“If you’re reading this you just got PASSED by our Grampy.”

Thousands of runners are reading this statement, originally printed on the back of a shirt made for Gerald Bailey by his granddaughters. 67-year-old Bailey, of Glencoe Kentucky, is currently in the lead for the most miles run as well as the most races completed in the Trail Runner magazine Trophy Series, presented by Altra Running.

What is it?

Here at Trail Runner, we aim to build the trail-running community, offer up a little friendly competition and push people to explore their limits in pursuit of amazing prizes.

You can find Trophy Series races all across the country from the Haulin’ Aspen in Bend, Oregon to the Haulin in the Holler in Eleanor, West Virginia.

This year the series includes 134 trail races between March and September. Participants attempt to run the most miles or the most races during these seven months, chasing one of two grand prizes and a number of other prize packages.

How does it work?

Runners are automatically entered into races that have registered as a Trophy Series race. (If you’re a race director and want to register your race for next year, click here.) Just by running in that race, you’re earning miles and points toward one of the grand prizes.

The Trail Fiend, or the runner who racks up the most race miles, wins a Switzerland running vacation with Run the Alps.

The runner who finishes the most races will win the Trail Mogul category and win a five-day, helicopter assisted, backcountry hut-to-hut trail-running traverse of the Esplanade mountain range in British Columbia.

Prize packages from the series’ sponsors will also be sent to the top three male and female runners with the most ultra-distance points and the male and female winners of each non-ultra age group category.

For more information see our rules page.

Putting in the miles

Bailey currently has 10 races under his belt and has run over 320 miles, proving that age is just a number. “I keep hearing that runners my age should take plenty of recovery time between races,” Bailey said. “I don’t know who came up with that but I don’t think it’s true.”

For the first time in the history of the Trophy Series, Bailey’s effort has earned him the top ranking in both the Trail Fiend and the Trail Mogul categories. If he continues to stay out front he’ll have the opportunity to take his pick of the grand prizes, leaving the other grand prize to the runner up in the category he did not choose.

The current contenders are James Barnard from Clinton, Tennessee, and Steve Templin from Muncy, Pennsylvania. Barnard is behind Bailey by about 21 miles and Templin competed in eight races as compared to Bailey’s 10.

Bailey isn’t going to go down easy, though. “I plan on going to a race almost every weekend for the rest of the Series. I’m in this to win,” he said. If he wins, he wants to take one of his granddaughters to Switzerland with him.

How will you compete?

The conversation with James Barnard, the second place contender for the Trail Fiend competition, went something like this:

Trail Runner: “Did you know that you are in contention for the Trail Fiend competition in the Trail Runner magazine Trophy Series?”

Barnard: “So what you are telling me is that I am close to a trip to the Alps? Didn’t think that was possible with one race!”

Neither did we, until we remembered the Ozone Endurance Challenge. It’s a time-based race where many of the top contenders in this year’s series ran. Barnard ran 302 miles during a single, four-day push.

In fact, Bailey, Barnard and Jeff Woody, the top three in the Trail Fiend competition, all participated in the Ozone Endurance Challenge. Barnard and Woody ran in the 96-hour competition and Bailey ran in the 72-hour competition.

The female ultra standings are also saturated with “Zoners.” Greta Reed, Dona Loparo and Sherri Gewelke, first, second and third place, respectively, earned their points there as well.

If you’re gearing up for next year, check out the rules and regulations for competing. Also check out our winter version, the Winter Warrior Series, which starts this December, 2018 (stay tuned for an updated Winter Warrior race list in the coming weeks).

