Guadarun 2008
Final Thoughts!
Bryan Sharp / 07.04.2008
As with everything in life there are good and bad points ...Firstly the bad ... I'll get back to that, when I can think of one!
Secondly the good, but where do I start?
From the minute we arrived at the airport we were met with a warm welcome and every moment since felt part of the team, not just a runner but an integral part of the whole event. The logistics of moving runners, support staff and equipment means the event is limited to around 40 competitors and this allows everyone to get to know each other very quickly and very well.
The competitors came from all walks of life, from local schoolteachers to a group of high-spirited French Marines. A lot had travelled from mainland France and Andy and myself were the only two non-French speaking runners. I won't lie and say this didn't cause minor difficulties, but we finished the race with good times, got fed at mealtimes and never missed a ferry so they were minor. The lack of communication problems was due to the willingness of those who could speak English to try their best and the timely arrival of our multi-lingual lifesaver!
Food glorious food, lots of beautifully prepared fresh seafood, can't praise the staff enough for this one. Nobody lost a dramatic amount of weight during the race, a varied and plentiful menu and the availability of ice cream meant no one was ever hungry. The Vegetarians and non "Fruit De Mer" lovers amongst us were catered for without any fuss.
The day off, the tour of the island it's rum distilleries, sugar cane plantations, windmills were all high spots of the event ... but I'm not going to spoil it for you, you'll have to see for yourselves!
The support staff, volunteers, organisers and everyone of the back stage crew made a very difficult job look easy and I would love to mention them all individually but they know who they are.See All Event Posts
