Travel Day (22.04.23):
The journey to the Copenhagen EcoTrail started with a smooth travel day from Oslo to Copenhagen. Upon arrival, I collected my bib and checked the route to the start and finish line to ensure I was well-prepared for the race. My accommodation for the trip was the Hotel Lautrup Park, conveniently located just 30 minutes away from the starting point.
Race Day (23.04.23):
The race day dawned with a challenging mix of weather, including lots of rain and wind, which made the 45-kilometer trail with around 1,000 meters of elevation gain even more demanding. Despite the flooded and muddy trails, the excitement was palpable as the race began at 10 am. The course took us through a beautiful trail track around Lake Furesø, up to Øverød, and through Virum, showcasing the lush and green Danish landscape. The adventurous off-track paths, coupled with the jungle-like atmosphere, made the experience truly unforgettable. The elevation was nicely spread along the course, with a continuous up and down throughout that tested my endurance and quads.
Strategy wise I started a bit behind the leading pack to get an overview of the other female competitors. It wasn’t long before I began to catch up with the 6th and 5th positions after the first 3 to 5 kilometers. I left them behind with a good sight of the 4th woman in front of me. The chase continued until kilometer 30 when the real battle began.
Once I was directly behind her, I knew it was time to make my move. At kilometer 33, I passed her and increased my pace to create some distance between us. It was tough, but I was determined not to let her catch up with me. I summoned all the energy I had left in my tanks to maintain that pace, focusing on the finish line.
The last 3 kilometers felt like an eternity, but finally, I crossed the finish line, ecstatic to have finished the race as the third woman. It was a proud and rewarding moment. In the end, I had 48 kilometers and around 1,000 m of elevation on my watch.
Travel Back Home (24.04.23):
The day after the race, I enjoyed a nice breakfast and checked out of the hotel. Before heading to the airport, I took some time to do a little sightseeing in the city, appreciating the beauty of Copenhagen one last time.
The flight back home was a time for reflection and recovery, as I looked back on the incredible experience of the Copenhagen EcoTrail. The challenging weather, the stunning course, and the fierce competition made for an unforgettable race that I will always remember.
In conclusion, the Copenhagen EcoTrail was a true testament to the power of endurance and the beauty of nature. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a unique and challenging event, and I look forward to more ultra-running adventures in the future.
THANK YOU to RunAgain and Copenhagen EcoTrail for such a fantastic race weekend and experience!
- Yana