Current standings
Trail Fiend

First. Gerald Bailey, Glencoe KY, 322.98 miles, 10 races

Second. James Barnard, Clinton TN, 302 miles, 1 race

Third. Jeff Woody, Knoxville TN, 272 miles, 1 race

Trail Mogul

First. Gerald Bailey, Glencoe KY, 10 races

Second. Steve Templin, Muncy PA, 8 races

Third. Llew Williams, Sinking Spring PA, 6 races

Male Ultra

First. James Barnard, Clinton TN, 1208 points, 1 race

Second. Jeff Woody, Knoxville TN, 816 points, 1 race

Third. Gerald Bailey, Glencoe KY, 765.2 points, 10 races

Female Ultra

First. Greta Reed, Pikeville TN, 800 points, 1 race

Second. Dona Loparo, Winter Springs FL, 720 points, 1 race

Third. Sheri Gewelke, Johnson City TN, 492 points, 1 race

Male Non-Ultra

10-19 Max Vavrek, Fairfax CA, 126.8 points, 2 races

20-29 Jordan Chavez, Southlake TX, 100 points, 1 race

30-39 Bob Shafer, Bellefonte PA, 139.1 points, 4 races

40-49 Steve Templin, Muncy PA, 244.3 points, 8 races

50-59 Dale Reicheneder, Malibu CA, 319.52 points, 14 races

60+ Llew Williams, Sinking Spring PA, 311.2 points, 6 races

Female Non-Ultra

10-19 Olivia Peter, Cass City MI, 80.4 points, 2 races

20-29 Anna Evans, Lynchburg VA, 114.4 points, 2 races

30-39 Regina Lozinski, Port Matilda PA, 120.9 points, 4 races

40-49 Rebecca Hall, Golden CO, 100 points, 2 races

50-59 Lisa Mills, Aurora CO, 100 points, 1 race

60+ Jean Herbert, Albuquerque NM, 100 points, 2 races

(This report based on results as of 08/22/2018. We are still receiving results from race directors.)

Omaha, USA, July 25, 2015 – The United States earned their sixth overall FIVB World Grand Prix title with a 25-16, 25-22, 25-21 victory over two-time defending champion Brazil on Saturday evening on the second-to-last competition day in Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

The USA made history on two fronts with the victory. They became the first country to win the World Grand Prix in the same calendar year as winning the FIVB World Championship, as well as the first Finals Round host to win the World Grand Prix. USA improved to 4-0 in the Finals and have a two-match lead over a trio of teams – Brazil, China and Russia – all at 2-2.

Christa Dietzen sparked the American offense with 14 points including seven blocks, while Karsta Lowe contributed 12 points. Brazil was led by Monique Marinho Pavao with 12 points and Ana Carolina Da Silva added nine points. USA out-blocked Brazil 10-5.

Brazil had won the last two World Grand Prix titles and were aiming for their 11th title overall.

China evened their record by defeating Russia 27-25, 25-20, 25-19 Saturday afternoon on the fourth day of the FIVB World Grand Prix Finals in Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

Yanhan Li sparked China with 24 points and Changning Zhang added 13 points in the victory. Russia’s Nataliya Goncharova, the tournament’s leading scorer, placed 20 points on the board and Yana Shcherban added nine points. China net defense produced a 10-9 block advantage to help offset Russia’s 5-3 ace margin.

China, now 2-2, will play USA on the final day of the Finals with the hopes of earning silver or bronze as the second-place team through four days.

Italy earned a hard-fought 20-25, 25-20, 28-30, 26-24, 24-22 victory over winless Japan to end the fourth day of the FIVB World Grand Prix Finals on Saturday evening in Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

Japan was led by Saori Sakoda and Yurie Nabeya with 27 and 24 points, respectively. Miriam Sylla and Indre Sorokaite paced Italy with 17 points in the contest. Italy held a 18-10 block advantage. 

The Americans (4-0, 12 points) conclude the Finals on Sunday against China (2-2, 7 points). Italy (2-2) challenge Brazil (2-2) on Sunday, while Japan (0-4) conclude the Finals against Russia (2-2).

