- Stirnu Buks

RUN
INTO THE FOREST
Pictures MAREKS GALINOVSKIS KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA ANDRIS JERMUTS
Text
Design
RIMANTS LIEPIŅŠ
ALDIS ROCĒNS
Trail run is a marked distance in splendid landscape environment.
Running along the paths and tracks endowed with prehistoric
mystery allows enjoying historic sites, numerous hillocks, mounds,
ancient places of worship, deserted skiing trails, wild boar mud
baths and other challenges of MammaDaba [MotherNature]!
2
3
2015
ROEBUCK
TRAIL RUN SERIES
TALSI
GARKALNE
EE
TALSI ROEBUCK
GARKALNE
ROEBUCK
MILZKALNE
ĀŽU KALNS ROEBUCK
SABILE
RU
LATVIA
LT
LAKE ZEBRUS AND
FOREST POKAIŅI
ROEBUCK
ABAVAS SENLEJA
ROEBUCK
4
FOTO KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA
km
1 – 35 km
Distances
0,7 – 1 km
19 – 22 km
8 – 10 km
28 – 35 km
BL
ZEBRUS
EZERS
2927
Participants
1292
1635
m
750 m
h+
Relief
+0m–
+ 25 m
+ 250 m –
+ 440 m
+ 100 m –
+ 250 m
+ 500 m –
+ 750 m
5
ROEBUCK COMBINES THE SEEMINGLY
IMPOSSIBLE – TRAIL MARATHON
AND SPRINT DISTANCE
SPRINT DISTANCE
In each race the fastest runners among
the trail run participants are identified
in 200-600 m long sprint distance
ROEBUCK MOUNTAIN KING AND
QUEEN. Usually this distance goes
uphill and sudden speeding up may affect negatively
the total result, therefore the participant has to decide
on the tactics whether to compete for a possibly higher
score in the sprint distance or risk being out of rhythm
on the trail. Evaluation total includes both the score for
the time spent in the sprint distance and long distances.
200 m
150 m
MOUNTAIN
KING
KALNU
KARALIS
100 m
50 m
In August 2014 at Šlokenbeka Manor
the start was given to the first Āžu kalns
Roebuck trail run. In the 2015 season
ROEBUCK developed into five trail run
series ROEBUCK 2015 when the participants competed in a marked distance in
splendid landscape environment. Running along the paths and tracks endowed
with prehistoric mystery allows enjoying
6
historic sites, numerous hillocks, mounds,
ancient places of worship, deserted skiing
trails, wild boar mud baths and other challenges of MammaDaba. Each participant
could choose one of the four distances
of various lengths. A medal, porridge and
participation in a lottery were granted to
anybody who arrived at the finish line.
5 km
10 km
15 km
19km
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS, KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA,
ANDRIS JERMUTS
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
0 km
FOTO ANDRIS JERMUTS
2015
GARKALNES
MEŽI
2015
KOPVĒRTĒJUMS
ABAVAS
SENLEJA
ZEBRUS
EZERS
TALSU
PAUGURIENE
ĀŽU
KALNS
EVALUATION TOTAL
The results of each race are summarized separately; however, the participants may compete for
winning the total of the series if participating at least in three races. Evaluation total includes scoring
up the highest results of three races.
7
12.04.2015.
+5°C
22%
BOBCAT
participants
26%
ROEBUCK
participants
participants
419
572
14% DORMOUSE
participants
FOTO KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA
991
GARKALNE
ROEBUCK
Distances
0,8 km
38%
BUNNY
8 km
participants
START
Finish
21 km
SPRINTA
ETAPS
FOTO KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA
28 km
8
of the trail was laid over sand that
caused extra difficulties in the
hilly places, while the participants
really enjoyed the knolls. The
sprint distance included a sandy
and steep mound which started
with running downhill followed
by going uphill. The weather
conditions were not favourable
as strong wind and cold rain is
quite common in early spring.
Nevertheless,
the
determined
participants overcame all the
challenges and reached the Finish
line. Didzis Ozoliņš (bandana.lv)
with his family and, of course,
Garkalne
region
rendered
invaluable
assistance
in
the
preparation of the distance and
organization of the race.
