After an early morning trip to the unknown area of "El Priorat" I arrived nicely just after 7 a.m. in Cornudella de Montsant. After changing clothes and doing some other preparations I set of to pick up my Bib number in the theater of this small town. Everything was very well organized and in no-time I was outside again with the technical shirt and socks (which maybe I should have put on right away) and went back to the car to drink some more water and leave all unnecessary things behind there.
Registrating in the local theater
Then it was time to walk to the start area and pass the material control. It was a pleasure to meet Juan Carlos here, fellow runner on the NQB before summer, and this time assisting in the organization of the UTSM. After a wait and a few talks with other runners just after nine the start signal was given by firecrackers and a stadium horn and of we were. After a few minutes of running through the village we entered a small path slightly uphill with from time a time a few meters of steeper climbs.
The trail just outside Cornudella de Montsant
As always the pace maybe was to high, but I enjoy racing along through the mountains and did not hold back. The first checkpoint was set up very early after less then 15 minutes of running and the second checkpoint also came within the hour. From there we headed for the first more serious climb and soon I was back to walking through the beautiful landscape.
The first climb to Coll del Grau Gran
The typical landscape of Serra de Montsant
On the top we passed the third checkpoint and soon after we passed this small hermitage. After we continued along a small winding path that first went up and down on top of the mountain range and later on really on the edge passing underneath overhanging rocks and trees which was really nice.
Hermitage Mare de Deu de Montsant
Trail underneath the rocks
From checkpoint 4 it was down to the first village, Ulldemolins, where we could refill water and eat and drink to prepare for a part where there was nothing at all, no controls and no food or water. On the downhill I slowed down and I felt ok arriving at CP5. After taking out some small stones of my shoes it was on to Margalef through a canyon with Montserrat like rocks all over the place. Even though the path overall goes downhill and some runners considered this a "running part" it was a constant going up and down and in the second part quite a few stairs and bridges allowed for continuing through the irregular landscape.
Congost de Fraguerau
The rocky ups and downs in this valley
Pantà de Margalef
The biggest of the many bridges we crossed
Halfway the canyon the sun started to come out and also my first dip. From time to time I walked and I was happy to come out of the canyon where some people were climbing the steep rocks in freestyle.
Freestyle Rockclimbers
the last bridge to Margalef
Margalef before entering the village
The road on to Margalef was mostly concrete and asfalt now and after passing the last small bridge I arrived at the CP7 in Margalef after just over 6 hours. After resting for a while and refilling water I continued to walk, but slowly buy slowly I felt better and could start to run again. I follow to other runners here just to maintain good pace and at the next CP I only stop very shortly to drink water and continue to start the next long climb.
The landscape climbing up to CP 9
Going up was going very well and in spite of having to repair a blister on my left heel I feel comfortable and the long downhill I also complete in good shape to arrive at Cabaces where we can eat and drink whatever we want. I was happy to meet Juan Carlos again who was helping out at the checkpoint. He cheered me on since I was already well halfway. For the first time in an Ultra race I dared to eat pasta and I really filled up here for the many kilometers to come. I drink some soup too and take some bread with me since eating the energybars gives me nausea. Just before coming to the next CP I come up from behind to meet Jordi Riba and we soon decide to complete the UTSM together. Soon dusk is setting in and it is time for putting on frontal headlights. At that point we are lucky to have another couple of runners making the same mistake as we did just before us and so the four of us head back in search of the red and white markers that indicated to correct direction. From then on we talk some less and check out more for those markers since going back is not always fun. The trail goes up and down and up and down again passed La Vilella Baixa, a surprise checkpoint and La Vilella Alta onto Escala Dei. Just before arriving there I notice a second blister coming up and inside the huge hall I once again put on a patch of Compeed. The blister is open and painfull, but I don't want to give up for that this far in the race. After eating and refilling at this beautiful place acompanied by very lively music and after making a last phone call home (it was just past 11 p.m.) we continue onwards to the most steep climb. The first kilometer was uncomfortable, but after that I could soon walk normally again and we started climbing. The first part was easy, but then the real rock climbing started with hands and feet and quite some effort and for those who wanted with ropes. At the top a whole group of runners, including us, goes left, but we see no signs at all and after some deliberation we go back to find out there was one more rock to climb up higher! After that we walked for a long time on the highest part of this mountain range, a very irregular path and also windy and after a while misty. Jordi decides to put his jacket on too, I was wearing extra clothing since Escala Dei. The group we started with of some ten runners slowly breaks up and at some time I have to slow down. I guess a combination of lack of fuel and water, since eating the pieces of bread is very hard to do with a dry mouth and my water has a really awful taste. Finally we reach the CP where the steep road down starts. Going down I start feeling better. For my companion this part is harder because of knee problems. It does not take too long to arrive at Morera de Montsant where we drink Coca Cola what makes us both feel a lot better. From here on it is only some 8 kilometers and eventhough the road goes up and down this is nothing compared to the climbing we have done before. We twice cross local roads where the police kindly guards our safety and soon we check at the last checkpoint, which is the same as the first, and the road down to Cornudella de Montsant is easy. We are joined by another runner and the 3 of us walk down the last kilometers while making jokes and having a laugh knowing the job is done. Jordi and I check the finish line at in exactly the same time cheered on by people waiting at the finish line. Every 3 to 5 minutes another runner comes in, and we are all happy to have completed another ultra. 19h23m18s knowing how little I have been able to prepare is something to be happy with. Next year next Ultra and maybe the Ultra Trail du Montblanc
