trailrunning.de

Calypso Cave

Alright, this would be the perfect spot for a coffee to-go! That is exactly the place I pictured, where the nymph Calypso trapped and maybe loved the young sailor Odysseus.

From here we are looking down onto the beach Ramla I’Hamra. It takes us down a steep hill to Gozo’s most famous cove – the Ramla bay. At the beach and on the tender and rust-coloured sand lie the two bodies of a couple like two fresh and crunchy Weisswurst sausages. What a beauteous contrast.

The soles of Anthony’s shoes break down and we find ourselves lost once again. Maybe all the route markings are gone with the wind? While in the heartland of the island it sounds like the famous German choir conductor Gotthilf Fischer is directing a choir of howling dogs. Barking of stray dogs – all my senses go into panic mode! Ironically here we are without any orientation passing them twice because we are just running in circles.

The dogs are soon forgotten, however, when the fragrant aroma of fresh lemons fills the air. And to be honest, I believe the dogs were harmless. Running further on the – now hopefully right – course we reach terraced fields bounded by small stone walls. That is, so to speak, the vegetable garden of Gozo consisting of lemon, bean, banana and fig plants. You cannot imagine the density of fused smells united with the wonderful view of the sea. From here on out, I am running with some lemons on my back.

“Tempus fugit” – Time is running

This well-known phrase hits the nail on the head. We are lost again and in addition to that we have no reception whatsoever. No ringing cellphones – sounds fantastic, right? I would agree, if we were not stuck in the wild with never-ending bushes. And to make things even worse we had come to a fork. Here we dig up Alfonso (bib number 40) who was wandering for quiet some time through the wild side of Gozo. With a great deal of difficulty we finally reach a street and are able to re-orientate. The last nutrition point is at least 4.5 miles far away.

The Famous Five

Regrettably, however, the last low rays of the setting sun bathes the hilly countryside in a golden light. No one wants to speak it out loud, but we all know that we cannot reach the finishline in time. I fight back the tears as I see the car sent out to pick us up, coming slowly closer. Without asking the others I say to Nathan, the driver of the car: “Even if we are just 4.5 miles away from the correct track, please let us finish the race running.” Fortunately he agrees and guides us with his SUV for the last mile towards the finish in Nadur.

What follows is a magnificient showdown. Together and hand-in-hand the tired runners make their triumphal procession over the market place and the finish line. We cheer and embrace each other feeling pretty exhausted. It is a rare experience to feel so much bliss at a running event. The experience brings us closer together – the same destroyed illusions, the same pain, but also the same wish for a second attempt! This day engraved itself into my memory.

Nevertheless, the situation remains exciting, maybe a little bit too thrilling for my taste. The finish of our little group has been confirmed, yet every runner has to face a one hour penalty. I feel so relieved.  What is a time penalty compared to a “Did not finish”?

After Race Party

After ten hours of testing your physical condition you are truly grateful for a shower. “You have exactly 10 minutes”, I hear. 10 minutes? That is quite a fast transiton area, including showering and putting on make-up. The day ends with Gozitan meals, Maltese wine and in the company of the Minister for Gozo.

At this point I would like to cordially thank all those involved in the event such as organisers, volunteers and supporters! It is this stress-free yet professional way of the Hellfire-team, ensuring entertaining hours on Gozo until the sun sets. All participants are convinced, that today they experienced a one-of-a-kind racing event. “Yes, indeed” – you have got to spoil yourself sometimes.

Sunday: Homeward journey

Grey rain clouds hang over Masalforn on the next morning as if the island wants to ease my farewell. The sea roars against the rock plateau and some waves even outpour on the promenade. I still have some time left for a relaxed breakfast and to write the first lines of this report, before boarding the ferry back to Malta. A few hours later I touch down in cold Frankfurt. At least the sun is finally shining.

Résumé:

The Hellfire Utlra-marathon race on the island of Gozo is a real insider’s tip! I ate up every delicious mile, like I would have enjoyed the first handmade filled chocolate melting on my tongue. Running is like eating chocolates, once you start it frustrates any good intentions. You only can stop after eating up the whole box. New studies connect this behaviour to the body’s own “reward system” in the brain. There is this old saying that is not only valid for eating chocolates but also for running: It is the dose that makes the poison.

More things to note:

„Almost every street on Gozo leads to the island’s capital city Victoria. Especially a kind of ring road is missing on which you could surround the island along its coastline.” At least this is what the German Wikipedia entry says about Gozo.
The Hellfire organisation team has proven that a circumnavigation of the island is possible even without such a ring road. Many months of preparation have passed before the two Maltese Antonello and Nathan made their dream come true and explored the island in 2012. They set up the company “Hellfire” to share their passion with others because they know exactly what runners demand, as they are ambitious ultrarunners and triathletes themselves. Hellfire races can be described as extreme events on difficult terrain. Including further races like the “LungBuster”, a triathlon and a duathlon they invite athletic and ambitious tourists to experience the seemingly inexhaustible attractiveness of both Malta and Gozo.

Competitions:

Besides the described Ultramarathon a half-marathon race is offered. In addition to that cycling fans can complete both distances on mountain bikes as well. Additionally a special team challenge for two athletes to pass the track side-by-side running and cycling is provided.

Track profile:
Ultra-marathon distance (32 miles) accumulating 1400 m of height.

Entry fee:
40 € for the Ultra-marathon race.
Additionally a number of arrangements can be booked. One example: four-star hotel Calypso, two overnight stays including breakfast in a double bedroom, free transfers, ferry transport, entry fee and finisher party: 148 € for participants, 108 € for companions.

Temperature:
19°C

Food supply:
Four aid stations offering fresh and juicy oranges, bananas, fruit jellies, salty snacks and isotonic drinks. In addition four more drink stands to refill your bottles.

Type of time keeping:
Classic time measuring by hand at the finish line.

Awards:
Trophies and non-cash prizes for the first two finishers. No subdivision of age groups! All participants get a buff scarf in Hellfire design.

Currency:
EURO

Power supply:
Three-pole (like in GB), 240 V

Arrival:
The ferry is scheduled multiple runs a day (including weekends and holidays) between Malta and Gozo. Check the schedule at gozochannel.com

Accomodation:
Hotel Calypso, Marsalforn Bay (hotelcalypsogozo.com)
General informations about the island of Gozo can be found at visitgozo.com

Top two finishers 2013 Men:

1. Giuseppe Cuttaia, (IT), 05:53:50
2. David Simpson, (CYP), 06:04:28

Top two finishers 2013 Women:

1. Alessandra Corvaia (IT), 07:35:38
2. Karen Xerri, (MLT), 07:46:15

Number of finishers:

21 Men (3 DNF) and 8 women (DNF) in the ultra-marathon race