When I originally entered this race in the Verbier/St Bernard Valley in Switzerland it was 111km (conveniently, it coincided with a family holiday). I had done the 46km version back in 2019 (coincidently, it also coincided with a family holiday) and loved the course, local club organisation and atmosphere. However in early 2022, the race series was taken over by UTMB Group as part of their World Series and “Running Stones” entry to the UTMB World Finals in Chamonix in 2023, and they extended it to 141.5km and 9,300m of ascent. But what’s an extra 30km?
Race start time was 10.00pm, and 284 were on the start line in Verbier, the French presenter reading a translated version of Rudyard’s Kipling’s “If-“. ‘ With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!’ At least that’s what I think she said….
There were six big climbs over the course, the biggest being 2,100m from Sembrancher to Cabane Orny at 2,826m overlooking the Glacier du Trient. Some technical and exposed narrow trails meant progress at times was slow, but the stunning views were a distraction from any negative thoughts. Pretty much ideal running conditions for the time of year, with lows of 5C up high during the night and 27C in the valleys during the day. There were twelve aid stations, all serving up a variety of local fare; meats, cheeses, bread, potatoes, soup, pasta and chocolate manned by friendly and helpful locals. With a small number of runners, there were long periods when you were alone, the only company a half moon and the millions of stars in the clear sky.
Nicola and Rachael met me after 100km, at Cabane de Mille, 2,480m, (it was conveniently a couple of hours walk up from the chalet we were staying at).
After crossing the dramatic 240m long Panossière suspension bridge over the retreating Corbassière Glacier there remained one final climb, dubbed locally as “The Wall”, 1,200m in 5km. All had been going well up to this point, until I started experiencing double vision; unable to focus on the ground in front. I tried switching from contact lenses to glasses and back to contact lenses, but to no improvement. The final descent through the forest was a bit hairy until I reached the outskirts of Verbier and easier tracks.
Crossing the finish line at 2.00am after 28 hours I was handed the 3rd Masters (MV50) Male prize. Nicola, Rachael and Swiss friend Francoise were there to greet me, and give me a lift back to the chalet after doubting my ability to safely negotiate the hairpin bends in the rental car without incident.
Although now part of the UTMB Group the race series maintains a local feel, but with a big race influence, now with over 2,000 runners across the 4 races. With a choice of 26km, 46km, 76km and 140km there’s something for everyone, and with the ultra efficient Swiss transport system, less than 2 hours from Geneva.
Winner was Antoine Bouchet (France) in 21:23 and the last of 137 (48% of those who started) finishers was Laura Muirhead (United Kingdom) in 42:10.
Race info: https://trailvsb.com/en/
Results: https://tvsb.livetrail.net/classement.php
Graham Nash