Frenchman Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz first caught our consideration again in 2021, when he positioned second at UTMB and gained Transgrancanaria. A yr later than first deliberate, he’s right here to race the 2023 Hardrock 100. On this interview, he talks about his journey to get to the beginning line, and what it means to him to race this iconic American extremely.
For extra on who’s racing, try our in-depth preview. Observe together with our Hardrock 100 dwell race protection from Friday.
[Editor’s Note: We’d like to thank Simon Dugué for helping out with translation for this interview. Thank you, Simon!]
Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz Pre-2023 Hardrock 100 Interview Transcript
iRunFar: Sarah Brady of iRunFar. I’m right here earlier than the 2023 Hardrock 100, and I’m with Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz. How are you?
Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz: [via translator] I’m excellent, thanks.
iRunFar: Nice. How lengthy have you ever been in Silverton, and have you ever received to see a lot of the course?
Dunand-Pallaz: So I’ve been right here for one week. I did three nice runs right here simply to acknowledge the final a part of the race, particularly the night time, from Ouray and as much as Silverton.
iRunFar: Okay. So I believe you had been imagined to run Hardrock final yr, however postponed due to the beginning of your youngster. Congratulations. So how has the final yr been, making an attempt to handle coaching alongside parenting?
Dunand-Pallaz: So yeah, after I knew that it wasn’t potential final yr to come back due to the infant, it was very onerous to refuse to come back. However lastly, in December, after I had the information that lastly I used to be in a position to run this yr, I used to be very completely satisfied and I centered on this race this yr. That is the, actually, important aim of the primary a part of the season.
iRunFar: Okay. And as somebody from France, you’ve traveled fairly far for this. What’s it about Hardrock that made you need to run this race versus a distinct American extremely?
Dunand-Pallaz: Really, in France, it’s a legendary race and I knew that, there are solely possibly 160 in the beginning, which could be very totally different from a race in Europe. So the ambiance is totally different, and I need to push myself on the excessive altitude. We don’t have this altitude in Europe, within the Alps. I need to see how I can handle to race for 20 hours or extra at this altitude. And yeah, I’m fortunate, I’m very fortunate to be right here.
iRunFar: It’s tremendous totally different to European racing in lots of methods. And one factor is you’ve got a pacer and that’s not widespread within the huge Euro races. I imagine, Ludovic Pommeret is pacing you. So, are you wanting ahead to having a pacer and what distinction do you assume having him with you’ll make?
Dunand-Pallaz: I’m very completely satisfied to have Ludo on my aspect. I do know Ludo very properly. We ready lots of races collectively up to now, particularly UTMB 2021. And yeah, I hope that Ludo will help me on the final half. I do know I will probably be very drained, so I hope Ludo can push me on the final half.
iRunFar: And is there any specific a part of the route that you just’re most enthusiastic about?
Dunand-Pallaz: So yeah, really Handies Peak, it’s on the prime of the race, and it’s very superb up there. And I’m wanting ahead to being there on the race and to acknowledge that tomorrow. And naturally, Kroger’s Canteen too, the help station up there. It’s some extent, a legendary level on the race. I’m wanting ahead to this.
iRunFar: And the end line, I’m positive.
Dunand-Pallaz: Yeah, yeah, with work.
iRunFar: Good. And so, as soon as the end line is reached, what’s your plan for after? Will you vacation within the U.S. or do you go straight residence?
Dunand-Pallaz: I’ll really depart immediately after the race as a result of I’ve a marriage in France. And I’ve my child additionally in France, so I need to see him. And yeah, I’ll depart simply after the race.
iRunFar: That will probably be a tremendous welcome residence, I’m positive. So, have you ever the rest in thoughts for the remainder of the season then?
Dunand-Pallaz: So sure, the plan is to do the Diagonale des Fous in October to complete the season.
iRunFar: That appears spectacular as properly. So, better of luck. We hope you’ve got a incredible race. We’ll see you on the market.
Dunand-Pallaz: Thanks.
iRunFar: Thanks.
