The Inaugural 13 Valleys Ultra // Mental Grit and The Power of Determination

Join us on an awe-inspiring adventure through the Lake District in our documentary, "13 Valleys Ultra," a grassroots ultra that stands in stark contrast to the grandeur of events like UTMB. This isn't about glitz and glamour; it's about raw determination and the relentless pursuit of personal achievement.
With only 26 survivors out of 100 entrants, this ultra proved to be one of the most demanding and rewarding experiences. Against the backdrop of the Lake District's breathtaking scenery, participants battled a relentless storm, mandatory cold weather gear, and a modified route. But through it all, they found something extraordinary-the sheer joy of pushing their limits.
In a world of grand races, the 13 Valleys Ultra reminds us of the beauty of simplicity, the thrill of grassroots competition, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to venture into the unknown. Join us as we delve into this remarkable journey, where personal triumphs shine brighter than any podium finish.
Strava: / strava

[@jamesday1]

"It's not a real ultra unless you have two sunrises" 😂Another epic race Marcus! Great video.

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks! Yes this was a tough and long one. A real ultra :-)

[@eric-running-to-chamonix]

Your videos always give me perspective. I've run ultras this year in record heat, thunderstorms, and a tropical storm and always think I'm cursed. But then I see your efforts and your positive attitude, and remember that the weather, terrain, etc are dimensions to the whole experience.

[@MarcusKjellberg]

A smile and a positive attitude can take you very far

[@burrianaUK]

Thanks for the video Marcus - I am doing my first Ultra next month, and it is only the 5 Valleys - the last 55k of yours. I cannot imagine how tough the 13V must be! Great work all of you 🙂

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Good luck 🤩 Make sure to enjoy 👍

[@jessandersen4768]

I love your movies! Its so honest and real. And also I get that jelous feeling when I am watching (from the sofa - under a blanket - with hot chocolate and popcorn… 😂) Congratulations 🎉

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks a lot. Sofa and a blanket sounds like a good idea. 🤩

[@the_southcoast_runner]

Great filming. I will be running the 13 valleys next month.

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Enjoy 👍 It is a beautiful race

[@realrunninglife94]

it's put on by Nova International Limited that own great run - amazing that energy product was missing. unfortuntley I'm not sure it will have a grassroots feel for long

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Great experience 👍

[@rubencarrera3822]

Hello, what parameters / modes do you use for your recordings with GoPro? I really like your videos

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks. I usually have 5k 24 fps. Linear and HL. Natural color profile and -0.3 exposure

[@reinmansmith]

“Just a case of wanting it enough” a great quote Marcus… I did my first 50ml this year at the Lakeland 50 and had similar weather but your quote sums up how I got through, because I was going to finish come what may!! As I said to my wife at the finish “that was beautiful…. but brutal!!”….. Your film is a great record of what was clearly a very tough Ultra. Your positive approach, your great friendship and determination showed through, how you managed to film and think of what to say is so impressive. Well done!! 👏👏👏

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks 🙏 Yes you need to want it and it really helps with a smile on your face at all times 👍

[@reinmansmith]

Couldn’t agree more! The World needs more smiling faces 😊

[@martinweston8147]

Note to self if a Scandinavian guy says I look strong, then i'm close to death, I love your humour its very similar to us Brits :=)

[@MarcusKjellberg]

You did not only looked strong, you looked immortal 🤩 Great to see you 💪

[@AndreaElliott]

Glad you highlighted the lack of energy at the aid stations at the front end. Many runners trained their bodies to deal with that particular brand, and it just wasn't there - even though it clearly stated it would be. Hopefully, they will get it right next time, as many were left in the lurch, and more participants will have a fighting chance on getting to the end. Well done on your finish. It was a brutal course and I only completed the 5 Valleys 😂 🙌🏻💪🏻

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Luckily I was prepared for the unexpected but the plan was definitely not to fule on flat coke for 40h. It did work so I might do more coke in the future. Less expensive for sure :-)

[@timbrickell]

Ah that was a great film. Loved it! Hope you're feeling ok after that!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Yeah - I'm all ok thanks

[@NickHockenhull]

thanks Marcus - great viewing

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks 🙏

[@Mookiethedog]

First time on your channel...subscribed! You are awesome and I really enjoyed watching your journey! I'll check out some of your other adventures!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks a lot. I’m glad you liked it 🤩

[@therubbishrunner7399]

Great watch! Inspiring stuff. I did the 20k last year and have stepped it up to the 55k this year. I can’t see me reaching 180k though! Looking forward to watching more of your videos in the hope of picking up some tips, as well as your positive mindset!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks you. I will come back to UK for more. Snowdonia in may 💪

[@AdamNodwell]

Fantastic film - really puts over the experience of the 13 Valleys, aid stations looked great, and amazing you were able to joke with everyone for that long! Maybe il put 13 valleys on my list!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

You should put it on the list. Great race 👍

[@svenmortberg5425]

Great video Marcus! Thanks for sharing your struggle and suffering. Ím already looking forward to your next one 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Next race is Kullamannen by UTMB in a couple of weeks 👍

[@dougiedoesstuff]

Absolutely fantastic from both of you. 💪🏼💪🏼 Amazing editing also. What did you use for those graphics of the route? I would like to use that tool. Brilliant guys. 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks a lot! For the graphics I used Unreal engine.

