Sunday March 18, saw the inaugural edition of Galatzó Trail (previously known as K42 Mallorca), supported by the Tourism Agency of Illes Balears and the town hall of Calvià. The event offered two mountain races of 23k and 43k, in the Serra Tramuntana, sumitting the peaks of Galatzó (1,026m) and s'Esclop and a truly Mediterranean atmosphere of sea and mountains.
It was a Scottish double, with Casey Morgan as male champion and Rachael Campbell leading the women. Both followed in the footsteps of previous winners Jordi Gamito and Joanna Gayá in 2017, Pau Bartoló and Sofia García (2016), as well as Miguel Caballero and Xari Adrián (2015).
This is a race report from Mayayo, regular runner in the event who tackled the 22k this year.
GALATZO TRAIL: MALLORCA MOUNTAIN MARATHON
The weather forecast was not entirely favourable, quite a surprise for the clement Balearic winter. The previous night a strong wind lashed the mountain range, blasting on us on our return from the Peguera auditorium where the bilingual race briefing was held. Yet, after that, we woke up on Sunday with a pretty clear sky, calm wind, and yes...the sun was quite visible.
So in the end all the runners in the race were able to enjoy incredible panoramic views of a blue Mediterranean from the vertical limestone summits of Tramuntana as we progressed over the protected natural area of a Galatzo.
THE RACES: THE GALATZÓ TRAIL Half Marathon (23k), departed at 10am on Sunday from the Plaza de Sa Vinya and ran through the Galatzó estate, passing and ascending through Ses Sinies - Comella destinies - Galatzó - Pas des cosis - Coma d'en Vidal - Cross pinotells until you reach the finish line back at Plaça de Sa Vinya de Es Capdellà. The course comprised a positive height difference of 830 meters, and a cumulative total distance around 22k according to our GPS. Among the favourites to lead undoubtedly was the champion of the previous edition Damiá Ramis, who came back to try to repeat the victory.
The local runner led the race practically from the beginning, completing the 23k in (1:41:21) leaving the second place for Miquel Muntaner (1:48:44) and the third for Rolf Thallinger (1:52:29). In women's K23, the triumph went to Asmaa Zamou (2:06:25) followed by Cristina Prats (2:17:00) and Nicolau Coloma (2:22:53).
GALATZO TRAIL MARATHON LEGEND (43k) the main race started an hour earlier from the same place, as its demanding profile requires far more time. The organisation gave 8 hours and 30 minutes to complete it in its entirety of 43k/D+2200m and there were three cut-off points at different times. Among the favorites to win these 43k were Casey Morgan of the Compressport team, who started the season right here, as well as his teammate Donald Campbell.
Both delivered a vibrant Scottish duel where only one could be on top of podium. And so it was. Although Casey managed to take the lead, it was only by the last third of the race when the gap consolidated following the fall of his rival, who received a first emergency treatment on the go, before requiring five stitches upon arrival.
Donnie Campbell displaying his war wounds and Rachael Campbell, winner of the K43
Thus, the trails of the Galatzó again showed the challenge and fun of the terrain where Casey himself already endured two previous DNF by falls. This year, the veteran champion let his knowledge of the terrain guide him to manage the demands to perfection until hitting his goal, while the newcomer, Donnie, was less fortunate.
The final result was therefore a triumph for Casey Morgan (4:02:22), followed by Donald Campbell (4:09:12), complete the podium Miquel Rigo (4:24:45).
Meanwhile, in the female K43 we saw great variations in the lead due to the change of course or perhaps due to the high temperatures that were not expected. Finally, the one who managed to manage these conditions better was without a doubt the runner Rachael Campbell (4:56:58) who achieved a clear triumph, followed by Magdalena Sansó (5:15:03) and a Sara Sanante (5:21:37)
