News from the South!

I have had contact from Hugh to say that he's a) still alive (phew) and b) still running (double phew) and c) still competing (yay!) whilst down in the southern hemisphere. He's recently taken part in the South Georgia half marathon, through some incredibly stunning but punishing scenery on the island.

The following report comes to you direct from the Falkland Island's top rag, 'The Penguin News':

SOUTH Georgia Government’s Martin Collins took first place in the South Georgia half marathon on Monday January 30, with former Falklands SCB Marathon winner Hugh Marsden in second place.
This year’s run was reported to be a particular success with excellent weather and a large number of runners and walkers, nineteen turning out to take part. Winner
Martin Collins completed the course in 1hr 47 minutes, closely followed by Hugh Marsden in 1hour 52 minutes. Young Falkland Islander Julian Pole Evans completed his first ever half marathon in 2hrs 25 minutes and Kalinka Rexer-Huber as the first female finisher in 2 hours and 18 minutes.
The course is certainly one of the toughest half marathons in the world, with a 1,000feet climb up Brown Mountain before runners must face four miles and an equally steep descent on the other side. The route also takes in the old whaling station at Grytviken and the remains of an Argentine helicopter from 1982. Participants
Martin and Hugh fight it out in South Georgia half marathon then head back up the Bore Valley, over Deadmen’s Cairn (600 feet) to Maiviken Hut before finally running back to King Edward Point and the start/finish line at the jail.
With no roads and only a small part of the route over tracks - the rough stony terrain, tussac and boggy mossland is a real challenge for even the hardiest fell
runner. This year runners participated from the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, UK, Norway, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Massive respect to Hugh for completing this, completing it in a good time, and in 2nd place! Ever the perfectionist, we all know he'd have loved to have won it, but when you see the conditions he had to contend with, you'll appreciate what a good time 1h52 is on this course!

READER WARNING: The following photos will make you highly envious and vulnerable to heading to a travel agents and booking flights south. Prepare to be amazed!




Caption competition as to what those sealions and penguins are thinking, answers in the comment facility below!