Important technical information – please read the entire document carefully before the start
As you know, for a long time the weather forecast for the weekend was not optimistic. Last Thursday, yesterday, we met with the Head of the GOPR Rescuers Group in Karkonosze to confirm the route of our run. We were informed then that could be problems with keeping the planned route. From this meeting we fought for the ZUK to take place.
Today – on Friday – at 7:00 am after updating the weather forecast, we received a negative opinion for the running route. We planned an alternative route – in the lower parts of the mountains. Unfortunately, due to the hurricane warning which is valid in Karkonosze Mountains during the weekend, it was impossible. Together with GOPR, Forest Districts and Karkonoski National Park, we agreed that it is not possible to run through any forest areas, so we had to shorten the route and META WILL BE IN A Odrodzenie Shelter – 21,5 km.
Due to the strong wind forecast for the afternoon, it is difficult to access the higher parts by rescuers – we did not get the permission to conduct the original route.
Even though here in Karpacz the weather seems to be ok, we have been marking the route and therefore we needed to think about the different solution.
Therefore:
The run starts at 6:30 in Jakuszyce, so an hour earlier than previously planned. That’s why all the morning schedule are moving an hour earlier – buses gathering at 4:45, with departure at 5:30.
Each participant must have all additional mandatory equipment – in addition to those previously listed, its required to have crampons/ shoes with studs /two warming layers of clothes and two pairs of gloves.
Everyone will be checked and without equipment will not be able to run.The map of the run is not required. At the finish line there will be warm tea and shelter where you can change the clothes, use the toilet, etc.
The route is marked with yellow tapes, along the way there is one pit stop at Hala Szrenicka at the 9th km. Everyone who leaves Hala Szrenicka MUST reach the finish line – 12 km further.
It is not possible to warm up or get off the ridge. There will be additional referees on the route, closing team of runners, and rescuers in the shelters
The wather conditions in the morning are quite optimistic (that is why the start will be one hour earlier) – wind speed of 50-60 km / h, blowing form the right side to your back. In the afternoon it will increase to 120 km / h and it will start to rain. In contradiction, tAs you know, for a long time the weather forecasts for the weekend were not optimistic. Every year, on Thursday, we meet with the head of the GOPR Group in Karkonosze to confirm the route of our run. Already on Thursday we knew that there could be problems with leading the planned route. And from this meeting we fought for the ZUK to be able to take place at all.
Today – on Friday – at 7:00 am after updating the weather forecast, we received a negative opinion for the running route. We planned an alternative route – to reach alternative forest roads to Karpacz, in the lower parts of the mountains. Unfortunately, due to the hurricane alarm, which is valid in the Giant Mountains during the weekend, it was impossible. Together with GOPR, Forest Districts and Karkonoski National Park, we agreed that it is not possible to route through any forest areas, so we had to shorten the route and META WILL BE IN A REFLECTION. In the afternoon, too strong wind is forecasted, the road is very difficult, it is difficult to access GOPR – we did not get permission to conduct the competition there.
The situation is very dangerous, although here, in Karpacz, it does not seem that it is wrong with these forecasts and marking the route and seeing what conditions we have had to find a different solution. Because:
The loss will be at 6:30 in Jakuszyce, so an hour earlier than planned. That’s why all the morning elements of the program are moving by an hour – collection for buses 4:45, buses departing at 5:30.
Each participant must have all additional elements of mandatory equipment – in addition to those previously written – raki / raczki / buty with studs /, a total of two warming layers and two pairs of gloves. Everyone will be checked and without equipment will not be able to go on the route. You do not need to have a route map. The loss will also be warm tea and a room where you can hide from the wind.
The route is marked with yellow tapes, along the way there is one nutritional point at Hala Szrenicka for 9 km. Everyone who moves from Hala Szrenicka MUST reach the finish line – it is still 12 km. On the way there is no way to warm up or get off the ridge. On the route there will be additional referees, there will be additional people in the team closing the route, and in the shelters on the route additional teams of rescuers.
As for the route and the conditions for the morning, the forecast is quite optimistic (that is why the start will be one hour earlier) – wind 50-60 km / h, on the right side in the back. In the afternoon it will increase to 120 km / h and it will start to rain. The perceptible temperature in the morning will be between -14 and -17 degrees on the ridge.
Therefore, a wind-jacket with a hoodie is an absolute minimum, we also highly recommend wind-proof pants.
Each participant must have phone number of GOPR saved in their mobile – 601 100 300, 985 and the Aplikacja Ratunek installed as well.
Conditions on the route will be difficult – to Hala Szrenicka you will run in the deep snow, then the route will be icy, especially at the level of Wielki Szyszak – we are asking for caution and rationality and responsibility during the run. Please take care of each other, pay attention to the other runners.
The time limit at Hala Szrenicka is 9:00 am, while at the finishing line it is 11:00.
At the start you will be able to leave a deposit, which will be picked up at the finishing line in Odrodzenie or later in the sports hall on the promenade in Karpacz.
In Odrodzenie Shelter and at the finishing line you will also be able to have a warm meal.
How to get to Karpacz from the finish line? You need to go down to Przesieka, there will be buses waiting there, which will return to Karpacz smoothly. The Grand Closing – handing out prizes and the party schedule stays with no changes – it will all take place Mieszko.
At 18:00 on Saturday, we will also be screening the movie DREAMLAND in Mieszko – a documentary about Maciej Berbeka.
The fact that ZUK 2019 will take place at all is the result of very long, difficult and multilateral negotiations. We tried to do everything to make the competition possible. Shortening the route was a very difficult decision for us, but the only reasonable one we could take. Forecasts for Sunday are even worse than for Saturday, so there was no chance to postpone the run for the next day.
From the first edition we were aware that organizing Ultramaraton in the winter in the Karkonosze Mountains, it is connected to such possibility of difficult weather – but still it was really difficult to make the final decision.
We do not expect reimbursement of participation costs, any other decisions will be taken later, so far we did not have time for the broader reflection.
Once again, we ask for your understanding and caution during the run, we keep our fingers crossed for you, have fun and see you at the finish line!
Ania and Aga
Organizers of the Karkonoski Winter Ultramaraton