Reports 2009

Trans-Europe-Footrace from Bari/South Italy to the North Cape/Norway

Crossing one time the European continent – with the Transeurope Footrace it is possible to make this wish possible. The race is from Bari/South Italy to the north cape/Norway. You have to cross six countries (Italy, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Norway) and run about 4500km in 64 days. The runners, coming from twelve different nations, had to run about 70km/day in average. The stages would be between 44km and 95km. 6km/h would be the basic speed for reaching the time limit. It does not sound like a lot right now, but some of the runners will have a hard job to reach it.

Day of travelling

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I met the first runner, before I arrived at the airport. At Munich we were already six runners. After about 1.5 hours of flying we arrived at Bari. There we took the bus to the city and then to the stadium. There we had our accommodation.
When we had arrived we looked for a good sleeping place and got everything ready.
Next step was to pick up the race number. With it there were two cups, a signal vest, a hairbrush and a T-shirt. Of course everything had the logo of the Transeurope Footrace. The official part and the supply started on Saturday. So the next thing was to go to the supermarket. I had to get some victuals for the following days. Because most of the times I already will be finished about lunch time, I had to get something to eat for the time until dinner. I do not like to get it just on that day. Because I arrived late afternoon it was almost time for dinner. Luckily there was a pizzeria not far away.

Day before the race

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Saturday afternoon the official part started. First we had to do a three kilometer march to the major house of Bari at the city centre. At 12am there was a greeting with the major. After that we went to a restaurant near the harbor. There we had a small aperitif. Most of us were not very surprised, because the amount of food was small. After the meeting the group split up. Some of us went directly back to the gym. Others visited the old town of Bari and had some ice cream. Brigitte Barthelmann had her first bad experience of this event at the way back. Her hand bag with both car keys and all papers was stolen by a motorbike. In the end everything went out in a good way. The police found the bag with papers and keys. At the evening at 6pm there was the first official meeting. Besides some “standard blabla” some representatives of the sponsors were introduced. After the meeting there was dinner, which was as less as the aperitif. For a runner it was more like an appetizer.

Etappe 1 (Bari - Barletta)

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The same like the dinner of the first day, there was the breakfast on the second day. We had to wait for coffee and nosh at zwieback. Luckily one of the runners asked for bread. That was added as a huge additional thing on the list. Even than the breakfast was very Spartan. But what to suspect in Italy, in a country where having breakfast is not normal?! After the breakfast we had to wait almost an hour for the start. Maybe to get up at six o’clock would be fine also. Especially when the start is at nine o’clock. After the photo shooting was the start for the big race to the North Cape. 67 runners started hoping to finish after 64 days at the time of the sun turning at the North Cape. With us there were two bikers and a kick board driver. How many will finish this race will be shown during the next days and weeks.
The first stage was 57km besides the toll road towards Barletta. We ran through Giovinazzo a wonderful city next to the ocean. The white city wall and the tower of the church made an imposing view. We went trough the Gassenlittle roads, passing the church and the harbor. People had to pay attention when they arrived at Molfetta. On the one hand some of the signs already were put away. On the other hand there were many people walking around, so it was easily to miss an arrow. But basically the course was marked well and at the gym there was nothing to hear about missing people.
The race was interesting from beginning on. We started at a group of five, already after about 20km the first tried to run away. After 30km René Stroßny passed us and the ones in the front. At the beginning Robert Wimmer tried to keep with him, but soon he had to let the runner from Bauzen run away. I passed Robert about 10km before finish. But I did not try to catch up to René. The first stage winner was getting a small present from the major at the evening. Maybe the only reason for that was the presence of the television. It was frightening, that already the first runners ask for ice and hobbling. Definitely it was a sign that people were running to fast today.
Even these words are not a collegial and nice, but the drop out of a few will be nice for all the others. There is no doubt about, that the organization is counting on that. Even the halls are big enough up until now, it is for sure that there will be smaller ones later. The dinner was not better than the breakfast. The portions are much too small. Maybe it will be more, if there are less people. But let’s see, what the future brings.

Etappe 2 (Barletta - Foggia)

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At the second day the breakfast was done by the organization. So it was much better than the day before. On the other hand it was portioned quite well. From today on there were two starting groups. The top ten runners have to wait until 7am. The rest starts at 6am. That prevents the field from is spreading too much. The advantage was the aid stations, do not have to wait to long. There was a smaller time difference between the first and the last runner. Also at the second day the weather was not better. Off and on there was some slight rain at about 20°C. About lunch time the rain stopped and in the afternoon the sun broke through. When the second group started, René was immediately speeding away. Behind him Robert Wimmer, Trond Sjavik and a small group of four more runners. I did slowly for the first 20km and then started to catch up one after the other. At the end only René and Robert were in front of me. The landscape of the course today was not as beautiful as yesterdays. There were long straight roads crossing the fields. During the 70km of this stage we only ran through one city until we arrived at Foggia.

Etappe 3 (Foggia - Campomarino Lido)

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The course to Campomarino Lido was almost all day beside the SS16. There were long straight ways and the wind blew from the side and from the front. Especially when a lorry passed us it felt like a punch into the face. Just on time at 7am it stopped raining, but the sun did not break through. The impact of the rain we felt at the end of the stage. There were some railroads to go underneath and at the underpass there was standing 10cm of water. At the program for today it was mentioned the first day of sleeping in a tent. It was told, that there are bungalows to rent, but it was not sure yet. Yesterday evening there was the myth that even the camping is not secured yet. When we arrived at Campomario Lido there was a positive surprise. The organization had rented bungalows and the runners could sleep in a bed. The dinner and breakfast were planned to have outside. Actually the weather was not good enough for that. So, most of the runners took their food to the bungalow. Today there was more to eat compared to the days before. At least a little bit of comfort.

Etappe 4 (Campomarino Lido - Torino Di Sangro)

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The race as well as the weather of today was like the days before. At the beginning there was some light rain. Also there was a light breeze from the sea. At the beginning of the stage Trond was running away and Jan Nabuurs followed him. After a few kilometers Robert passed us and tried to take the first place. He was doing that until René and I finally passed him after about 20km. At half way of the stage we passed Trond. René was following me to pass at the second half and made again a first stage place. Also today there was camping on the schedule. When we arrived at Torino di Sangro there were again bungalows rented. The best of the day was the dinner. Four plates and wine was the best we had up until now.

Etappe 5 (Torino Di Sangro - Silvi Marina)

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The stage to Silvi Marina was one of the short ones but it had a very beautiful landscape. The weather as well as the course was fantastic. It was the first day we had all day long sun. Because of that there was coming up also problems. There was almost no shadow. First half was just up- and downhill. When we arrived at Francavilla al Mare the course was getting flat again. The last 15km we were running along the beach promenade. The accommodation was not so good today. In the morning they told us, that we had to sleep in the tent. When we arrived there was a room, but it was much too small. So some runners had to build up their tent. At the beginning the owner planed to give us some bungalows. But because of the earthquake they were used for the victims. So they emptied one of the restaurant rooms for the runners to sleep. Instead some of the runners preferred to build up their own tent. Having a tent was the duty of every runner. Even it was a very small accommodation it was one of the best stages we had up until now. Especially the food, there was a big buffet with wine.

Etappe 6 (Silvi Marina - San Benedetto del Tronto)

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When we draw hope that we get some sunny days now, we were brought back to reality today. In the afternoon the sun broke through. The rest of the day it was cloudy and windy. Also the course was not as beautiful as the day before. The beach promenade of today was more beautiful as the one yesterday, but still it was just promenade and ocean to see. Today there was a nice and big gym hall. It was about one kilometer to the next supermarket. So it was not a big problem to get everything for the weekend. There is nothing fixed by the organization to eat and drink between the finish time and the dinner. So it is most important to have something to eat and drink in the luggage. Nothing is not really true! There are some bottles of water and coke at the finishing line. So there is something immediately after you finished. To stay at the thematic food – the dinner was much too less again. A local pizza backer brought his oven and made some pizzas. The runners took a slice and after that they had to go back on line. So some runners did it quiet clever. At the time they had their pizza they already got back to line. That was holding on for a while until the organization ordered some more party pizzas by another pizza backer. Today there was the first drop out. Jürgen Wetzel had to stop because of an infected snemial.

