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Ready for a Vertical Kilometer Challenge?

Adam Hodges | June 29, 2022

Since 1994 — when the first Vertical Kilometer (VK) took place in Cervinia, Italy — mountain runners have been putting their lungs and legs to the ultimate test against the clock. The concept is simple: Run uphill as fast as you can, covering a vertical kilometer of elevation gain — that’s 1,000 vertical meters or 3,281 vertical feet — on a route not exceeding 5 KM (3.1 miles) in length. The actual terrain will vary depending upon the course, but typically involves an average incline of 20% with some sections over 33%. Poles and hands may be used to aid progress.

Kilian Jornet exemplifies the speed at which some of the world’s best mountain runners can ascend a VK. According to Jornet, “VK is all about pure performance. It’s not about technique or strategy it’s just how much you can work and how strong you are.” In what time can Jornet run a Vertical Kilometer? Watch this November 2021 Salomon TV episode as Kilian explores Norways epic landscapes to find the perfect spot to break the previous fastest known time — “FKT” — of a VK held by Philip Gotsch (under 29 minutes).

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Filed Under: Perspectives, Videos Tagged With: Adventure, Inspiration, Racing, Run, Trails

About Adam Hodges

Adam Hodges is a mountain endurance athlete and coach with credentials from the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA), USA Triathlon (USAT), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). In addition to coaching multisport athletes, he has coached high school cross country and track runners in California and masters swimmers in Colorado and California. As a USAT All-American triathlete, he has competed in the ITU World Triathlon Championships, the ITU World Duathlon Championships, and the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. As a masters runner, he has won a series title in the XTERRA SoCal Trail Series. His current pursuits include trail running, climbing, mountaineering, skimo, and cross-country skiing. Check out his training plans and courses to help you prepare for you next adventure.

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