Mountain Running
Tomáš Macećek strikes gold with a new Red Bull 400 record in Slovakia
As Red Bull 400 touches down in Slovakia, Czech runner Tomáš Macećek sets a new men's record, while Martina Bellušová takes the women's crown in her first ever Red Bull 400.
Red Bull 400 made a second visit to the stunning site in ŠtrbskéPleso, Slovakia. Located in the High Tatras, the ski jump is surrounded by incredible lakes and scenery making it a memorable setting for a Red Bull 400 race.
The ski jumping hill in Štrbské Pleso is a stunning venue
© Filip Nagy/Red Bull Content Pool
The weather however made for a not so warm welcome for the 1,200 participants competing in the event. Switching every 15 minutes between torrential downpours and beaming sunshine, the track was taking a beating even before the race started and athletes waiting for kick-off knew they'd have their work cut out to gain momentum on the slippery, water-drenched natural track.
With a huge amount of competition and talent spanning seven nationalities, spectators had no idea who would take top spot on the podium in the ferocious 400m uphill sprint.
Relay runners struggle up the final 25m
© Peter Kovac/Red Bull Content Pool
In the Women's class, the race was incredibly close for a big period of the race, as the athletes battled their way up the slippery, rain-soaked track. Only after the halfway point were a few contenders able to edge ahead of the main crowd and then slowly build up a gap as the finish line drew closer.
Amongst this handful was first-time Slovakian participant Martina Bellušová, who put on an incredible last minute burst of speed to claim the victory, crossing the finish line in 4m 52.9s. With over 10 seconds between her and second-placed Adéla Voráčkova, who finished in5m 6.4s, it was a strong win for Bellušová. Katarina Gundová took third place in a time of 5m 14.2s.
Martina Bellušová on her way to victory in Štrbské Pleso
© Filip Nagy/Red Bull Content Pool
"I’m a huge fan of steep races. I like them even more than classic flat tracks, so this just looked like something for me, but I honestly didn't expect to be the fastest woman here," said Bellušová, who wasn't even sure about competing until Friday.
Martina Bellušová and Tomáš Maceček pose with their winner's trophies
© Filip Nagy/Red Bull Content Pool
In the Men's race, Czech runner Tomáš Maceček stole the win from the Slovak athletes. Having finished second in the 2018 race, Maceček knew what exactly what he was facing and expertly channeled everything he had into his struggle up the side of the massive 37 degree ski jumping hill. Taking the win in a time of 3m 38.2s, he not only stood atop the podium, but also set a new record time, beating multiple Red Bull 400 winner Tomáš Čelko’s 2018 record.
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"It was perfect for me today, even though I didn’t feel like that before the race," beamed an ecstatic Maceček. "It's a great feeling to be the first man at the finish line."
Slovakian Jakub Šiarnik came in just six seconds later in 3m 44.2s, while Boris Obergries, also from Slovakia, completed the podium after crossing the finish line in 3m 54.2s.
Tomáš Maceček set a new Red Bull 400 record in Štrbské Pleso
© Filip Nagy/Red Bull Content Pool
The amazing and unique aspect of Red Bull 400 is that anyone can enter. The strength and focus required is unlike like any other race and it does attract some of the world's strongest athletes, but it's also a chance for any individual to put themselves to the test in the toughest 400m on the planet. One of the event's participants this year is part of the TV program Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. He challenged himself by competing in a relay team, making it a memorable day for both him and his team-mates.
Supporting the runners
© Peter Kovac / Red Bull Content Pool
Dakar Rally star Štefan Svitko also participated in the Red Bull 400 for the first time, in both the Men's race and the relay. "This was definitely the toughest 400m of my life, but I'm happy with 43rd place and even happier with second place in the Men's Relay class," he said.
42 relay teams took part overall, including both Men's and Mixed teams, with winning teams Bim Žilina and Melo Tím coming in at 3m 7s and 2m 47.4s respectively.
Štrbské Pleso delivered big views and great racing
© Filip Nagy/Red Bull Content Pool
This intense Red Bull 400 season continues in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, where the newly built ski jump will be hosting its first ever international event.
Red Bull 400 Strbske Pleso Women's results
PLACE
NAME
TIME
1.
Martina Bellušová (SVK)
4m 52.9s
2.
Adéla Voráčková (CZE)
5m 6.4s
3.
Katarína Gundová (SVK)
5m 14.2s
Red Bull 400 Strbske Pleso Men's results
PLACE
NAME
TIME
1.
Tomáš Maceček (CZE)
3m 38.2s
2.
Jakub Šiarnik (SVK)
3m 44.2s
3.
Boris Obergries (SVK)
3m 54.2s