Etappe 7 (San Benedetto del Tronto - Porto Recanati)

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The seventh stage started as the day before ended. As usual there should be breakfast at 5am. 20 minutes later, at the time the catering service arrived, Inge Schulze (the wife of the race director) almost finished an own breakfast. It was a hectic day for the first group. The start was fifteen minutes delayed. Today was the first day of five long stages. Already now it was for sure, that some people will drop out during these days. The short distances at the beginning were the reason that some people are still in the race. When the second group started it had a nice blue sky. So it will be very hot today. At the stage of 71km to Porto Recanati at the camping area Bellamare there are seven aid stations planned. But there was an additional one, to prevent the runners from a 13km part. The positive side of the promenade showed up today for sure! There was always a chance to go into a café to have something to drink. Even it was getting very warm, there was most time no direct sunlight. At the afternoon the clouds which came up during the morning got away. Today many of the runners had to build up their tent. There was a carport where we can sleep, but it was open at the sides and the floor was made of cold stone. Some of the runners rent a bungalow. I was lucky, because I was invited by Peter Bartel to stay in his bungalow. A way of saying thanks, because I helped him with his pc-problems. The dinner was at a pizzeria. It was close to the camping area. The “hero” of the day was our Korean runner Ahn Byeung Sik. He had an injury (infection of his feet) and fought himself through the whole stage, even he knew that he will not finish in time. When he arrived at about 9:30pm most of the runners already slept. Ingo gave him a chance to start tomorrow (but he had to stay at the limit), but he would not take it. Besides him there was another runner dropped out. Richard Hofbauer, our oldest runner, had to stop because of back problems. So only 64 of 67 runners are left. The second experience about criminality made Heinz Jäckel. When he went back from the restaurant he left his mobile at the table. He figured out that quickly, but when he went back the mobile was gone. The owner of the restaurant said it already took from a supporter.

Etappe 8 (Porto Recanati - Fano)

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To get to Fano we had to cross the hill in front of Ancona. Because of that the first 20km were more hilly, but more beautiful as well. There were very beautiful views to the ocean and the landscape inside. At Ancona we went back to the well known promenade and the SS16. In short words – flat and boring. On both there was a lot of traffic. Because it was Sunday, the Italians love to take a walk at the beach or drive around. Today it came out, who was able to run the “hills” and how was not. About the weather was nothing to blame. It was cloudy all day, but warm. At the afternoon it was getting colder and had some light rain. Today it should be the last day at a camping area. Some of us were lucky to get a bungalow or a room (for 7€ self costs). There was a lot to eat at the dinner. Also a small band played some music. I think I will say what many runner thought, if I pay the money would be better placed for the accommodation.

Etappe 9 (Fano - Bellaria)

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After about 10km we got into a hilly region. There we had beautiful views to the ocean and the landscape inside. Sadly it held not a long time. After kilometer 30 we got back to the promenade. This brought us trough the suburb of Rimini. Just behind of Rimini we reached Bellaria our finish for today. During the time at the hills we had beautiful weather, but it changed with the landscape. At the sea there was a lot of wind. It blew the sand into our faces. We were lucky it came from the side or from behind. So we had not to fight against it. Still we felt like the sandman. Everywhere we felt the grain of sand and the rubbing. Also at the mouth it gnash between the teeth. Today there was again another drop out. Theo Cloosterman stopped after 40km. At the dinner there was the first time a dessert. First we had some salad, after it two plates of noodles and in the end Tiramisu. And there was enough for everyone.

Etappe 10 (Bellaria - Lugo)

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The 70km stage to Lugo was the second with sunshine. At noon there were coming up some clouds, and we thought it will rain. According to the news broadcast it should be like that in Lugo. Today were the last kilometers beside the sea. After we passed Cesenatico we would not see the ocean for a long time. From Cesenatico we went inside the country, crossing the farmers land in direction of the Alps. Also today one runner drops out. The French runner Jean-Herve Duchesne had mental problems and stopped during the day. Now he and his family planed to drive to the North Cape and have a few days of vacation there. The family came with him to support him during the race. Today was marked by accidents. The first one was far in front of me. As I heard from some other runners, there was also a helicopter coming. Because we were running, we could pass the accident on a small bypass. We were guided through the field next to the road. The cars had to look for another way. The second accident was just 150m behind me. Luckily no runner or supporter was involved. We were used to a lot, because of running at the SS16. But that was nothing compared to the danger of today. We ran on small country roads and the Italians did not drive more carefully. So some mirrors came quite close. The finish was located at the market place of Lugo. From there it was about one kilometer more to go to the accommodation. The finish was not there, because the organization hoped for some spectaculars at the market place. But there was nobody to see.

Etappe 11 (Lugo - Alberone)

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At the course to Alberone we got the first foretaste of Sweden. It was the first stage with more than 80km to run. Also today we ran most time on small country roads with a lot of traffic. Luckily there were some bicycle ways from time to time. On the left side we had a view to the Appenino Tosco Emilliano. These mountains went from Genova to Firenze. Sadly we did not go towards this direction. Therefore we passed some nice villages and had some beautiful views. San Giorgio di Piano and Pieve di Cento are some beautiful historic cities we passed. Also the race was a bit different today. Instead of René and me, Takasumi was with me on the top. Especially I was very lucky about the weather. Until noon the sun was shining quite strong. Then there was coming up some rain clouds and it started to rain lightly. I just finished, when it started to rain very heavily. In the afternoon it got cold and rained from time to time.

Etappe 12 (Alberone - Ostiglia)

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After the first 30km we crossed the Po River. The last 20km of the day we ran on this dam until we reached Ostiglia. The Po had very high water. Maybe, because of melting snow in the mountains. In the morning there was some light rain. Not even at the finish did the sun break through. Because we had a short stage, everybody was running very fast. Today’s accommodation was at a fair hall. So there were separated areas, which helped to bring some distance between the runners. A big hall helps to build up some group feeling. And even the atmosphere was quite ok up to now, it was nice to get some privacy from time to time. Today our group got bigger. There were two visitors from Germany. Günter Güterlein and Stefan Schlett came to accompany us by bike during the weekend.

Etappe 13 (Ostiglia - Pescantina)

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From the Po-plane we go in the direction of Verona until we reached Pescantina. In the morning we already saw some appendage of the mountains. In the morning the snow on the top of the mountains looked like clouds. But during the day, when we came closer, it was more and more obvious that it was snow and the Alps. The course was continuing on small country roads, but the traffic got less. So it was easy to enjoy the panorama. Also the weather was excellent. There were some clouds, so the sun did not burn down all time. The wind paining us at the ocean stopped. Sadly there was another drop out. The Japanese Kazuhiko Horiguchi, which fought since days on the road stopped after 30km. Feeling much better was the Swiss Christian Fatton. He was running with us at the leading group, until he caught some infection in his leg. Then he did very slowly for one day. Just to finish before time limit. During the last days we passed him later and later, which looks like he is recovering.
There was nothing new at the top of the race. After me there was René and Takasumi.

Etappe 14 (Pescantina - Nomi)

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Yesterday we saw the Alps just from far away. Today they already were surrounding us. The first 20km was a bit hilly, but then we went on the bicycle way besides the Etsch to Nomi. There was all day long a light breeze from the front and the sun burned down into the valley. For a lot of people it was one of the hardest days. At the beginning Takasumi, René and I was running together. But after about 35km I let them go and had a quiet day. It was an amazing view to see the mountains rising up on both sides.

Etappe 15 (Nomi - San Michele)

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Also today we were running besides the Etsch. From time to time one of the huge mountains, which were rising on our side, gave us some shadow. But the sun was burning down most of the time. After about 50km we left the bicycle way of the Etsch valley. Now we had to go slowly uphill towards Klughammer. Just behind the lake there was the 1000km mark. Like 2005 at the Deutschlandlauf (race trough Germany) Uli (Ulrich) Schulte had this aid station. He was a very patient person and he always took the last aid station. Besides that he also was our spiritual advisor. It is almost unbelievable that somebody already received the “yellow card” from him, because of his bad behavior. One more time and he would not be allowed to take something from his aid station anymore. Uli had prepared some special gift for reaching the 1000km mark – a glass of sprinkled wine! From the aid station it was steadily uphill until we reached our finish of this stage in San Michael (Eppan). Today Takasumi won the first time a stage. Even if it is just something along the way to the real finish – the North Cape it was still honored with a bottle of wine. One of the local wineries sponsored this bottle for the first of the day. Something new was also at the dinner. Goulash and vegetables are something different compared to usual food - noodles. But it was a bit to less. Today there were two drop outs. The Japanese Kenji Hara did not even start this morning. Siegrid Eichner stopped at the aid station at 53km.

