In a pickle.♂️ We'll cover the 82 km of the Corsa della Bora together with Holger, who is preparing for the Transalpine Run in a few weeks' time 🏔️. The 82 km of the Corsa della Bora is an experience full of extraordinary sensations and landscapes 🌄🌌, a journey that crosses day and night 🌞🌙, mountains and sea. 🌊. Join us! 🌟
Holger Schulze, a passionate trailer from Munich, is a veteran of La Corsa della Bora, and has already participated three times in our race, particularly over the distance of 57 km. He is fascinated by the beautiful landscape and the possibility of running a challenging ultramarathon in pleasant temperatures as early as January. In this article we explore the 82 km route through his eyes. You can follow him on Instagram at trail.holger.schulze.
This was your third participation in the 57-kilometre La Corsa della Bora. What keeps you coming back every year?
The fantastic landscape and the opportunity to be able to run a challenging ultramarathon in pleasant temperatures as early as January.
La Corsa della Bora - 82 km, or the 'Tek z Burjo', is more than just a race. It is a journey through the fascinating landscape of the region, capturing both the rugged beauty of the Karst and the gentle shores of the sea.
Which parts of the route do you like best? And which ones less?
The route is very varied and I like all parts, in particular I like the technical passages in the Karst and at the end and the path directly by the sea.
Over the years, the race route has often changed. Do you like the idea of the race always renewing itself, or do you prefer to tackle the same route every year?
I prefer variety, so I like new paths better.
For whom do you think La Corsa della Bora is ideal?
Since seven distances between 9k and 164k are offered, La Corsa della Bora is ideal for all trailers and also for road runners who want to try a trail competition. The early date at the beginning of January is excellent motivation to train even during the typically competition-free months of November and December.
Runners of La Corsa della Bora - 82 km have the unique opportunity to choose their starting time: either at midnight or at 5am. This peculiarity opens the door to two completely different experiences. The start time is individually timed for each runner via chip time, so everyone can run their race with an actual running time.
A midnight departure completely changes the experience. The darkness of the night intensifies every feeling, the rugged landscapes of the Karst and the forests take on a mystical dimension. It is a moment for those who see the race as a journey and an experience, where the feeling of the moment and the connection with nature come to the fore.
The dawn start, on the other hand, offers a completely different approach. The increased visibility allows for greater speed, and one less garment means a certain lightness and flexibility. This is the time for those who focus on physical performance, for those who want to accept the challenge of speed and endurance.
The choice of starting time therefore allows each participant to find their own way and enjoy the race in a way that matches their character and preferences. It is a wonderful recognition of the individuality and diversity that running offers, and an invitation to experience the journey of La Corsa della Bora in a completely personal way.
The route passes through some of the most beautiful places in the region. The castles of Crni Kal and Socerb bear witness to the rich history of this area, while the karst ridges and sparkling sea remain in the background to inspire the runners. The white limestone, reflecting in the headlamps, meets the gentle lighting of Trieste, creating a dramatic backdrop for this adventurous race.
What other races would you compare it with? Similar or completely different?
Among my races, the Corsa della Bora is unique because it is not in the high mountains, but over the preferred distance of 57 km more than 2,000 metres of altitude difference must still be overcome. The date in early January with moderate temperatures also makes the Corsa della Bora extraordinary.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to participate in this race? How do you prepare?
Register early to motivate yourself, train well in the last quarter with regular trail runs, varying distance (short/medium/long) and speed (slow/medium/fast). I run the 57k and train in the last quarter with an average of about 75 km / 2,000 D+ per week, the 80% rather moderate and the 20% intensive.
The first part of the S1 Trail runs along the border between Italy and Slovenia, in the continental setting of the Karst plateau. The second part then descends into the Val Rosandra, with its Dolomite pebbles, reminiscent of the plateau but located close to the sea.
At the 40th kilometre refuelling station, you will find the characteristic S1 watertight bag, perfect for all races and with a capacity of 40 litres. Here one waits for the change to tackle the last 40 kilometres along the Karst ridge. This last section is run together with runners of distances 57, 42, 32 and 21 kilometres, offering a continuous succession of views of the gulf and the snow-capped mountains in the background.
The impressive finish by the sea, which requires great physical strength and concentration, leads to an unforgettable conclusion on the rocky beach. La Corsa della Bora - 82 km is not just a race, but an invitation to experience the region in a way that will remain etched in the memory, and a testimony to the joy and beauty of running.
What are your sporting goals for 2024?
Running about 10 races, the highlight will be my 19th start at the www.transalpine-run.com. Those who want to follow me can find me on Instagram under trail.holger.schulze.
What do you eat before your run? What do you take with you for the run?
Before the run a light breakfast, e.g. toast with jam. For the run I take bars and gels, and of course I take advantage of the excellent refreshment points.
