RACE REPORT BY RACHEL HOWARD: 11TH OCTOBER 2025
Absolutely perfect conditions for the world’s toughest 400m race. I know from last year that the course is slippery even with just night dew never mind rain, so grateful for the sun to be shining and a pleasant 18 c.
The stadium was just a short 15-minute walk from the hotel. Innsbruck is a stunning city, I would recommend a visit, even if you’re not into hiking, mountain biking or skiing. There was a steep walk up to the park and stadium beyond. It was a completely different set up to Finland. Finland had 3 jumps, one of which you could use the lower section as a warmup area and all the seating was at the base. The stairs at the sides of the jump were for participants to walk back down. Here the stadium was much bigger, but only one jump. So, we had to find a path within the park to warm up on. The best bit though was the seating went halfway up the landing strip and spectators could use the stairs at the sides too. This created a much better atmosphere, as you could hear the crowd shouting, cheering and banging the sides to spur you on. I could have also looked up to see them, but I didn’t have the energy!
We arrived as the men’s heats were already well underway, and I was shocked to see them doing the full 400metres in the heats. Last year the heats went to the top of the landing strip only (300m). Well, that’s great I didn’t have to worry about getting through to the final to have a shot at getting to the top, bonus.
After a million nervous wee’s and a can of Red Bull it was my turn. Again, different from last year, Finland we had 35 per heat, this year it showed 80 on the starting list. Clearly some had pulled out as 65 finished my heat. The DJ was great; he really set the right tone and motivation for the race build up and as the count down for each race started they played a deep bell chime and heartbeat just to really set the nerves going. The starter gun fired and we were off. A shorter downhill start, like last year I tried to go as far as I could on my feet before dropping down to bear crawl. I felt strong up the landing strip and just tired to concentrate on breathing. Back on my feet near the top to head up the ramp to tackle the final 100m of the out strip. This year they covered the runners that the skiers use so there was a wider area to use. Near the top, I thought, what the hell am I doing this for! I hope I don’t get into the final, I didn’t think I could do this again lol. At the top I couldn’t even stand up, I crawled onto the platform, got dragged up and made it to a landing at the side where I collapsed next to the other girls, all fighting to breathe and shaking their legs trying to get some feeling back in them. I didn’t want to sit around too long, I needed to get the legs moving, so still breathing like a train, I Shakely got up to my feet like Bambi on ice and headed for the stairs.
My legs felt more like my own when I got back down to Megan, we got some food/drinks etc whilst waiting for the other heats to finish & the qualifiers announced. I’d done it, yay (ish)!! I had to do it all again. I was excited but also thinking, oh my god, again!!
I had 2 hours to rest (not as much as last year), we had a walk in the park, watched the fire fighters relay, some doing it in full kit!!
For the final Megan decided on a higher viewing point and she got some cracking pictures. The crowds near the top of the landing strip were filling up and the noise was deafening. I started off well but my legs were so tired. With every person that passed me I thought that’s it, I’m last. I had a word with myself, it really didn’t matter, just one foot in front of the other & breathe. This time at the top I managed to get up onto my feet, and I didn’t sit down, I just propped myself in a corner to catch my breath. With legs shaking and giving way every now and then I slowly started to make my way down. Apart from laughing at me Megan was ever so kind and carried both our bags as we slowly walked back to the hotel. She wasn’t so kind the next day when she wanted to get the cable car & climb to the top of Innsbruck! But that’s another story.
Never say never but for now Red Bull over & out.
