CLAIRE BANNWARTH

What made you want to run ultras?

I've always loved running, long and slow, and outdoors. I did my first trail in 2017, the ut4m challenge., in tourist mode (first day in running shoes and long pants, bag not adapted...) and I liked it a lot, a few months later I was lucky (or unlucky) enough to win a race number for the Diagonale des fous. and so I had 8 months to go from a flat 100km that was the maximum I'd ever run at the time to a fine 165km and 100000d+, all while living in the Paris region at the time. The race didn't go very well, but I still managed to finish in pain, and above all despite all the difficulties I've had, I've loved this experience and this race format. The rest is history!

Your top 3 ultra training tips?

- Run. A lot. A lot a lot, but at low intensity so as not to injure yourself. You have to learn to enjoy running slowly
- Strengthening muscles (and yes, even if you don't like it and it's boring): it helps develop power, but above all it's essential for preventing injuries.
- Crossing sports: bicycles, swimming, walking... there's more to life than running and everything can potentially be useful, apart from sitting on your sofa.'

Your TOP 3 RAIDLIGHT ultra products and why ?

- The waterproof outfit :ULTRALIGHT 2.0 pants and jacket: honestly, you won't find anything lighter or more protective in the rain. And given the space and weight they take up, I never hesitate to ask myself if I should take them - it's always yes!
-Ultralight 24l or 12l pack : ultralight, well adjustable, practical, the 12l goes with me on all my ultras up to 100 miles, the 24l on all butcher's trips over 170km.
- 3/4 tights made in france. Very light and pleasant to wear, I've tested and approved it on all my ultras and backards, I can stay in it for hours (days) without any rubbing or discomfort, and fill the back pocket with cereal bars and crackers, great!

Who helps you at the refito and what is the most important thing he/she helps you with? ?

I never have assistance. I take care of myself at the feed stations and I'm pretty proud of it..

What's the worst moment you've experienced during an ultra, and what's the best?

There are a few, but at Transgrancanaria 360, I found myself lost for an hour in the same place, during the night and in the pouring rain. It was impossible to find my way, as I literally had to force my way through fields of cactus, and I was soaked to the skin, as was the change of clothes in my bag. I thought for a long time about triggering the SOS on my gps beacon to ask for help. because I was getting colder and colder, with a battery-less gps watch, and I felt almost in mortal danger.Luckily I finally found the right road and reached the base camp. where I shivered for half an houre.

What goes through your mind a few seconds before the start of a race, and what are your first thoughts after crossing the finish line?

Before the start of a race, I don't usually think about anything. , I'm just enjoying the atmosphere at the start and the calm one last time before being under pressure for several hours (days). After crossing the finish line, I'm generally very happy, whatever the performance, because in our sport, going all the way is already a victory! and then look for a place to take a nap!

How long have you been wearing Raidlight?

I am sponsored by Raidlight since March 2021, but it's the brand I've worn ever since I started trail running.

Claire's favourite ultrasound products

Collection favorite de Claire Bannwarth

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Découvrez les Exploits de Claire Bannwarth en 2024 !

Notre ambassadrice Claire Bannwarth continue de repousser les limites de l'endurance et de la détermination en 2024. Avec une série impressionnante d'Ultra-Trails à travers le monde, Claire a accumulé un total de 2777 km de course et un dénivelé positif de 123 840 mètres. Depuis le 1er janvier 2024, elle a déjà participé à 12 courses ultra, témoignant de son incroyable endurance et de sa passion inébranlable pour le trail. Au cours de ces défis, elle a décroché 6 victoires !

Outstanding performance

Among his many achievements this year, three in particular stand out :

  • Montane Spine Race (UK) : Claire dominated this epic 435-km race with a 12,500-metre climb, taking first place in extremely difficult conditions..
  • MIUT Madeira Island Ultra Trail (Portugal) : On Madeira's steep, technical trails, Claire shone, taking 4th place over 120 km and 7,365 metres of ascent..
  • Hardrock 100 (USA) : Known for her breathtaking scenery and formidable challenges, Claire finished in 8th place in this 165 km race with 10,000 meters of positive ascent. She showed incredible resilience throughout the ordeal.

Claire has shone in many prestigious competitions, reinforcing her status as an elite athlete. The Raidlight teams are proud of her determination and her exceptional performances, inspiring many trail enthusiasts..

Upcoming challenges

Her next challenge will be the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in a few weeks' time. And, as usual, Claire could follow up this UTMB with another outstanding race. Stay tuned for her next exciting adventures !