By Anita Fuchs
The loudspeakers boomed out “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner, the several hundred spectators in the stadium clapped in rhythm. With the victor’s garland around his neck, Jonas Buud ran the last of the 78 000 metres. The stamina-testing effort was written over his face but he had enough strength left to force a smile to his lips in the run-up to the finish. And at this moment, the weather, which had been temperamental all day, decided to show its best side; the enthusiastic spectators and satisfied winner were greeted by warm rays of sunshine.
Identical colours
Jonas Buud accepted the congratulations of OC president Andrea Tuffli, posed for photographers and then gave a first interview to Swiss TV. He felt great, reported the 35-year-old from Gävle after a race lasting 5:48:42 hours, “even if my legs do ache a little.” After 78 kilometres with 2260 metres ascent and descent and the Kesch Hut (2632 m) and Scaletta Pass (2606 m) to master as the highest points on the marathon circuit, his comment was hardly surprising!
An identical situation – including the temporary reappearance of the sun – was experienced by the first woman to cross the finishing line almost one hour after Jonas Buud. And for the first time in the history of the world’s greatest mountain ultra-marathon, she came from Sweden, perfecting the Scandinavian triumph at a Swissalpine Marathon marked by the whims of the weather, including snowfall. Lena Gavelin, who with 6:41:30 hours achieved the second-fastest women’s time on the current course, was draped with the Swedish flag. Observant eyes noticed that the colours of her national flag (yellow and blue) are exactly the same as those of Landschaft Davos.
“I don’t know“
Why are the Swedish runners, who are basically not used to high mountains, so strong in the mountain ultra-marathon? “I don’t l know,” said reigning 100-km European Champion Jonas Buud after completing the classic hat trick at the traditional event with the fourth-ever best time. Swedish Marathon record holder (2:30:39 h) Lena Gavlin also said “I don’t know,” after her success-crowned premiere event in the Davos/Albulatal/Bergün region. “I simply train a lot and love to run in the mountains,” said both 35-year-olds in separate comments.
Another aspect shared by the two northerners was that they skilfully paced themselves throughout the demanding race and did not let themselves get carried away by the initial fast speed set by other runners. Both Buud and Gavelin reached Bergün and thus the halfway stage in “only” second place and took over the lead on the ascent to the Kesch Hut. They then constantly increased the lead over the next-placed runners, who surprisingly included Valaiser Jean-Yves Rey (2nd) and Italian Antonio Armuzzi (3rd), Great Britain’s Elizabeth “Lizzy“ Hawker (2nd, competing with a broken rib) and last year’s winner Jasmin Nunige from Davos (3rd). At the finish, Buud had an impressive reserve of 18:32 minutes, Gavelin a no less impressive 16:21 minutes.
Pleasing result
The supreme double triumph is certain to make the Swissalpine Marathon even more popular in Scandinavia than it already is. And this will undoubtedly delight the tourism professionals as in recent weeks, the 135 Swedish runners alone generated additional overnight stays. Overall, 4721 participants competed in a total of eight runs (including the mini-competition for young talent on the eve of the big race). In addition to being pleased with the result, OC president Andrea Tuffli was also very happy that there were no incidents of note. “All the athletes who lined up for the Swissalpine Marathon were highly trained.” And it will most certainly be no different at the 25th anniversary of the Swissalpine Marathon on 31 July 2010.
RESULTS
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