The Adidas Infinite Trails was a symphony of sweat, scenery and shared suffering. Mr. Stokes was part of a trio representing Black Trail Runners (BTR) and together they tackled the full relay: 21km, 35km and his leg—the mighty 44km L loop. His teammates embraced their sections with joy and determination. All three set out at the same time, each tackling their loops with excitement and grit. Both Ash and Jess had a fantastic experience and were waiting at the finish line with open arms when Mr. Stokes crossed.

The L loop delivered everything a trail race could offer: alpine meadows, forest switchbacks, panoramic ridgelines and climbs that made runners reconsider their life choices. Every step was worth it. The terrain was challenging but fair, the views were distracting in the best way and the support from volunteers and fellow runners was nothing short of heartwarming. Crossing the finish line was a team triumph. They ran not just for themselves but for each other and for the community they proudly represented.

Mr. Stokes had only just met Ash and Jess, but from the moment they connected it felt like they had been teammates for years. Ash had a generous spirit that made people feel instantly at ease; his smile and gentle laugh were like sunshine on a cloudy climb. Jess was the queen of the mountains—fierce, funny and full of heart. She had him laughing through the pain and cheering through the sweat. Mr. Stokes was genuinely proud to stand beside these two incredible people, representing Black Trail Runners. They clicked instantly through their shared love of trail running, their appreciation for being part of this event and their commitment to the BTR mission. It was more than a race—it was a bond forged in snow, altitude and mutual respect.

If trail running was a solo sport, this event proved it could also feel like a family reunion. The BTR crew showed up in full force, bringing energy, encouragement and enough good vibes to power a small village. Their presence was a reminder that representation mattered and community was everything.

Adidas Terrex was more than a sponsor—it was a genuine supporter of what BTR stood for. Their backing made it possible for the team to race, connect and feel seen. It wasn’t just about gear; it was about opportunity, access and inclusion. The atmosphere was electric—like someone had plugged the Alps into a generator powered by joy and everyone felt part of something bigger.

Some of the most memorable moments happened away from the trails. Their roommate, BTR legend Deo Kato, brought calm wisdom and warmth that made every conversation feel like a masterclass in resilience. Meeting Phil, the founder of BTR, was another highlight. Their chats about how BTR began were enlightening and inspiring.

Conversations with the BTR crew covered kit, races and training—but the most meaningful for Mr. Stokes were about Black heritage. At 53, he had never before been in a space where he could talk openly about heritage with other Black people. They shared stories, experiences and perspectives—and it felt freeing. Liberating, even. Like finding a part of himself he didn’t know was missing.

This race was more than kilometres and climbs. It was connection, community and a celebration of who they were and what they could achieve when supported, seen and uplifted.