FOTO KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA
The trail location for the first race
of this season was not chosen
accidentally. There are mostly
pinewoods in Garkalne region and
the ground is covered with moss
and lichen. Such a site is enjoyable
in winter, early spring and summer.
The trail run centre was located
in the so-called Garkalne basin
which is a sand depression. Part
16,6 km/h
was the average
speed of
Kristaps Bērziņš,
winner in
BOBCAT
Relief
h +200m
Sprints
KALNU KARALIS
MOUNTAIN
KING
h +300m
Sprints
KALNU KARALIS
MOUNTAIN
KING
h +450m
9
30.05.2015.
+20°C
20%
BOBCAT
participants
26%
ROEBUCK
participants
participants
453
626
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
1079
ABAVAS SENLEJA
ROEBUCK
Distances
13% DORMOUSE
participants
0,8 km
START
Finish
41%
9 km
BUNNY
participants
22 km
SPRINTA
ETAPS
The second race of the trail run series
ROEBUCK 2015 took place in the
protected nature reserve the Abava
River Valley. The trail run centre was
located in the recreation complex
Zviedru cepure. From Start a gravel
trail led as far as Sabile, then the
runners had to turn back along the
Abava river bank to continue along
the steep slopes of the Amula and
10
the Imula, tributaries of the Abava.
This trail was not only steep, but also
technically complicated. At times it
took much effort not to slip down
and fall into the river. On the way
home the participants could enjoy
visiting the ancient worship mounds
– Buse mound and Baznīckalns, but
a special surprise was prepared for
the BOBCAT runners in Kalnmuiža
Manor. The sprint distance was quite
close to Finish and was along the
ski trail of the recreation complex
Zviedru cepure. Iveta Piese (Abava
River Valley Development Centre),
Edvīns Balodis (Zviedru cepure)
and, of course, Kandava region
rendered invaluable assistance in
the preparation of the distance and
organization of the race.
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
32 km
Relief
h +175m
h +440m
Sprints
KALNU KARALIS
MOUNTAIN
KING
Sprints
KALNU KARALIS
MOUNTAIN
KING
h +630m
11
28.06.2015.
LAKE ZEBRUS AND
FOREST POKAIŅI ROEBUCK
+28°C
18%
BOBCAT
participants
27%
ROEBUCK
participants
participants
448
562
FOTO KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA
1010
15% DORMOUSE
Distances
participants
START
Finish
Zebrus
40%
0,9 km
ezers
9 km
BUNNY
participants
19 km
Svētes
ezers
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
33 km
12
shore that impeded overtaking.
Flies, gadflies and especially the
steep trail to Ezerlūķi mound three
kilometres before Finish will always
remain imprinted on the mind of
some runners as well as the several
kilometres that had to be run along
a wooden plank-way near Lake
Vipēde. Bonus for BOBCAT runners –
additional energy received from stone
piles in the mystic forest Pokaiņi. The
sprint distance was hardly a kilometre
and coping with it opened a view from
Krievu hillock to the towers of the
mill Dobeles Dzirnavnieks. Gundars
Freimanis (forest district manager,
Latvia’s
State
Forests),
Aivars
Krūskops (association Zebrus draugi)
and Andris Limanāns (Running Club
Biksti) rendered invaluable assistance
in the preparation of the distance and
organization of the race.
FOTO KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA
This was the hottest run as to the
weather conditions – no cloud in
the sky, only sweltering heat! The
trail run centre was located at Lake
Zebrus steep shore. Though in
Zemgale Flatlands, the trail which
started at Lake Zebrus shore was
far from flat. At the beginning the
trail meandered through the wood,
but at the end of the distance the
trail narrowed along the steep
SPRINTA
ETAPS
Relief
Pokaiņi
h +250m
KALNU KARALIS
MOUNTAIN
KING
h +500m
KALNU KARALIS
MOUNTAIN
KING
h +650m
13
25.07.2015.
