Runner fulfills French dream

The 'La Trans Gaule' is the longest running race in Europe, consisting of 712 miles across France from Roscoff, on the English Channel, to Narbonne, on the Mediterranean.

Consisting of a total distance of 712 miles, competitors must run 40 miles a day for 18 consecutive days in order to complete the gruelling course, but for David, 54, the race became less of a contest and more of a personal accomplishment.

"I have always had a fascination with distance," David explained.

"For me, France was not just a race, it was more of a personal adventure.

"The sense of achievement as well as the camaraderie of all involved made it an amazing experience."

David, the only British entrant, finished seventh overall, coming home on September 16 in a total time of 149 hours, 46 minutes, among a quality field which included the French champion and eventual winner, Maurice Mondon.

David, who also runs for St Albans Striders, completed a 40 mile trek every fortnight in the run-up to the race and is already planning his next venture.

He said: "Something I have always wanted to do is the run from Lands End to John O' Groats but next year I will be concentrating on competing the Spartathlon race in Greece."

The Spartathlon race, ran between Athens and Sparta, is the toughest race in Europe, with the 152 mile course having to be completed in only 36 hours, with only a third of the runners managing to complete the course each year.

"I have attempted the Spartathlon twice and have failed to complete the course both times," David explained.

"I am desperate to finish it next year although the heat and humidity of Greece in summertime is the real problem."

David's sense of achievement may not be complete until he fulfils his Greek dream, but there is no doubt that the 'La Trans Gaule' should stand alone as a truly amazing accomplishment.

For the full story, see the St Albans Observer of Thursday, 18.

October 17, 2001 19:24

Marc Dodd