Etappe 16 (San Michele - Schlanders)

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We passed Lana, Cermes and Marlengo until we reached the Etsch again. At the beginning of the day we ran just downhill until we arrived at Marlengo (km 30). Then we had to go all the way up again. As a small warm up there was a little hill at Cermes. Along the Etsch we had to run just uphill at the second half of the day. Even though it was getting more and more difficult; it was much more beautiful and was more fun to run. The mountains around us had much bigger white tops. We also saw the first signs towards our barrier of tomorrow – the Reschenpass. Before that we had our accommodation in Schlanders, which was the last finish in Italy. Today we finished the first quarter of our 64 days. Was this the reason, that our second chief race director Karl-Heinz Neff was present at the finish?! Or was it because of the Austrian television, which came for an interview in the afternoon?

Etappe 17 (Schlanders - Pfunds)

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From Schlanders, which is at 710m altitudes, we had to go uphill at the Reschenpass bicycle way until Lass (866m). At this level we stayed until the third aid station (24km). From there on it was uphill to the Reschenpass. We ran beside the Etsch, which was getting smaller and smaller. We went through St. Valentin until we reached the storage lake at the Reschenpass. The whole tower was visible, because the water level was very low. Like Edersee some buildings had to be left when they build the storage lake. They just floated them when they filled up the lake. Not far behind the pass there was the border to Austria. We finished Italy our first country. Now we ran downhill, passing the castle Naudersberg until we reached Pfunds am Rain. Already when passing the people of the first starting group it was obvious that the field was extended very much today. Even though the uphill did not seem to steep to me, it was a hard job for a lot of runners. Also there were low temperatures. In the morning we started at about 4°C and the temperatures did not really rise. During the day we had always a light breeze from front. When we had passed the pass and was going down into the valley it was getting warmer.

Etappe 18 (Pfunds - Nassereith)

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The second and last finish in Austria was Nassereith. The first ten kilometers we ran downhill to 870m altitudes. Then we had to go uphill to the Pillerhöhe. It was 1578m and the highest point of the race. The uphill was about 10km long and steeper than the day before. Already on the way up we had beautiful views to the valleys. Sadly the weather was not as good. In the morning there was some light rain. So we were worried that there would be snow on the top. But it was not like that. When we arrived on the top it stopped raining. Excluding the last 15km it was only downhill now until we reached 876m altitudes. Today there was again a hard day for Peter Bartel our kick board driver. He also had problems with his legs, as well as he had to push up his kick board on the uphill. Because the last kilometers are on wooden paths he also had a hard job there. In the race it was getting very interesting again. Takasumi was running close behind me until we reached the bottom of the Pillerhöhe. On the top I was a few minutes in front of him. At the downhill he caught up again. So we were together for the last 20km. At least until we arrived at the wooden paths (last 10km). There he slowed down again. With the women Hiroko Okiyama was feeling better again. Yesterday she finished with Ria Buiten, but today she was far away again. When we arrived at the finish we figured out, that there were two little gyms to sleep. And even there was two of them it still was to small. In the evening there was the second surprise. We were welcomed by the mayor and the local tourist director at the dinner. Then every runner got a little mask and a certificate as an acceptance.

Etappe 19 (Nassereith - Seeg)

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Today we left the Alps and Austria. Before that we had to cross our third and last pass – the Fernpass (1217m). As the tourist director told us last night, Hannibal with his elephants already used it. When we ran down from the Fernpass we had a beautiful view to the Zugspitze. Now we had to go towards Reutte. We passed Weiler – Klause and passed the castle Ehrenberg. The “castle“ Ehrenberg was the finish of the 50km race, which I had done two years ago with a colleague of my running club. We went towards Reutte and passed the Sparkasse (bank). It was the start for the 50km race. We went trough the pedestrian area and then towards Füssen. Before we crossed the boarder to Germany we had a beautiful view to the Lechfall (waterfall). For many people the crossing of the Lech was more than just entering another country. I think every German agrees that it was a very emotional moment to be back at home. And for sure it brought up some extra energy. From Füssen we continued to our finish in Seeg. At the last aid station we were informed, that the course of today was a bit longer. Instead of four we had five kilometers to go. The race of today was again very fast. Takasumi tried already at the beginning to get away. After three kilometers the whole 7-o’clock-group was together again. Together we tried to find the course. In the end we figured out, that one of the markings at a barrier was wrong. If the barrier was open it showed straight. If the barrier was closed it showed to the right and the wrong direction. As soon as we passed this barrier Takasumi was speeding away. It was like that until half way. Then I saw him again and was following him. At the fourth aid station I caught him again. We stayed together until we arrived at Füssen. At the light uphill in Füssen he dropped behind. So in the end he was behind me. René did not try to follow us in the morning. During the day he got lost and so he finished as third half an hour later. At the afternoon some kids came to welcome the runners. At 5pm there was a press conference with the major, the second district administrator, Mr. Neff and the runners from Bavaria. After that the first three men and women of the day received a price. The presence of the press showed that we are back in Germany.

Etappe 20 (Seeg - Pfaffenhausen)

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We did not even finished breakfast, when some friends from the IVV (International volkssport association) arrived to visit us. Stephan Spechtenhauser, Manfred Port und Josef and Brigitte Nefzger wanted to accompany us. We continued to run through the foreland of the Alps to Pfaffenhausen. During the first kilometers the major and the second district administrator ran with us. The course was a little taste of what we would get in the following days. We ran always up and down the soft hills. Also at the second finish in Germany we were welcomed heartily. At the evening the local band played some music and the kids waved some flags.

Etappe 21 (Pfaffenhausen - Nattheim)

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From Pfaffenhausen we ran to Nattheim. At Offingen we crossed the Donau (river). Even though there was a heavy thunderstorm during the night there was nothing to see now. The sun was with us during the first of three long stages. It was amazing when Takasumi sprinted away in the morning. When I arrived at the fourth aid station, my parents made it, I saw him again. They came for the weekend to help at the organization. Just before I arrived at the fifth aid station I got lost about 1,5km. When I came there some friends of the IVV already waited. But not just I had visitors. Also other runners had friends and family coming. Even though I got lost Takasumi was only two minutes in front of me. He took the second time the first place. Before we had dinner there was a welcome of the major. Today the dinner was good, but not enough again.

Etappe 22 (Nattheim - Schillingsfürst)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Today we went to Schillingsfürst at Franconia. Before entering Franconia we passed Dinkelsbühl and the extension of the Schwäbischen Alb. Compared to yesterday the uphill was higher and steeper. Also today my parents helped at the fourth aid station. Until this aid station René and I ran together and Takasumi was not far behind us. When I caught upto René after the aid station again, I continued by myself. Because of his support he just passed the aid stations. Until we reached the finish there were no more changes. In the End of the stage we entered the county Ansbach. It was not just in Bavaria, we were in Franconia. It was a good feeling to come closer to hometown. Also today there were coming many running friends. Also the amount of stage runners rose. They just ran one or a few stages. I had a visit not only from some friends of the IVV, also my sister and a friend of her came. Sadly another Japanese runner had to stop. Yasumasa Namikoshi had to take the car to the finish.

Etappe 23 (Schillingsfürst - Prosselsheim)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

From Schillingsfürst we went to my home. Crossing Burgbernheim, Reusch, castle Frankenberg, Nenzenheim, Hüttenheim, Willanzheim, Mainbernheim and Kitzingen to Dettelbach. But the finish of today was nine kilometers away in Prosselsheim. The city of Dettelbach did not show any interest at the beginning. From Kitzingen we followed the bicycle way through Mainstockheim to Dettelbach. Starting at Mainstockheim there were slogans along the way to welcome the runners. Also there were balloons and signs with the start numbers and names of the runners at these four kilometers. The last aid station was done by my parents. It was on the market place of Dettelbach. Between Dettelbach and Prosselsheim I suggested that we are not running on the road. Instead we went on the bicycle way (mainly finished) and some field paths. At Schernau there was another drinking station done by some friends of the wandering club Dettelbach. The last kilometers were on the field paths which were rain sodden. Definitely not a part everybody liked. At Prosselsheim there was waiting family and friends as well as the press and the television. Already before the race I had decided that I will sleep at home, because the accommodation in Prosselsheim was very small. Also today there were two drop outs. Jürgen Zuth had mental problems and Martina Hausmann my club colleague had to stop because of an injury. She got it from a stumbler a few days ago. Like at the German races the people from Prosselsheim had done an excellent job. They had built up an extra tent so the runners had enough place to sleep. Also there was a sausage stand and the country music band played some music. At the dinner there were plenty of salads and enough for everyone. In the end I am happy, that we finished there and not in Dettelbach. I am not sure, if we would have it better there (maybe a bigger accommodation). Even it stopped in time with rain, the sun did not break through. During the day it was cloudy and fresh. From time to time there was a little shower. But it was ok to run.

