Si svolgerà ad Assen (NED), il 20 agosto 2011, la finale del Trofeo Mondiale IAU 50 km su strada 2011 (IAU 50 km World Trophy). E' la prima volta che questo evento, targato IAU (alla sua 8^ edizione), si svolgerà nella cittadina olandese di Assen, nota con l'appellativo di "the town among the trees" e che nel 2006 ha ospitato I Campionati del Mondo di Atletica per disabili (ma è anche nota per possedere un circuito che ospita il GP Moto. Molti ricorderanno che l'edizione precedente si è svolta a Galway (Irlanda). Sarà assente il vincitore della Finale 2010, Colleen Makaza (ZIM), mentre invece parteciperà per difendere il suo titolo Sue Harrison vincitrice dell'edizione 2010, a Galway.

Saranno 35 gli atleti che si daranno battaglia, individuati sull abase dei migliori tempi realizzati, per mezzo di una selezione che si è svolta in 17 differenti competizioni sulla distanza di 50 km, valevoli come prove di qualificazione per la finale.

Ecco di seguito il Comunicato stampa uffciale diramato dalla IAU (Nadeem Khan, responsabile dell'Area comunicazioni).

The International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) is pleased to bring the IAU 50km World Trophy Final to Assen, the Netherlands. This is the 1st time that IAU is holding an international event in Assen. However, the Netherlands, is no stranger to hosting Major IAU championships. The “town among trees” will be inviting thirty five international selected athletes to run in a very high calibre 50 km race. They will have an open race concurrently with the World Trophy Final.

The IAU 50km World Trophy Final is taking place on 20th September 2011 in Assen, the Netherlands. Colleen Makaza (ZIM), men’s winner from 2010 is absent this year. However, last year’s winner Sue Harrison (GBR) is back to the World
Trophy Final to defend her title. In Makaza’a absence, Seun Samuel Moleshioa (RSA) is the top qualifier.
Assen, located in north eastern Netherlands, is called the “town among the trees”. It is set in picturesque surroundings where local residents take full advantage of their nature parks and ice skating rinks.

The city of Assen will be the host of the 8th IAU 50km World Trophy Final on August 20th 2011.

Thirty five selected athletes will call Assen their home during the race weekend.
The 50km World Trophy Final culminates, after a series of seventeen races, around the world.

Qualification for the Finals was based on athlete performances and times in the series races. Men had a qualification time of 3:20 and women had 3:50 to be invited to the trip to Assen. In addition, some athletes were extended invitations based on their marathon times.
In the men’s field, Last year’s winner Colleen Makaza (ZIM) is absent. In his absence, Seun Samuel Moleshioa (RSA) leads the list of qualifiers with a time of 2:44:30. 4th place finisher from 2010, Kaito Iwayama (JPN) is second top qualifier with 2:56:19 and is hoping for a podium finish in Assen. Eliya Mogoboya (RSA) rounds up the top three
qualifiers in his inaugural IAU event with a time of 2:56:52. In the women’s field, Sue Harrison (GBR) is returning to defend her title form 2010. She is the top qualifier in 3:15:43 and leads her countrywoman Emma Gooderham who is the current silver medallist from the Commonwealth 100km Championships. Gooderham has a qualification time of 3:32:54. Shanna Ailes Istni (USA) completes the top three in her rookie IAU race with 3:36:22.
The race is being held on a 10km course. It is fairly flat and run through scenic routes in the forest. The male and female course records currently stand at 3:09:49 and 3:58:43 respectively.

The race starts at 10am (Netherlands time).
Top Men:
1) Seun Samuel Moleshioa RSA 2:44:30
2) Kaito Iwayama JPN 2:56:19
3) Eliya Mogoboya RSA 2:56:52
4) Samuel Ongaki RSA 2:57:03
5) Malcolm Campbell USA 2:58:19
Top Women:
1) Sue Harrison GBR 3:15:43
2) Emma Gooderham GBR 3:32:54
3) Shanna Ailes Istni USA 3:36:22
4) Julanie Basson RSA 3:37:24
5) Ezaki Yuka JPN 3:38:47

History of IAU. The International Association of Ultrarunners came into existence in 1984. Today there are more than a thousand ultra races around the world with more than a hundred thousand ultra runners. It is no more an unrealistic event.
The IAAF granted its patronage to the IAU in 1988 and the 100km race became a standard distance recognized by the Federation.

Today IAU organizes 4 major events: 100 km World Championship, 24 Hour World Championship, The Trail World Championship and the 50 km World Trophy Final.

IAU is also a strong supporter of the Commonwealth Championships.

This is in addition to the IAU labels that are attached to several races around the world.
With more than 50 federations and thousand of elite athletes having participated in its events over the years, IAU has respectfully upheld its mandate of developing the sport of ultrarunning.
While it continues to serve the ultrarunning community, the IAU is looking forward to the next 24 years as it envisions reaching its 50th Anniversary.