[@thedolenorway]

Oh man, that blood sugar going haywire mid race doesn't look nice, but the video was! Seriously impressive grit and fortitude! Hard to admit for a norrbagge like me, but you are some tough Swedes for sure!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

The diabetes is a 24/7 struggle every day pretty much. I will never figure it out 😢 Regarding the grit I think it is all about having a positive attitude and just laugh at all the difficulties. Easy 😁

[@andreassilfverberg4960]

One of your best videos!😊. Incredibly impressed, 190km! I low how you always keep smiling, even though it must be bloody hard at times! 🇸🇪

[@MarcusKjellberg]

It was pretty hard but with a smile you can go very far

[@ef6200]

Another epic adventure! Congratulations!! And recover well!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thank you 🙏

[@helkeseitz4704]

Another great video and congrats both to finishing! And what a great adventure when you can do it with your childhood friend! Such an incredible memory that will last forever! Bra jobbat killar!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Tack så mycket. It is pretty cool - my very first friend.

[@Smashycrashy]

Incredible mental strength. Never gave in to the tennis elbow. Thanks for sharing.

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Haha - that tennis elbow is a tough one :-) This time I had 99 other problems

[@martinscofield7477]

Another great video, Marcus. Filming a video also takes a lot of time and effort, especially mental, as you have to keep remembering to take out the camera and think of things to say. Even more kudos to you for that! I'll see you soon my friend! Are you going to come to Val d'Aran in 2024?

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks Martin. I'm making plans for 2024. Not yet sure if I return next year. I'm also considering Lavaredo

[@alexdoherty1984]

Such a brilliant video and a wonderful achievement, thank you for sharing it.

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks for watching!

[@philandminiphil]

Fantastic effort Marcus! You and your friends made it through horrible weather when so many runners packed in.

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks a lot. This first edition was extra tough when you had no idea what to expect.

[@charlielatham3372]

Great watch and inspiring attitude - well done

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thank you 🤩

[@netomagalhaes2503]

Incredible! Running 190 km after a month of UTMB, that's elite!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks a lot. Next up is Kullamannen in another month

[@netomagalhaes2503]

@@MarcusKjellberg diamond ring!

[@philipking3010]

Superb as always Marcus,! How may 100's have you done this year?

[@MarcusKjellberg]

3 so far. Kullamannen by UTMB vinning up in beginning of Nov 💪

[@philipking3010]

See you on the start line in Höganäs then 👍

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Great video, really enjoyed your commentary and dialogue on the race. Off topic what did your friend think about the Altra Mont Blanc shoes for the race? Thanks in advance 🤙🏽

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks for the kind words. Regarding the Altra Mont Blanc - Daniel really likes them. However he did have major problems with the insole during this race and he had to take on and off the shoes several times. At the drop bag he switched to his old pair of Mont Blanc and they worked fine. I also have a pair of those and I like them but preferred my Hoka Mafate Speed for this long distance

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

@@MarcusKjellberg Thanks for the response and feedback, your video are very inspiring and have help me to get outside my comfort distance, 50-66km races and tackle 100km and hopefully the 100miler. Being 54 yrs old has it mental limitations but seeing men and woman in the same age group or older just gives you the motivation and confidence needed. Again thanks for the content looking forward to your next race or general content. Have a great weekend….

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Age is just a number. Good luck 💪

[@petraalma29]

Brilliant video thanks!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks for watching

[@stormense]

Aj, vilka goa gubbar ni är. Längtar redan till nästa filmade race! Kanske Diamantring-jakten på Kullaberg?

[@MarcusKjellberg]

100%. Nu blir det Kullamannen och diamantring :-)

[@stormense]

Ja, blir det det?@@MarcusKjellberg Pers svar var svävande. Postum kanske men då sitter du med 3 guldringar och får en diamantring med posten... men roligare att få den direkt efter avklarat lopp. Vad fantastiska ni är som springer 100 miles med två varv på Kullen!

[@brianogrady9883]

I always love your choice of soundtracks - the ebb and the flow that matches the narrative. PS. I met you during my TDS run as I arrived at Les Contamines. Good to see you. Godspeed..

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks. I remember our encounter. Do I see you at Kullamannen in a month?

[@brianogrady9883]

@@MarcusKjellberg It was sold out when I went to get a ticket. Next year I'll be back. Will you go for the diamond?

[@MarcusKjellberg]

@@brianogrady9883 usually there are tickets to be found on fb however they closed the possibility to do name change so I think it is to late for this year. I keep an eye open for you

[@brianogrady9883]

@@MarcusKjellberg Thanks Marcus. If one does pop up I'll take it

[@Masamune314]

Congrats! 😄

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thank you!

[@jjpreston29]

really like your videos - well done

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks a lot 🙏

[@jjpreston29]

@@MarcusKjellberg and i realised later this was just 4 weeks after UTMB !

[@chasm6917]

Another great video - glad I stumbled upon your channel a few weeks ago. Really entertaining and well put together. Thank you!

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Thanks 🙏

[@martincreydt9226]

Thanks again Marcus, just love your movies how you express; ”fifty shades of suffering” 😂This race must be on your top pain list, BRAVO 👏🏻👏🏻😛⛰️⛰️⛰️

[@MarcusKjellberg]

Fifty shades of suffering 😁 I like that 👍 I have had tougher races. I think it is all about your mental attitude. I was prepared for 42 hours of pain, we only had 40 so it was ok 😁