Etappe 24 (Prosselsheim - Weißenbach)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Also in the morning there were many spectaculars at the start in Prosselsheim. From there we ran in the direction of Hammelburg until the region of Bad Kissingen. Hubert Schwarz was waiting about 20km before Hammelburg. He accompanied me and a few other runners for a while. Today was finish at Weißenbach. Not just the village was small, also the accommodation or better the two accommodations. There were two halls and a shuttle bus. It brought the runners to the dinner and breakfast. Also today the weather was not as good. It was obvious, that the blackberry winter were close. After dinner there was a present from the major for the first male and female of the day.

Etappe 25 (Weißenbach - Queck)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

When we ran to Queck the weather was as bad as the days before. It was fresh, cloudy and a little bit windy. We passed Bad Brückenau and went to Fulda. Luckily the first 30km were a bit hilly. Then it was getting warm. From Fulda we ran on the Fulda bicycle way to our finish. Especially the route around Fulda was very familiar for me. Most of the ways I had ran before, because I visited many years at the IVV walks in Fulda. It was obvious, that already many runners had signs of fatigue. Many had a hard job on the uphill at the beginning of the day. Also Takasumi and René did not try to follow me. So I ran by myself the whole day. There was a big surprise at the fourth aid station. They just built up, when I came there. At the beginning they went to another aid stations post. The organizer of this post came and both were surprised. When they figured out who was wrong already a few runners had passed the fourth aid station. They had to use their own drinking bottle. At the finish there was a shuttle to the showers at the sport area. Today Mr. Neff was present after a long time.

Etappe 26 (Queck - Waldkappel)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Running on the bicycle way at the Fulda valley we ran to Waldkappel. We ran partly on the course of the 6-hour race in Bad Hersfeld. From time to time we left the bicycle way to shortcut a few bows. Like the second half of yesterday, also today the course was quiet flat. During that there was only one nameable uphill of 12% and about 600m length. But it was no problem with the cool temperatures. It was a bit warmer than yesterday, but still not like summer. Already at Friemen, a sub village of Waldkappel we were welcomed with loud Sounds and some written words at the road. At Waldkappel the finish was at the school. There the children of the city waited.

Etappe 27 (Waldkappel - Ebergötzen)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Next finish was at Ebergötzen at Lower Saxony. Today the course was more hilly. It was steadily up- and downhill. We left Hesse and crossed a little part of Thuringia. The signs still mentioned the old boarder region between DDR and Germany. Another highlight was at Bremke. We crossed the course of the Transeurope footrace of 2005. It was from Lisbon to Moskau. At Ebergötzen we were welcomed by the pupils. They cheered us and had big posters. After finish there was time for autographs. We were lucky with the weather. When we started at 6am, there was some light rain then it stopped. Then it was cool and cloudy and stayed dry until the afternoon. Then it started to rain a bit. Today bad news was an accident. One of the Japanese runners at the end was involved. She was not hurt, but two persons in the car were hurt. The driver of the car was responsible, as we heard later.

Etappe 28 (Ebergötzen - SZ-Gebhardshagen)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Today started with two drop outs. Theo Huhnholt and Hans Damm decided not to start anymore. At the way to Salzgitter-Gebhardshagen there were again problems on the road. Because some runners passed a closed train barrier some locals called the police. It was hard to get them down. So in the end it was prevented that the race will be stopped. But now we were under strong observation. Because of that our organizer Ingo was not very amused in the evening.

Etappe 29 (SZ-Gebhardshagen - Stüde)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Already before the race a big welcome in Stüde was announced. Before that there was 70km “work” to do. The last 20km was along the Elbe channel. It was a flat and stupid gravel part. Because it was Jan Nabuurs birthday he was running more quick. Takasumi was very sportive and finished just behind Jan, so Jan was second of the day. Already at the course there were plenty of people. It was obviously a weekend. At Stüde the sport club had built up a takeaway and drinking stand. So everybody could get something for a good price. Helga Backhaus already waited, when I arrived at the finish. An old friend who was one of the top runners at the beginning of my ultra running.

Etappe 30 (Stüde - Bienenbüttel)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

The course to Bienenbüttel was again 70km besides the Elbe channel. Because of the rain during the night there was some slop at the gravel path left. Even though the landscape did not change a lot anymore the course was not getting boring. Highlight of the day was 2000km-mark which we passed. Renés parents arrived yesterday and will stay until Kiel. They drove to the aid stations to cheer him and the other runners. Today it was sunny and warm again.

Etappe 31 (Bienenbüttel - Trittau)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Already at the morning there was NDR television present. They wanted to go with us the rest kilometers at Lower Saxony. Today we passed Scharnebeck, which had a 100km-race years ago. At Lauenburg we crossed the Elbe as well as the boarder to Schleswig-Holstein. There was the only uphill of the day. When we arrived at the city boarder of Trittau some fireman waited for us. They called us by radio transmition to the city centre and the finish area. About 1km before the finish, at the city centre there was a welcome built up. The runners were broadcasted by speakers and their national hymn was played. Then some junior runners (pupils) ran with us, holding the national flag, to the finish. At the finish there were more pupils to welcome the runners. Besides free cake and drinks there were some shows of a music group, a dancing group and a judo group. It was definitely the best welcome we had up until now. Also the dinner and breakfast had a big selection and was enough. Today also a bus from the Netherlands arrived to cheer their fellow countrymen.

Etappe 32 (Trittau - Bad Segeberg)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

The stage to Bad Segeberg was 44km and the shortest of this race. Because of that the wake up, the breakfast and the start was half an hour later. During the race it was obvious that many runners did not use the day for recreation, much more they used it to speed. If it was the best, will come out at the long stages. Also at Bad Segeberg many friends visited us. Some of them were from the 100-marathon-club. The weather was nice and we had a wonderful, sunny and warm day. Today every runner got a bag to use at the ferry. The rest of the luggage would be at the lorry. It will be brought directly to the first finish in Sweden. Also today there was a drop out. After she finished, Ria Buiten had to go to the hospital because of the suspicion of stomach bleeding.

Etappe 33 (Bad Segeberg - Kiel)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

The last 55km in Germany brought us to Kiel. Just next to the pier of the ferry to Göteborg was the last finish of Germany. Before that we went at beautiful and sunny weather through the flat area of Schleswig Holstein. Patient cross runners got a few parts of field paths. This time not decided by me! As the first runner Robert Wimmer became a warning today, because of passing a red light. The tightened attention to the street rules was necessary because of the incident with the closed train barrier. At 1pm there was a welcome from the major at the major house of Kiel. There was coffee and cake. At 3pm it was possible to get on the ferry. Four people shared one room. The next welcome was at 5pm at deck 10. The captain welcomed. There was a fruit imbiss and a fruit cocktail. He complimented us because we had done half way and where over the hump. At 7:30pm, half an hour after we left Kiel, there was dinner. No question about, it was the best we had.

Etappe 34 (Kiel - Sjövik)

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Also the breakfast was as luxurious as the dinner. So we started well starched at Sweden. Already when we left the ferry there was plenty of cheering and television to welcome us. Half an hour after arrival we started again at the exit of the harbor. There was no splitting into two starting groups. The first 10km were to get out of Göteborg. Especially during the first 5km there were plenty of signal light to pass and we had to wait time to time. Well, what means have to wait? I had finished half way and stayed at a little waiting area at the middle of the road. There was somebody, which had already got a warning because of crossing a red light, which just passed the red light. Just a short “well it is just half way” to another runner and they crossed the road. After that he turned around and showed gloat - protruded his tongue to the next runner. Then they crossed also the road. So he was able to blasphemed on his blog, that people still crossed on red lights. All of our stage was running on bicycle ways. It was slightly wavy until we arrived at Sjövik. It was at the Mjörn Lake. We ran at his coast for the last 10km. At the side of our route there were big stones. Just behind the last aid station there was a tunnel through the stone. Today was the last of three short stages. IT was obvious, that the speed was much faster as usual. Especially Robert Wimmer and Jan Nabuurs pressed a lot. It looked like the race will “start” and with it the fight for the ranking. Even there were already some hours between the ranks it was nothing fixed yet. Especially at the first ten places everything was open. Robert got again second of the day. Yesterday there was half of time of the stages, today half time of the kilometers. Sadly we were not as lucky with the weather. From time to time there were cold showers and there was a light wind from the front. Sometimes the sun break trough, because of that we got dry till the next shower came. Luckily it was a short stage. The dinner was not from external today. Our women of the supporter team made a wonderful cold buffet. It was enough for everyone and very tasteful.

