Sandsjöbacka

Being the largest natural reserve in Halland, Sandsjöbacka is known for its heatland where white horses roam and marsh lily bloom during the summer months. The first time I got to run there was in late September as part of the Halland Ultra-Beach recce. Yesterday, I returned for sixty demanding kilometres of trail running all the way to Skatås.

Starting at 9 am in Kungsbacka, I knew going in that, even if I had not developed any respiratory symptoms from William’s nasty cold, I was not feeling that well in my stomach and that the race would be somewhat of a challenge. Still, for the first 15 kilometres, all was fine, and I was having a projected finishing time of around six hours. At the marathon mark in Sisjön, that had turned into seven hours, but little did I expect exactly how tough the last bit into Skatås would be, as I passed the wild area known as Safjället and the muddy mountains of Kallebäck.

Ultimately I finished in 8 hours and 44 minutes as number 79 of 128 runners completing the race. Though I had obviously hoped for a better time, I am still happy I did not give up due to the stomach cramps and, with 3 new ITRA-points secured, I am already looking forward to the Bandolerita 80k in March.