The third stage of the Beyond the Ultimate Mountain Ultra provided yet another day of breathtaking landscapes and grueling challenges. Known as “Ala-Köl” this stage took runners through a diverse range of terrains, featuring rope bridges, pine forests, glacial lakes, and moraine fields.

Stage 3 began with runners navigating rope bridges to exit the initial valley, setting the tone for a day filled with technical challenges. The first significant obstacle was a sharp ascent through dense pine forests, which then opened up to reveal stunning electric-blue glacial lakes. The 1,500m climb demanded a mix of light technical scrambling and steady trekking, testing the runners’ endurance and agility.

As the runners ascended, they were rewarded with views of Ala-Köl Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. This serene yet daunting body of water, fed directly by a glacier, guided the runners towards the highest point of the stage at 3,907m. The climb was a mixture of technical scrambles and more manageable trails, requiring careful navigation. The descent from the pass was steep and challenging, with rocky terrain adding an extra layer of difficulty.

The race continued through the picturesque wildlife reserve of Altyn Arashan, known for its hot springs and stunning natural beauty. The route offered runners a visual feast, with the vibrant colors of the landscape providing a stark contrast to the day’s physical exertion.

The weather held steady for most of the day, with the odd downpour, allowing competitors to focus on the demanding course. However, the unpredictability of mountain weather was ever-present, reminding everyone of the need to respect the mountains.

In the Men’s category, the stage saw a thrilling conclusion with Frode Lein and Reinhold Hugo crossing the finish line together in a time of 8 hours and 18 minutes. They were closely followed by Rory Warnock, who completed the course in 9 hours.

Veronique Lievin continued her dominance in the Women’s race, claiming her third consecutive stage win with a time of 10 hours and 12 minutes. Beibei Fan and Katie Baker finished together, clocking in at 12 hours and 15 minutes, demonstrating immense perseverance.

Track the race live by clicking here.

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