Alexander Abramov, the leader the 7 Summits-Club expedition
December, 14.
What is the Antarctic marathon? It is last stage of the project seven marathons on seven continents for seven weeks. It is very prestigious competition among marathon runners. We had long discussions about our participation in the event. We have decided: to start and to run until we shall be in the lead of running. Of course, in climbing boots it may very short interval. Therefore we have accepted tactics of fast start, we want to hold on leadership for the first mile. Vladimir Aristarkhov - the most skilled marathon runner from us, was chosen a couch of team.
At 17:55 we have left on start, Karo Ovasapyan could get somewhere old runners shoes. All climbers who are waiting with us flight to Vinson, have left to be a fan of our command.
18:00 - start. Marathoners did not expect, that climbers will start so quickly. We have gone forward for hundred meters. So we ran ahead of peleton about 500 meters, constantly replacing each other and supporting ourselves by loud shouts. But soon runners have rushed . First we were caught up by the French. « Merde ! » He has cried out with in abusive tone. « Ah so you don’t respect Russian climbers! » - has shouted Êàrî and began unequal struggle against the French professional. Gradually they both have left from our team. Having run gold mile, I am, Alexander Abramov, Igor Pohvalin and John Christiana with feeling of pride have finished. We managed to head almost one thousand meters the main marathon running in Antarctica. And Êàrî has disappeared behind the hills of Patriots.. The route of a marathon passes around of a mountain ridge of 25 kms, then - through base camp Patriot Hills, then makes a hook to local airport and back. In total (as it is necessary) - 42 kms of 195 meters.
20:00 - a new message - Êàrî continues struggle against the Frenchman for the first place in a marathon.
21:00 - leaders came close to the base of Patriot Hills. Êàrî run in first three.
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Karo Ovasapyan - training in Punta Arenas
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Climbers triumphed !. Russian from 7 summits Club distribute autographes to admired spectators. The French TV crew have started to take offence, some unknown climber can win the Antarctic marathon. And Êàrî, having run among leaders more than 25 kms, has decided to refuse continuation of struggle. Nobly. All applauded him. After finish, Êàrî has undressed and take a snow bath to wash off all sweat. So Californian Êàrî has shown strength of mind of Soviet people.
http://www.icemarathon.com/
Loosely translated from Russian folklore: extra seven miles is nothing to a mad dog.
Blog of Evgeniy Gorkov, winner of the first ice-marathon : http://run.gorkov.org/antarctica2006.html