Etappe 35 (Sjövik - Kvönum)

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Today we got back to the road until we reached Kvänum. After three short stages it was getting serious. 82km was not the longest stage, but it was a little pre taste for the 90km stages. Especially the first 20km were always up and down. After that the course as well as the landscape became more flat. The rocks disappeared and there were wonderful views of the fields and willows of Sweden. The views reminded me of America, especially in Pennsylvania. Today the weather was better. In the morning it was cool at about 9°C, but later the sun broke through and it became warm. Also the wind stopped.

Etappe 36 (Kvönum - Hasslerör)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

This morning was very chilly. The sun broke through very late. But with the sun it became warmer. At lunch time some wind came up. The course to Hasslerör would be the most beautiful of Sweden as Joachim Barthelmann our course marker told us. It was on little roads and gravel paths, which will become roads one day. The course ran through the fields and woods of Sweden and there were idyllic views. Maybe because of that, many people ran quicker than the days before even though the stage was very long.

Etappe 37 (Hasslerr - Kristinehamn)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

As our course marker Joachim said, it should get more boring from today on. He had a special day today. It was his 60th birthday. Some of the runners and supporters had organized a little concert in the evening. Also there was a runner, who had made a poem. But, back to the road. From now on there was for the runners only two important information. Are we still on the L26 and did we arrive at the finish. The L26 would be with us for the next days, like the SS16 in Italy. Next to the road there was the biggest lake of Sweden – the Vänern. Sadly there was not much to see, because pines and birches woods hid it. We passed S.Råda and went up until we arrived at our finish in Kristinehamn. It is about as high as Stockholm. If there would not be a steadily up and down, it will be possible to see all of the course because there are not many turns. Even than it was not getting boring and there were always beautiful views. In the morning it was already cloudy and it did not change until the afternoon. Because of that it was warmer in the morning. As soon the sun broke through the temperatures rose. Today we had a big hall, but there were not enough sanitary facilities. Three toilets are much to less for almost 100 people. Like the first day in Sweden there was again a fire alarm at the accommodation. Without the nasty noise nothing happened.

Etappe 38 (Kristinehamn - Lesjöfors)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

We continued on the L26, passing Filipstad, Parsberg and Långban untill we reached the Lesjöfors. Besides the street it changed between woods, fields and lakes. So it never got boring during the 85km stage. About 15km before the finish there was a street sign with Lesjöfors, Vansbro and Mora. All three cities are stage finishes. It brought back to our mind what we have to do. Today again somebody dropped out. The Japanese Shigeru Mitsuhashi, we just called him „the cougher“ had to stop at the second aid station. The name was coming from the chronic coughing which we had to listen to all day and night since Bari. Our finish was as high as Oslo and we had finished the first third of Sweden.

Etappe 39 (Lesjöfors - Vansbro)

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In the morning there was the next drop out. Cor Westhuis from the Netherlands decided not to start anymore. The problems with his knees were getting too much. He had been fighting for the last two days. So today we started with only 50 runners direction North Cape. Up until now, it was a low drop out rate for a race like this. We went back to the L26 until we reached Vansbro. As well as the landscape the weather changed. Our luck was the wind, because it kept most of the rain away. Even than there were rain showers from time to time. At Vansbro there waited pupils to welcome us. Also we could use the swimming bath and the sauna next to the gym. It was obvious, that this region was used to big sport events. Vansbro was popular for a 3km river swim event – Vansbrosimningen.

Etappe 40 (Vansbro - Mora)

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Mora which is popular because of the Wasarace (ski race) was the next finish. At the beginning Joachim Barthelmann planed to place the finish under the memorial, which is also finish of the ski race. But it was not possible, so we stopped at the gym of the adult education center where we slept. One class stopped their lesson to welcome the first runner - me. Today everybody was very happy to arrive at the finish. Reason was the bad weather. It rained very often. Luckily there was no wind. Otherwise it would be much colder. At the gym there was again a sauna. It was good to warm up and the muscles thanked it as well.

Etappe 41 (Mora - Västbacka)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

The course to the finish of today Västbacka was quasi just uphill. The uphill was covered from the typical up- and downhill. Especially between kilometer 35 and 45 there was a long uphill. The award of the hard work was always beautiful views to the hilly landscape covered by fir woods. In the woods there was from time to time little and large lakes. In compare to that there were also big stubble areas to see. Today the accommodation was at a little roadhouse with some bungalows next to the road. Around that there was only nature. In the bungalows there were too many runners, like many times before. In the little bungalows there was not even a toilette or a shower included. Well, we had only one night to stay. After the dinner there was again a musical coming together of some runners and supporters. Tom Wolter-Roessler and Uli Schulte sang some songs and played guitar. In front of the bungalows we sat together for a long time. Also the weather was good already all day long. An enjoyment, which we did not have every evening.

Etappe 42 (Västbacka - Sveg)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

From Västbacka we continued on the E45 to Sveg. There were no big changes at the landscape until 5km before Sveg. We saw for the first time snowed covered mountains since weeks ago. Also it was nice to see the waterfall at the third aid station. It was marked already in the road book as “very beautiful”. At Sveg we stayed again in a gym. It was just next to the swimming bath. Sadly we did not have the luxury to use it for free. In the gym there was no sauna as well. But it was not really necessary today, because of the warm temperatures. It was like being in Italy. Already in the morning it was warm. There were only shadows from the trees next to the road. Because it was a short stage the race was fast today. Takasumi was running fast at the beginning. Maybe it was his way to get away from Robert. He had tried harder and harder to stay with René and Takasumi since Göteborg. Just to pass at the end of the stage. I ran a bit faster than Takasumi and sped away alone.

Etappe 43 (Sveg - Rätan)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Today was one of the warmest days. Already at 6am it had 11°C. At aid station six they told me it was 30°C and just before 12am. In the afternoon there came up some clouds which covered the sun. As soon as the sun was away it felt 5-6°C colder. The course from Sveg to Rätan was downhill. Still there were always some waves. Without that there were no changes in the landscape. Most of the runners still waited to see an elk, a reindeer or a bear. One was lucky today and “found” two elks. Just after the next to last aid station was a boy from Rätan waiting for the first runner, so me. He had heard about the race and wanted to take a chance to run as training with me for the last 15km of the day. It was a very gorgeous job for a fourteen year old boy. Especially, because we did not slow down before the last aid station. Before that we were running about 12km/h. When we had arrived at the finish I was talking to Ingo about that. He remembered me to a story from the first German race 1998. There I was the “little boy” standing one morning at the accommodation in Prosselsheim to run the stage to Assamstadt. That was the first time I took part at an official event.

Etappe 44 (Rätan - Hackas)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

At the “sprinter stage” of today we passed the 3000km mark. At that point there was a wooden triumphal arch build up by the locals. At the previous village there were pupils standing on the road to cheer us. The 3000km mark was also the half way of today. We continued till Hackår. There was the next welcome. As plenty times before in Sweden the finish located at a school. So for the pupils it was easy to welcome the runners. From Hackår we had a wonderful view to the snow covered mountains of Norway. We had already seen them two days ago for a short time.

Etappe 45 (Hackas - Lit)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Today we ran the first 20km on little side roads. After that we went on the bicycle way to Östersund. After we passed it we went back to the well known E45. By the way, Östersund is the middle of Sweden, so in fact now we were running into the North of Sweden. In Sweden the weather was like the landscape. It was a steady up and down. Compared to the 30°C two days ago, we had 15°C today. From time to time there were little showers. Also in the afternoon there were showers. Compared to that the welcome at Lit was very heartily and warm. The pupils of the local school clapped their hands when we finished. They were happy to get some autographs. There was also a „lounge“ built at the gym. It had four chairs, two tables and some fresh fruits. While we had dinner a school band played some songs.

