Running the beautiful Madeira Island Ultra Trail 85km (2023)

8 months ago my good friend Josh Lynott jokingly suggested we should travel to Madeira Island to run an epic 85km mountain race. I said yes, and we booked. Fast forward to now, and we're in beautiful Madeira, running our new favourite trails, sharing laughs and meeting one of the kindest communities we've come across.
Michael's MIUT 85 trail run on Strava:
/ strava
MIUT was an unbelievable experience, and I look forward to coming back again some day to tackle the 115km, and kick back in the sun with friends. The mountains here offer solitude, perspective, silence, incredible views, and a place to really test the upper limits what you're capable of.
Thanks to the generosity of Ana Carina for crewing me, despite not even knowing me a few days before. Your attention to detail, care and passion for the mountains and trail running is inspiring and I'm so glad to have met you! The day simply would not have been what it was without you.
Thank you to Pedro and Rodrigo for the amazing GoPro footage on the course, and for the many good times this trip. And to the epic Tainadas Madeira crew for taking me out running around the island and sharing your beautiful trails and history with me. Hopefully you come to Australia one day and Josh and I can return the favour tour guiding you around our favourite nooks of our great outdoors.
First song: Sunsets, Silhouettes by Michael Dunstan (instrumental)
Second: Blue Sky Comes Around by Michael Dunstan
Third: Behind The Waterfall (instrumental) by Michael Dunstan
Fourth: To Be More Like Water (instrumental) by Michael Dunstan
Fifth: Okay To Make A Change (instrumental) by Michael Dunstan

[@pimentajoao]

When I see these guys running continuously during long ascents I really understand how I need to train and improve my trail running technique and physical condition.

[@sergiocosta7431]

Im so amazed you guys are so happy in this small paradise, you are such an amazing inspiration for me. I hope one day ill be running that long😃

[@vidasoph]

this is just so incredible and inspiring. i feel so happy after watching this and i swear it’s ignited a small fire in my heart thinking about maybe one day doing the same/something similar. thankyou.

[@joshlynott4302]

This is class 🙏🙏🙏

[@michaeldunstan5262]

You’re class Joshy ❤️❤️

[@kiaradunstan5991]

Incredible Mike! What a run, what beautiful people and what a place!

[@michaeldunstan5262]

Thanks ki ❤️☺️

[@patdevlinmusic]

Yes mike!! This is so bloody amazing. Proud of you mate

[@michaeldunstan5262]

Thanks so much Patty ❤️ love you mate

[@hugoleemusic]

This makes me so happy 😊 Amazing job!!!

[@michaeldunstan5262]

Thank you brother ❤️