Finally, the starting gun went off, and off we went, heading out of Kals toward Kalser Tauernhaus and Kalser Tauern. The forest road snaked through the valley, and it stopped raining. The farther we ran through the valley, the narrower the trail became until finally we merged with the amazing trails of Kalser Tauern. But of course it wasn’t about to stay so comfy because the first proper climb to the Kalser Tauern was really something. Find a rhythm, hold a pace, and just don’t stop -- that was my mantra. That worked well too. Arriving at the top, we were greeted by a snowfield. The rain had in fact stopped, but now and then it still drizzled, and the wind was quite strong. We headed quickly toward Rudolf’s Hut. This section is completely breathtaking, even when the clouds hide the expansive views. The countryside at the foot of Glockner is simply breathtaking. At the aid station, it was all about refilling our energy stores. Unfortunately, I was doing a little battle with my stomach. Still, the station was so well supplied that even I found something. Two cans of cola, and pretty soon I was ready to go again, off on another spectacular section.

The downhill again demanded all I had, and back in the valley my thighs were pretty spent already. But, no matter, it wasn’t that much farther to the finish line. That kicked off the battle along the last five kilometers. You think, five kilometers, that’s nothing, right? Well, think again. It’s a whole lot when you are running on empty. Still, the last two were pretty entertaining. On the way toward the finish I was cheered on over and over, and I even saw some friends. That motivated me for the last kilometers. Then It was finally over. The mood at the finish was stupendous and already waiting for me was -- what else? -- a cool cola.

The GGUT 2017 for me was a bigger struggle than I’d hoped, with stomach problems persisting throughout the entire race. Nevertheless, the race remains a fond memory with its unbelievable scenery and really cool course. So, GGUT, I’ll be seeing you!

The GGUT and all of its four race courses are a real challenge, but still completely breathtaking. Not only experienced ultrarunners will fully enjoy this event, but also trained novices. On July 27, 2018, it’ll be that time again.

From this point on, I was familiar with the course, and I knew that a tough climb was facing us up to Kaprun Törl. The first stretch is quite runnable, but then it’s all about just knuckling down and conquering the steep climb to Kaprun Törl. But you still need to save a little oomph since a long downhill comes right after the Törl. It leads down to Mooserboden Reservoir (Stausee) over beautiful, but very narrow trails. Just don’t make a mistake so as not to twist an ankle. At Mooserboden, another small aid station, and they had cola too. That was my savior, because cola luckily always goes down. So I again had a some strength for a few kilometers, and I needed that for the long downhill to the valley. Even the weather played along to help you be in a better mood. The sun came out, and that let me enjoy the sections along the two reservoirs and down into the valley despite the effort.

 GGUT 110 - 110 kilometers; 6,500 meters of climbing

When: Friday, July 27, 2018, in Kaprun

Grossglockner Trail - 75 kilometers; 4,000 meters of climbing

When: Saturday, July 28, 2018, in Kals on Grossglockner

Kalser Tauern Trail - 50 kilometers; 2,000 meters of vertical

When: Saturday, July 28, 2018, in Kals on Grossglockner

Weisssee Gletscherwelt Trail - 30 kilometers; 1,500 meters of climbing

When: Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Berghotel Rudolf’s Hut.

GGUT 110|2: GGUT 110 as a two-person team; start in Kaprun

When: Friday, July 27, 2018, in Kaprun

Registration and more information at www.ultratrail.at