Etappe 45 (Lit - Strömsund)

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( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

The weather did not get better. Actually it was getting worse. This morning it was just 4°C and 10°C was broadcasted as the daily maximum. With it there was wind and from time to time some rain/sleet. I caught two times a sheet shower. Between the woods there were more often lakes and little rivulets coming up. The views would be much more beautiful, if the weather was better. At Strömsund there was again a hearty welcome by pupils. It was obvious that people were much more interested and honored sport in Sweden. Also on the roads the driver were more considerate and did big turns around the runners. Often they signaled hello by playing the horn. Today we were lucky to have a swimming pool again.

Etappe 47 (Strömsund - Dorotea)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

The broadcast was as yesterday most of the day rain. With the start of the six o’clock group it stopped for the beginning. I do not know, maybe just I was lucky. But today I did not catch any rain. On the other hand there was wind from the front for the whole day. Maybe it prevented from raining. After about 50km at Hoting there was today’s first welcome. Pupils grouped at the side of the street to cheer us. Some kilometers later there were the first reindeers crossing the road. It seemed just in time for our arrival to Lapland. The most popular region of Sweden we entered at the last aid station. In the road book the monument was marked quite huge, but it was not as spectacular as we supposed. Much more beautiful was the arrival at today’s finish Dorotea. Handclapping pupils waited for us. After some autographs every runner got a little snack.

Etappe 48 (Dorotea - Vilhelmina)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Even though day started with sun there were clouds coming up soon. With it the wind got stronger as well. As usual it was coming from the front. Luckily the stage to Vilhelmina was short. Local pupils waited there again. It looked like the race changed for the women. Hiroko Okiyama which led with a huge advance had caught problems two days ago. It was also mentally a hard time for her, because in the last Transeurope she had to stop at that time. Elke Streicher, which took place three now, was getting stronger and stronger. By this time differences between the women were much more than for the men. Takasumi and René had slowed down a bit. Sadly for Robert, even though he was fit it seemed that he was not able to make the required speed. So he took more and more second places but he did not catch up enough time for the end.

Etappe 49 (Vilhelmina - Storuman)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

No rain was broadcasted for today. Also the wind should change from north to south-east. Usually the weather then gets warmer in Sweden. Without an approximately 6km building area there was nothing new at the course to Storuman. There the road changed to a gravel path. On this part of the course the “usual” sleet shower caught me. Also there came up more and more muddy steppe with grass. And by the way, there was one more thing – kilometer 3333. The third of four sections of this race. Today’s stage was about two kilometers longer, because the accommodation changed. Instead of mattress and sleeping bag there was a bed in a motel. Also there was internet for free. Especially the UMTS-server-people were lucky about that. Depending on the provider they had more or less connection problems at Sweden. The bad news of today was the stop of Jenni De Groot from the Netherlands. She had run already at the end of the field for a few days. We just hoped that she was the last drop out. Especially the long stages of the next days will be a hard job for many. Compared to Jenni the Norwegian Trond Sjavik and Eiolf Eivindsen felt better during the last days. Maybe because it was the close stage to Eiolfs hometown.
Because of that there were many friends and family present. Another surprise made the first six runners of the six o’clock group. Nobody really was able to leave the group, so they finished together.

Etappe 50 (Storuman - Sorsele)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

It was the 50th day and even though we had finished it, there were two more weeks to do. Today we are going to Sorsele. The weather and the landscape were similar to the previous days. In the morning there was blue sky but 2°C. At lunch time clouds came up and we had sleet showers with some rain from time to time. Just the wind had stopped. Still there were beautiful views to the landscape of lakes and woods and the moody grassland. But I can understand if some already are bored from that. The search for elks was without any result. The quietness of Sweden was very strange. Sometimes a bird noise, the sound of the wind or the splash of the water and that was all to hear from nature. There was no chirr of cricket, no buzz of bee just quietness or noises of passing cars. After a rain shower there were no earthworms on the road. Today also was another noise. An old lady was angry about the location of one aid station and screamed loudly. It was the first negative experience with locals. Up until now it stood out, especially the friendliness and enthusiasm of the passing car drivers. Also passing people and locals cheered us very often. A little bit out of time was Dietrich Schiemann at the fourth aid station today. It seemed that the cold weather and the reindeer woke some Christmas feelings. So he had hung up some Christmas decoration and put on a Christmas spirit. All that true of the saying – is it again Christmas?

Etappe 51 (Sorsele - Arvidsjaur)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

On the way to Arvidsjaur the sun was shining. From time to time some clouds covered it. Also the wind was not as bad. Still it felt a few degrees colder as soon the sun was covered. Many people called today the “day of reindeer”. There was no day up until now I heard so many times that people saw reindeer. Today we passed kilometer 3500. The last 1000km were ahead. The Taiwanese Margaret Lee left us today. She was a supporter as well as the wife of Rui Chen. She had to leave to go to the US, so she was present at the graduation ceremony of her daughter.

Etappe 52 (Arvidsjaur - Kabdalis)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

On time to the longest stage the weather was getting better. In the afternoon some dark clouds came up and the temperatures felt immediately. So I ran the second half of the day with t-shirt since a long time. Today I was lucky to saw a cow elk. But before I took out the photo she was already gone. Our aid man got smiling off his car and cheered loud. He told me that he had seen his first elk, his first mountain cock and his first reindeer. At the little village Kåbdalis we were split into different school rooms with beds. A few of us were lucky to have a bed. The rest was good sleeping on the mattress. We were shuttled to dinner in cars of the supporters. It was almost a miracle, that there was some restaurant. There were many soldiers from different nations at the very rustic restaurant. As we heard there was a training area for low level flights very close.

Etappe 53 (Kabdalis - Jokkmokk)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Also at the stage to Jokkmokk we had sunshine and perfect temperatures. After the long stage of yesterday the about 60km was a recovery. At the last aid station we crossed the polar circle. Here the sun did not set exactly at the day of sun turn solstice.

Etappe 54 (Jokkmokk - Gällivare)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

At the course to Gällivare, which was our second longest stage, we passed plenty of hydroelectric power stations. The three in row built power stations meant a lot of altitudes for us. The uphill stredge over 20km. It was no fun, especially because of the rain and cool temperatures. Even the beautiful landscape did not help. Also there was the “enjoyment“ for the finish. As we were told at a meeting yesterday evening, the finish and the accommodation are about 6km away. The dinner was immediately at the finish and after that we were taken to the accommodation by the shuttle. When we arrived we heard that the location of the finish was changed. Now we were brought to the accommodation by shuttle bus. Between 5pm and 9pm there was dinner. So it was much easier for the runners, even the buffet was already closed at 7pm. The rest got a lunch packet. Gallivare was a mining city and the city was relocated after a big accident. During the accident a part of the city collapsed.

Etappe 55 (Gällivare - Svappavaara)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Today was similar to yesterday. The first 20km there was from time to time the showers and a light wind from the front tried to stop us. Also the course was light uphill. The second half to Svappavaara was dry and “only” wavy. Svappavaara was a little village living from the minery. Even than it had a nice and big gym. The bad news of today was two drop outs. The Turkey Mike Friedel, which had problems for a long time and the French Fabrice Viaud had to stop. Fabrice had to go to the hospital because of an infection. He was operated immediately. A reason for drop out the race nobody thought about.

Etappe 56 (Svappavaara - Övre Soppero)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

After two days of rain at least it was dry today. On the other hand there was frontal wind, but it is impossible to have everything. The course was more flat today. We stayed already at the plateau. The landscape did not bring up anything new compared to the race, which is getting more interesting. Behind me Trond sped away. After running fast for the last few days he passed the Swiss Martin Wagen today. Without that it was getting more and more shuffled in the 7 o’clock group. Most of the placing was fixed and nobody wanted to risk a lot. It looks like the fight for place two and three will be during the last two to three days. Up until now René and Takasumi are more into running tactical with Robert, so he would be in the fourth place. More action was in the 6 o’clock group. Here was a fight between Werner Selch, Achim Heukemes, Markus Bernhard and Christian Fatton every day. Just that Markus paid attention, so he did not have to start in the fast group. Hiroko was fighting with her injuries with the women. Still she tried to make speed instead of taking time to recover. Even she had a huge time buffer to the second. Even Elke Streicher had run at the top during the last days it looks like she had to accept the third place. Very lucky was Achim today. He felt and took only some scratches on his hand and face from the fall.

