Running twenty-four miles in the midday sun may not be everyone's idea of how to spend a Saturday. But many stout fellows - and ladies too - rose to the challenge this weekend and completed the Cracow marathon.
Now in its 5th incarnation, the Cracovia Marathon is becoming an increasingly popular fixture on the international circuit, as news of the charms of ancient Cracow spread. This was reflected in the results of this year's event. For the first time ever, a foreigner won the mens race, in this case the supreme Mathew Kosgei of Kenya. He broke the finishing tape after two hours and 17 seconds of haring round Cracow's streets.
It was also a great day for Belarus, who took bronze in the mens as well as both gold and silver in the ladies. Polish star Pawel Dobrynski kept the locals happy by picking up the silver in the mens event - he came in just 15 seconds behind the winner.
If you missed your chance this time round, never fear. The Marathon is open to all comers and it's already booked in for 2008. Two of our valiant buddies completed the run last year and lived to tell the tale. However, they did admit that they had some difficulty walking over the next fortnight, so don't forget to warm up.....!
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