Introducing 55km runner Maria Koller from Germany

Next one to introduce for 2017 NUTS Ylläs Pallas is 27-year-old Maria Koller from Germany, who’s attending to 55km race. Maria is since 2016 a member of the German National Trail running team. She was 21st at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships last year in Slovenia, won the Lichtenstein Skyrace in 2016 and the Innsbruck Trail Festival 42km in 2017.

How did you become a trail runner?

I’ve been an outdoor lover and fond of sports ever since I was a kid. What would be the better way to combine these passions than trail running?

When I was younger, I was actively practicing track and field. After my studies to a physical education teacher I often found myself running in the Bavarian forest and fell in love with the trails and the mountain air.

Why do you  like trailrunning?

No matter how many times I run to the top of my „home mountain“, it’s everytime a breathtaking feeling. It’s not only the sport itself that motivates me to put my running shoes on every day, it’s also the feeling on the trails where one can get rid of the every-day-stress and gather energy for all the challenges in life. That is what makes this hobby to a passion! And besides that, trail running is the perfect way to get to know new, interesting places.

How did you discover NUTS Ylläs Pallas?

A friend of mine attended the race last year. After I heard her stories about the event, I knew I had to come and see it myself!

What are you expecting from the race?

Most of all, I want to get to know the finnish Lapland by running. I’ve heard the scenery is stunning and I am really looking forward get to experience this adventure in Finland.

What motto do you follow, when doing sports?

Nobody, who has given his best, has ever regretted it.

NUTS Team thanks Maria for the interview!