Etappe 57 (Övre Soppero - Karesuando)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Today we continued running on the plateau. The trees did not grow so big anymore and it was obvious, that we getting into colder regions. Today it was cold again. Luckily it started to rain not before lunch. Still most of the people caught some rain. Karesuando our finish for today was one kilometer before the Finnish boarder. Jörg König did not finish the way there. He had blood circulation problems and had to be brought to the hospital. That meant the out for the German.

Etappe 58 (Karesuando - Enontekiö)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

As we started at Sweden it ended also - with a lot of rain! Especially the 6 o’clock group did catch a storm with rain like a deluge. Some seconds before the second group started it stopped to rain. There was only light drizzle. Just after the start we passed the bridge to Finland. With it the name of the road changed to E8. After the second aid station it was getting quiet and we ran a long time on a bicycle way. At the third aid station we passed the next border. This time it was no country border. It was the 4000km mark. During the day the conifer left more and more. The wood changed more into an ocean of birches. Compared to the birch we know here they are more bushes which are not growing as high. At the last 20km the sun broke through. As soon as she shined it was a few degrees warmer. Hiroko Okiyama arrived at our first finish in Finland Enontekiö only by car. After she was tormented with injuries for the last days she had to stop at the first aid station as the leading woman. It was a repeating event for her. In the last Transeurope Footrace she had to stop at the 3000km mark because of similar problems. Nobody took care that there was a time shift because we changed the country. Finland was placed at the east European time zone UTC+2. Because of that the shift. Tomorrow we would get back into time after we passed the border to Norway.

Etappe 59 (Enontekiö - Kautokeino)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

At 6°C, light rain and wind from the front we started towards Kautokeino. After 40km we arrived at the Norwegian boarder. It was the last country of our “travel”. Some kilometers later the weather got better. The light rain stopped as well as the wind. Compared to the previous days it was getting hillier. Far away there was again snow to see at the mountains. How much we will get from it we will see. But the weather of the last days did not bring good hope.

Etappe 60 (Kautokeino - Maze)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

The course to Máze was still on the road 93 beside the Altaelv River. It was running through the mountains. High walls of rock covered by birch piled up at the sides. At the fourth aid station there was a beautiful waterfall, if people walked a few extra meters. A wonderful view many runners missed. Here also the sun went away. At the morning it was 3°C and sun, but now there were more and more clouds coming up. Even though it was getting warmer it felt different in the shadow. Today we slept in a very small gym with some extra class rooms. Even than it was less room and not much privacy.

Etappe 61 (Maze - Alta / Rafsbotn)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

The first 10km were uphill until we reached 300 altitudes. After that we ran downhill. Rafsbotn was at 10m altitude and next to the Baltic Sea. Between that there was a wonderful show of nature. Before we ran down there were birch and wide grass areas around us. The downhill was along rock walls, passing waterfalls and through the canyon. The woods changed from birch to fir. Just before Alta there was the first gull to see. And the best was the shining sun. So the cool 14°C was no problem. It was the most beautiful day of landscape up until now. Since I had time to enjoy the beauties of the course René and Takasumi fought for the second and third place. René was faster today and minimized the time difference to 4:10 minutes. 4265km and the time compared with a marathon, it is 2.5 seconds difference per marathon. It is obvious, that such a long race also can be very interesting. Even Robert, which is still at 4th place, has theoretically a chance. Because of that he did not stop to try everything. Now with the “fad of the big friend”. He said, that he helps Takasumi to get second place. In my opinion just a cheap way to animate both to run faster. So he will have a chance, if both have an injury. He knows that Takasumi as well as René had their problems and René would try to speed up as well.

Etappe 62 (Pfunds - Alta / Rafsbotn)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

From Rafsbotn we continued to Olderfjord. To do that we had to run uphill for the first 20km. When we arrived there the landscape had changed again. The woods were gone and now there are some little bushes, which did not hold the wind away. Around them there was from time to time little snow fields. The wind coming from the front whip at about 5°C into the face. Luckily there was no rain, because it was already cold enough. After a steadily up- and downhill the last 10km were downhill to the finish. Today was the most difficult day, at least of altitudes. We saw since a long time again the sea at Olderfjord. In the afternoon when I walked to the souvenir shop there was a little surprise. I saw some marking from an IVV-walk where I normally do my training. At the beginning I thought it was for this weekend or from the previous weekend. When I came back from the shop I had a closer look to the signs. I saw, that the marking led to a house next to our accommodation. I asked somebody coming from this direction what the bands are for. It came about, that there was a 5km and 10km evening walk. I did not lose any time to get my stuff and buy a start card to go on the 10km course. I decided to walk the 10km and relaxed with some locals. Just in time for dinner I came back. My “outrage” already took the round. But how to resist? It was the first time I did a volkswalk in Norway and so it was the first Norwegian IVV-stamp. On the other hand there was no mathematical chance anyway to catch me. Even I would finish just before time limit. There was no change in the fight for the next places. Both came in together.

Etappe 63 (Olderfjord - Honningsväg)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

Beside the sea we ran today to Honningsvåg. But the finish was already in the toll area of the tunnel of North Cape. From there we ran on the last day to the North Cape, our final finish. The alternative would be to continue the 17km to Honningsvåg. That means that the next to last stage would be 100km and the last only 30km. The weather of today was much worse than the day before. With the cool temperatures and the wind came some light rain. We ran always light up- and downhill beside the Nordic Ocean. Just ran around the next corner to go into the next bay there was again wind from the front. So everybody was happy to run in the tunnels. They were a protection from the weather. The landscape would be more beautiful, if the weather would be better. For René and Takasumi it was especially hard. Both fought for the second place. In the end Takasumi was able to expand the time difference. As I heard he and Robert followed Rene at the slipstream until they reached kilometer 55. Then Robert passed René and Takasumi followed him. If it would be possible without Robert nobody knows. The fact was that it was a fair and nice race between both. Especially because Takasumi had also the luxury of a personal supporter. Shiro, the supporter of the Japanese team helped him. He gave him the drinks at the aid station and held him up to date about the time difference. René had such a service since the beginning. And to tell people, who want to know what I think about and why I did not have a supporter. I think it is not only an advantage to have a supporter. Also it brings some dangers with it. At the first moment you save time. On the other hand it brings up quite fast some stress. People start to look on every second. I am used to take care of myself and I enjoy the freedom coming out of it. Also I would not know anybody who would have the time to be with me for so long.

Etappe 64 (Honningsväg - Nordkap)

( Travelling Before 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 )
( 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 )

On the last day we drove by bus back to the toll area. From there all of the runners started the last 46km to the North Cape. Also today the world of mountains gave us some wonderful views and some uphill as well. Sadly the weather did not get better. Actually it was getting worse. The wind had from time to time strength and it had cool 3-4°C. From time to time there was some light rain and at the top of the hills it changed to some snow. So we had every kind of weather during this race. There was snow, hail, sand storm (at Italy) and sunshine. The only thing we did not get was hurricanes and tornados. But nobody was sad about it, because with the wind from the front it would be almost impossible to continue. Some time the sun broke through and brought up hope to finish with sunshine at the North Cape. But that was reality not actuality! All over there were clouds and it had light rain again. But it could not change our happiness about finishing. 45 runners and one kick board driver arrived at the North Cape. We changed cloth and enjoyed the time until we had to take the bus back to Honningsvåg.
In the evening there was the award ceremony with dinner at the Rica Hotel at Honningsvåg. Before the runners we celebrated for the supporters. Without them it would not be possible to have a race like that. Looking back it was a very well organized event, even though there were some little things to blame. There were some problems at the beginning because of food, but that changed soon. Also some of the accommodations were too small. The reason for that was the planning for 80 persons (50 runner and 30 supporter) at the beginning. Now there were much more people. That was because Ingo thought that many more people would drop out. Also it was not made clear in the rules what to do with the dropped out runners. So many of them stayed and ran from time to time a stage. Some of the runners were much annoyed and upset about the stage runners. But to be honest, that is not fair. In such a cases the race director had to make clear rules. If that does not happen, the people have to blame Ingo, not the stage runners. The last point of critic is about the bad politic of information. Some information we heard just by accident or by talking to other people. A very big praise had to be made to our scout and course marker Joachim Barthelmann. He had to do all the work by himself because there was nobody found to help him. So there was the danger that the whole race will stop, if he dropped out. Luckily there were no problems and people who got lost were responsible by themselves most of the time.
After the ceremony for the supporters we came to the highlight of the evening – the award ceremony for the finishers. After that there was dinner and we had a little party. But not very long, because many people had to go to Alta airport at the next morning. Because the original flight was changed the bus had to leave at 3:15km. It was 200km to Alta.

