Sven Musica competes in ultimate test
Long-distance runner, Sven Musica (30) recently returned from Italy where he competed in the 10th edition of The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail Marathon.
This incredible race embraces the most spectacular scenery of the Dolomites, the Cristallo, the Tofane, Cinque Torri, and of course the Tre Cime.
“It was the first time I cried during a race, first time collapsing at the finish line, first time sitting in a medical tent wrapped in a space blankie and first time pretty much that I walked nearly all the way,” said Musica.
Also read: Embracing your inner sky warrior
The Lavaredo Ultra Trail is a 119-kilometre mountain trail that has almost 6 000 metres of vertical ascent located in the Italian Dolomites starting in a town called Cortina d’ampezzo. It refers to Le Tre Cime, or the three peaks which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The entire race is off-road on hiking/walking trails that cover some of the most beautiful scenery around.
“You run through natural pine forest, over rivers and streams, up into the high rocky dolomite mountains. You are in awe around every corner. Just the fascinating landscape and mountains are worth all the pain and suffering.”
Also read: Sasol dominated mountain bike rally
Musica had a niggling hip flexor for a month or so before the race. After coming down the second descent, his hip started shooting a sharp pain through his femur. “It was here that I just couldn’t run down the descents.
“At 66 kilometres, I picked up some trekking poles. I could climb strong and made up time going up. With the last kilometres to go, my flexors completely seized up and all I could do was hunch over and move forward.”
His goal was to finish the race – regardless if he had to crawl or roll over the finish line. He feels that his time of 21 hours and one minute was irrelevant as he had to run with an injury.
Also read: Cousins win Berlin trail
“For me the experience of being in one of the most incredible mountain regions in the world is something that will be with me forever.
“I ended up going into tourist mode, which is probably the best thing that could have happened because this race is just so incredibly beautiful to just run past. Every single mountain is unique and beautiful, every corner reveals something beautiful.”
Last year Musica completed his first-ever Salomon SkyRun 100 Marathon held in the Witteberg Mountain Range in the Eastern Cape.
