High Tatra: Sherpa Rally Contestants Climb 730 metres with Heavy Loads

Vysoke Tatry, October 22 (TASR) – The High Tatra mountains are welcoming the traditional autumn Sherpa Rally, in which mountain porters are climbing 730 metres to Tery Hut with a load of beer on their backs, co-organiser of the event Stefan Backor has told TASR, adding that the popular 38th annual porter race started at Hrebienok at 11 a.m. In addition to a heavy load, the participants also have to deal with the challenging terrain of a high climb with a potential for snow. The male porters carry 60 kilograms on their backs, while the female participants take on 20 kilograms. "This year, we expect a very strong field, with many 'porter legends' led by Laco Chudik, Oto Janiglos and Viktor Beranek, who was among those who witnessed the birth of this popular Tatra mountain porter race," added Backor. Last year, 73 competitors took part in the event. The winner was mountain porter Brano Karafa, who won with a time of just under one hour and 37 minutes. am/df