DIFFERENT PATHS
Meet Jordan Clay and Elsey Davies, two road specialists who have risen to the challenge of racing above the clouds
The Golden Trail Series features a number of trail running races across the globe, each offering a chance to qualify for the series final.
The 2021 final was held using a three-race format in the Azores back in October and TR was there to see the action unfold. Amidst the incredible depth of international athletes assembled to do battle were two Brits, notable not only for their trail racing prowess (you don't just walk on to a national team, after all) but also for the fact that their paths to greatness were very different, and particularly humble.
The GB team consisted of Eleanor (Elsey) Davies, Tom Adams and Jordan Clay. Established athletes Eleanor, a 2:33 marathoner, and Tom, who had qualified with his runner-up spot at the Ring of Steall Skyrace, both went on to perform well. Eleanor took third spot overall and Tom 13th. Very commendable feats in such a high-quality field. Jordan on the other hand is pretty new to running, especially of the off-road variety. At 23 years of age, he recently quit his job at his local running shop to give this running stuff a decent go. So far, so good. Finishing fifth in the final of three consecutive races in the Azores he placed eighth overall, hugely impressing us, and just about everyone else.
Despite its popularity, trail running seriously lacks funding for up-andcoming young athletes. Not being an Olympic sport is a major reason for that, and hats off to Salomon (sponsors of the Golden Trail Series) for making that central to their ambitions here.
Increasing the profile of the sport can only be a good thing and might just lead to an inclusion on that all important Olympic list. Certainly, having watched the final races unfold over three of the nine magnificent Azorean islands, we have little doubt that such a contest would look fantastic on the telly. Can someone please get on the phone to the the International Olympic Committee?
Jordan’s journey continues to amaze – the following month he won, and set a blistering course record for – the Lanzarote International Running Challenge in the process. He ran 50k over some very rough terrain in three days, with a combined time of 2:39!
We took the chance to pick Jordan’s brains on all things trail.
