Salomon 4 Trails

Experiencing The Alps In The Fast Lane

Press Release / 09.07.2013

On Wednesday a motley posse of runners from 25 nations will set off on the 2013 SALOMON 4 TRAILS, an epic 4-day trail running race that starts in Germany, traverses Austria and finally finishes in Switzerland. The course follows a more or less straight line across several mountain ranges racking up 10,000 meters of vertical gain over a distance of 150 kilometers.  More than 550 racers have signed up for this challenge prepared to give it all along the way.

To make it through a race of such proportions takes a lot more than 'just' being in excellent shape. Unwavering stamina and ambition are just as much key to success as are choice trails and a challenging but fun and scenic race course. As far as the latter goes, the SALOMON 4 TRAILS seems to put together the right fixings. Why else would hundreds of runners from all corners of the planet opt to hightail it specifically across the rugged mountain ranges of the Austrian borderland?

As in previous years, the runners will set off from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, en route to Samnaun, Switzerland with overnight stays in the Austrian communities of Ehrwald, Imst and Landeck. Rather than following the path of least resistance along the valley bottoms, the race course takes the participants up above treeline on a daily basis - again and again. Upon arrival at the finish in Switzerland,  the racers will have clocked over 150 kilometers and their legs will feel the effects of climbing of 10,000 meters in just four days - a monumental accomplishment for body and mind. 

While many racers will start in a team of runners to share the ups-and-downs of such a borderline experience, quite a few athletes have already opted to face the challenge of the SALOMON 4 TRAILS on their own. Re-gardless of each runner's motivation, their minds will be collectively set to earning a finisher jersey. Come next weekend, the stresses and strains of the race will fade away and all that stays will be memories of four fun-filled days of trail fury and meeting new, like-minded friends.

Newbies Try Out The 1st Stage Of SALOMON 4 TRAILS

Unsure whether you're ready to commit to the whole race? As a first this year, the 2013 SALOMON 4 TRAILS offers runners an opportunity to join the 1st of the 4 stages as a trial. This offer is directed at trail runners who -for different reasons- may not feel up to go all the way. Anika Stephan, project manager with Plan B, the organization behind the race event, is excited about being able to offer this new option. “We have chosen the scenic course between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Ehrwald as a suitable trial stage, as it covers almost 36 kilometers and roughly 2,400 meters of vertical”. While that stage is neither the longest or the toughest of the 4-day event, it does provide an excellent first impression representative of the race as a whole. “Racers will get to spend lots of time above treeline but have to earn that with a total of six back-to-back climbs which translates into quite a burly prelude to a four-day trail run”.

New Ranking Scheme Added For Race Teams

In addition to the established age-related race categories (Men, Women, Master Men, Master Women, Senior Master Men, Senior Master Women) race organizers have added a novel team ranking scheme for the 2013 SALOMON 4 TRAILS. The new system takes into account the cumulative times of the three fastest runners of each team which can consist of any number of members. The clou: while the fastest team members contribute to the team ranking, they still maintain an individual ranking within their respective age category – thereby doubling chances for capturing a victory. Prerequisites to registering ateam are a minimum of three members and the consistent spelling of the team name across all registration forms of its individual associates.   

2013 SALOMON 4 TRAILS – A Challenge Up For Grabs

Suspense is guaranteed this year as many competent first-timers have signed up to challenge some of the race veterans. One definite odds-on favorite is Markus Kröll, a multiple victor of the reputable Dolomiten-Mann race, who can be expected to challenge fellow Austrians Seppi Neuhauser und Sejad Mulahalilovic.  However Kröll won't be the only threat out there as Kenny Richmond and Matthew Sullivan, two Scotsmen, also have to be reckoned with as potential podium contenders. Vying for victory in the Women's category is Angela Mudge, a Scottish trail prodigy with several world championship titles.  Breathing down her neck will be last-year's victress Regine Schlump of Germany but also the Swiss veteran Fränzi Gissler.     

For further information on the SALOMON 4 Trails visit www.4-trails.com