Men:   Women:
Place Name Surname Time Place Name Surname Time
1 Rainer Koch 378:12:44 1 Furuyama Takako 529:06:05
2 Takasumi Senoo 406:59:43 2 Elke Streicher 536:01:19
3 René Stroßny 407:05:30 3 Kazuko Kaihata 615:08:17

Fotos

Homepage of the organisator
Homepage of Jan Straub (medical supporter)
Report newspaper Würzburger Zeitung 03/27/2009
Report newspaper Austin News at Kxan.com (ENG) 04/07/2009
Report newspaper Der Boote für Nürnberger Land 04/10/2009
Report magazine Young Germany 04/14/2009
Report magazine Feel-Fit 04/15/2009
Report newspaper Nürnberger Nachrichten 04/16/2009
Report newspaper Nürnberger Zeitung 04/18/2009
Report newspaper OVB-Online 04/18/2009
Report magazine Spiegel Online 04/18/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 04/24/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 04/25/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 04/27/2009
Report newspaper Mainpost 04/29/2009
Report newspaper Welt Online 05/02/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 05/05/2009
Report newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine 05/08/2009
Report newspaper Mainpost 05/08/2009
Report newspaper Allgäuer Zeitung 05/09/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 05/09/2009
Report newspaper BR Bayern 1 05/12/2009
Report newspaper Fuldaer Zeitung 05/13/2009
Report newspaper Kitzinger Zeitung 05/13/2009
Report newspaper Mainpost 05/13/2009
Report newspaper Fuldaer Zeitung 05/14/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 05/15/2009
Report newspaper BR-online 05/17/2009
Report newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung 05/18/2009
Report newspaper Kieler Nachrichten 05/20/2009
Report newspaper Lübecker Nachrichten 05/20/2009
Report magazine Netzathlethen.de 05/20/2009
Report newspaper RP Online 05/20/2009
Report newspaper Kieler Zeitung 05/21/2009
Report magazine Spiegel Online 05/22/2009
Report newspaper Kitzinger Zeitung 05/23/2009 and 05/24/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 05/25/2009
Report newspaper Finanz Nachrichten 05/26/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 05/30/2009
Report newspaper Mainpost 06/03/2009
Report newspaper Kitzinger Zeitung 06/04/2009
Report newspaper Der Westen 06/05/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 06/10/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 06/13/2009
Report newspaper Kitzinger Zeitung 06/15/.2009
Report newspaper Berliner Zeitung 06/19/2009
Report newspaper Kitzinger Zeitung 06/21/2009
Report newspaper Augustin360.com (ENG) 06/22/2009
Report newspaper Kitzinger Zeitung 06/22/2009
Report newspaper Lausitzer Rundschau 06/22/2009
Report newspaper Nürnberger Zeitung 06/23/.2009
Report newspaper Kitzinger Zeitung 06/23/2009
Report newspaper Mainpost 06/23/2009
Report newspaper NZ-online 06/23/2009
Report newspaper Suttgarter Zeitung 06/23/2009
Report newspaper Allgäuer Zeitung 06/25/2009
Report newspaper Der Nord Berliner 06/25/2009
Report newspaper OPINIO RP-Online 06/26/2009
Report newspaper de Gelderlander (NL) 06/27/2009
Report newspaper Austin360.com (ENG) 06/29/2009
Report magazine DUV July 2009
Report magazine Ohm-News July 2009
Report newspaper Suttgarter Zeitung 07/02/2009
Report newspaper Westdeutsche Zeitung 07/02/2009
Report newspaper Kitzinger Zeitung 07/04/2009
Report newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine 07/05/2009
Report newspaper Mainpost 07/08/2009
Report newspaper EK 07/10/2009
Report magazine Le Telegramme.com (F) 07/10/2009
Report newspaper Saarbrücker Zeitung 07/17/.2009
Report Tom Wolter 07/19/2009
Report newspaper Kitzinger Zeitung 07/20/2009
Report newspaper Allgäuer Zeitung 08/01/2009
Report newspaper Stuttgarter Wochenblatt 08/06/2009
Report newspaper Schwabacher Amtsblatt 08/21 - 08/24/2009
Report Christian Marti 09/11/2009
Report Bad Segeberg 09/23/2009
Report Leseratten 09/23/2009
Report Science Blog (ENG) 11/29/2009
Report magazine DUV edition 03/09
Report June Ryn"
Report magazine Gewohl March 2009
Report Heike Pawzik July 2009
Report magazine Laufzeit July 2009
Report magazine Spiridon August 2009
Report magazine VO2 (F) August 2009
Report magazine Timeless September 2009
Report Rutherford Zone (ENG) 2009
Report magazine Ohm-Journal October 2009
Report Heike Pawzik November 2009
Report magazine Running Special February 2010
Report magazine Forschung DFG February 2010
Report DUV 10/03 2010
Report RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) (ENG) 11/27/2010
Report Diagnistic Imaging (ENG) 11/29/2010
Report Lessons From Ultra Endurance Runners - Time Healthland (ENG) 11/30/2010
Report Sports Medicine Channel (ENG) 11/30/2010
Report FHC (Fit Health Central) (ENG) 12/03/2010
Report TEFR Homepage
Interview Jan Radio Spuntnik
TV interview Austin News KXAN.COM 04/07/2009
Radio interview BR3 05/12/2009
Radio interview B5-Aktuell 05/17/2009
TV interview NDR 05/192009
Television Report WDR (pdf) 04/03/2011
Television Report WDR 04/03/2011
Newspaper report about the filmfestival presentation of the movie 'I want to run' 05/03/2011
04/13/2012 cinema forecast "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt"
Trailer "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt"
Film critics "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt"
Press folder "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt"
03/21/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the newspaper Neckarchronik
05/10/2012 Cinema preview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the Casablanca cinema in Nuremberg
05/20/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at Deutschland Kultur radio (mp3)
05/20/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" im Deutschland Kultur Radio (pdf)
05/23/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the Nürnberger news
05/23/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the Süddeutschen newspaper (pdf)
05/23/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the Süddeutschen newspaper (mp4)
05/24/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the MDR (mp3)
05/24/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the MDR (pdf)
05/24/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the NDR
05/24/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at Spiegel Online
05/24/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at SWR
05/24/2012 Report "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the newspaper Der Teckbote
05/24/2012 Report "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at the newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine
05/24/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at ZDF - Volle Kanne (flv)
05/26/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at RBB online (mp3)
05/26/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at RBB online (pdf)
05/26/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at ARD (pdf)
05/26/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at ARD (mp3)
05/30/2012 Interview "I want to run - Das härteste Renen der Welt" at Stuttgarter news
Official webside of the movie "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt"
Video presentation Russell Secker"
06/20/2012 spezial show "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt"
05/21/2012 report at radio Radio912 "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt (pdf)"
07/26/2012 report at BR5 "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt"
07/27/2012 report DMSG (PDF)"
07/29/2012 prodcast at radio Bayern 5 "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt (mp3)"
07/29/2012 prodcast at radio Bayern 5 "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt (PDF)"
08/2012 Report at running magazine Spiridon "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt"
11/13/2012 Report at BR3 "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt (PDF)"
11/13/2012 Report at BR3 "I Want to Run - Das härteste Rennen der Welt (mp4)"
Trailer "I Want to Run" (mp4)"
Paper "The Transeurope Footrace Project: longitudinal data acquisition in a cluster randomized mobile MRI observational cohort study on 44 endurance runners at a 64-stage 4,486km transcontinental ultramarathon" of university Ulm"
Paper "The Transeurope Footrace Project: longitudinal data acquisition in a cluster randomized mobile MRI observational cohort study on 44 endurance runners at a 64-stage 4,486km transcontinental ultramarathon" of university Ulm(pdf)"
Wikipedia: Transeurope
02.04.2013 Bericht Südwest Presse
29.06.2009 Bericht Laufreport
17.04.2009 Bericht Zeit-Online