Mount Elbrus is playing host to the Skyrunning World Series for the first time this year. Europe's highest mountain has always been one of the most sought-after climbs for daredevils around the world. And the inaugural sky race, where the athletes ran - not walked - to its peak turned out to be a great spectacle.
Starting from 3,500 meters above sea level, humans simply can't absorb oxygen properly. That means breathing is hard work in itself, but the skyrunners aren't letting that get in their way. Their destination - the summit of Mount Elbrus. The more experienced runners started from 2,300 meters, with the summit touching the sky at 5,642 – the equivalent of 50 football fields.
