Polish ultra-endurance athlete Piotr Babis took victory in the King of the Hill race, covering an extraordinary distance of 380.56 kilometers over 90 hours with an elevation gain of 24,154 metres. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about the journey that led to victory, the strategy behind it, and what it means to stand alone at the top of the hill.
Q1. You’ve battled your way to a King of the Hill win. Can you share a little about your running journey and what has brought you to this moment?
It’s been quite a trip. I started running later in life, and honestly, I never imagined I would be able to compete at this level, let alone win races. Every training session and race along the way has contributed to this moment.
Q2. Performance-wise, how did you approach the race? What is your strategy, and how was it implemented during the training course?
I didn’t have a detailed plan. I was mainly aiming to enjoy the race as much as possible before things got tough. I focused on staying relaxed, chatting with my crew and friends along the track, and having fun on the hill. It worked for me. Moving into the later phase, the main priority was getting as much sleep as possible.
Q3. Mentally, what did you focus on throughout the race to stay grounded, especially during the toughest climbs and transitions?
This race requires a lot of patience. My focus was always on my main goal, which was to win. I also drew strength from the amazing support I got from my team on the track and from those who followed the race. I was determined not to let them down.
Q4. Every great race comes with challenges. What was the most difficult moment for you there, and how did you manage to overcome it?
I felt a little bad after lap 70, but I was able to move forward and felt better. The fatigue and sleep deprivation peaked around lap 85, but fortunately, it only lasted a few hours. I kept going, and was able to overcome the dip to finish strong.
Q5. Crossing the line as a King of the Hill champion is huge. What does this victory mean to you, and what comes next from here?
At first, I felt great, and I didn’t have to run another lap! But overall, I was very happy to get the win for myself and my team, who worked hard behind the scenes. For 2026, I plan to focus on point-to-point racing, and then begin specific preparations for the next King of the Hill, with the aim of defending my title.
