THE ANETO-POSETS GRAN TRAIL
The first Aneto-Posets Gran Trail was held in Benasque in July, 2014. The 106km route was set in the heart of the highest mountains in the Pyrenees. Unlike most trail running races, this one takes place in high mountain territory and, in this respect, it is similar to the Mont Blanc Ultra Trail.
Although most of the route can be run, there is a section in the Aneto-Posets Gran Trail which belongs more to the world of mountaineering than to trail running: Salenques valley. Here is how one of the runners (Ramón Ferrer) described this section: “without a doubt, this is the toughest part of the race, due to its verticality and the amount of snow, which was frozen and proved to be difficult and dangerous for the runners. Many chose to wear crampons for this section, but shoe crampons on such steep terrain need to be handled with precaution.”
On the other hand this valley is covered in large rocks that go all the way up to the Vallibierna mountain lakes at km 41 and it becomes almost impossible to run this 20km stretch. The sea of rocks can make even the toughest runners despair, but at a height of almost 2000m, it is also spectacular high mountain terrain, with rocks, more rocks, snow, ice, mountain lakes and stunning scenery.
Our Barrabes colleague, Fernando Tomás, completed the race in 23 hours and came 19th. His comments after the race were very clear on the use of crampons: “I gained over an hour at Salenques and I caught up with about 15 runners on the descent. I felt secure on the descent while others were very tense, some even asked me to give them a hand getting down. In spite of the safety rope, there was a serious accident.”
And this brings two questions to mind:
- Can we play with our safety, even our life to avoid carrying 500 grams more in our pack?
- By avoiding this extra weight do we really reduce fatigue if it means taking 2 extra hours to complete the race and suffer a great deal of tension and effort due to the precarious conditions?
- Do we actually spend more energy in that time than the energy we save by carrying a lighter load?
MICRO CRAMPONS AND CRAMPONS FOR COMPETITION USE
Micro crampons are designed to be used on flat terrain – let there be no mistake. They are almost totally useless if used on a steep slope with hard or frozen snow. These micro crampons were designed to prevent slipping over when walking in snowy towns and villages. They may prove to be effective in competitions with flat trails, but on alpine terrain, such as that found in the Aneto-Posets Gran Trail, they are useless.
However, there are two models of crampons on the market that have been specifically designed for mid to high mountain competitions. These crampons are made for shoes and fit like a glove. They can also be used with a trekking boot in certain situations and on uncomplicated terrain. The spikes are similar to a those of a trekking crampon and they are lighter, although not as light as a micro-crampon.
Fernando Tomás used the medium sized Ice Master by the Italian brand, Camp (approx. 480 g). There are four sizes available.
Camp Ice Master S 35-38 Grey
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Camp Ice Master M - 39/41 Orange
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Camp Ice Master M - 39/41 Orange
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Camp Ice Master XL -45/47 Blue
shop nowThe attachment system developed by Camp makes it extremely quick and easy to put these crampons onto trail running shoes. Just slip in the toe and pull the rear rubber tab over your heel. It feels as if it wraps round your foot rather than being tied into strap crampons.
It’s important to ensure the rear rubber heel has been pulled upwards so that the chains between