an speed ascent from Azau but he can confirm my arrival time at 10:48am (27th of April) After touching the metal plate at top I returned immediately. Due the cold and hard ice four spikes of my crampons had broken off. Climbing carefully over the blue ice downwards to Pastukova rocks I again changed crampons to skies and skied down to Azau, reaching again starting point after a total of 7h12min.
So I used skis all along the way from Azau to the Pastukova rocks. From there I used crampons to the top. I carried all my necessary equipment along with me. I had no deposits and didn`t receive drinks etc. from anyone.
It was an «pure alpine style» climb.
Despite the different conditions and season- Urubkos archievment is GREAT!   After hearing about this TOP SPEED RECORD on Elbrus I am highly motivated to train again very hard in order to set another new record!   Thanks and best regards from Austria
Chris
19.09.06

The race results have been  published!!!!

Watch and Applaud HERE!!!

Please do not hesistate to contact race council  if you have any questions!

On  multiple requests the FeedBack heading has been created*

The Elbrus high-ascending race participants are getting ready to the Final Ceremony.

11.57 a.m.

*available in russian only , heading "ВОПРОС-ОТВЕТ"

 

4. 32 pm

Competition is over and the  judges are cleaning  up the Bochki area, collecting the rubbish and getting down. Above you can find  the official leaflet. The last 2 competitors  have just got down to the  camp.

 

3.10 p.m.

The competitors are getting down to the camp.

 

2. 37 pm

Judges  and support team have just got down from the saddle area. The sportsmen are all  feeling great  and they are altready below the  Pastuhov's rocks. The weather is fine too. Watch us tonite on the HTB channel at 10 pm!

 

1 p.m.

The first participants are getting down to Bochki. They are being interviewed by First Channel and HTB Sports Channel team.

Can you imagine mountain climbing in Elbrus  for just 4 hours 59 minutes long when  you are 71  years old?!

The oldest competitor Boris Stepanovich Korshunov aged 71 years old climbed in Elbrus for just 4 hours 59 minutes long. Applaude!!!!

Owing to the comparison of the  time that had been done in Azau before starters, the  judges had to reduce the  time of the  results of the ''Extreme'' track. Therefore the final result of Denis Urubko is now 3 hours 55 minutes long.

The race is  going on.

Congratulations to the 49 year old life saver Almezov Abdulhalim (Abu)  from the Ministry of the Extraordinary Situations (МЧС) with a result of  3 hours 48 minutes long!!!

 

10.48 a.m.

Ladies do run too! Svetlana Sharipova has the  result of 3 hours 21 minutes long on the track ''Classic''. Congratulations!!! Ivan Moshnikov followed her on the  same track. His  time is  3 hours 33 minutes.

The race is  going on? The  question is who wins.

 

10.13 a.m.

Dennis Urubko has just finished climbing in the western top of the Elbrus. His result is 3 hours 59 minutes from the Azau field to the very top. The time  from Bochki to the top is 2 hours 13 minutes.

Another participant of the "Classic" track Gubanov  is on the  top too! He has covered the distance with the time of 3 hours 7 minutes. The time is preliminary so far.

 

9.45 a.m.

The first participant Puchinin from the  ''Classic'' track has just reached the  western top of the Elbrus with the time of 2 hours 46 minutes long. Gubanov followed him with a  result of 2 hours 29 minutes long that he took to get to the saddle in Elbrus. The third participant that has reached the saddle is Ivan Moshnikov with  a time  of 2 hours 25 minutes.

 

9.39 a.m.

Dennis Urubko, "Extreme" track reached the Elbrus saddle with the result of 3 hours 28 minutes long Azau- Elbrus saddle and  with the result Bochki- Elbrus saddle  2 hours 12 minutes long.

 

9.30 a.m.

The first participant to reach the saddle of the ''Classic'' track is  Andrey Puchinin  with a  result of 2 hours and 13 minutes long.

 

9.02 a.m.

