The start is always marked with the playing of one of two rock songs titled 'Keep on Running' or 'Highway to Hell'. It gets the runners woken up, with everyone clapping to the beat.
it's then off behind the race director's motor bike, with the gazelle's vanishing off at the front at breakneck speed, while we set off at a more snail-like pace.
Today's stage was a full marathon distance (42.2km) taking in two high mountain ascents and descents, giving a total ascent/descent of 2,000m.
The first check point was after 12km and a gentle 350m climb along a wooded valley, with a cut off time of 2 Hr at the checkpoint.
We adopted the tried and tested walk/jog philosophy again. The slightest incline taken at a strong power walk pace. This strategy allows us to rest different muscle groups and save energy for later. We would need it!
The scenery was spectacular, with the pale rocks of the Dolomites rising out of the valley floor.
We made the drink station in 1Hr 30 mins, well inside the cut-off, but still feeling fresh (well sort of after 250km of trails in the last 5 days!).
After the first refuelling, we started the first big climb of 900m over the next 8km.
600m of that climb was to come in the first 2km, averaging just shy of a 1:3! However, as we ascended, we had a great view back at the valley we had run up, with the sun slowly climbing to warm us up.
This climb was barbaric, but we both felt strong and did not lose distance to the other competitors. Maybe we had finally beaten our nemesis of slow climbing? This picture was taken with the camera angled up, so you may get some sense of its steepness.
The climb continued, with nobody able to run and the thighs starting to burn (again).
Once over the initial ascent, we were onto a plateau across the Dolomites, with fabulous scenery all around us. We were able to jog the flatter and downhill bits, although we were still climbing to the highest point of the day at 2,400m.
This was a truly tough endurance marathon, and our earlier prudence was now paying us back as we started passing other teams who had started out fast. We regularly reminded each other that early speed doesn't matter, it's getting to the finish line in Sexten that counts.
This climb was barbaric, but we both felt strong and did not lose distance to the other competitors. Maybe we had finally beaten our nemesis of slow climbing? This picture was taken with the camera angled up, so you may get some sense of its steepness.
The climb continued, with nobody able to run and the thighs starting to burn (again).
Once over the initial ascent, we were onto a plateau across the Dolomites, with fabulous scenery all around us. We were able to jog the flatter and downhill bits, although we were still climbing to the highest point of the day at 2,400m.
This was a truly tough endurance marathon, and our earlier prudence was now paying us back as we started passing other teams who had started out fast. We regularly reminded each other that early speed doesn't matter, it's getting to the finish line in Sexten that counts.On we went, with us taking pictures for other teams, and them returning the compliment:
Up the final part of the first ascent were our two medical runners, always there to provide some cheerful support.
The vistas over the Dolomites remained awe inspiring and allowed us to forget the pains throughout our bodies as we felt like ants in this great wilderness.
Once over the top, we were faced with a steep descent of 900m over 4.5km
, the start of which was down a precipitous slippery rocky slope with fixed chains to hold onto so you didn't fall off.
It was then down to a spectacular mountain lake. This picture looking back up at the descent we had just completed.
The lake (at 1,500m) marked the second drink station at the 27km mark, with an official cut-off of 6 hours. We made it in 4 hours, so no problems with the timing, although we were feeling the distance. Nevertheless, we knew that everyone was suffering and we had to push on.
Up the final part of the first ascent were our two medical runners, always there to provide some cheerful support.
The vistas over the Dolomites remained awe inspiring and allowed us to forget the pains throughout our bodies as we felt like ants in this great wilderness.
Once over the top, we were faced with a steep descent of 900m over 4.5km
, the start of which was down a precipitous slippery rocky slope with fixed chains to hold onto so you didn't fall off.
It was then down to a spectacular mountain lake. This picture looking back up at the descent we had just completed.
The lake (at 1,500m) marked the second drink station at the 27km mark, with an official cut-off of 6 hours. We made it in 4 hours, so no problems with the timing, although we were feeling the distance. Nevertheless, we knew that everyone was suffering and we had to push on.The trail led round the lake and up the next tough ascent to a height of 2,200m. This was almost mountaineering and took us along a narrow ledge above the lake.
Once over the top, we were confronted with a scree slope to descend to the third drink station at 34km (7Hr cut-off). The scree slope was great, with runners visible miles down the bottom as we all zig zagged down its face, slipping and sliding as we went.
After the third stop, it was 8km to the finish in Neiderdorf. However, while flat, it was mainly on tarmac. Everyone agreed that this was the hardest part of the day, with the hot tarmac causing all sorts of problems for runners feet and muscles as it has no give for knackered bodies.
Once over the top, we were confronted with a scree slope to descend to the third drink station at 34km (7Hr cut-off). The scree slope was great, with runners visible miles down the bottom as we all zig zagged down its face, slipping and sliding as we went.
After the third stop, it was 8km to the finish in Neiderdorf. However, while flat, it was mainly on tarmac. Everyone agreed that this was the hardest part of the day, with the hot tarmac causing all sorts of problems for runners feet and muscles as it has no give for knackered bodies.
We ran past an old army wartime army camp and along a cycle path to the finish.
The finish has our Master of Ceremonies on the microphone (on the left in the photo), announcing each team's finish, and always telling the masses that we have raised 25,000 Euro's for St Peter's Hospice.
As soon as we finish, it's off to the Smoothie man (Albert) in the Buff tent (he's the one on the right).
The other person we must mention is the Race Director, Wolfie. He does a great job organising the event, and is seen at various points throughout the course, making his way along on his scrambler bike. He sounds exactly like Arnold Schwarzenegger! 
Only one day left now. That has only one mountain to cross and 1,300m of ascent and 1,100m of descent to the finish line. It is also a wonderfully short 33km.
The finish has our Master of Ceremonies on the microphone (on the left in the photo), announcing each team's finish, and always telling the masses that we have raised 25,000 Euro's for St Peter's Hospice.
As soon as we finish, it's off to the Smoothie man (Albert) in the Buff tent (he's the one on the right).
The other person we must mention is the Race Director, Wolfie. He does a great job organising the event, and is seen at various points throughout the course, making his way along on his scrambler bike. He sounds exactly like Arnold Schwarzenegger! 
Only one day left now. That has only one mountain to cross and 1,300m of ascent and 1,100m of descent to the finish line. It is also a wonderfully short 33km.Bring it on!
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