U.S Athletes dominate Mountain Running race

Tirana, Sept. 11 – Eleven nations took medals at the 27th World Mountain Running Championships in Tirana, Albania on 11th September 2011. The elite mountain runners from across the world were treated to an insight into the culture of Albania and the impressive landscapes it has to offer, which included having the highest average altitude in Europe- perhaps a perfect fitting for the sport of mountain running. The USA set the bar with historic gold medal performances by Huntingdon, Vermont’s Kasie Enman and Bend, Oregon’s Max King. King won the senior men’s race (13.1km, 750m ascent/descent). The senior women’s race was won by US Kasie Enman with a 1 minute and 8 second victory. The junior men’s race was dominated by Turkey with an impressive 12 points. This Championships was the first world sport event never organized in Albania and this reason is easily to understand that some aspects were difficult, but LOC – fully supported by National Government – tried to do the best and certainly all the participants all present have returned home a memorable Championships, says the World Mountain Running Association. The Albanian LOC were impressive with their marketing and hospitality. The beach resort of Durres provided the ‘athletes village’ and offered cool accommodation in the oppressive heat that many struggled with on race day. Many athletes will reflect on their wonderful experiences with a particularly welcoming host city of Tirana and the volunteer ambassadors that provided and enriching initiation to Albania. A fabulous welcome from the Albanian President and Minister of Sport was backed up with five hours of live television coverage. Their welcome preceded a professional and entertaining opening ceremony.