(the gax monte yaḥyā)

run and become, become and run

Ever since I relocated in 2010 and found myself living next to one of the hilliest spots in an otherwise flat landscape, I immediately got the idea of creating a new kind of race. Instead of making yet another long/longer race I am trying to add the factor of ascent/descent. Many races label themselves as "toughest", especially over there ... With this run I am trying to create a hilly and gnarly (and maybe a bit enjoyable) run in this corner af the world. This run will not even come close to some mountain ultras but will sure beat many of the classic 100-milers in the U.S. regarding to ascent.

run to succeed in the outer world, become to proceed in the inner world

What: A self supported race of 100 miles, cut off time of 60 hours and 6 954 metres of climb.
When: 2019-2020.
Where: Start and finish at Norra Fäladen in Lund, southern Sweden.
How: You are capable of so much more than you think you are.
Who: You. Because this is fun. Maximum five participants allowed.
Why: Some running is good, more is better, and too much is just enough.
Inspiration: The Idiot's Run.
Fee: 161 SEK. This is a charity race - most will be given to Afghanistan.
Prizes: Pride, diploma and a medal.
Register: Fill in and send the registration form (in archive) and pay.
Water: Will be available by race administration.
Service stations: You'll pass a base camp every two hours, as well as some fast food joints.
Support: Amenities provided. However - you can have any support, pacer or friends you like.
DNF: All runners are finishers with accomplished distance.
Map: Not really necessary. gpx -and pdf-files will be available.
Route: An 8.732 km (double) loop in a rambling area/artificial park. 18,5 laps with 43 hm/km.
Qualification: A strong will. Grind.
Equipment: Trail shoes and head lamp. Some use running poles.
Accomodation: Closest hotel is 469 m from start.
Shower: Will be available.
Getting there: 218 metres from closest bus station.
Rules: Cheating or littering is not allowed. To help a fellow runner is mandatory.
Weather: Sweden is not known for stable weather ...
Animals: Elk, fox, stoat, deer, snake, lama, harbour porpoise etc. have been seen during gax.
Dangers: Nettles, fatigue, too much climb ...
Force majeure: Does not apply unless there is less than one participant.
Miscallenous: It will be stupendous.
Questions: stefanphonsavan (a) hotmail.com.
Race Director: Stefan Samuelsson.

Friday 25 Septembr 18:00 2020 - third edition
name town 100 km 100 miles
Stefan Samuelsson Lund 25:21:222 46:40:32
Malou Björnslätt Kågeröd 24:57:48 24:57:48 (100,4 km)
Jonas Schimmele Brösarp - 7:35:38 (39,7 km)

This race had 6954 metres of ascent (and descent) on a 8,7 km double loop course where one should run 18,5 laps - last lap was in opposite direction ... (yes, off course, this race also takes inspiration from the Tennesse original ...). That is about 43 metres per km. The race started with a three hour downpour, followed by about two hours of normal rain ... Not an ideal start. But then again the race was designed to be really hard. Hills everywhere and hardly any stretches of flat running. Some hills were not runnable at all. The route was just plain hard and tough, challenging and stupid. I am surprised that so "many" showed up and also that somebody finished. As usual ... everyday life and minor colds got in the way for 50 % of the registered participants who withdrew before start. A fox came to visit the participants many times and a lot of other wildlife was abundant. The audience/supporter outnumbered the participants by 270 %. Roger L just did a little 10-hour run-crew-support (48 km) on the Saturday but was outwalked by Zingo A who spent 30 (?) hours (87 km) crewing and walking with a runner. Thank you. As always, more than half of the proceeds of the money/fees were given to Afghanistan - mainly the right for young girls to go to school and moreover building those schools.

Saturday 9 November 07:00 2019 - second edition
name town 50 km
Niels Holm Staffanstorp 6:17:05
Jon Ottosson Malmö 13:21:16

This race had 2358 metres of ascent (and descent) on a 3,86 km course. As always, more than half of the proceeds of the money/fees were given to Afghanistan - mainly the right for young girls to go to school and moreover building those schools. The weather was perfect. A small drizzle followed the runner(s) pretty much every km. Three people had to cave in just before the start due to a dreadful virus called mancold. So this was two solo shows ... last runner was not as slow as it seems. he was however very slow to manage to come to the start ...

Saturday 12 October 10:00 2019 - first edition
name town 42,195 km
Mikkel Gormsen København 4:58:18
Peter Ekerot Lund 5:33:14
Richard Andersson Lund 5:42:25
Fredrik Lähnn Bjärred 5:59:06
Stefan Samuelsson Lund 5:59:06
Henrik Kockum Malmö 6:12:00
Jon Ottosson Malmö 6:51:39
Malou Björnslätt Kågeröd 8:48:44
Zingo Andersen Lund 5:53:47 (30,9 km)
Roger Löfström S. Sandby 3:37:21 (23,2 km)

This race had 1995 metres of ascent (and descent) on a 3,86 km course. As always, more than half of the proceeds of the money/fees were given to Afghanistan - mainly the right for young girls to go to school and moreover building those schools. The weather was perfect. The rain that started after four hours made the track unrunnable for most of the hills (the course is like 89 % hills ...) which was to the RD:s utter delight. After a few hours of rain the sun came, before some more rain. Really perfect. Mudslides and slippery, wet and hilly, twisting and turning - even better than expected. As promised, most runner (maybe all) ran a personal worst time on the marathon. No complains though. Many happy faces. Last lap was (off course) run the other direction. Probably the most silly/funny/crazy (but seriously adventureous) course in Sweden. Mission accomplished.