For three years I’ve been running the stunning trail running race through the Rhine gorge from Ilanz to Thusis, called Transruinaulta. This year, it should not only be this race but also the Transviamala run which is scheduled the day after. In total this gives 61km of distance and 2750m to climb.

It all started with a birthday present from my wife Nadine.
Last year I was already considering running both races, but as it was sold out before I managed to get a ticket, I could do Transruinaulta only. This was reason enough for her to choose a starting spot for both races in 2019 for me as present. There was no excuse anymore…

After the cross country skiing season ended this year with participating at the Engadiner Skimarathon for the first time, the focus shifted over from snow sports to running. My initial plan was to join the LGT Alpine Marathon in June to have a first tangible goal, but some injuries and as well the birth of our second kid Lara interfered with that. It’s all about setting the right priorities, isn’t it?

After a break in May and June, I focused again and spend some good time in the mountains, some runs on my own (Wägital, Fronalpstock, Top of Hasliberg, Gridone) and some with Danski (Fluebrig, Cima di Biasca).

Because the full weekend was needed for both races, we booked an apartment on a farm in Flerden, which is close to Thusis, about 10 min away by car from the start of the Viamala run. Not only it was really comfortable and well equipped, but also the host was super friendly. In addition there were a lot of toys for our son to play with, and also he could join the farmer feeding the animals. We immediately felt like at home.

At the race day, I first became nervous when I crossed the race track while driving from Flerden to Ilanz with my car, with a sign 1km to go standing there. Immediately pictures with me running through that area came to my mind, suffering but on the final 1k. How will I feel today when I’m there? I was asking myself.
In the start area in Ilanz, we met my mother in law, which was supporting my family as well over the weekend, and Soeren, a friend who forgot the space blanket at home. Fortunately, I had a spare one in my car and could help him out as this is a must have equipment to be allowed to start the race.
The race itself was going ok, I somehow wasn’t in a perfect race mood, maybe because of the second race the day after, maybe because of the left knee and heel which were slightly hurting. Nevertheless I finished it in 4h 39min, far away from my PR, but with a body that was capable to perform nice as well the day after.
One night later, the legs were still heavy… but surprisingly after around 3k of running, it was no more that much of a problem and a smooth running feeling came up again.
The first part of the race was quite ok, but I really felt that after around one hour of running, my energy buffer was empty. Unfortunately I forgot the PowerGels in our flat, so all I had was the iso offered by the race organisation. The last kilometers were tough again, as they contain a climb up from Andeer to Donat, but after that one was over, the You made it! emotions came up and after 1h 55min I almost flew into the finish area in Donat. 😃

In summary I’m quite happy with my first finish of both races at the same weekend. Overall I was ranked 43rd out of 133. Although the Viamala run is a nice track, I personally prefer the Transruinaulta part as it is somehow more personal and it does not feel that crowded. Also the part of running through the Ruinaulta is just gorgeous.
A this point a big thank you goes to my wife and my mother in law who supported me not only during the race days but also during the full year. Without their support I couldn’t have finished this. 👏

Transruinaulta race: Strava
Transviamala race: Strava
Schluchtenkönig ranking