Biel 100km

Hello hellen

The 100km from Biel was my first ultra i ever did. Its a very good beginner 100km because its not so steep and to run through the night was acctualy a big plus (heat, "mystical" night)

Another big benefit is, that it's only a 1x100km loop (most 100km runs have a 2x50km loop or similar). So you run never twice the same path. Not only the run, also the old towns you pass along the way help you a lot to get motivated all night 

i did so fare around 10 Ultramarathons. Beside a run in Bangkok, it was the best ultra i ever did!

on the runningmonkey.co.uk page, you might find some more information and a race report

Hope i could help you and if you need more information im happy to help you (if you understand my crappy english )

happy running

Davos and Biel are 2 complete different runs so don't worry about hillsThe highest elevation to run is about 150m.

The terrain is around 70% ashpalt and 30% Fieldway. There is a path after 55km called the Ho-chi-minh trail, who is a little bit difficult with a few roots over the path. Depends when you get through this path, it could be still dark. But at this time in the year in switzerland, its getting bright around 4.30am

There is a site who has the complete route-details and also the elevationdetail (just in german but it still could help you and answer alot of your questions)

http://www.99km.ch/07-1.html

You find also a fansite on fb

 AND..you can always ask me

PS: i had a bike support who helped me a lot to get through the night.

I had a bike support and it was no problem. The bikes come in after 23 kilometer so the whole field is already stretched out a lot. And in general, there is always enough space for 2 bikes and 2 runners beside each other. It was also a great experience for my bike supporter and would defenetly be for your husband

My supporter didn't had any problem to get food and water at any food stations. Of course runners first but other than that, there is no problem with that.

To find you in the morning is another possibility, just keep in mind that this is not so easy (because its only a 1x100km loop). If you really considering to do it like this, i can give you later some key points where it is easier to meet the bike support.

Road shoes are ok because there is no mudd or something.

The detour for the bikes is signed pretty good for the part where they not allowed.

I dont know if its allowed to cycle backwards on the track because there are a lot of runners and it could be dangerous. The easiest thing is, to fix a meeting point somewhere, if he dont come with you all night (or you take your cell with you).

Are you guys coming with a car? Then your husband could just drive always to the next "meeting" point and wait for you.(but driving on the track himself is not allowed! )

hi hellen

Just wondering, if you are still train for the 100k this year in Biel? If you still interested and search for a place to stay, you and your husband are more than welcome to stay with me and my family (We live around 10k from Biel away but the public transport brings you directly to the starting point

Let me know.

Andreas

http://www.sportfood4you.ch/2011/12/aufgeben-ist-keine-option/#more-7366 

Anyone else thinking of doing this one? I have a friend out in Zurich who has run a few times, who certainly backs up Andreas' comments about the high standard of this event.

Hi Andreas

I am thinking of doing this event.  Would you be so kind as to tell me what sort of support and food/drinks there are around the course.  Is it possible to leave your own food or drink at supported refreshment points along the course, or do you have to carry things?  I cant think who I would persuade to cycle with me overnight>

Cheers

Hello OS,

You can have a bike support after 22km. If you dont have one, ask over Facebook or on the official guestbook if somebody likes to support you (works most of the time). Like this, the question with the food and drink is already solved.

BUT: There are food and drink stands all over the race track (every 6-10 km). Here is the plan with all stands and massage points ( http://www.100km.ch/downloads/2012/streckenplan.pdf )

And here the 2011 plan about what you get on witch stand (only in german but it should work) http://www.sportfood4you.ch/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Verpflegungsplan-100-km-Biel-NEU-2011.pdf

 If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact me

 Happy running

Andreas

Thanks for a great response.  I will very likely run this event.  cheers. 

Great! Good Luck already!