The Hell Race

If you think running a marathon is difficult, try running an ultra-marathon up a mountain!

Skyrunning is a deep-rooted love for most ultramarathoners, like Kieren D’ Souza, who has run the CCC, one of the races at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, and has represented India at Wildstrubel 70k in Switzerland. A thrilling blend of high-altitude mountain running, trail running, and mountaineering, skyrunning is a specialised sport that requires an extraordinary combination of physical endurance, technical abilities, and uncompromising mental fortitude. “I have done two skyrunning race, Matterhorn ultraks and Yading sky race — one in 2018 and the other last year,” says Kieren.

Nupur Singh, a marathon and ultra trail runner, got into skyrunning after volunteering to organise trail and mountain running races over the past few years. “I’ve had the pleasure of exploring and planning races in the breathtaking Himalayan and Western Ghats landscapes. As the athlete within me grew stronger, I found myself pulled to the trails, transitioning from a spectator to an active participant,” says Nupur.

Boundless diversity

Nupur values the satisfaction of breaking personal records via consistent training and thinking. However, there comes a time when one seeks something other than the familiar. “What genuinely distinguishes skyrunning is its boundless diversity. With varying terrain, ever-changing moods of nature, different distances, and the requirement for endurance, it presents an endlessly captivating contrast. Even on the same trail, the experience can change greatly based on the time of day, season, and ever-changing weather conditions,” she says, adding, “there is always another mountain to climb in the world of skyrunning.”

Unparalleled adventure

This is not a sport for the faint hearted. The terrain is steep and difficult, and running at a higher altitude reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the muscles. “I wouldn’t say skyrunning is difficult because it’s a personal taste,” says Kieren. “I favour rough terrain and enjoy racing in conditions ranging from heat to snow. I reside in Manali to prepare for and compete in races throughout the world. Trail races are much more common for me than sky races.”

Skyrunning gives Nupur too an unrivalled sense of adventure by exposing her to the breathtaking beauty and severe obstacles associated with mountain landscapes. “It caters to my competitive spirit by allowing me to pit myself against the best runners in the country. It’s a platform for leisurely exploration, immersing myself in the rugged beauty of mountains and learning about the culture of the many groups of people that live there.”

Pushing boundaries

Being aware of what can be thrown at you during the race and preparing for it as closely as possible is crucial. “My advice would be to not hurry the process, but gradually build up in distances, prepare well, and replicate as many things from a race while training,” says Kieren, adding, “Mental and physical preparation required is similar to any trail race or race in general. It’s about diving deep and pushing forward. I believe the most difficult aspect is a lack of support, which makes it difficult to compete and perform at the level I’m attempting.”

“My training schedule is greatly impacted by the race I’m preparing for, but it always includes a mix of trail and road running, interspersed with high-intensity workouts. Strengthening workouts and proper nutrition are essential components of my daily routine,” adds Nupur.

“Skyrunning is a challenging and adventurous sport, but it also necessitates respect, preparation and caution,” says Kavitha Kanaparthi, Race Director, Globeracers and Founder and CEO of Soulverse.

Mental and physical preparation required is similar to any trail race or race in general. It's about diving deep and pushing forward. I believe the most difficult aspect is a lack of support, which makes it difficult to compete and perform at the level I’m attempting.” — Kieren D’ Souza, who has run the CCC, one of the races at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, and has represented India at the Wildstrubel 70k in Switzerland.