Two years ago I was in Kintzheim, Alsace. Between last Saturday and Sunday I was back in Kintzheim.
Two years ago I was at the start of the 25km Trail du Haut-Koenigsburg. On Sunday morning I was back at the start of the Trail du Haut-Koenigsburg.
Two years ago I finished the race in about 2h11′. On Sunday morning I finished the race again in about 2h11′.
Two years ago I was in company in Alsace. Between last Saturday and Sunday I was back in company in Alsace.
Two years ago it was a nice weekend. Between last Saturday and Sunday it was a nice weekend.
All the same?
Not at all. A lot of things have changed in two years.
The only thing equal was having enjoyed the “moment” in both occasions!:-)
I am glad and thankful about that.
And after this introduction a little more details on my 2021 Trail du Haut Koenigsburg.
Race review: my goals and status
I had not any particular goals.
Two years ago I arrived in Kintzheim in fairly good shape. And I had finished the race in just over 2h10′ with my right ankle swollen like a melon due to a bad sprain (at about km 13) and negative feelings about the weeks to come due to that injury. A short review of that race in 2019 is available here: Trail Running in France, Haut Koenigsburg | EmigranTrailer.
This year I got there with a much worse shape and with the same ankle injuried even before to start, but already recovering from mid-August. So, I just wanted to restart from a fast race, on a path that I like and above all to finish it without getting injured or further damaging the ankle.
And how it went?
I more or less finished at the same time (one minute less) and with decidedly positive feelings towards a gradual recovery, scheduled for the next two / three weeks through other races with not too prohibitive distances (less than 50 km).
In short, fortunately, many similarities with two years ago but with a decidedly opposite (positive) trend.
In the end, I have closed another circle! 🙂
The trail
The route was exactly the same as two years ago.
It is a very beautiful and fast path, all to be run.
It starts from the tourist office and after a few hundred meters you pass into the center of the town and gradually begin to climb. A few tens of meters which, however, already lengthen the group given the high rhythms (below 4’/km for the Top10 runners).
You then enter the vineyards and after a short stretch on a slight slope the first climb begins with a total difference in height of about 400 meters when you reach the first peak of the day (Hahnenberg after 7 km).
Then follows a steep descent kilometer and then 3 km of slight slope where you really have to run.
At this point begins the climb to the castle (Haut-Koenigsbourg castle : visit of a castle in Alsace, tourism in Alsace). The first part is easy, without demanding slopes. Then it gradually gets steeper. But, in fact, it remains runable if you are well trained for uphill paths.
Like two years ago there were many people cheering on.
The passage inside the castle is always very suggestive (ca. km 17). You run along the walls with people (dressed in medieval clothes) who greet, cheer and play music.
After leaving the castle 8 km of descent begins. The first (short) piece is technical. Then it is all to run without breath until the end. The last few hundred meters are on asphalt road.
Upon arrival there was a nice atmosphere and welcome, like two years ago.
Fortunately, the pandemic did not take away this beautiful emotion.
Thank you to all organizers and volunteers.
Pre Race with Maria (Photo by M. Winter) 
Pre Race with Markus (Photo by M. Laugwitz
Race information
Official website: THK | Ultra | Association Sportive Trail du Haut-Koenigsbourg (ultra-thk.com)
Official distance: 25 km
Official Cumulative Gain +: 880 m
Official Cumulative Loss -: 860 m
Official max altitude: 721 m
Start Date: 05/09/2021
Start Time: 08:00 a.m.
Start Point: Office de Tourisme (Rue Général de Gaulle, 67600 Kintzheim, Bas-Rhin, France)
Cost: 26 € (1 €/km)
Air Temperature (average): 20°C
Weather conditions: sunny
Dominant Ground: trails, forest roads
Ground Status: mainly dry
Technical Difficulties: none
Refreshment Points: 1 (ca. 15,5 km)
Race results
Official results: https://thk.livetrail.run/classement.php?course=25Km&cat=scratch
Official starters: 606
Official finishers: 606
Official personal time: 2h10’55”
Official personal absolute position: 19
Official personal male position: 19
Official personal AGE Position (M1-H): 4
Official personal finisher certificate: Coureur 2366 – Andrea DE FILIPPO – Le Trail du Haut-Koenigsbourg – LiveTrail®
Personal ratio absolute position/starters: 3,1 %
Personal Gps move (by Suunto 9): https://www.suunto.com/move/andreadefilippo70/613484e2d6252522485227bf (note that I never wear a Hearth Rate Monitor. The recorded bpm is on the wrist. Thus it’s not correct. Ditto for VO2 and calories)
Personal Registration Team: Team NO LIMITS – EMIGRANTRAILER
Start with M&M (Photo by M. Winter) 
Number and finisher medal
Race equipment
Shoes Type: Saucony Peregrine 11 (Size: UK 8.5 / EU 43 / USA 9.5; Color: Future Blue)
Shoes usage at the start: 285 km; ca. 15196 D+ / ca. 15157 D-
Anklet: F&V (only used for the right ankle, still not ok)
Socks: Thyo Special Trail (Size: 41-43; Color: Black/Blue)
Calf Sleeves: not used
Shorts: Raidlight Trail Raider Short (Size: M; Color: Dark Blue)
Race Belt: Suunto / Salomon (Color: Black)
Undershirt: not used
T-Shirt: Team NO LIMITS
Arm Sleeves: not used
Gloves: not used
Wristband: not used
GPS Clock: Suunto 9 (Color: Black)
Backpack: Ultimate Direction 10,8L (Size: M; Color: Blue)
Headwear: Kalenji Cap
Glasses: not used
Trail Running Poles: not used
Headlamp: not used
Wind/Rain Jacket: not used
First Aid Help: not used / not required
Race nutrition plan
Given the short distance and the plan to run fast without stopping at the refreshment point, I brought with me just few little things:
- 0,5 L of water and electrolyte sports drink
- 1 Gel by Overstim’s (used at km 13)
Additional information
If you want more information or technical details related to this event, please do not hesitate to contact me or comment below.
Other information about races, results and equipments at the following link: Trail & Running | EmigranTrailer.
Enjoy Trail Running!
Andrea De Filippo
Original post in english language. For other languages, please open with a web browser (i.e. Chrome) and apply the automatic translation.
