On 13th July 2024 I joined Run Trento in their annual crossing of the Translagorai in 24h. It is not a race but a community event, where the direction alternates every year. This time, we went in the direction of Passo Rolle to Panarotta. Runners are supported by volunteers and friends: we had some great help, food, (hot) drinks at Rifugio Cauriol in the middle of the night, and the same at Passo Manghen. I took my own food for on the way, lots of gels, some sandwiches and bars. I had 1L store of water, which I could refilll in streams along the way.
It was my second time on the route, only this time we started at 7 P.M. and last time I started at 5 A.M., so it was a completely different experience. Everything I saw in daylight last time was dark this time, and the other way around. Also, being able to run with some people from Run Trento through the night helped a lot to fight sleep. At daybreak, our group of runners fell apart a little and I ran solo from there. I did battle with nausea through the night but started feeling better in the last section, from Manghen to Pannarotta, where I was able to speed up a little as the terrain got easier.
The Translagorai is and remains a beautiful wild route that holds a special place in my heart. I feel lucky to (as a Dutchie) have experienced these 24 hours of utter joy and connection with the Trento running club, which did help me immensely to run the time that I did.