Hawaii from sea to sea: a trailrunning adventure part three

Last week we introduced the second part in our photo series on a Hawaiian trailrunning adventure. A running team

consisting of professional runners Jason Schlarb and Julien Chorier and amateur runner Bill Clements. The trio is travelling across Hawaii running at high altitude across two volcanoes. Last week, they trudged across rough lava fields to reach Mauna Loa climbing over 4,000m. When they reached the summit, they were exhausted.

Now, they look towards their next feat.

Part three: Reaching the second volcano 

To reward the three trailers, Hawaii gifts them with a stunning sunrise. There is barely time to admire it before they are off again. They start off the day with the descent of Mauna Loa and gear up for the beautiful climb towards the 4,205-metre Mauna Kea. The day’s running starts on a winding road finishing in the valley, followed by a long crossing at 2,000-metre of altitude.

At that point, a scenic twisting path takes them up to the second volcano of the trip. The pace is good despite a tough day or trailrunning yesterday. The three trailers are solid. The difficulties of the climb to Mauna Kea are minor compared to day one. The final 500-metre of elevation gain are along paths that runners dream of. Julien, Jason and Bill reach the summit just as the sun is beginning to set. Perfect timing.

“At the summit I saw one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life!” – Bill Clements

“Bill was really strong and after a first day that was a little tricky, he was on top form for the rest of the way.”- Julien Chorier

“On the road to the second volcano the sun was intense, it was really hot but our morale really great.”- Jason Schlarb

“We really enjoyed each other’s company on the climb up Mauna Kea.” – Jason Schlarb