Recently, I visited the Pyrenees to take in some climbs, such as the Col du Tourmalet. The visit co-incided with the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run travelling from Portugal to Spain and across the Pyrenees. Last Saturday, members of the Peace Run ran up the last half of the Tourmalet; I fortuitously managed to arrive at the top of the great mountain at a similar time.
At the top of the Tourmalet, the weather was highly variable. At the start of the day, the road over the Tormalet was closed, but with good fortune the gendarmes opened the road - just a few minutes before the runners appeared. The weather included fog, sun and cloud - all in the space of a few minutes.
It was my first visit to the Pyrenees, and the first ascent of the Tourmalet (19km at 7% average). It took just over an hour and was a memorable experience. An epic climb - unrelenting and very long. It's a real challenge to keep a decent pace all the way up. It was great to arrive at the top in a similar time to the Peace Runners (who took photos). It was a special moment to get to the top, with the sun coming out. The descent was cold and tricky - but a lot easier than running downhill!"
The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run is a global initative to promote peace and harmony through running in different countries - offering people the chance to participate and take part in this run for peace.
Photos from Run
Peace Run at the top of the Tourmalet
Climbing with the runners.
Emerging from the mist at the top of the Tourmalet.
Many thanks to Peace Run team for excellent photos.
Summer Sizzle 10K Final Results v2.pdf 155.42 KB
