Ultrarunners are drawn to insane challenges the same way moths are drawn to light. Now, it's fully booked (and then some, with 31 registered for 30 spots 😊) for this year's edition of Kruke's Ultra-Trail Challenge (KUTC)! I found this picture of the participants from the first edition in 2018. What on earth were these people thinking?
But now it's the seventh edition, and already sold out for an event that takes place in the middle of the country, in the middle of October, and thus in the middle of the worst weather season. Starting from my carport in Saksvik, participants will run to the top of Solemsvåttan and back down—as many times as possible. Additionally, participants must 'declare' in advance how many laps they will (at minimum) run, so that ITRA and UTMB can get their result lists for fixed distances. Those folks don't get the 'no limit' concepts!
What started as a mix between an experiment and a joke has actually become an autumn tradition here on the border between Malvik and Trondheim. Understand that if you can! The joke, well, no one laughs at that anymore. But the experiment lives on: Who will be the first to 'Everest' Solemsvåttan? It takes 24 laps to achieve that. Hallgeir Martin Lundemo currently holds the record with 16. This year, the record might be challenged, as both the previous record holder Jon Asphjell, Hallgeir, and SMVE + MMC Death March winner Kristin Solbakken are at the starting line. And there are also 11 first-time participants who might surprise us. I hope to set up some form of live coverage/results service so that those interested can follow along.
The motto for KUTC is 'Keep It Stupid Simple.' That means no marketing, no prizes, and only a 100 NOK registration fee (including 'service' in the form of soup, etc.). The intention is also to primarily attract local participants, but I realize that the madness may appeal beyond the borders of Mid-Scandinavia. However, the carbon footprint will be kept low this year too, with only one participant flying (with a carbon offset) and one traveling by train over a longer distance. Otherwise, local traffic with electric cars, local buses, bicycles, and good old-fashioned walking dominates.
To echo Big Dog (who this year has mistimed his race and scheduled it the week after KUTC): 'Condolences' to those of you registered (https://www.krultra.no/nb/KUTC/startliste). And finally, a tip: Registration opens every year at Easter. 😉