Would you run down Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuhel? The infamous ski slope, known as one of the steepest, is home to the innov-8 Decent Race, possibly the world’s craziest trail running event.
Hahnenkamm is revered amongst skiers. Many people go skiing in Kitzbuhel just to ski it. With an insane gradient of up to 80% it’s one of the steepest ski slopes on the planet.
Hahnenkamm is a regular, and very popular, fixture on the ski world cup circuit. Well known as one of the most challenging, and best supported, events in the ski calendar.
When the snow melts in the spring the green summer slopes are beautiful and comparatively tranquil. Until October each year when the Hahnenkamm is home to possibly the world’s craziest trail running event.
Fearless – and some would say insane – runners compete down near-vertical gradients. The world’s most notorious ski slope will be the ultimate test of their skill and bravery.
The inov-8 Descent Race returns for it’s second year on Saturday October 5th. And entries remain open if you want to join them and run down Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuhel.
inov-8 COO Michael Price said: “It’s got to be one of the most innovative and, although relatively short in distance, toughest sporting events in the world.
“Last year saw hundreds of spectators line the legendary slope and watch on as runners got to grips with the demanding 350m long slalom-style course. This year we’re expecting even bigger crowds and even faster speeds!”
“To tame the Hahnenkamm, runners will need total commitment and lots of underfoot traction. Our graphene-enhanced running shoes, like the MUDCLAW G 260, offer the world’s toughest grip to those racing the world’s toughest downhill.”
The course begins at the iconic ski gate at the top of the mountain and competitors set off at 30-second intervals. There are a series of flags which racers must weave round, similar to a ski slalom.
Every runner gets two attempts at the course and whoever has the lowest combined time is crowned the winner. The male and female winner will each receive €300.
Last year’s the winners were Daniel Hauser and Lisa Kroll. Their times of 54:65 secs and 1 min 22:18 secs are also the course records.
The event is run by inov-8 – a British running, fitness and hiking brand that was forged in the fells of the Lake District in 2003. They are one of the world’s most innovative footwear brands in the market – check out this review of the inov-8 Roclite 275.
inov-8 are renowned for designing shoes with the best grip. For example, they were the first brand to use graphene – the strongest material on the planet – in their sports shoes. Combined with inov-8’s rubber it makes outsoles that are 50% harder wearing, without compromising on grip.
As trail running goes this event is pretty out there, but also sounds a lot of fun. Do you know of anything crazier? Let us know in the comments below.
Would you like to run down Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuhel, then find out more about the inov-8 Descent Race at: www.inov-8.com/descent