Salomon Xtrail - Chile - 2012 - 13th

This past weekend was my first race after the Atacama Crossing. I wanted to do a fast race to run hard, but I also wanted to keep it a little shorter as I have the 64km Ruta del Condor race in two weeks' time. The Salomon Xtrail offered a 21km, but also two shorter options so V joined me for her first trail event: a 7km race.

Before the start.

The trails were dry and it was a cool day so perfect conditions for racing. I started out close to my goal pace for the race and as the field settled I was running alone or with one other (the same) runner. The first 5km were relatively flat and then we started a series of small climbs and descents as we crossed multiple streams and later climbed up to the minor peaks in the area. The race was mostly out in the open with many short trips through a beautiful forest which lay between the various small peaks we ran up.

Section of the trail with the rolling terrain in the background.

I ran consistently for most of the race and was pleased with my performance as I finished feeling strong and ready to run more - a good sign for two weeks' time. My time was 1hr52min and I was 14 minutes back from the leader in 13th position.

I finished strong and felt ready to run more!

V really enjoyed her race and finished well. She took all these photos and made the most of her first trail race. I think she'll be doing a few more races in the future!

A happy Team 505 at the finish.

We had a great day, enjoyed a well organised race and are already looking forward to the next Salomon Xtrails event.

Race Result:

12 May 2012
21km
515m
1:52
13th place