The second stage of the Beyond the Ultimate Mountain Ultra offered both stunning scenery and formidable challenges. Known as ‘Telety Pass,’ this stage took runners through some of the most breathtaking and rugged terrain in the region.

Stage 2 began under blue skies in a deeply carved glacial valley, a testament to the region’s dramatic geological history. The runners initially navigated fast-flowing rivers, which soon gave way to the first significant mountains of the race. Locals refer to these majestic peaks as celestial, and it’s easy to see why—with their imposing presence and untouched summits, they dominate the horizon.

The day saw a dramatic shift in weather. Despite a sunny start, the ever-changeable mountain climate brought rain, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already challenging course. The runners faced two steep ascents, climbing from 2,500m to 3,800m over just 8km. The breath-taking views at the top were hard-earned, as they traversed the Telety Pass amidst high winds, intermitent poor visibility and adverse weather.

After conquering the pass, runners descended into the next glacial valley, where the day’s journey concluded. The riverside camp for the evening is set in the beautiful Karakol Valley, offering a serene and picturesque respite from the day’s exertions.

The initial blue skies quickly turned to rain, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of mountain weather. High winds and rain on the Telety Pass tested the runners’ resilience, but their spirits remained high as they pushed through the challenging conditions.

First across the line today was Reinhold Hugo in 6hrs 5min, a storming performance that will slightly extend his lead over second-placed Eddie Avraham (6hrs 20min). Rory Warnock and Thomas Evans once again crossed the line together, reaching the camp with smiles on their faces in 6hrs 56min.

Veronique Lievin once again led in the Women’s race, crossing the line in a speedy 7hrs 25min, more than an hour ahead of joint second-placed Beiei Fan and Katie Baker who made it into camp together with Harry Edmonds in 8hrs 57min.

Some of the runners put in an incredible shift, spending more than twelve hours out in awful weather and crossing formidable terrain. Nora Holford and Olivia Keating were last in after 12hrs 43min on course. What an immense testament to their grit and determination, crossing the line together with a smile on their faces!

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow these incredible runners on their journey through one of the most beautiful and demanding ultramarathons in the world.

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