FKT: Christian Malmstrom - Blekingeleden (Sweden) - 2020-07-05

Route variation
Standard point-to-point
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Supported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
1d 14h 55m 30s
GPS track(s)
Report

Early morning on the 4th of July I, together with two friends who were also trying for the FKT, left Sölvesborg. To run the whole trail had been a dream of mine for maybe 10 years. The start of the trail is outside the train station and the first 30 km of trail is shared with Skåneleden part 1, before the Blekinge trail turns north east and continues through the beautiful landscape of Blekinge (it used to be called the Garden of Sweden). We had supplied to last on our own for the first 10 hours (80km). During the first hours another friend joined us but he left after 30 km. It rained all the time and I realized that my feet would be one of the limiting factors so I switched socks at several short stops. We resupplied water along the way at campsites, graveyards etc.

After 80 km my wife met us with pizza and we stuffed our bags full of energy again (40 min stop). The rain poured down and one of my friends decided to throw in the towel. We were down to two. We continued in the rain, into the night. During the darkest hours (it was only dark for about 6 hours) we had company from another friend. I was really tired during the dark hours and felt an urge to take a short nap, but when the sun came up my head woke up again. We continued. In the morning my companion, Roger, had an upset stomach and couldn´t run or eat, so he had to walk. We split up for a while and he caught up with me at the next checkpoint where we also got company from 3 other friends (20 min stop).

However 15 km into that section Roger decided to call it a day, and I was now alone in the FKT attempt. I however had company from friends and family all the time and continued at an ok pace. After 230 km and about 32 hours I decided to take a short nap. My wife and kids where there and I stopped for maybe 40 minutes. The nap, food and meeting with my family made me increase the pace and some of the kilometers during the last marathon distance were the fastest of the whole adventure. A fantastic feeling to be strong at the end. 

The last section went across sand dunes and when approaching the finish (which is a big stone) my family and parents had gathered. A dream had come true.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/316122679780933

https://www.blt.se/sport/malmstrom-i-mal-efter-27-mil-ae722a99