Running Beyond: Epic Ultra, Trail and Skyrunning Races by Author Corless Ian

Author:Author,Corless,Ian [Author,Corless,Ian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aurum Press Ltd
Published: 2016-11-03T04:00:00+00:00

Gornergrat, at almost 3,200 metres and usually accessed by a train, provides wonderful trails to run down and the stunning vista of the Gorner glacier as runners drop back down to Zermatt.

The Matterhorn is impressive no matter what distractions are placed in front of it.

Kilian Jornet and the Matterhorn.

Transalpine-Run

251km Germany

H aving celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2014, the Transalpine-Run has well and truly cemented itself as one of the most spectacular trail-running events in the world. Running over a marathon distance daily, over 300 teams of pairs return, year on year, to test themselves every September. Since its premiere in 2005, the race has gained an iconic status alongside other stage races worldwide.

Andy Symonds, a British runner who lives and trains in France, says that it is the race’s route through neighbouring countries that provides part of the allure: ‘I see it as an absolutely brilliant way to visit some of the best parts of the Alps, traversing three or four countries and burning enough energy every day to warrant a large pizza and two ice creams every night for eight days straight! The organization is first class and the two years I did it with Tom Owens we had a really great time. I’d love to go back again or do something similar. The event format is incredible.’

In the early days, extreme running of this nature was for the minority, but as time has passed, the desire to traverse steep mountain passes and reach countless summits while running for eight consecutive days has become the next best challenge. It’s like running a mini expedition every day, a microjourney through woods and mountains, covering countless trails of varying difficulty and seemingly endless ups and downs.

Tom Owens, teammate of Andy Symonds in 2009 and 2010, recounts his experiences of Transalpine-Run: ‘It is probably the best (and hardest) running event I have done… The route alternates each year with a more eastern and western traverse. The trails are fantastic, complemented with mountain passes and small villages. Stages are typically marathon length, with a heap of elevation. [With] exceptional routes that are impeccably marked, it’s an experience that totally immerses you; I lose track of time and totally concentrate on the race. Compromised recovery and cumulative fatigue really takes its toll. Running on tired legs for eight consecutive days really does break the body, but it’s amazing what one can achieve; to finish is a great achievement.’

If running across the spine of the Alps from Germany to Italy with a friend over eight days is your idea of an adventure, then sign up – you won’t be disappointed. Spanning four countries, the journey will typically cover 250 kilometres and well over 15,000 metres of vertical gain; it’s a little like running up and down Everest twice. Multi-day racing requires a particular mindset, where the balance of pace and recovery must be carefully planned. Unlike warm-weather races such as the Marathon des Sables (Morocco), The Coastal Challenge (Costa Rica) or the Big Red Run

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