Top scoring performances

29 – Nataliya Goncharova of Russia vs USA (July 24)

28 – Nataliya Goncharova of Russia vs Italy (July 22)

27 – Saori Sakoda of Japan vs Italy (July 25)

25 – Indre Sorokaite of Italy vs China (July 24)

24 – Yurie Nabeya of Japan vs Italy (July 25)

24 – Nataliya Goncharova of Russia vs Brazil (July 23)

22 – Karsta Lowe of USA vs Russia (July 24)

Top scoring performances by team

123 – Italy vs Japan (July 25)

121 – Japan vs Italy (July 25)

109 – Italy vs China (July 24)

98 – Brazil vs China (July 22)

95 – China vs Italy (July 25)

95 – USA vs Russia (July 24)

Top blocking performances

8 – Natilya Goncharova of Russia vs Brazil (July 23)

8 – Juciely Cristina Barreto of Brazil vs Japan (July 24)

7 – Christa Dietzen of USA vs Brazil (July 25)

7 – Juciely Cristina Barreto of Brazil vs China (July 22)

7 – Martina Guiggi of Italy vs Japan (July 25)

Top blocking performances by team

18 – Italy vs Japan (July 25)

15 – Brazil vs Japan (July 24)

15 – Italy vs China (July 25)

14 – Brazil vs China (July 22)

13 – Italy vs USA (July 23)

Top serving performances

4 – Danielle Lins of Brazil vs China (July 22)

4 – Indre Sorokaite of Italy vs China (July 25)

4 – Wang Yunlu of China vs Italy (July 25)

Top serving performances by team

11 – Brazil vs China (July 22)

11 – Italy vs China (July 25)

Highest scorer by day

Day 1: 28 – Nataliya Goncharova of Russia vs Italy (July 22)

Day 2: 24 – Nataliya Goncharova of Russia vs Brazil (July 23) 

Day 3: 29 – Nataliya Goncharova of Russia vs USA (July 24)

Day 4: 27 – Saori Sakoda of Japan vs Italy (July 25)

Highest set score

Day 1: Russia vs Italy, 28-26 (July 22)

Day 2: Russia vs Brazil, 28-26 (July 23)

Day 3: Brazil vs Japan, 25-23 (July 24)

Day 4: Japan vs Italy, 30-28 (July 25)

Source (text&photo): FIVB

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Volleyball is a great way to bring people together. As a physical activity, it has many benefits to the person who’s involved. To a spectator, it brings much excitement through friendly competition. There is no doubt that sports is big business anywhere you go in the world. In fact, being a professional player in any of the top sports followed by people is considered prestigious and a great way to make a living. The monetization of sports has long since changed the outlook of people towards why they watch games, but the primary purpose of playing remains the same.

If you ask an avid sports fan, there are a few sports that would come to mind when ranked in terms of popularity. No one can contest that soccer, basketball, and baseball are among the most popular household names in sports. With major leagues around the world and millions of fans, professional players are treated with a celebrity status.

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What about volleyball? It may not be known to many people, but volleyball is considered to be the 5thmost popular sport around the globe and fast rising in popularity. In a way, it has already caught the attention of sports betting websites like Mohegan Sun Casino. The focus on this game has slowly shifted upwards when more fans started to notice the highly athletic skills of players in events such as the Olympics. What’s unique about volleyball is that it can be played indoors, outdoors, and on the beach with the rules remaining exactly the same. You can even say that what added to the popularity of the sport is the controversial attire used in beach volleyball.

Reasons to Love Volleyball

There are many reasons why people are starting to get involved in volleyball. It is a very intense and high energy game. It is beautiful to watch and exciting too! Fans can almost feel the intense adrenaline during high pressure plays.

Volleyball is also a popular sport regardless of gender. While some may argue that women’s volleyball is more popular, it is already gaining attention as a sport that men enjoy and excel at. As a testament to this, you can see people playing volleyball all the time at the beach regardless of gender.

Most importantly, teamwork is paramount in any volleyball game. You can clearly see how each team member plays a part in scoring. Without solid teamwork, there is no chance that a team can win against their opponent. This is another reason why people love volleyball. There is great camaraderie displayed at every game.

