Mid-August saw Chris and Tim head out to Switzerland to defend their Radys Mountain Marathon Title, the latest incarnation of what was the Swiss Karrimor.
For the uninitiated, mountain marathons are 2 day races where pairs navigate their way around a course in remote and rugged mountain terrain, carrying all the equipment needed for an overnight camp with them. Mountain Marathon is a bit of a misnoma as well, as often the courses are longer than a marathon on each day!
Chris and Tim teamed up for the first time 18 months ago, and since then they have enjoyed considerable success around Europe. This year they set out to see if they could continue their winning streak and started well with a win by over 2 hours in the snowy Highlander Mountain Marathon, this year run in arctic conditions in the beautiful Torridon area of the Scottish Highlands. Next was the Lowe Alpine MM, again in the Scottish Highlands, but this time the Knoydart hills presented a similarly rough challenge - made harder by the unseasonal lack of water!
So to Switzerland and Lenzerheide near Chur was the venue. This stunning area gave spectacular running and considerable route choice over the 2 days. The first day's mist helped them get away from the pressing opposition of a pair of Swiss international orienteers, and they managed to extend their lead over a pretty brutal second day run in searingly hot conditions at altitudes up to 2800m, eventually winning by nearly an hour.
Next race is the Mourne MM in Northern Ireland in a few weeks, then in October they will face their sternest test in the Original MM - in fact Inov-8's Steve Birkinshaw will be running for his 6th win with partner Morgan Donnelly, and Heather Dawe will be contesting for the female pairs win with Janet McIver.
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