What a confusion! The fervent passion for this sport makes us tolerate even extreme situations, as is the case here, where we approach the brink of total exasperation.
Trail running, the most primitive form of physical activity that only requires one’s own body and a trail, is experiencing its peak of popularity in 2023. Undoubtedly, the Golden Trail World Series has greatly contributed to this fame, transforming simple races into captivating entertainment for enthusiasts, attracting new followers, and piquing the curiosity of many.
This system, which aims to add more competition to the event, seems like a forced addition, as emphasized by Jonas, who concludes by saying “Keep it Simple Stupid.”
Finally, the event schedule is the last element causing uncertainty among participants. The prologue takes place in Spotorno, while the main race is in Noli. Women compete on Thursday and Saturday, while men on Friday and Sunday. Start times alternate between 10 AM and 10:15 AM on different days and the entertainment is divided between the two towns, with daytime activities in one and evening events in the other.
Eavesdropping on the local residents, I hear them discussing in confusion where the concert will be held, as it seems there are stages set up in both locations. One person concludes, “Nothing’s clear here.”
However, sometimes, as seen in the final of the Golfo dell’Isola Trail, this forced spectacularization creates a lot of confusion. Starting with the choice of the location, split between Spotorno and Noli, which ironically seems in line with the proposed format: picturesque but complicated places.
The “petal” course, where runners repeatedly pass through the starting point for ever-changing loops, was designed to facilitate live event broadcasting but appears intricate.
Another element of confusion is the ranking system. Conversing with Jonas Svengård, Team Manager Nordics, I discovered that I’m not the only one who doesn’t fully understand it. Even though there are good chances for his team to win the National ranking, he’s unclear about whom his runners are competing against.
But then comes the magic: when the runners gather at the starting blocks and the countdown begins, suddenly all doubts and uncertainties dissolve, giving rise to the most sublime and elegant form of this sport. Two hours or a little more of a unique spectacle, where the world’s strongest athletes execute a meticulously planned strategy to overcome their opponents.
As soon as the race begins, I quickly move to the trails to cheer on the athletes and capture photos from the numerous breathtaking viewpoints that Liguria offers. Throughout the entire course, I met fans and volunteers, all eagerly waiting to see their idols run like lightning.
“They’re flying” and “They’re superhuman” are the most common words I hear, and watching them tackle steep climbs, challenging descents, and flat sections at surreal speeds, I can only agree.
I then hurry to reach the finish line to enjoy the grand finale of this marvel. Once they cross the finish line, I admire the exhausted but happy faces of the runners, both men and women, who once again gave their all, offering a unique spectacle in this grand media showcase that is changing the face of this sport.
For completeness, I remember that the winners of GTWS 2023 are the American Sophia Laukli and the Swiss Rémi Bonnet. The remaining intricate rankings can be viewed on the official website goldentrailseries.com.
Once again gathered under the tent reserved for elite athletes and media, giving this event a somewhat summer camp feel, my roommate, the Norwegian athlete Hans Kristian Smedsrød, asks me how I envision trail running in 10 years, emphasizing how technology will allow smaller organizations to create entertainment around their races. I reply that I hope trail running continues to grow while maintaining its authenticity. Whether this is the right direction, I don’t know, but certainly, all my initial doubts about this specific event have been dispelled, and I hope my concerns about the future of this sport also find a positive answer.
