Andreas Mikkelsen and his co-driver Anders Jæger recently took part in the Marathon Zugspitz Ultratrail in Germany.
The two Norwegians, who are currently third overall in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), set off on Saturday to tackle the ultra-distance of 101.6 kilometres – in one go – around the Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany.
Mikkelsen and Jæger started out early in the morning from Grainau on a sodden and muddy route that would see them climb 5,412 metres.
“That was a real challenge,” says Mikkelsen. “Unfortunately, Anders and I had to stop after 82 kilometres. Despite this, I am proud that we made it so far in these weather conditions.
“Although we did not manage the full 101.6 kilometres, the scenery was incredible. The first few kilometres were particularly great, when we ran with the front-runners.”
For Mikkelsen and Jæger, the marathon was an extreme form of preparation – after all, they have more than the 59.60 kilometres of special stage awaiting them and the Volkswagen Polo R WRC on the final day of the Rally Poland (30 June to 3 July).
“I will now take a break from running,” says Mikkelsen.
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