First Ultra in Malta

2 Marathons with just plain running. That was my track record before joining this event. So there were a couple of unknowns: the heat, the positive altitude to cover, the terrain and the distance... One might ask 'Why?'. Here is the story!

Off to Malta

Flying to Malta on Thursday with the race on Saturday gave us plenty of time. My brother, who is living in Malta, already took care of the bib numbers so we had all the time to relax and even do some sight seeing before heading of to the Island of Gozo on Friday - after a quick run... It was there that I was confronted with the difference in terrain and altitude compared to my normal runs. What would this bring us on Saturday...

Start for the 52K was foreseen in Ghajnsielem at 8 so after a good breakfast we were present at the starting point for a small briefing. Everything went well in the beginning. Still running most of the time at a decent pace only steep uphills walking and the dangerous downhills taking very carefully. I would not be the first one leaving the race, because already after 5 kilometers, there were some trail runners with sprained ankles. It was also the first time that I saw the difference in mindset between trail runners and running during a normal 10K street-race. If someone is injured and you can help - you will help where you can!

Beautiful views along the coast and a lot of variety in the terrain. From grass fields over rocks and stairs to climb. While I was still enjoying it, I started to feel that this might be a hard one. Some of the climbs - even if you climb very slowly takes your breath and pushes your heartbeat so high that I was thinking of taking a break half way the climb. I took the opportunity to take a picture here and there while I still felt the energy for it.

Breathtaking view but dangerous place to run

After 30K, there was the 3rd rest point. It was also there where my other brother started an hour before to run the Half Marathon Trail. And the point where the supporting crew was present to cheer. Filling up the camel-bag, eating and drinking a bit more, I went off to the final part. The running - even on flat terrain - became hard. From that moment on, I knew it would be a long way to the finish. The feet started hurting, the energy was flowing away and on top there were some point where we missed a 'red dot' marker and needed a detour. I had the track of last year on my watch, but it changed a bit. If I would give the organisation some advise on how to do even better next year, it would be 1) put the route track available much earlier and communicate it very clear and 2) when it comes to refreshment stops, this was not something I will remember ;) Luckily I had enough food/bars/drinks with me. Anyway... I can understand that this is not the big events that I am used to with only 109 participants on this distance.

Beautiful beaches and sea

The last part was killing. I felt the lack of technique to go down, the fear of injuries on the rocks and the shortage of energy on the rare places where one might think of running... But the views became even more breathtaking with the sun that was more and more present. We saw the sea from all different angles: from high above on the cliff, till more or less in the see to cross some rocks (like in the picture: we had to run in the water to get passed this). This was a very hard race to me, but in the end I crossed the finish line in 8hrs after starting. 52k and over 1400 meters of positive altitude were behind me. Time to enjoy some Maltese beers and be proud of the medal. Checked this one of my list!

Medal Monday. Also with the cap as a reminder of the suffering...

Although time doesn't matter on a trail, there is an official result list. 80th place on 109 finishers. And look who is on place 13!