The Khunjerab Pass is definitely one of the world ’ s most scenic race routes .
Although we did not have much time to acclimatise to the altitude , the route was nearly all downhill , but I decided that I would run at a conservative but consistent pace throughout . As this was an adventure run , albeit on a paved road , I wanted to have sufficient time to take photographs when the opportunity availed . This was a unique run in many respects , and I wasn ’ t taking part to compete with any others or to beat any set time , my plan was to enjoy the run as best that I could !
One often doesn ’ t sleep soundly before a major run , mainly due to nerves or excitement ( or a mixture of both ), but I slept reasonably well . We arose very early to eat breakfast , and many local runners , including some women , had congregated outside our hotel for the bus transportation to the start . We greeted some of them , noting the relatively poor condition of their apparel compared with the modern gear that us international runners were wearing , and we were glad that we had been able to donate some apparel for them . However , they were much better acclimated than we were , as they live at this altitude , and are used to a much harsher environment .
Scott ( third from left in front ) in the early kays of the race .
Start of the Khunjerab Pass Marathon .
SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM
We were all reasonably well wrapped at the start , as the air was cold in the early morning . After the customary group and various running fraternity photographs , the local runners insisted that we start at the front , and after the countdown , when the minister fired the starting gun to loud cheers from all of us , we were off on our journey . It was good to get on our way , what excitement !
The highway was closed to all but our convoy traffic , which proceeded with a heavy armed escort . It was all uphill , which meant that our run would mostly be downhill . Even though we were commencing the event at 4700m , it was a blessing not to have any major uphill sections at that altitude . We arrived at the start line to a minivillage of tents , organising staff , sponsors ’ representatives , and various officials and ministries that were involved in the event . There was a heavy military presence , as we were adjacent to the Chinese border , and the chief minister of the region ( accompanied by his entourage ) was the guest of honour , flying in by helicopter . The camaraderie between the runners and the officials was excellent .
Switchbacks were common in the mountain pass .
It was so very hard to breathe when we started off , which was a bit of a shock to my system . I had been hoping for a good , strong start , but I slowed down considerably as I realised that I was still quite tired after the lengthy journey , and though I had been to higher altitudes many times in the past , this had been accompanied by a gradual acclimatisation process . I was also much older now . So , I decided , no point in being miserable about the run . The scenery was spectacular , the route was mostly downhill , there was no traffic on the road , and us runners were all in this together , enjoying a unique opportunity to run a marathon in Pakistan , in the highest road marathon in the world . We were blessed to be able to participate .
I passed Matt in the initial stages , but he soon overtook me again , looking strong and quite pleased with himself . We ran together for a short while , but gradually followed our own pace , with him settling down in front of me , and me using him as a guide and focus . He slowly but surely pulled away on the many switchbacks and downhill sections that characterised the route .
TICKING OFF THE KAYS
The aid stations were at approximately 3km intervals and provided a welcome respite and an opportunity to take on board some drinks and fruit ( mainly apricots and dates ). Although I tend to carry my own water , other fluids are always welcome . The assistants at the aid stations were all very helpful and welcoming , and although their English was limited , we exchanged greetings and they encouraged us on our way .
There were various crews and sponsors ’ representatives in vehicles passing us by , taking videos and photographs , enquiring as to our wellbeing and whether we required any water or juice . I frequently stopped to take photographs , and although this would compromise my finishing time , I was not perturbed , as it was part of the adventure that I wanted to retain memories of . I was also slowed by a gradual uphill section just before the halfway mark , but was then buoyed by the crowd of spectators , and those runners who had finished the half marathon , who cheered us on as we pass through that finish point .
Banners along the route celebrated the uniqueness of the race
Images : Courtesy Scott McIvor , Z Adventures
34 ISSUE 167 | www . modernathlete . co . za