There will be five races spread over two days that, once again, will put the routes and trails in the municipality of Santana, on the north coast of Madeira, on the radar of lovers of a rapidly growing sport. On the 16th and 17th of June, the ultra skyrunning wood (USM) will have as its main novelty the reduction of the distance in the Madeira Sky Race, with registrations, which are already openare free for children.
included in Skyrunner World Seriescompetition from International Skyrunning Federation (ISF), the 9th edition of the USM this year will have as its main novelty the reduction of the distance in the Madeira Sky Race, which will be shortened from 55 to 45 kilometres, with a positive difference in level of 3600 metres. In the remaining races, such as the Santana Sky Race and the Ferão Sky Race, there are no significant changes.
A source from the organization explained to PÚBLICO that “the reduction of the Madeira Sky Race was already being studied at the suggestion of the organizer of the world tour, seeking to meet a market trend”.
Thus, this year the USM understood “that the conditions were met to meet the wishes of those responsible for the international circuit and many athletes contacted”.
Being sure that the “unique conditions” of the race, which has a “proximity between the sea and the mountain that so passionate those who participate”, USM 2023 hopes to “continue to surprise those who return and dazzle those who participate for the first time”.
With registrations, open since the 1st of February, leaving “very positive indicators”, the organization highlights the impact that this event will have in the region, especially in the municipality that receives the USM: “It will take images of Santana, its culture and traditions around the world and will have a very interesting economic impact on the local economy. In the week of the tests, the municipality’s hotels and restaurants are practically sold out. For that reason, it is a test to keep and grow.”
One of the strong bets of the event will be the Kids Sky Race, held for the first time in 2022. As a way of involving the youngest “in an emblematic race in the county and in the region”, a route was created – which has the theme park de Santana -, with “distances adjusted to age groups” and where “the safety of all young athletes is guaranteed, who will have the opportunity to participate and cross the finish line with the best in the world of the sport”.
“We want to encourage and promote sport among children, not only in the municipality, but throughout Madeira and anyone visiting the region. For this reason, enrollment in the Kids Sky Race is free”, concludes a source from the USM organisation.