2nd November 2024

Yoel de Paz and Rosa Lara conquer the ETM of Mallorca by UTMB®

The runner from La Palma completed the 47-kilometer race with 2,300 meters of elevation gain in 04:18:25, while athlete Rosa Lara finished in a time of 05:10:17. Throughout the morning, the Kids Race took place in Port de Sóller, featuring races for children aged 0 to 16.

After the suspension on Friday, November 1, of the M5000 and the SDT due to the orange alert declared by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and the activation of the METEOBAL Special Plan at severity index IG1, the ETM, the 50K category race, could be held on Saturday thanks to the efforts of various teams who were checking the markings, ensuring the viability of the trails, and verifying the safety of the event.

At 7:00 AM, following a minute of silence for the victims and those affected by the DANA, 1,014 runners set off from the Plaça de la Constitució in Sóller, ready to conquer the highest mountains of the Sóller valley. The ETM, known as Els Tres Mils, consists of 47 kilometers with 2,300 meters of elevation, and summits three of Mallorca's peaks: Puig de l'Ofre, na Franquesa, and sa Rateta. It's a beautiful ridge run that, on its descent, leads to the characteristic landscapes of the Serra de Tramontana.

Under the arch, elite runners like Miguel Heras (904 UTMB® Index), Loïc Robert (902 UTMB® Index), Yoel de Paz (887 UTMB® Index), Aritz Egea (886 UTMB® Index), and Dominik Tabor (866 UTMB® Index) competed in the men's category, while Theres Lebouf (758 UTMB® Index), Bailey Kowalczyk (754 UTMB® Index), and Rosa Lara Feliu (754 UTMB® Index) represented the women.

In the end, the victory went to Yoel de Paz, who arrived in Port de Sóller in 04:18:25, making history as the first winner of Mallorca by UTMB®. "It's a pleasure to be here, even though I almost didn't start. This isn’t my first time running on the island, but it is very technical terrain," said the 25-year-old athlete, who, on the verge of tears, wanted to remember all the people affected by the DANA.

The second place went to Romanian runner Bogdan Damian, finishing in 04:23:20, while Leonard Mitrica took third place with a time of 04:26:17. French runner Loïc Robert and Spanish athlete Miguel Heras completed the top 5, crossing the finish line before 11:30 AM.

In the women's category, the victory was claimed by Spanish runner Rosa Lara, who crossed the arch after a time of 05:10:17. "I knew I would really enjoy this race because I usually train on rocky terrain. I loved the course, but it was very tough and demanding. Nonetheless, we are privileged to have been able to run, and I’m sure next year all distances will be held," said the Valencian runner, visiting Mallorca for the first time.

American Bailey Kowalczyk, who came from Colorado specifically to participate in the ETM, finished in second place with a time of 05:15:19. Martina Valmassoi took third place in 05:23:16, marking her last race of the year. "It was an incredible event. Very beautiful," said the Italian. Completing the top 5 were Swiss runner Theres Lebouf and Japanese Takako Takamura.

Tomorrow, it’s time for the CDA and Joves Promeses.

Mallorca by UTMB® is coming to a close, wrapping up its inaugural edition with the final two races: the CDA and the Joves Promeses.

At 9:00 AM, the Camins de s’Arxiduc, the CDA, will kick off, featuring 26 kilometers, 1,000 meters of positive elevation, and 1,300 meters negative. This race starts from the beautiful village of Valldemossa, leading to the village of Deià, following the horizon along the Mediterranean Sea and traversing paths and trails until reaching the sea at Port de Sóller.

Fifteen minutes later, the Joves Promeses race will begin, designed for young people aged 16 to 18 who want to experience all that participating in a Mallorca by UTMB® event represents.

And at noon, the awards ceremony will take place at the Moll Comercial de Port de Sóller, before the last CDA runners cross the finish line around 2:00 PM, closing the arch of Mallorca by UTMB® until next year.