Introduction to Elbrus Race 2013

Elbrus Race: You can't race any higher in Europe. [CLICK HERE]

This race has been held on and off since 1989 and is historically the oldest race on Elbrus. History quoted in part below (multiple SIC not denoted in text).

Vladimir Balyberdin was the first who had understood the annual Elbrus speed climb Championship perspectives. In 1989 he organized  the first Elbrus race — from Priut 11 till the col. September was choosed with a special reson – it is the best season here. There is no ice on the route usually in September, and the whole way to the tops is oftrn safer than in other seasons. Next race was in 1990. Anatoly Boukreev was a legend of that races — he won in 1990 — and his result was 1 hour 47 min (Priut 11 — East top).

There is another race in May, sanctioned by the International Skyrunning Association, with events like the Vertical Km and marathon races. The one in September isn't sanctioned, but from statistics I've seen seems to have faster times for the main events, though I don't know if it's apples to apples or apples to oranges, as there is more softer snow typically in May, and they may not begin at the exact same point at the Barrels Huts.

Elbrus Race 2010 myself as #24 and the first American entrant in many years

I entered the Elbrus Race 2010 event, and passed the qualifier, but became sick from bad water and was pulled from the main event, the Classic Race on the morning of race day by the event doctor.

In 2011 the area was closed to outsiders because of terrorist activity including bombing. In 2012 I wanted to attend, but there were logistical issues that prevented me from going the week of the race. In any event the race was called for weather shortly after the first runner passed the finish line. I also had issues with cold and wind when I went a little over a week later, and was not able to summit.

When my friend Todd Gilles, a professional figure skater, and I started climbing Colorado 14'ers in winter I thought maybe we had the potential to form a team for Elbrus. We also did a very quick ascent with no acclimatization on Orizaba, the highest volcano in North America and highest peak in Mexico at 18,500' - almost identical to Elbrus in height.

Todd Gilles and Charles Miske High-5 on the summit of Orizaba 5 March 2013

Recently we formed a team and entered the competition. We have begun training in Colorado with various trail running and climbing activities, and will be ramping up the training a few notches over the next couple months and sharing that with you here.

We'll also be sharing some information specific to Elbrus Race 2013, with stats and figures for elevation, distances, and previous winning times. Stay tuned. Subscribe.