A resident of Bolesławiec, Daniel Milewicz will take on one of the most difficult challenges of his career to date. On 25 August, he will compete in SwissPeaks 700, one of the most demanding ultra-trail races in Europe. As the only Pole, he has been included on the list of competitors in the longest-distance race.

SwissPeaks 700 takes place in the Swiss Alps, in the canton of Valais. This year’s race is scheduled to start on 25 August in Bouveret, on Lake Geneva. The competitors face approximately 700 kilometres of demanding mountain course and nearly 48,000 metres of elevation gain.

The scale of the event is impressive. The total elevation gain is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest from sea level more than five times. This is therefore not a conventional race, but a multi-day test of endurance during which competitors spend many days crossing Alpine valleys and high mountain terrain.

Only 100 competitors

Only 100 competitors may start in the longest SwissPeaks 700 distance. What is more, submitting an application does not guarantee participation: competitors must qualify based on their running CV and previous achievements.

For Daniel Milewicz, this will be the longest running challenge of his career:

This year was difficult in terms of preparation because I spent two years completing my professional specialisation, so combining it with training, including long and intensive sessions, was very difficult.

His preparations were primarily tailored to the specific nature of the challenge ahead. The Bolesławiec resident said: – I would go to the Karkonosze Mountains in temperatures of 30 degrees below zero and run all afternoon and all night. Then, in the morning, I would return home.

Daniel Milewicz also trained in the Jizera and Karkonosze Mountains. He would sometimes climb and run down Śnieżka at night; during a single training session, he was able to reach the summit as many as four times.

He prepared his legs for Alpine ascents and descents

Strength training was also an important part of his preparation. The aim was to accustom his legs to hours of exertion as well as the steep ascents and descents awaiting him on the SwissPeaks 700 course.

In such a long race, managing one’s energy will be equally important. SwissPeaks 700 may last almost 12 days, and the organiser has set a 300-hour time limit. However, D. Milewicz does not intend to fight for a specific time at all costs. He simply wants to reach the finish in good health.

The most important thing will be reaching the finish

During such a prolonged effort, patience, proper nutrition and hydration will be of enormous importance. The Bolesławiec resident has also decided to compete without external support, meaning assistance from family or friends along the route.

– In races like these, I run without support, meaning this is my run, this is my race, and I have to experience it without outside help – says Daniel Milewicz.

SwissPeaks 700 will start on 25 August in Bouveret, on Lake Geneva. The competitor from Bolesławiec faces approximately 700 kilometres of Alpine course, nearly 48,000 metres of elevation gain and up to 300 hours to complete one of the most demanding mountain ultramarathons in Europe.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for our runner.