On April 19, we and our Czech Mountain Dog female, Berenika, stood at the start line of another round of the Gladiator Race series, this time set in the picturesque surroundings of Studánka, near Rychnov nad Kněžnou. And as is typical for these races, something special was waiting for us again — a course that began with a steep downhill start and ended with a sharp uphill climb to the finish line.
From the very first meters, it was clear this would be no walk in the park. The downhill start tested our ability to stay focused and maintain pace, as the fast descent over soft forest ground was full of hidden challenges — roots, rocks, and sudden turns. But Berenika handled it brilliantly — focused, enthusiastic, and ready to tackle every challenge the course had in store for us.
What made this race even more enjoyable was that we took part together with our friends — Czech Mountain Dog Batul and his owner Eva Búdová. That kind of team spirit adds another dimension to the experience — knowing you're not alone on the course makes even the toughest final climb, which felt more like a ski slope than a running segment, a little more manageable.
The course was diverse, physically demanding, but beautifully laid out through the surrounding nature. The final uphill stretch drained our last reserves of strength, but that’s where determination and endurance shone through — Berenika pulled all the way to the final meter, with both heart and strength. We were exhausted at the finish, but the joy of what we had achieved together made it all worthwhile.
Gladiator Race Studánka was another valuable step on our journey toward this year’s sporting goals, and also a beautiful reminder that the greatest experiences are born when movement, nature, friendship, and the bond between a dog and their human come together.
