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Polish duo takes podium at extreme Monte Rosa Skymarathon in Italy

16.06.2025 14:50
Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli and Piotr Herzog secured a top-three finish in the mixed category, completing one of Europe’s toughest mountain races in just under seven hours.
Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli, alongside Piotr Herzog, reached the podium in the mixed cathegory of the extreme Monte Rosa Sky Marathon in Italy, completing the challenging course last weekend in 6 hours, 51 minutes, and 50 seconds.
Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli, alongside Piotr Herzog, reached the podium in the mixed cathegory of the extreme Monte Rosa Sky Marathon in Italy, completing the challenging course last weekend in 6 hours, 51 minutes, and 50 seconds.Photo: Federico Di Dio Photography/Unsplash.com/Facebook.com/Justyna Kowalczyk - oficjalna strona

The Monte Rosa Skymarathon challenges runners with an elevation gain of around 7,000 meters and harsh weather conditions on the route from Alagna to the summit of Monte Rosa, which stands at 4,554 meters above sea level.

The race demands a unique blend of trail running speed and high-altitude climbing skills.

The Monte Rosa Sky Marathon is an international skyrunning competition held in Alagna Valsesia (in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont, northern Italy) on Monte Rosa in the eastern part of the Pennine Alps. The Monte Rosa Skymarathon is an international skyrunning competition held in Alagna Valsesia (in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont, northern Italy) on Monte Rosa in the eastern part of the Pennine Alps.

Kowalczyk-Tekieli, the only female cross-country skier in the world to have won the FIS Tour de Ski four times consecutively between 2010 and 2013, has retired from competitive skiing but recently proved she remains in excellent shape.

As Herzog, an ultramarathon and mountain racing specialist, shared on social media, one moment stood out: near the summit, a spectator recognised Kowalczyk and shouted: “Polish Machine,” highlighting her enduring reputation.

Super przygoda😸

Opublikowany przez Justyna Kowalczyk - oficjalna strona Sobota, 14 czerwca 2025

(mp)

Source: Facebook.com/piotrhercogsalomonsuuntoteam