EuroTrip 2025 – Runner Testimonial Questions by Kristijan Shumkovski aka Kiko

What made you decide to join the EuroTrip 2025 adventure with 091RUNCrW?

Considering that so far, I have competed mostly in races up to 21km (half marathon), I signed up for this race because I saw an unusual challenge in it. An opportunity to see how physically, and above all mentally, I’m prepared, considering that it is a relay race in which, together with 7 other runner members (plus logistics), we had to cover a distance of 455km in 40 hours. The uniqueness of this race is that no matter how prepared you are, you also depend on the other runners, because this is primarily a team race, and you need to create tactics together that will bring you to the desired result. Simply put, it seemed exciting to me when I was informed about the opportunity to be part of this adventure.

What was your biggest motivation throughout the 4 days of running from Innsbruck to Ljubljana?

As I said, my biggest motivation was to prove to myself that I was physically and mentally ready to take on such a challenge. The race itself was not as difficult as the several months of preparation that preceded the race itself, which required a lot of dedication, a lot of self-discipline and a lot of sacrifices.

Can you describe one unforgettable moment from the trip?

I would mention the very start of the race, or rather the start of my part, where I was filled with a lot of emotions, a lot of adrenaline, because at the same moment you know that you are starting something devilishly difficult,, which you don’t know if and how you will endure, and at the same time you know that you are starting an unforgettable adventure, which you will remember for the rest of your life.

How did it feel to cross the final finish line in Ljubljana?

At first, I was not aware of what we had achieved as a team, the feeling was identical to the one at the end of every race I have competed in. But as time passed, as the emotions calmed down, I began to realize that we had achieved an extraordinary feat as a team, and then as individuals.

What was the most challenging part of the journey – the physical or the emotional?

The race itself was physically very demanding, as time went by my legs got heavier and each start of each next section that I had to run was exhausting. But I would single out the emotional part of this race as much harder, considering that during the race, many thoughts arose such as, what should I have registered for, why did I register, and to give up… But every time the thought prevailed about this, you trained for a long time, you know it would be difficult, you have to endure, and above all, you are not alone, you are part of a team here, you must not leave them. I would like to point out that during the entire race I had a fever, especially when it got dark, the symptoms increased, but I told to myself, you can’t give up, although towards the end of the race I thought about telling them that I couldn’t continue, but I told to myself, you have to try, you have to give it all you have.

How would you describe the bond within the team during this experience?

During this race, we became a family. I would say we breathed like one, we supported each other, ready to die for any member of this team at any moment. Thanks to everyone who was part of this significant feat.

In what way did the logistics/support crew impact on your experience during the run?

Each member of the logistics team is equally important to this success as those who run. They were our greatest support during the race. In moments when we runners were overwhelmed with various emotions, they gave us vibes, positive thoughts, and pushed us beyond our psychophysical abilities. They devised strategies to make the route as fast and easy as possible. At the same time, they were our psychologists, motivators, cooks… This experience was exhaustingly difficult for them too. I will mention once again, without them we would not have achieved the set goal.

How did this journey change you as a runner – or even as a person?

As a runner, honestly, it has changed me in the sense that now I enjoy running much more, meaning it is not just the end goal that matters, finishing the race or training, It”s also important the journey itself. As a person, it has changed me, and much more. Anything you can imagine, if you believe strongly, and if you work on it, you can achieve.

If you had to describe EuroTrip 2025 in three words, what would they be?

Passion, dedication (discipline), courage.

Would you do it again – and what would you say to someone thinking about joining the next one?

I would do it again, without thinking, and right away. I would tell anyone else not to think about it, it’s worth a try.