After successfully co-founding two trail running races, is it now legitimate to add “Race Organizer” as a job title?
Another epic day was spent outdoors on Saturday, November 25th, at the first Altstätter Berglauf.
Upon moving to Switzerland, I immediately fell in love with Altstätten, a little gem nestled at the foot of the Appenzeller mountains. This charming city, with its vibrant community, serves as the gateway to countless trails weaving through forests, cascading waterfalls, lush green fields, and diverse terrains, making it a veritable paradise for various outdoor activities.
I was surprised to discover that such a picturesque region lacked a trail running race. However, at that time, I hadn’t considered the possibility of organizing one myself. This hesitation was due to my lack of experience in race direction and limited connections with the locals, leaving me uncertain about where to begin.
Fortunately, fate intervened when I met Michelle Eigenman, initially through our shared love for live music (having performed together at a Swiss wedding). Learning that she was the mastermind behind the popular road race Städlilauf, I saw an opportunity to bring my dream to fruition.
Having gained confidence from organizing the ALL IN Trail Run in Italy since 2021, I teamed up with Michelle, and we set out to create something new in Switzerland.
Our initial plan was a traditional trail race through the beautiful forest’s single tracks, up and down the hills. However, our direction shifted when Alex Gamper, co-president of MTB Rheintal, informed us of the potential dismantling of our beautiful rack railway in the coming years unless it saw improved business. This revelation presented an opportunity to raise awareness through the region, and a sports event seemed the perfect avenue.
Putting our original route on hold, we focused on designing a new one that climbed alongside the railroad. This unique route allowed runners and supporters to benefit from the train, shuttling between the start and finish lines.
After months of collaborative efforts with a fantastic team of colleagues and friends, all race numbers sold out quickly, and the D day arrived. We were prepared to rock, each with assigned tasks.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather on November 25th (I’m a summer person), my initial worry about low runner turnout was pleasantly proven wrong. All athletes took their places at the starting blocks, and I thought, “Here we go again, it’s showtime.”
Post-start, I remained at the bottom to dismantle the area, hoping everyone was enjoying themselves. A message from Michelle in our group chat saying “Big smiles at the finish” reassured me that we had succeeded.
What I’ve learned is that organizing a race closely parallels running an ultra. The process involves phases of initial excitement, the realization of demanding preparations, and moments when you declare, “Never again!” Ultimately, you cross the finish line exhausted but with a priceless sense of reward.