Due to the growing popularity of this sport around the globe, there is an expected rise in interest when it comes to professional leagues. Perhaps in the near future, it will give rise to sports leagues similar in prestige as that of football or basketball.

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La première dame française a conquis la péninsule ibérique lors de la visite du couple présidentiel à Madrid, éclipsant tout le monde, y compris la princesse Letizia, sa «rivale» glamour.

Madrid le 27 avril. L’Espagne retient son souffle. Carla et Letizia s’embrassent sur le perron de La Zarzuela, la résidence royale. Sourires éclatants et déhanchés parfaits. La première dame de France et la princesse des Asturies font assaut d’élégance et d’amabilités. La première a opté pour sa couleur fétiche, le bleu-violet, et une robe en soie Dior, la seconde, sur talons extra haut perchée, pour une robe framboise, signée Felipe Varela. Deux touches de glamour dans un monde en crise…

Le roi Juan Carlos, qui embrasse volontiers les premières dames en visite dans son pays, se fend d’un baisemain à la française. Du coup la presse espagnole ne boude pas son plaisir. Elle, qui trépignait depuis plusieurs jours dans l’attente de la «tornade Bruni». Ce duel au sommet étant censé faire oublier, quelques instants au moins, une réalité économique en berne et des pourcentages du chômage en hausse des deux côtés des Pyrénées. Sur trois pages, le journal El Mundo opposait, avant même la rencontre, Carla, «reine indiscutable de l’élégance institutionnelle, son attrait pour le Botox et le jogging, son style “Jackie Kennedy” et ses Tod’s italiennes», à Letizia, «sa discrète élégance, son penchant pour les pantalons en flanelle et les retouches chirurgicales, son style Rania de Jordanie». La deuxième mi-temps de ce «match fashion» a eu pour somptueux cadre la soirée de gala au palais royal. Il réunissait cent quarante convives, dont les toreros Curro Romero et Sébastien Castella (un Français), présents à la demande de l’aficionado… Nicolas Sarkozy.

Morosité économique oblige, Letizia avait fait transformer la robe argent, Lorenzo Caprile, qu’elle portait lors du dîner organisé la veille de son mariage en mai 2004. A son arrivée sur le sol espagnol, le couple présidentiel avait, lui aussi, opté pour la sobriété en refusant d’emprunter l’opulente Rolls, mis à leur disposition par la famille régnante. En parfaite harmonie, Français et Espagnols ont aimé à saluer leur entente lors de ces royales agapes, duo d’asperges et langoustines, médaillon de veau et dessert au chocolat. «Les liens sont si étroits que beaucoup de Français considèrent que Picasso est des leurs et, je suis sûr, que nombre d’Espagnols voient en Zinédine Zidane un compatriote», a même osé Nicolas Sarkozy. Quelques minutes auparavant, ce dernier, après une visite express au musée du Prado – trente minutes chrono – en compagnie de ses hôtes et de son épouse, rendait hommage au glam version Carla: «Je ne savais pas qu’une Italienne devenue française pouvait représenter si bien la France aujourd’hui à Madrid.» Un point de vue partagé par El Mundo: «Madrid a résisté à Napoléon, mais deux cents ans après, la ville a succombé à sa réplique, ou plutôt à l’épouse de sa réplique.» Et le journal ibérique d’enfoncer le clou: «A l’évidence, Napoléon commit une erreur en envoyant le général Murat envahir la capitale de l’Espagne. S’il avait envoyé Joséphine, l’histoire aurait peut-être été différente!»

Le duel de l’élégance tant attendu entre la princesse des Asturies et l’ex-reine des podiums ne pouvait toutefois dépasser les bornes de la bienséance. Aucun risque de vagues, entre ces deux femmes réputées tout en contrôle et en retenue. Propulsées dans des univers qui leur étaient parfaitement inconnus jusqu’à leurs épousailles, l’ex-journaliste de la télévision espagnole et la chanteuse n’ont eu de cesse d’en respecter scrupuleusement les codes. Quitte à offrir un profil (trop ?) bas, histoire de gommer deux images «paillettes» dans ces sphères compassées.

