Oman and 3 Ultras…

Given that we’ve been in coronavirus lockdown and many of the summer trail races have been canceled this year, I look back at my last season’s bonanza’ of competitions with some nostalgia. At the time I was wondering ‘why oh why’ was I was cramming in three 50km’s when completing one is usually enough and…

Read More

Afghanistan’s first ice skating rink

katy dartford France-based journalist

My latest blog for Free to Run: Afghanistan’s first ice skating rink.   Our thanks to @cayteye for the great interview and article for our blog. We're very grateful for your support! https://t.co/Mp0HnNP3HL — Free to Run (@FreeToRunNGO) March 20, 2017

Read More

Getting involved with Free to Run

I recently decided I wanted to put my journalism and communications skills to use for a cause close to my heart. I stumbled across the NGO ‘Free to Run’ when  making some interviews to promote the TEDxLausaane Women 2016 talks for World Radio Switzerland. Human rights lawyer, Stephanie Case was giving a talk about embracing…

Read More

Gore-Tex Transalpine-Run

katy dartford France-based journalist

This Autumn, myself and team mate, high performance dietitian, Rebecca Dent are planning to take part in the Trans Alps Run, one of the greatest challenges for mountain and trail runners. The route for 2015 will be 268k and 16.310 meters of vertical climb through 3 counties, crossing mountain passes and beautiful valleys along the main Alpine ridge.…

Read More

From Marathon to Ultra….. The OCC

katy dartford France-based journalist

Last week I successfully completed by first official “Ultra Marathon” (ie anything over the distance of 50km.) The OCC or Orsières – Champex – Chamonix, is designed to offer something for those fairly new to Ultra running as its considered a middle distance race, (Trail Ultra Medium (M) between 42km and 69km). Mountain running is something I’ve…

Read More

Reporting for Chamonix

katy dartford France-based journalist

I’ve just started writing for the Chamonets website; activity reports, news, gear and restaurant reviews. It means if there is something going on in Chamonix… hopefully I will be there! Here’s my report on climbing and trail running. Chamonets is actually part of the Skinets websites and relevent gear reviews or reports are shared across all the sites. Skinest are…

Read More

Kendal Festival 2013

katy dartford France-based journalist

Believe it or not this was my first Kendal Mountain Festival, being a “soft” southerner the Lake District is usually considered a bit of a drive for a weekend of getting rained on. But my friend wanted to recce the route for the  Tour de Helvellyn later this month, so it seemed like a good…

Read More

Cheese and Trails in Mauritius….

katy dartford France-based journalist

A plate full of cheese dribbled with olive oil, a little bread and two omeletts…..no, this wasn’t my choice for breakfast, but the choice of Yan De Maroussem, LUX’s trail running and hiking guide, who was about to take us on a hike up le Morne mountain. I was keen to get some advice from…

Read More

The (not so) Petite tour des Fiz

katy dartford France-based journalist

I know there’s been some “big” running event going on in Chamonix this weekend    ( ie The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc ) and a few friends have put in an awesome effort to complete the CCC  – (Courmayeur Champex Chamonix) This all puts  my “little” race in perspective… ie another 18 odd hours…

Read More

Top Ten Fearsome Fell Runs

I’ve been enjoying quite a bit of hiking and mountain running lately – so was rather pleased to put together a list of top fell runs for the BMC’s Summit Magazine: Top 10 Fearsome Fell Runs ( I know I’m going to have to try out a few very soon….)

Read More