TALSI ROEBUCK
+22°C
19%
BOBCAT
participants
22%
ROEBUCK
participants
participants
407
557
FOTO ANDRIS JERMUTS
964
16% DORMOUSE
participants
START
Finish
43%
BUNNY
participants
SPRINTA
ETAPS
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
Distances
1 km
9 km
19 km
14
as Rome was built on seven hills, but
Talsi – on nine hillocks. This year’s the
fourth ROEBUCK run included a trail
over some of these hillocks. BUNNY
distance was also picturesque and hilly,
irrespective that a considerable part
of it was within the town boundary
– writes Uldzha in Noskrien.lv. And
how did you enjoy the Alley of Kisses
at Ķēniņkalns, Talsi castle mound,
Tiguļkalns, Sauleskalns, Kamparkalns,
Vanagkalns and the quarry Rudus?
Shall we return to Talsi once again?
This time we owe thanks to Kaspars
Sakniņš (Talsi Sports School) un and
his three musketeers: Gints Lūsis,
Kārlis Vanags and Juris Damškalns as
well as Bibija Millersone (Talsi Tourism
Information Centre) and, of course,
Talsi County Municipality.
34 km
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
Each run of the ROEBUCK series takes
place at a different location – it has
been in the sandy Garkalne basin, at
Zviedru cepure and near Lake Zebrus.
On July 25 ROEBUCK came, or sooner
jumped, into Talsi. Start was given at
the very centre of the town. Talsi is
incomparable with other towns as
to its relief and splendid landscapes.
The locals compare Talsi with Rome
Relief
h +250m
h +500m
KALNU KARALIS
MOUNTAIN
KING
MOUNTAIN
KING
KALNU KARALIS
h +650m
15
25.07.2015.
ĀŽU KALNA
«ROEBUCK»
+25°C
18%
BOBCAT
participants
23%
ROEBUCK
participants
participants
546
677
20%
FOTO ANDRIS JERMUTS
1223
Distances
DORMOUSE
participants
1 km
39%
9 km
BUNNY
participants
19 km
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
SPRINTA
ETAPS
16
runners had a longer distance around
Āžu kalns neighbourhood described
in mystic stories and where the
runners were solemnly greeted by
the main inspirer and patron of this
series – the ancient oak Draņķozols.
We truly believe that this trail run
in the woods of Latvia turned out
a beautiful and eventful experience
which holds deeper meaning at least
for some of you. Everything that
happened this summer to us had
been foreseen! Gints Konošonoks
(Roebuck.lv),
Daiga
Osīte
(Šlokenbeka Manor) and, of course,
Engure region rendered invaluable
assistance in the preparation of the
distance and organization of the
race. The party at Šlokenbeka Manor
was mighty frisky!
START
Finish
Relief
FOTO ANDRIS JERMUTS
After the trail running in Vidzeme,
Zemgale and Kurzeme, on August 22
ROEBUCK returned where it started
last August – at Šlokenbeka Manor.
Only the number of the participants
had grown almost by two and a half
times. This season the most popular
distance BUNNY at Milzkalne rallied
459 runners – writes Uldzha in
Noskrien.lv. ROEBUCK and BOBCAT
34 km
h +150m
h +300m
MOUNTAIN
KING
KALNU KARALIS
KALNU KARALIS
MOUNTAIN
KING
h +750m
17
18
19
BEING A WINNER IS NOT A BIRTHRIGHT…
Children’s distance DORMOUSE
508
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
participants
a delicate hint … Children are split
into three age groups, each having
a separate start. The distance length
is 0.6 km -1 km. Children, the same
as adults, receive bib numbers with
time control chips; after they finish
32%
there are awards and presents. For the
children not feel bored while waiting
for their parents, they are involved
in different interesting activities and
creative workshops.
40%
2–6
year old
8 – 10
year
old
While parents were running, children could avail themselves of
different interesting and creative activities.
FOTO ANDRIS JERMUTS
BUNNY trail run is the shortest
ROEBUCK distance and participation
is up to 9 years of age. It is funny that
in the first season some women over
25 tried to register for this distance.
We had to refuse participation with
28%
6 – 8 year old
235
273
243
The highest hillock on BUNNY trail was in
ABAVA ROEBUCK.