Letizia, qui fête ce mois-ci ses cinq ans de mariage, s’est longtemps tapie dans l’ombre de son époux. Elle a travaillé dur pour apprendre les subtilités de l’art de vivre à la cour d’Espagne. Sa belle-mère, la reine Sophie, l’a elle-même initiée pendant de longues semaines aux subtilités du protocole. Désormais surentraînée, elle est autorisée depuis quelques mois seulement à assumer des engagements officiels en solo. Elle ne se lance cependant pas dans l’humanitaire, contrairement à Carla Sarkozy, ambassadrice du Fond mondial contre le sida et, depuis quelques semaines, à la tête d’une fondation pour la culture et l’éducation.

Angoissée à l’idée d’un faux-pas, la princesse des Asturies a l’habitude de soigner plus que de raison la moindre de ses interventions. Perfectionniste, elle aussi, Carla a l’habitude de veiller au moindre détail. Coachée par son amie, l’Anglaise Marianne Faithfull, elle avait ainsi répété de nombreuses fois sa révérence avant sa rencontre avec la reine Elisabeth II, à Windsor au printemps 2008. Parfaitement au fait du protocole de la couronne espagnole, l’ex-top, impériale dans sa robe noir Azzedine Alaïa, rehaussée d’un boléro blanc, s’est, cette fois-ci, autorisée à embrasser la reine Sophie à son arrivée devant le palais du Pardo.

Consciente que son extrême prudence favorise la caricature, l’épouse de Nicolas Sarkozy reconnaît en privé, mi-amusée mi-piquée, que les Guignols de Canal+ visent parfois juste. N’est-elle pas cette femme qui ne veut froisser personne et dit aimer tout, mais aussi son contraire? Ultraconsensuelle assurément. «Je me suis retrouvée au bord d’un monde que je ne connaissais pas, a-t-elle avoué sur M6. J’ai voulu être pacifique, amadoueuse.» En quête perpétuelle d’informations sur la vie au pouvoir – elle avait déjà pris plaisir à échanger autour d’un déjeuner sur ce thème, il y a quelques mois, avec Bernadette Chirac – la première dame a écouté attentivement son hôtesse, l’épouse du roi Juan Carlos, lors de la visite du musée Reina Sofia le 28 avril. Comme le dirait son époux, elle «fait le job» et le prend très au sérieux. Ainsi a-t-elle aussi longuement discuté avec l’épouse de José Luis Zapatero, autour du déjeuner madrilène au palais de la Moncloa qui venait clôturer cette visite officielle.

Sonsoles Espinosa, cheveux courts et tempérament indépendant s’affiche rarement aux côtés de son époux, elle est absente de la rubrique people des magazines et des rassemblements politiques, et mène sa carrière d’interprète lyrique. Pas de concurrence glamour dans leur rencontre. L’épouse Zapatero n’aura pu offrir à l’épouse du Président qu’une leçon sur l’art de la discrétion. Difficile lorsque l’on capte la lumière comme Carla.

Candice Nedelec

Article paru dans le magazine Gala, mai 2009

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Dimanche 10 mai 2009

Formula 1 chief executive Chase Carey says the sport has abandoned plans to experiment with a reverse-grid qualifying race as the concept failed to gain unanimous support from teams.

Formula 1’s chiefs tabled last week the idea of a reverse-grid 30-minute sprint race taking place on Saturday afternoon in place of normal qualifying, with the race’s result defining the formation of Sunday’s grid.

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The format was set to be trialed at the Austrian Grand Prix’s second race weekend as well as at Silverstone’s extra round.

Mercedes and Racing Point reportedly opposed the novel idea, which has therefore been shelved.

Mateschitz: Austrian GP will send ‘strong sign of feasibility to the world’

However, Carey remained opened to the sport trialing new concepts in the future although the F1 boss is keen to avoid introducing “gimmicks”.