For 2006, I decided to run at Mount Mitchell Challenge. Because is an ultramarathon race I had to complete some minimum 50 k runs. Therefore, in October 2005 I singed up for Stump Jump 50 km, Tennessee. The race fee is used to maintain over 500 km of paths on Cumberland Plateau. This is a trail-running race, mostly on a single track, with approximately 670 m height gain and some steep descents. At the start line, we were around 120 runners. I was able to recognize some of them because they ran at Mount Mitchell Marathon. At the beginning of the race, I and other runners got lost in the woods due to the lack of some indicators.  Therefore, we did 3 km extra.  Close to the end of the race, I met two bystanders who told me: “You look ok! Keep running!”. I have finished the race in 6 hours and 9 minutes. Having this experience, I have realized what it takes to go beyond 42 km.

  The start…. 

Chattanooga River