20
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS, KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA, ANDRIS JERMUTS
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
BUNNY numbered most participants in
ĀŽU KALNS ROEBUCK
21
I REALLY FEEL GRATIFIED WHEN THE FINISH LINE IS REACHED
BY AN EXHAUSTED, BUT STILL SMILING RUNNER WHO HARDLY
BREATHES OUT “I WANT TO GO ON”,
says Gints Konošonoks, organizer of the trail run
27
volunteers
served
6047 litres of
water on the trails
5267 medals
1950 kg of porridge
and snacks after finish
and on the trails
Three stages can be singled out in the
organization of each race: planning of
the route, preparation of the trail and
the day of the race. Route planning is
a very creative process. Our designer
Aldis Rocēns compares it even to
writing a historical novel. An idea is
born and the main theme elaborated
– what will be specific about the trail,
what will characterize it that remains
in the emotions and memories of
people. It is followed by fact gathering
on landscapes and landmarks.
22
Walking and running around these
places is done to establish the most
suitable route. Preparation of the trail
starts at least three weeks before
the race. Pretty often nature or man
introduce considerable changes in
the planned route, for example, a
freshly ploughed field, activities of
beaver or wild boar, landslide after
spring flooding or frozen quagmire,
not noticed in winter time, therefore,
our routes are not set in stone. Then
the moment comes when Gints
Konošonoks takes his four-wheeler
and sets to work with a trimmer and
clamps. Grass is cut, undergrowth
cleared, fallen trees pollarded, pallets
bridge made, if necessary. Nearly a
thousand trail markers are fixed for
each race: blue direction markers,
the red cross “don’t go there”, the
warning skull and crossbones, several
dozens of encouraging banners. It
goes without saying that it all is to be
removed after the race.
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS, KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA, ANDRIS JERMUTS
FOTO MAREKS GALINOVSKIS
about
Race day usually extends to 48 hours.
On the eve of the race the trail is to
be checked again to see whether
all trail markers are still in place as
quite often they are simply torn
down just for nothing, but once the
markers were removed intentionally
from a 4 km long trail. Early on the
about
about
300
km
360
hours
6500
trail
were covered
while planning
the trails
were spent
while preparing
the trails
were put on
and removed
from the trails
race day morning the trail is checked
repeatedly. The morning starts at
sunrise as by the beginning of the
volunteers meeting at 8:00 a.m. all
drinking facilities should be equipped.
If water tanks are brought too early,
they tend to disappear! Most of the
cooperation partners with their stalls
markers
arrive at 8:30 a.m. and by 11 a.m.
everything is to be nicely arranged.
After the race the most stressful
moment is waiting for the results.
Around 7 p.m. dismantling of the
race centre and removing of the trail
markers start.
23
TRAIL RUN ROEBUCK IS NOT ONLY A
TRAIL RUN!
Rimants Liepiņš, race organizer
Garkalne
There was an opportunity to
acquaint with the display of the
armoured vehicles and weapons of
the Latvian National Armed Forces,
to investigate the equipment of the
Military Police search platoon, to see
of what is capable a real detection
dog as well as to participate in
training demo shows of Garkalne
Youth Guards commanded by
Ziedonis Ločmelis. DJ Arturs Mednis
was responsible for generating
positive emotions in runners and
visitors. Kārlis Kazāks gave a solo
concert as well.
Lake Zebrus
While
the
children’s
friends
Crocodile and Bigfoot looked after
smaller children in the entertainment
zone, older ones could walk over
the rope trails or take Chuchki bath
put up right on the bank of the lake.
Women could participate in angling
competition, men played volleyball,
and everybody enjoyed a very hot
summer day in the recreation zone.
24
Abava
The race participants could enjoy
the famous toboggan run at the
recreation complex Zviedru cepure or
practice target archery at DabaLaba,
enjoy a wire rope ride over the Abava
River or test one’s strength against a
water cannon in the entertainment
show “Conquer the Abava Devil!”.
A concert was given by Ūdris and
Balode, and in the evening it was
possible to attend free of charge
the musical mystery “Belonging” by
Jānis Lūsēns, performed on Kandava
Open-air stage.
