Elbrus Race 2013

The highest and one of the deadliest mountains in Europe, Elbrus attracts adventure travelers of all types. Skiers can ski from 5000 meters elevation down a deceptively mellow looking glacier. Mountaineering groups go to attempt climbing the highest peak in Europe. Skyrunning, a sport of fast ascent trail running on steep vertical terrain is a long tradition on the slopes of Elbrus. Elbrus Race is one of the skyrunning races held on this dormant volcano in the Caucasus Range of Russia. The twin peaks attract some of the worst weather and coldest temperatures. Every year several mountaineers climbing on Elbrus, even seasoned professional guides, die in whiteouts and storms. Author Charles Miske returns for another attempt at Elbrus Race, having been pulled from the race in 2010 after a bout of dysentery. He brings with him his climbing partner Todd Gilles, a champion figure skater and new to the sports of mountaineering, trail running, and skyrunning. Together they form Team Seven Summits Quest and set their sights on the summit of Elbrus. Read the daily accounts of their travels and trials as they find victory amid failure as both the Qualifying Run and the Race take place in storms and high winds. If you love adventure travel to remote foreign lands, mountaineering and climbing, and want the motivation to go after your own dreams, you must read this book.