Oksana Novak has reached the Pastuhov's rocks within 1 hour 47 minutes long. Mikhail Filin and Boris Korshunov who is by the way  the oldest participant out of the  competitors have reached Pastuhov's rocks with a result of 1 hour 56 minutes.

 

8.49 a.m.

We are patiently observing the  competitions.

Andrei Puchinin is leading in the ''Classic'' group with a  result of 1 hour 5 minutes long  from Bochki to Pastuhov's rocks. Sveta Sharipova is leading among women with a result of 1 hour 27 minutes long.However, Denis Urubko is  leading  in the ''Extreme" track. His result is 2 hours 25 minutes overall and 1 hour 9 minutes from Bochki to Pastuhov's rocks.

It looks like one of the  participants of the ''Classic" track  has approached Pastuhov's rocks, sat there a while and is getting down. Who it was we  will find out a bit later.

 

8.30 a.m.

We are keeping the track of the  competition and now we can see 4 participants running from the Azau field and 11 participants  from Bochki. The first ones mentioned above are now in the Pastuhov's rocks area.

 

Today is the day of the starters of the high-ascending race in Elbrus 2006.

7.30 a.m.

The judges that slept in the saddle last nite  have told us that the cold is just unbelievable. Now we can see it ourselves. At 6 a.m the participants of ''Extreme'' track are starting the race from Azau  to the western top of the Elbrus. Wow! The  first  participant  has just reached Bochki with an unbelievable time of 1 hour 13 minutes long. It was Dennis Urubko.

 

The rest of the day- participants are relaxing and  getting ready for further competing.

Judges Alexey Gorbatenkov, Tatiana Timoshenko and Evgeny Kolchanov would  have to sleep out of the camp because they
  were to prepare  the  saddle for tommorow's competition. They would spend a night there in the tent that had been  kindly
offered by the "BASK" company  so that  participants would have a place to sit and drink their cup of tea as well as judjes
would be able to register the time of  the  climbing correctly. The cameraman Volodia Fedoseev is carrying  the camera's of
the First Channel and  the one that  belongs to us.

The Qualification round.

The best result was achieved by Roman Gubanov-1 hour 8 minutes. The start of the  round Bochki-Pastuhov's rocks was delayed for 30 minutes because  the television team from the First Channel took a bit longer than they had been expecting but not because of the  fog as it had been  announced earlier.

 

The Opening Ceremony  started at 11 a.m  in the Azau field.

Nickolay Shustrov  welcomely greeted the public  and started the ceremony with a brief story of  the montain-climbing and high-ascending in Elbrus. The  next person who took the word was the veteran of the  mountain-climbing in the Soviet-Union Vitalij Balijukin having told the  story of the  marathon from Verhniy Boksan to the top of Elbrus in which he had participated before .

Later  Elena Laletina  www.russianclimb.com presented the sponsors that had  put life in this event. Participants of the competition  were  given wonderful and what is more  very useful  presents such as belt bags by ''RedFox'' where you can put  boots, water and  some other equipment and  also carbines by ''Simon''.

 After the ceremonial part judges and participants sat around the  dinner table and had an informal party with a lot of laugh and enthusiasm.

By this moment 16 participants have been successfully registered. Below you can find a list of them.

List of the participants:

1. S.V. Seleverstov from Bishkek Kyrgystan
2. R.U. Gubanov from Tiberda Russia
3. A.M. Almedov from Terskol Russia
4. L.K. Kamenskiy from Lichva Russia
5. V.O. Tvorogov from Saint-Petersburg Russia
6. D.V. Urubko from Almaty Kazahstan
7. A.M. Kirimov from Bishkek Kyrgystan
8. S.V. Sharipova from Almaty Kazahstan
9. N.V. Silin from Saint-Petersburg Russia
10. L.N. Nikolov from Sofia Bulgaria
11. A.A. Puchinin from Almaty Kazahstan
12. S.B. Surmonin from Moscow Russia
13. A.V. Shevtzova from Russia
14. O.L. Novak from Alchevsk Ukraine
15. I.A. Moshnikov from Saint-Petersburg Russia
16. B.S. Korshunov from Zelenograd Russia

Good Luck to all of the participants! We are  keeping the  track of the competition and are looking forward to hearing the  news.

