You can write tons of things after a race: your time, your placing, the kilometers covered. But even we, runners ourselves, know this better than anyone: no account truly captures the essence. The emotions that pass through, the flow that settles then evaporates, the peaks of euphoria like the valleys of despair.

TransJeju 100k was exactly that. A story profoundly unique, sealed forever between those who tell it and Jeju Island's volcanic trails that carried them. After four weeks of reconnaissance, we discovered what makes this UTMB World Series race demanding: endless basalt staircases, unpredictable volcanic rock gardens, and a challenging 20-kilometer unsupported section ascending Mount Hallasan's crater rim at 1,950 meters.

Critical lessons carved in volcanic stone: the five-minute decision that cost hours of suffering, why you must cheer for yourself at the summit, and how mental strength carries you when physical strength fails.

Then, we'll do it again.