26
artists
56
supporters
11 500
euro award
fund
Šlokenbeka
It is unbelievable, but a year has already passed since
Roebuck organized its first run in the neighbourhood of
Āžu kalns. The greatest number of participants was at
Šlokenbeka Manor, and it is clear why – the final run of
the series was timed with the Manor festival. There were
lots of creative workshops for children, games, artisans’
fairs, climbing umurkumurs and many other attractive
entertainments. The musicians Normunds Jakušonoks
and Daiga Petkeviča, Valters, Kaža and the ensemble
Putnu balle were on the stage.
Talsi
For the first time the race centre was
located in town. At the beginning
the trail runners got acquainted
with four of the famous nine Talsi
hillocks. For some time Ķēniņkalns
was converted into Alley of Kisses.
After the race 100 kg of carrots from
the farm Ezerkauliņi was simply
devoured. Soon an impromptu duet
with smiling Markku Ojala was on the
stage. It was another successful day!
25
WHEN EVERYTHING ADDED TOGETHER
km
5267
80 922
runners
were covered in all 5 races.
It equals running
twice around the globe.
participated in all races
13 countries represented.
LAT
LIT
EST
RUS
CZE
km
1 369
km
km
the height reached in all 5 races.
It equals running
up Mount Everest 152 times.
152
NOR
times
FOTO KRISTĪNE SERGEJEVA
NLD
FRA
SPA
Average speed
Times of participation
USA
BRA
To identify the shoes worn by the runners, at
Šlokenbeka Finish zone a video was installed
and the shoes of the ROEBUCK runners
classified. What was the result?
cross
country
OTHERS
33.1%
7% 16%
younger than
10 years
5%
between
15 – 25 years
20%
between
40 – 55
years
older
than 55 years
52%
between
25 – 40 years
8%
31%
12 – 14 km/h
21%
less than 8 km/h
three and
more times
20.0%
road
running
1 participant ran
barefoot
NIKE
twice
38%
8 – 10 km/h
58%
only once
18.8%
KARRIMOR
road
running
1.5%
MIZUNO
2.1%
cross
country
SALOMON
7.7%
26
ASICS
16%
2%
above
14 km/h
26%
10 – 12
km/h
KOR
RUNNERS SHOES
WHAT IS THE ROEBUCK RUNNER LIKE?
Age groups
ISR
road
running
cross
country
ADIDAS
16.8%
27
RESULTS 2015
TEAM
TOP 10
TOTAL SCORES
Participant
1
Irīna ŠtūlaPankoka
2 Laura Čakle
Karīna
3 HelmaneSoročenkova
Marta
4
Zumberga
5 Evija Vate
TOTAL SCORES
Garkaln. Abavas Zebrus
meži senleja ezers
1300
990
1201
1178
1238
Talsu
paug.
Āžu
kalns
Total
best 3
1278
1172
3816
1
Kristaps
Bērziņš
1249
1148
1264
1244
1186
Abavas Zebrus
Participant Garkaln.
meži
senleja ezers
1289
1214
1213
1118
3716
3
Gints
BOBCAT
1193
1241
1209
1254
1187
909
1140
1040
3528
4
Anatolijs
Macuks
1083
1248
1223
1194
1204
3675
1146
1240
1166
1077
3552
1009
1037
1033
3257
Andris
5
Ronimoiss
1056
1112
1035
3218
7
Guna
Meistere
1063
1188
933
857
816
3184
7
Kārlis
Vanags
1102
1145
8 Dace Banga
1094
1173
874
3141
8
Mārtiņš
Puriņš
1137
1126
3128
Mārtiņš
9
Auziņš
886
3114
Kristaps
10
Epners
952
1025
1026
1036
995
1067
1053
981
945
MOUNTAIN QUEEN SCORE
Evija
Melberga
Irīna Štūla2
Pankoka
Marta
3
Zumberga
Laura
Čakle
Karīna
5 HelmaneSoročenkova
4
6 Evija Vate
1130
1164
3531
1144
1137
3426
1095
972
1050
3358
1127
1038
1098
1053
3278
1093
957
1047
1058
3198
Talsu
paug.
