Vertical KM

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The vertical KM involves climbing 1000m in elevation over the course of a run. The world record was set recently by none other than Kilian Jornet in 28 minutes and 48 seconds. 

I joined Running Adventures for a slightly longer and slower vertical KM in the Surrey Hills. We met for an 8am start in a car park at the bottom of Box Hill. I was there with my friends and YPOM running group members Matt and Susie. The group of ten was being led by Running Adventures founder, ultra runner,  adventure seeker and Salomon athlete Matt Buck. 

We started with a ridiculously steep route up wooden steps, through mud and leaves to the top of Box Hill. From there it was up and down the hill from various angles. The sharp ascents and descents had our lungs stretched to full capacity and our muscles filled with lactic acid. 




Between these intense sections were pleasant runs along tree lined paths, through thick bogs, and over fields with outstanding views over the surrounding countryside. It was cold but bright and the ground, although slippy and muddy in places, was fine for running.



Matt was carrying a pack weighing 8kg in preparation for the Spine race in January. The equivalent of carrying a microwave oven. This really took its toll on him, especially his shoulders and back, but was a good test for the upcoming challenge he faces.

The 8kg pack

Matt Buck would stop every now and then to allow us to regroup and there was plenty of opportunities for conversation and getting to know other runners.



We finally arrived back at the car park after a leg sapping descent just after 11. We had completed a half marathon in distance, a km in elevation and taken three and a half hours. Not quite up there with Kilian, but then we got to enjoy the run for six times longer.




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