Trans Alpine Run 2010 Race Report

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Wednesday, 15 September 2010 16:39

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Ryan Sandes on the Trans Alpine Run 2010

After a good result of third position in the mixed category, ultra-runner Ryan Sandes gives a breakdown of his highs and lows through the Trans Alpine Run with accomplished partner Linda Dokes. He also tells of what lies ahead for him in his future of running.

TEXT: Ryan Sandes BLOG http://www.ryansandes.com/blog/index.html

Earlier this year I decided to do the Trans Alpine run in a mixed team with Linda Doke and use it as a big training week for my build up the “Last Desert” race in Antarctica (November). At the time it sounded like an awesome idea to spend the week running 310km through the Alps and experience something a bit different to the deserts and jungles.

We finished the Trans Alps and I was right…it was an awesome week of running but it was also a bit tougher on the athletes than I expected! Running up mountains that climb over 1200 meters in elevation and then to descend just as quickly takes its toll on your legs over eight days. The race feels like a bit of a blur now with lots of awesome memories, some breath taking views and a few really cold experiences on top of the snow-capped summits.

I can however remember how excited all the runners were to get started on day one and then by about day four it had became a battle of survival with many runners falling casualty to the vicious Alpine Mountains - those runners that were still fighting the battle of survival were held together by tape and compression gear.

On day eight the mood and attitude of the “surviving runners” changed to one that could feel the home straight was around the corner - these survivors were determined to cross the finish line. By 2pm on the final day, 310km later and over 13 500meters of elevation gain most of the “surviving runners” had crossed the finish line. There was a mass of emotions at the finish line with some runners shedding a few tears, others gulping on champagne in celebration of their achievements, some just relieved the week was over and others had a smile of satisfaction on their faces.

Linda and I finished third overall in the mixed team division after a few long days out in the Alpine Mountain range. It was a new experience running in a team and even more so in a mixed team. We had to combine our strengths and weaknesses over the eight days to see how fast we could cover the 310km. One method of doing this was to use a tow rope - my “training week” in the Alps had suddenly become a bit tougher ☺..

We had our highs and lows during the week but huge respect to Linda for giving it 110% the whole time. She never dropped her head once, never complained (only a few times that we were going to fast..) and she was a great partner to have for the week. Linda you did South Africa proud!!!