Expectations, excitement and preparations for this race were suddenly challenged after the decision to reroute the course because of heat and unstable weather in the exposed mountain areas. The course that was supposed to start and finish in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (107 km | 5300 metres of elevation gain) was changed to a start in Leutasch (74 km | 3200 metres of elevation gain). For the runners, that means among other things a faster race, fewer crowds and less of the spectacular views you had been looking forward to. But things don't always turn out the way you expected, and that - and how you handle different challenges, is a big part of the ultra world.
- Race
- Zugspitz Ultratrail by UTMB · 74 km · 3 068 m elevation gain (rerouted course)
- Result
- 4th place · 8:43:11 · 28th overall of 808 starters
- See also
- All results
The first 7.5 hours were in the dark, before I reached the last summit, Osterfelderkopf (just over 2000 m above sea level), at sunrise. It was absolutely stunning!
My body didn't quite play along, without me knowing exactly why, even though I have felt really good over the last few weeks up until a couple of days before the race. Although things loosened up a bit eventually, it was a tough fight through the night hours. So it was extra special to come in with a good placing in a small and charming town that was just starting to wake up. Straight into the hotel breakfast.
Thanks for the experience, new acquaintances and some lovely days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.