Running couple Steffi Hollenstein and Stefan Vonbun, from Dornbirn, Austria, are about to embark on one of the toughest stage races in the ultra running calendar – the legendary Transalpine Run.
This 268km monster of a race starts in Austria and crosses the Alps to finish in Northern Italy, accumulating 15,000m of ascent along the way. Runners can team up to tackle it as a pair (as is the traditional way for the Transalpine Run) or do it solo. Indeed, the 2023 race is the first one to offer this solo option. The route is split into seven stages, with runners doing one stage per day.
Running as a team of two, Steffi and Stefan will look to maximise the fun and minimise the arguments on their seven-day race adventure through the high mountains.
We caught up with the couple for a chat ahead of the race.
Why do the Transalpine Run (TAR)?
Stefan:
“The race boasts a very special atmosphere – people tend to come back to the race year on year and call themselves the ‘TAR family’.
“It has a lovely, nice spirit – it doesn’t feel much like a competition (especially amongst the middle of the pack runners, of course) but even the top contenders usually help each other out a lot.
“The organisation is great, the aid stations are stacked, and a lot of people are there to cheer you on. The party after the final stage is legendary too!
“Steffi asked me if I would run it with her and I couldn’t resist.”
Steffi:
“I heard about the TAR from Stefan, who has run it twice before, and saw pictures from the race in his kitchen all the time. It really inspired me.”
How do you train for the Transalpine Run?
Stefan:
“We’ve been doing a lot of long days in the mountains together, just ‘time on feet’ and testing our gear. We’ve also done one tough training race together of 50km.
“We’ve had our ups and downs while training, but we are feeling good. We don’t have a training plan – we train as we like, just doing what we love and enjoying the mountains. We try to listen to our bodies and take rest days when necessary.”
Do you supplement your running with other types of training?
Steffi:
“Yes, functional training at our favourite studio, Kiing Athletic; where we do fun stuff with kettle bells, dumbbells and barbells. Big thanks go out to our favourite coach, Klaudia, for this! It complements our running quite a bit – strength is as important as stamina when doing long distance runs in the mountains.”
What are you most looking forward to?
Steffi:
“Doing the race together as a team, the new mountains and views, the party at the finish line and the massages that we booked! Also, waking up in a new alpine village every day.”
Are there any parts you're not looking forward to?
Steffi:
“The pain that’s going to set in sooner or later. And the arguments that we will probably have, because we won’t just be having fun.”
What do you think your biggest challenge will be?
Stefan:
“Seven days of running takes a toll. It will get tough. Plus, we will have to be patient with each other, because both of us will have our own difficulties.”
How do you plan on overcoming any difficulties you face?
Stefan:
“We’ve done hundreds of runs together, so we know each other inside out. We’ve had some quite difficult mountain days as well… so we are confident that we will be able to deal with difficulties. We know we will come out stronger on the other side of this.”
What do you plan on eating on the trail?
Steffi:
“Loads of stuff. Stefan knows how the aid stations at TAR are equipped, so feasting will be a part of it. I prefer more natural foods like roasted chestnuts, dates and the like. Stefan tends to use Maurten gels and Clif Bloks. Salt tablets are also a must, to avoid cramping!”
What kit are you using for the TAR?
Stefan:
“Our shoes of choice are the X-TALON G 210. These are the best and most comfortable shoes we’ve ever used, with the best grip ever. We want to be sure to stick to the ground, so we can trust the shoes in any conditions, that’s why the X-TALON shoes are our first choice. We will also use the TRAILFLY trail running shoes on the more hard-packed trails.
“We’ll use the new ULTRAPAC 8’s as they fit really well and have great storage options. The STORMSHELL waterproof jackets too – they’re lightweight, stylish & super in all weather conditions. And gloves, especially for Steffi as she easily gets cold hands.”