Āžu
kalns
Total
best 3
275
858
275
841
Āžu
kalns
Total
best 3
288
300
284
872
1
855
Kristaps
2
Kaimiņš
197
280
286
197
274
276
263
284
300
228
252
124
263
814
300
206
246
267
813
258
793
146
300
239
256
248
278
277
Abavas Zebrus
Participant Garkaln.
meži
senleja ezers
Andris
Jubelis
283
300
272
274
220
291
277
842
Gints
3
BOBCAT
240
286
224
276
266
828
4
802
Uldis
5
Kļaviņš
729
Kristaps
6
Bērziņš
249
237
203
245
247
729
241
258
728
250
300
245
141
197
252
218
266
Mārtiņš
Puriņš
286
248
192
207
237
692
228
202
228
220
676
8
Kārlis
Vanags
223
229
662
Juris
9
Damškalns
221
203
214
255
251
727
636
Anatolijs
10
Macuks
148
248
233
194
243
724
272
174
Mārtiņš Gūtmanis, Gints Freināts, Māris
Čivčišs
and other guys of the Engures sportam
helped wherever and whenever could
both with good advice about sauna and
practical matters.
Volunteers support
While the organizers were busy with
their matters and the participants were
running and enjoying themselves, the
volunteers team took care of the drinking
and feeding facilities, kept an eye on the
most dangerous places of the trail and
handed out awards at Finish. The deepest
gratitude of ROEBUCK to all our friends
and assistants because without their help
the trail run would be quite different!
Diāna Zariņa, Jānis Ābols, Agnese Vēze,
Laimonis F., Mārtiņš Vēbers were present
at all runs. Thank you, friends!
Our special thanks also to our friends and
families who were always present and
helped with the distribution of T-shirts,
took care of the storing place, poured
beer in the winner’s glasses, covered up
for us with the registration or with the
trail and last, but not least, looked after
our boys for whom dads had no time.
Thank you, Andele, Kača and Gints’
mother and the Freimaņi big family!
834
Aivis
7
Vaļulis
291
161
229
Aldis Rocēns
ROEBUCK designer.
Jānis Cunskis
Took everybody anywhere.
Vita Viva
Scenic designer of the starting and finish
zones.
Jānis Vanags (xrace.lv) at the first two
races and Gundars Upenieks (SportLat)
at the other three races were responsible
for results recording.
Andris Mačāns, Mareks Gaļinovskis,
Kristīne Sergejeva and Andris Jermuts
Unceasingly filmed, photographed and
shared it on social networks.
MOUNTAIN KING SCORE
Talsu
paug.
Linda
9
Boldāne
Linda
10
Katlapa
1237
3704
Garkaln. Abavas Zebrus
meži senleja ezers
7 Liene Štalte
Ludmila
8
Joce
3720
3757
1049
1
1212
1179
1050
Participant
3793
1247
Viviana
Kirilova
1035
1258
1224
1187
1007
Total
best 3
1286
6
Ludmila
10
Joce
28
1286
Āžu
kalns
Kristaps
2
Kaimiņš
Uldis
6
Klepers
Gunta
9
Amoliņa
Talsu
paug.
Rimants Liepiņš
Father of the ROEBUCK idea, chatterbox
of the team, ready to speak about
ROEBUCK everywhere at any time
irrespective of the need. Sometimes
inspects the trails and searches for
historical facts.
Gints Konošonoks
Man on a four-wheeler who works with a
trimmer and clamps. Reluctant to speak
with strangers, but only try to deprive
him of the machete … In ROEBUCK over
head and ears!
Sandis Čilipāns
Manager of the starting and finish zones
of the race.
Līga Blumfelde
Head of the registration team.
Signis Vāvere
Roebuck IT guru.
Dace Ziediņa
Culture programme coordinator.
197
153
203
29
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Without loyal, patient and permanent ROEBUCK friends, without the team and partners we would be a small group of
freaks! Our sincere appreciation for being with us! And – let us meet again in the wood! ROEBUCK 2016 will start soon!
Talsu biatlona
slēpošanas
sporta klubs
GARKALNES
NOVADS
KANDAVAS
NOVADS
DOBELES
NOVADS
TALSU
NOVADS
ENGURES
NOVADS
32