Colorado entrepreneur, Richard Burgunder, 43, participated within the excessive ‘Elbrus Race’ in Russia and shares his expertise from the highest.
Upon visiting Russia for the primary time as a scholar in 2019, Richard Burgunder was impressed to participate within the skyrunning competitors on the icy peak of Mount Elbrus. Having engaged in alpine excessive sports activities in his youthful years, with competitions in unique areas from Japan to Kenya, he set his sights on conquering Russia’s – and Europe’s – tallest peak within the Caucasus. This is his story.
Dreaming of Elbrus
On Elbrus and waterfall on Azau Glade.
Richard Burgunder
The attract of climbing Mount Elbrus has intrigued and mystified me for years. At 5,642 m (18,510 ft), that is the very best mountain in Europe. The Northern Caucasus, part of Russia that I used to be wanting to see, following my preliminary visits to Moscow and St. Petersburg, beckoned. It was round Christmas 2022 after I determined to make the leap and decide to competing within the 2023 Red Fox Elbrus Race, a global skyrunning occasion held yearly in May.
Though I hadn’t competed since 2014, after a decade-plus lengthy profession as knowledgeable excessive athlete, I stayed lively and maintained my health by means of common fastpacking, climbing and path operating. After a few month of constant coaching and feeling assured in my health, I utilized for my Russian visa with an invite letter from the race promoters. Despite some nervousness, as a result of deteriorating geopolitical circumstances, the method went surprisingly easily.
Registration.
Roman Barabonov
My three-year a number of entry vacationer visa was processed inside a few days and I flew to Russia’s Mineralnye Vody (the closest airport to Mount Elbrus) through Armenia. The drive by means of the area was pleasing, with its astonishing vastness and respectful, accommodating locals.
Many Russian athletes counseled my bravery for touring to Russia throughout turbulent occasions, whereas others, such because the customs agent at passport management, wished me good luck within the races. Throughout the area, I felt a powerful sense of group and inclusiveness, reflecting how Russia’s cultural and ethnic teams have harmoniously coexisted for hundreds of years.
Ready, regular, go!
On Friday, May 5, I participated in my first race of the competition, the ‘Vertical Kilometer’. This extraordinarily difficult race concerned a vertical acquire of 1,000 m (3,281 ft), beginning in Azau Glade at 2,450 m (8,038 ft) and ending at Mir Station at 3,450 m (11,320 ft). I completed 92nd with a time of 1:22:06. As my efficiency was underneath two hours, I certified to compete within the Skymarathon on Sunday.
The begin of Vertical Kilometer.
Roman Barabonov
The ‘Vertical Kilometer’ was a formidable race, with a steep and tedious ascent. The temperature was gentle at the beginning (about +1C) however dropped to a cold -3C as I approached the Mir Station.
I rapidly realized that my coaching was insufficient for the acute nature and ultra-competitive subject of this race, however many athletes inspired me alongside the way in which and the sportsmanship was unparalleled.
Richard (left) in the course of the Vertical Kilometer.
Roman Barabonov
Crossing the end line, I used to be overcome with emotion and hugged by a number of employees. It was an uplifting and joyous second that I’ll always remember. The unbelievable assist from everybody introduced out the most effective in me and all of the athletes.
An alpine evening
Garabashi-Bochki camp on Mount Elbrus.
Richard Burgunder
After taking a day of relaxation, I traveled as much as the bottom and summit camp referred to as Garabashi-Bochki (“Barrels”) at 3,880 m (12,470 ft) for the evening earlier than the Skyrace. Originally, I used to be slated to compete within the Skymarathon, however switched to the Skyrace, which began at Garabashi, slightly than Azau Glade. Both races had been supposed to complete on the summit of Mount Elbrus, however had been modified because of hostile climate circumstances.
At 3 am the evening earlier than the beginning, officers, citing security considerations, determined that each races would ascend solely to the Pastukhov Rocks at a peak of 4,550 m (14,930 ft), slightly than the summit. The members would then flip round and end on the Garabashi-Bochki.
My evening at Garabashi was a singular and memorable expertise. The views of Mount Elbrus and the North Caucasus had been extraordinary with limitless mountains in each path. The winds had been loud and robust all through the evening, awakening me within the early morning, however in any other case I slept nicely.
Skyrace within the snowstorm
The map with the race route.
Roman Barabonov
On Sunday, May 7, I wakened at about 5 am. The climate circumstances had been excessive and worsening. We all knew we had been in for a shock, however most of us did not understand simply how wild it will be larger up on the mountain in the course of the race. Not lengthy after the beginning, the snowfall intensified.
Within a pair hundred meters of the turnaround at 4,550 m (14,930 ft), the circumstances on the mountain had been akin to a blizzard. The temperature at the beginning was -5C, but it surely dropped to about -12C at Pastukhov Rocks.
Mount Elbrus.
Richard Burgunder
Due to the deteriorating climate circumstances, the turnaround level ceased to be “operational” and the high-altitude judges had been compelled to make the powerful name of closing the route for security functions. With sustained winds of fifty km/h, blinding snow, close to zero visibility, thunder and lightning, it was each an exhilarating and terrifying expertise.
There was a second after I started seeing mirages by means of my sun shades due to the acute climate circumstances. I mistook these apparitions for purple flags that had been used as course markers and different athletes. Despite the eerie feeling, we athletes caught collectively and stored an eye fixed out for one another, making certain that all of us made it again safely. I completed forty ninth total with a time of two:25:48. The Skyrace was an journey and problem that I’ll always remember.
Roman Barabonov
Richard Burgunder is the founder and managing director of knowledgeable companies agency. You can observe him at Burgunder.com
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