Vitalij Balijukin (Perm region, Ural), who used to run up to the mt. Elbrus from Verchny Baksan is going to come. Simeon Dvornichenko and Sergey Seliverstov from Bishkek (Kyrgiz Republic), who are well acclimatized because they have already climbed Lenin peak, now they`re going to Khan Tengri. Officers and men from specialized group of mountain rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Measures CENTROSPAS from Zhukovsky city (led by Kurban Kurbanov) will participate in competitions too — right after the completion of their training course in Caucasus. Christian Stangl (Austria) has noted today, that a few weeks ago he started preparing, but there was the same problem with legs he got frostbitten this spring on Everest. As though he is planning the climb in the Himalayas or somewhere else for the next spring, he decided not to take part in the Elbrus speed climb in order to recover from the frostbite. He was really sorry, that he had to refuse and added, that he`d very curious about the results of the winner time this year in September.

> Thanks for your mail.
> I tried to start training few weeks ago. Unfortunately I got again some
> problems with my frostbitten toe.
> Looking forward to climb next year in the himalayas or anywhere else in
> the world again I decided not to take part in the Elbrus speed climb in
> order to recover completley from my frostbite.
> I am sorry to give you such an answer. I am very curious about the winner
> time this year in September. Please keep me informed!
> Best regards from Austria
> Chris

The route Bochki- theWestern top is a classical category for the period of  competitions on September 14th and it is the easiest route for running for most of the highly skilled sportsmen, who are in good physical shape. Michail Pershin (St.Petersburg), Simeon Dvornichenko (Bishkek) and others want to try themselves on this route. Organizers do wonder if this category will become popular in the future.

 

Boris Korshunov has confirmed his participation in competition. Certainly, it wont be easy for him to compete with young sportsmen (he`ll be 71 in August 31.), but he is a very experienced mountaineer. So, as you see the list of participants is excellent. All the sportsmen realize, that the fighting is going to be very serious, but of course they all hope to win.

 

The greatest sportsmen continue their preparation for the competition in Elbrus Speed Climb, which will take place in September 14th. The most well-experienced mountain speed climbers, plan the run along the route Azau-the Western top. An outstanding mountain-climber in Saint-Petersburg Nikolay Totmjanin trains in Leningrad region. Denis Urubko the leading climber of Kazakhstan is training in the valley Tujuk Su after having a rest in Sakhalin. Moscow marathoner Sergey Surmonin is preparing for the climb in the mountains of  Uzbekistan. Mountain-climber Svetlana Sharipova from Almaty, the winner of many races among women in Kazahstan has just climbed Lenin peak as the member of  the CSKA team led by Sergey Samoilov . Andrey  Puchinin from Almaty is working over his project SKYRUNNER. During the last month he has done high-speed ascents of the three 7000-ers of the former Soviet Union; the Lenin peak, Korzhenevskaya peak and the Communism peak. Now he has left to the Southern Inylchek, after that he is planning to climb Khan Tengri and Pobeda. Korshunov Boris Stepanovich from Zelenograd, who will be 71 soon, confirmed his participation in the race. Of course it will be rather difficult for him to compete with young participants, but he has a great experience in this kind of races. As you see the staff is splendid and the competition is going to be very serious.

Unlike the route Azau-top, which is available for the chosen ones only, the route Bochki-top (it’s  a special level of  these competitions) is available for many well-skilled sportsmen, who are being in good physical shape. Michail Pershin (St.Petersburg) Simeon Dvornichenko(Bishkek) and others are thinking over the opportunity of participating in this category of competitions too. The Organizers consider this level of competitions as the most popular one. We continue accepting applications.

lena Laletina.