17th Edition of 100 km Rucksacklauf Black Forest / Germany.
by Thomas Huber
September 27, 2009
Saturday 14.02.2009 was for many skiers the day of winter 2009. After 2 years cancellation, the 17th edition of the traditional 100 km Rucksacklauf could start again. This is the heaviest one day cross country race. Here are some points which underline that statement.
- 100 km from Schonach to Belchen.
- 7 am start in darkness.
- Each skier must wear a bag with 4 kg.
- Only 2 official food stations along the 100 km
- Parts between which are not possible to prepare with machines.
- Some street crossings, often put ski in the hand and cross streets.
- 2300m to climb up.
- Lowest point 800m, highest point 1450m, different temperatures, snow conditions.
- Longest uphill with 600m after km 60.
This is not a normal ski race, this is kind of adventure, finishing is the goal. There is the choice to stop at 60 km, this is the old distance of the Black Forest marathon. Possibility for the ones who are not so fit and for the ones who miss time limits.
This year 330 started. 15-20 cm new snow in the morning did harden the race. Deep and soft tracks on the first 35 km, And it was really slow snow. Hard work and it was clear that not more than 100 will reach the finish after 100 km. Style is classic, that make sense in that difficult terrain. Winning time of 60 km was 4.06 hour, average under 15 km/h, no more comment. Seven from my ski club started, but six didn't reach 60 km before the time limit or were not able do continue the last 40 km. So I was a lonely fighter. After problems on the first 30 km I got better and better, also my skis. After 4.20 hours I passed km 60. Here I was on place 20. I decided to rewax ski with warmer wax for better grip on the following 13 km long uphill to Feldberg. It was a lonely race against wind, no company and thousands of thoughts and questions. It was my 4th time. Over the mountain Feldberg is the hardest part, sometimes just walking, no running. Sometimes you don’t know how to ski. In the partially hand-made track you cant go up with V-style (to small), poles are going 1 meter into the snow (Feldberg area has nearly 2 meter of snow this winter).
I passed some more skiers and I felt good. Without any falling I reached after 7.55 hours the finish on place 16. About 40 min. behind the winner. I was happy, but I realized again my limits. 93 men and 2 women reached the finish with in the limit of 10,5 hours.
More information under www.schonach.de/fernskiwanderweg/
This page was last revised on February 14, 2010