In the heart of the Swiss Alps, a captivating and formidable challenge awaits those who dare to test their courage against the breathtaking peaks: the vertical marathon. Renowned Freeskier Nadine Wallner and Swiss mountain guide Simon Wahli have redefined the boundaries of human achievement with the unprecedented record-setting ascent of the Vertical Jungfrau Marathon.
– A vertical marathon is a fusion of rock climbing and long-distance running that blends together endurance and skill, sheer determination, and a profound connection with nature. Unlike traditional marathons that stretch across horizontal distances, this unique discipline propels athletes skyward, where towering rock faces become their course, and elevation gains replace conventional miles. It converges physical prowess and mental strength, demanding climbers to navigate intricate pathways, overcome formidable obstacles, and rise to altitudes that touch the clouds.
– Wallner and Wahli’s unparalleled challenge consisted of conquering two distinct rock faces, traversing 23 individual climbing segments characterised by moderate difficulties at an altitude of 3,600 metres (11,811 feet), and undertaking a ridge climb towards the summit of the iconic Jungfrau Mountain. To put it into perspective, the elevation of the hike is a remarkable four times that of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper.
– “In the Bernese Oberland, this route represents a logistical link from the valley to a 4,000-meter summit. That’s what makes this location so special,” said Wallner, as she explained the decision to tackle this path. “It’s an intriguing route with a diverse range of technical features. For me, the interplay of talents is what makes this unique challenge so captivating. Routes that remain unconquered or rarely attempted hold even greater allure. It’s like piecing together a puzzle, assembling data into a larger picture – a genuine adventure, just the way I like it!”
– The adventure commenced before sunrise, at 3:45 a.m. local time. Guided by the stars and driven by a relentless spirit of exploration, Wallner and Wahli embarked on their quest.
– Wallner said: “There are so many small details that need to align on a day like this. Despite meticulous planning, you’re ultimately at the mercy of nature.” She added: “If the weather doesn’t cooperate, if there’s wind or rain, or if you’re not at your peak performance – all these factors come into play. That’s why the appreciation for everything falling into place is still with me today.”
– The demanding challenge required teamwork, precise risk management and diligent preparation to ensure a safe ascent and descent. Wallner revealed: “It’s always about understanding your capabilities, your companions, and accurately gauging your performance in every situation.” She continued: “The risk lays in the combination of the tour’s length, its difficulty, speed, and the ‘light equipment’ we carried. We only had minimal gear to facilitate speed. I also had Simon Wahli, a local hero from Grindelwald, as my mountain partner. We hadn’t climbed alpine routes together before, but his style aligned with mine, and he was highly motivated.”
– Wallner and Wahli’s Vertical Jungfrau Marathon was a trailblazing mission. Wallner stands as the first woman to complete this route as a one-day expedition. As the sun dipped below the horizon, accompanied by Wahli, she completed the marathon in a staggering 16 hours and 20 minutes – a feat that marked her legacy.
– Wallner enthused: “It was a significant undertaking. I hope our ascent can inspire outdoor enthusiasts, particularly women, to tackle this route. It doesn’t necessarily have to be done in one day.”
Explore further adventures with Nadine Wallner by clicking HERE.
