The Trans Jura Trail 110km - 4400hm

What a ride. 110 km through the French Jura, from Champagnole all the way south to Les Rousses.

Usually your mental grit gets tested around the 40–50 km mark. This time it started two hours before the gun, boarding a bus at 1 AM with about 200 others (the other runners are locals mostly, I'd guess).

But once you go into power-saving mode on that bus, it's actually fine.

- Bus ride goes smoothly. Very relaxed vibe. Last time I had to bus to a start, people were already getting carsick before we even left.

- 3 AM, go! I reckon my pace is about 10% too high, but it feels good. We'll see.

- Single tracks, forest paths and waterfalls. Sad to switch the headlamp off at 6 AM. Running in the dark always has something special.

- Holding a nice steady pace, good chat with good company, the morning sun pushing through the clouds, the landscape rolling out in beautiful greens and valleys.

- 55 km, halfway. Warm meal here. Rice with tomato sauce. Feels like midday but it's only 10 AM. Always fun to know. When you're not going for a top finish, time gets a bit surreal out there.

- We set off again from the ski jump stadium steps. All the way up to the top of the highest ramp. Thankfully no skis required, and absolutely no jumping down. I'll take a few more hours of running, thanks.

- Checkpoint to checkpoint. Top up water, eat something…salty for me please. Grateful for all the volunteers who also happily turn a garden hose on you for the most welcome cool-down.

- The sting is in the tail. The last 40 km still pack in some steep climbs and fast descents. Some people dread that part, I genuinely look forward to it. Maybe the Bob Graham Round left its mark. The hills are a bit higher than back home in Huldenberg, but the Alps are still a fair drive (or run) away, so it's manageable.

- 10 km to go. Mentally I pretend I've just left home for a local 10K. I recognise a lot of supporters by now, from showing appreciation all day, they're now cheering hard for me too.

- 2 km to go, there's still another gear. Nobody gets past me from here. Running into Les Rousses, loads of people out on the streets, clearly something's going on here.

Finish! 109 km, 4600 m of climbing, 16 hours (and 1 minute) after leaving in the middle of the night — I'm back where I started. Now: find actual food and close my eyes. 🏔️

Well organised, great atmosphere and just a lot of fun overall. Want to give it a go? Find out more → https://www.latransju.com/en/evenements/la-transju-trail/