For Hillary Gerardi, skyrunning has been more than a sport, it’s been a calling, a relentless journey across some of the world’s wildest, most demanding peaks. Since her debut in 2017, Hillary has become a formidable and beloved presence in the Skyrunner® World Series, combining technical prowess with a fierce competitive spirit and deep respect for the mountains she races on. Now, as she approaches the 2024 season finale, Hillary has announced that this will be her final run as a competitor in the series, marking the end of an era for skyrunning.
Reflecting on her incredible journey, Hillary describes a career filled with breathtaking highs and lessons hard-earned from the relentless landscapes that have defined her path. From her victories at Trofeo Kima, a course she reveres, to her newfound appreciation for longer, more gruelling races, Hillary’s experiences paint a portrait of an athlete who has continually sought out challenges that demand her best. In this exclusive interview, she shares her thoughts on her career highlights, the upcoming finale, and her hopes for her last race, giving us an inspiring glimpse into the heart and mind of a skyrunning legend.
Trofeo Kima: The heart of Hillary Gerardi’s skyrunning journey
As Hillary Gerardi approaches her final race in the Skyrunner® World Series, one race stands out in her reflections: Trofeo Kima. Known for its punishing technical sections and breathtaking alpine views, Kima has long been a proving ground for the world’s best skyrunners. When asked about her standout moments this season, Hillary quickly recalled Kima, not just as a highlight of 2024, but as her favourite race of all time. For Hillary, this race has become more than a challenge; it’s a cherished part of her skyrunning journey, filled with unforgettable highs and bittersweet moments.
In our interview with her, we asked Hillary about her most memorable race and what made it special. She described Kima with a mix of reverence and excitement, sharing her pride in securing a third victory there, a triumph she hadn’t expected. Despite having already achieved much on this course, Hillary felt compelled to return, driven by the magnetic pull of the landscape, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to test herself once more against the iconic, unforgiving terrain. Even without the same rigorous training lead-up she’d had in prior years, she managed to deliver a stellar performance, surprising herself and adding yet another chapter to her history with this challenging race.
Kima embodies what Hillary has loved most about skyrunning: the blend of beauty and brutality, the technical challenges, and the unique spirit of the course and its community. She spoke about Kima as a perfect distillation of the skyrunning ethos, describing it as her “favourite race of all time,” a place where she has continually sought, and found the limits of her own endurance and skill. The course’s steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, and rocky descents push competitors to their physical and mental edges, creating a humbling sense of awe and respect for the mountain.
Looking back at her years on the circuit, Hillary’s relationship with Trofeo Kima captures what has made her career so remarkable. Her victories here are not simply results on a leaderboard; they’re personal milestones that echo the broader story of her skyrunning life. As she prepares to close this chapter, Hillary’s time at Kima remains a testament to her unwavering dedication and the indelible mark she leaves on the world of skyrunning.
Embracing new challenges: Maga Skymarathon and season standouts
As she reflects on her final season in the Skyrunner® World Series, Hillary Gerardi credits Maga Skymarathon as one of her most rewarding challenges of the year. “Maga” was no ordinary competition; it demanded not only physical strength but also sharp strategic thinking and adaptability. When asked about the race where she felt she performed her best, Hillary pointed to “Maga”, where she delivered one of her most meticulously planned and executed races of the season.
Setting her sights on Maga Skymarathon as a personal goal early in the year, Hillary approached the course with a strategic mindset, carefully studying every detail of the trail, from the technical sections to the runnable stretches and the long climbs. This intentional preparation allowed her to craft a plan that played to her strengths. “I went in with a strategy,” she said, underscoring her dedication to understanding the course’s nuances. By identifying how to manage each section of the race, she not only performed well but achieved a level of execution that showcased her mastery and experience in the sport. This approach to Maga Skymarathon reveals Hillary’s dedication to continuous improvement. Her willingness to dive into a new course and embrace a fresh challenge exemplifies her commitment to growth. Through intense preparation and a tailored race plan, Hillary demonstrated how much she values the process as much as the result, pushing herself to perform at her best in each event she undertakes.
In reflecting on the race, Hillary’s satisfaction was clear, not just from finishing with a strong result, but from the fulfilment that came from her methodical preparation paying off. As one of her top races this season, Maga Skymarathon stands as a testament to Hillary’s strategic thinking, resilience, and love for the sport.
The Finale: Embracing a new Format for her final Skyrunner® World Series
In a fitting turn for Hillary Gerardi’s final season, the Skyrunner® World Series introduced a change to its traditional finale: lengthening the race and offering athletes a unique blend of runnable stretches and highly technical sections. The course being longer proved pivotal in Hillary’s choice to return to the circuit for one more year, giving her the rare opportunity to test herself in a more endurance-focused finale. Historically, the finale has been a shorter, “punchy” course, but this year’s extended layout represents a new challenge and an appealing conclusion to her skyrunning career.
