Tuesday, May 29, 2012

ANNUAL 101KM RACE

The athletes assemble at the football ground prior to the off...

Last weekend we got caught up in a very special event. Every year the La Legion Espanola of Ronda organise a 101km race for cyclists, runners and walkers through the mountainous trails of the beautiful Serrania de Ronda. The race starts at 11am on the Saturday and has to be finished by 11am on the Sunday, so the competitors race into the early hours to be sure of finishing within the allotted time! 

This event was first established in 1995 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of La Legion. Only 400 people took part in this first race and of these most were from the military. Today, this race of endurance has become a major event and attracts over 7,000 entrants from all over Europe and beyond.

On the Saturday afternoon, we had arranged to visit one of our friends who lives in Ronda la Vieja, the area of the Acinipo Roman ruins. Unfortunately, the route of the 101km race went directly in front of her villa and the officials of the Legion had closed the road, so we had to walk the last 2 km to see her!!!

Road closed.....to cars!

A group of cyclists followed by La Legion support vehicle!

...and still they come!

Due to this years unseasonable weather with temperatures soaring to over 38 degrees celsius, over a 1,000 athletes were forced to retire and unable to complete the course. However, La Legion's organisation of this event is superb and army trucks are on hand to rescue those who can't continue.

The winner of the bike ride was Jose Marquez in a new record time and the winning runner was Manuel Serrano Almazan, who completed the course in 9 hours and 14 minutes. You have to take your hat off to these guys!!

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