RACING » GREECE
course, with just a bit of a sea sickness
towards the end due to the high waves.
Coming out of the sea, we had an
800m ‘run’ through the hilly resort to
T1 – but the red carpet that they put out
for us, and all the amazing resort staff
who cheered us on loudly, made it very
enjoyable. I think they already thought
we were heroes just for fi nishing that
swim. I know I certainly did!
The bike course was very hilly. Right
from the start we had to peddle hard
uphill into a strong wind. It felt like
an endless initial 15km, although the
surface of the tarred road was excellent.
Aft er the initial uphill, we were treated to
a fast but very fresh and chilly downhill
section. There were amazing sea views,
too. Then there was another steep but
steady climb. Aft er two laps of this, we
fl ew along a fi nal downhill stretch into
the fi nish. Supporters lined the street,
ringing bells, which was amazing.
The run was also stunning, although,
similar to the ride, it was rather hilly. Not
Chapmans Peak hilly, but my legs were
tired aft er that ride, and every little bump
hurt. One loop led us through a nature
reserve, which was unbelievably pretty.
I heard many amazing bird and animal
sounds that I had never heard before.
About 40% of the run was on gravel
roads, with the organisers rolling out the
red carpet on sections where it was very
rocky or muddy. Again, supporters lined
the streets, which created a wonderful
atmosphere. The Greek supporters really
made us feel special, which helped me
run that little bit faster. I think I heard
my name called out at least 500 times,
which was amazing. I am a slow and
not very enthusiastic runner, but I loved
every single metre of that course.
All in all, it was a long day that
presented lots of challenges. But the
organisation was seamless, and the
people generous, helpful and kind.
It’s defi nitely a race that should go on
everyone’s bucket list. And the resort
is perfect if you want to take along the
whole family for a holiday on the Med.
Ernesto Espinoza of Costa Rica
(above left ) won the inaugural
men’s race while Greece’s Jenny
Boulmeti (above right) was second
in the women’s category.
“ONE LOOP LED US THROUGH A
NATURE RESERVE, WHICH WAS
UNBELIEVABLY PRETTY”
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