Awesome!!!

Perhaps I've been around too many Aussies this weekend whilst watching the 24hour Race and the 100km Race at Keswick Ultra and Mountain Running Festival.

We caught up with the 24hr on Thursday evening, after they had been running for 7-8 hours, then I got up early on Friday to witness the same runners still circling the 1km loop in Fitz Park as dawn broke. All shapes and sizes, with the majority looking just as they did at 19 hours as they had at 8 hours. Sadly, I had to go to work rather than stay and see the finish, but I felt priveliged to be there, in spirit at least.

Many of those 24hr athletes were in Thirlmere today supporting their 100km team mates; some very conspicious by their stiffness, hobble or limp. Others looked fresh, especially one of the Scottish team out walking her dogs; Pauline, I think is her name. I heard another one say, 'I'm not fast enough to race 100km' so that is why he runs for 24hours instead! Some every impressive performances were to be seen, and anyone setting off on either jaunt is braver then most.

It was brilliant to see Jez Bragg striding down the somewhat surreal coned off lane of the A66 to win the Gold medal. Jez only took the lead at 95k - controlled and disciplined running having ridden a bad patch, mid race, no doubt. Sadly, one or two others had a less good day, and our good friend Marcus did not finish in the way he wished for but will be back stronger in his next race.

Athletes - one and all.