Hillary’s excitement for the course’s variety shines through as she describes her anticipation to experience both fast, runnable sections and demanding technical climbs, a balance that will require not just speed and technical skill but also strategic energy management. She hasalready checked out the course, gaining a sense of its rhythm and intricacies, and her approach is clear: pace herself, manage her effort carefully, and reserve enough energy to push hard when it matters most. For Hillary, this race is about finding a perfect balance: preserving her energy for the later stages and finishing with what she hopes will be a memorable “bang,” a testament to the resilience and adaptability that have defined her career.
Another key aspect of her preparation for this final event is managing the toll of an unusually long season. Beginning in April and concluding now in November, the 2024 season has been one of the longest in Skyrunning history, testing athletes’ motivation and endurance to their limits. Hillary acknowledges the mental and physical challenge of staying at peak performance for so long, but her focus on the finale and her desire to end the season on a high note reflect her determination to finish her skyrunning journey in the strongest way possible.
The competitive field and Hillary’s legacy of respect for fellow athletes
As Hillary heads into her last Skyrunner® World Series’ race, she’s acutely aware of the intense field she’ll be joining. With the unique structure of the Skyrunner® World Series, athletes often encounter each other selectively throughout the season, making the finale a rare gathering of many top competitors who haven’t raced against each other consistently. Hillary relishes this competitive spirit, noting that many athletes will be pushing to their limits for one last shot at victory. Her response to this intense environment is one of respect and enthusiasm. She values the challenge each competitor brings and feels motivated by the strength of those around her.
Hillary was asked whether she feared any competitor, and for her competition has never been about intimidation or fear. Rather, she sees it as an opportunity to be her best alongside other incredible athletes. She brings a genuine admiration for her fellow runners into each race, balancing her own fierce competitive drive with respect for those she races against. This attitude has earned her a well-deserved place among skyrunning’s elite, a runner who commands respect for both her athletic achievements and her sportsmanship.
As she prepares for this final race, Hillary’s hope to “go out with a bang” is about more than just a strong finish; it’s about leaving a legacy that exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and respect. Regardless of the outcome, she is set to cross this last finish line with the grace, grit, and camaraderie that have become hallmarks of her skyrunning journey.
The next chapter: Hillary’s retirement from competitive skyrunning
As Hillary Gerardi faces the finale of the Skyrunner® World Series, she’s also reflecting on another major milestone: her decision to retire from competitive skyrunning after a remarkable career. Hillary describes her retirement not with a sense of loss, but with gratitude and fulfilment. “I feel like I’ve done everything I set out to do,” she shares, and that sense of completion fuels her confidence as she steps away. For Hillary, this final season has been a chance to celebrate the accomplishments, experiences, and friendships she’s cultivated over her years on the circuit.
Looking back, Hillary is clear about what she’ll miss most: the camaraderie, the intense but supportive community, and the thrill of standing at the starting line with some of the best mountain athletes in the world. Yet, she speaks with equal enthusiasm about what she’s gained from skyrunning, both personally and professionally. Competing at the highest level has given her a profound sense of resilience and adaptability, and she’s proud to leave the series on her own terms, having achieved the goals she once set for herself.
While this may be her official farewell to competitive skyrunning, Hillary remains open to revisiting some of the races she holds closest to her heart. “There are races I’ll always love,” she admits, and these may draw her back for the experience.
Hillary’s retirement isn’t an end, but the beginning of a new chapter in her journey with the mountains she loves so deeply. As she takes her final steps in skyrunning, she does so with a deep sense of accomplishment, pride, and gratitude, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire skyrunners for years to come.
In conclusion, as Hillary Gerardi prepares to stand at the starting line of her final Skyrunner® World Series race, her goal is not just to deliver one last stellar performance but to savour every moment, every climb, and every breath of mountain air. With her sights set on finishing this season and skyrunning career with a “bang.” Hillary is set to leave skyrunning as she has lived it, with resilience, elegance, and heartfelt appreciation. Her journey has been marked by outstanding accomplishments, steadfast commitment, and profound respect for both the sport and its community.
Hillary’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, inspiring both seasoned athletes and newcomers alike who share her love of the mountains. Through her remarkable performances, her genuine sportsmanship, and her heartfelt commitment to her goals, Hillary Gerardi has left an indelible mark in skyrunning. As she bids farewell to the Skyrunner World Series circuit, her story remains a testament to the spirit of mountain running, a story of pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and finding joy in the journey.
Congratulations on a great career Hillary. We will always welcome you back to the World Series!
