Arrancabirra 2019

By Iain McGougan

Arrancabirra is a trail race with a difference that is held annually in Courmayeur in the Italian Alps. The basic details are that it is an 18km loop in the hills that surround Courmayeur. The added extra is that this is an end of season event that is designed to be fun and every year there is an optional theme suggested and the majority of those taking part dress up according to the theme. Oh, almost forgot there are six fuel stops on the way round that have tables loaded with local cheese, sausage and beer, yes beer.

The atmosphere on the start line was incredible with it being very apparent that many take the dressing up theme very seriously and have invested a load of time in preparing their costumes. This year the theme was Woodstock and there was definitely a heavy presence of hippies dressed in flares and a dizzying array of brightly coloured outfits, even the dogs were dressed to match their owners (dogs are welcomed on the run).

The start through the village is a gentle start with a large crowd out to wave the runners off. This changed very quickly with a left turn which took us onto a steep tarmac road that weaved its way through some magnificent chalets. A couple of hundred meters up this road there was suddenly a huge cheer followed instantly by massive boos from the runners ahead, what was happening? As we approached all became clear, a team of four who had been clad in what looked like an incredibly heavy replica of a VW camper van were parking/dumping the van on a trailer. With what was to come I don’t blame them one bit. Very quickly the tarmac was replaced by trail which only got steeper and that killed the running as the throng slowed to a steady walk.

Two and a half K in we hit the first fuel stop and spirits were immediately raised as the ground levelled and the beers were handed out. I have to admit this was incredibly bizarre but despite my initial reservations I reluctantly indulged and washed down my cheese with a cool can of Napea Grand St Bernard craft beer.

Beer finished and it was onwards and upwards to the next stop. This was at an Alpine refuge hut where we emerged from the trees to an amazing view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains and valley below.

More cheese, more freshly cooked sausage and of course more beer was followed by steep descents and even steeper and longer ascents until we eventually reached the highest point of the day which was a relief, downhill all the way home, hoorah. It was a relief to stretch the legs at long last and enjoy a trot along the ridge and take in more amazing views.

All too soon we started to descend rapidly following what I think would be described as a technical track, tree roots, exposed rock, large stone, loose gravel and water deflecting kerbs all to be negotiated.

As I flew down this track with gazelle like agility and grace it dawned on me that the beer was probably inflating my new confidence so immediately slowed down to avoid serious injury. Coming back into Courmayeur and the finish line was a welcome sight as by this point my legs were screaming with the steep descent and I knew that the following days would involve some very stiff legs. The finish area had a large marque where the post-race party was already in full swing with a live band blasting out the usual crowd-pleasing anthems. Another beer in hand and it was off for the post-race meal and to join in the party, and it was some night, almost positive I spotted somebody from Tarbert in the crowd, Mr Smith??

To sum it up if you are looking for something a bit different, very different and not at all serious with incredible scenery and even better atmosphere this is the one for you, but be warned it is definitely not a PB course.