Today, the VAM mountain in Wijster formed the backdrop for the first VAM12 ultratrail. A running race in which you have to climb the 48 meter high mountain as often as possible in six or twelve hours. And that on a largely unpaved surface.
And that is an assignment for the experienced runner, says organizer Winfried Bats. “You run 3300 meters per lap, with about 100 meters of altitude. You will feel that.” Bats does come up with more challenging runs like this one, he says. “For example, we once did a 24-hour run. But I’ve wanted to organize something like this for years. You need a hilly area for that and the VAM mountain is ideal for that.”
For many participants, today counts as training, says Bats. “They practice for even longer ultra trails (long-distance running, ed.) in the summer.”
According to Bats, the fact that you mainly walk on unpaved terrain does not necessarily mean that it is also heavier. “I think unpaved roads are much nicer to walk on. On asphalt, the movement is a lot more monotonous and it eventually destroys you more, I think. On hilly terrain I can last longer in any case.”
The organizer can prove that, because he will also participate. “But I’m doing the baby distance,” he laughs. “I’m going to walk for six hours. Then stand here for another six hours and then clean up for another two hours. That’s my second training, so to speak.”