This race is otherwise known as La Course des Cinq 4000 as you can see five 4000m mountains, including the Matterhorn, as you run along the high paths from Sierre to Zinal in the Swiss Valais region. It is probably the most prestigious mountain race in Europe and attracts all the big names. Two Carnethy women have won it in the past and, such is the standard, both were World Champions – Beverley Redfern (1993) and Angela Mudge (2001), with Angela being the first woman ever to run under 3hours. The course is 31km with 2200m of climbing, 1400m in the first 8km then over 20km of beautiful undulating running above 2000m. Many Carnethies have run the race over the years (the famous JBF at least 25 times!) and this year Angela Mudge, Andy and Hilary Spenceley took part – supported by Joanne Anderson (driver and food taster), Adam Ward (chief photographer and wine expert) and Jane Robertson (water carrier). All three have run the race many times before – when younger and fitter – and feeling tired after a week’s hard walking up the Swiss mountains, weren’t expecting much, which was just as well as they ran their slowest times, although were strong on the big climbs before losing places on the more runnable parts. They definitely didn’t challenge the winner, the famous Kilian Jornet (Glen Coe Skyline winner and Bob Graham record holder). However, Angela still managed to get 3rd over 40 and Hilary 4th Over 60. Race details here.