On Saturday morning, the train whisked us along the Marne valley to the town of Chateau Thierry. The name says it all - the medieval castle sits atop its hill and walkers have to visit it on every circuit before dropping down again to the riverside! The reputation of the event is that it is tough on account of the hills, but good performances are achieved there.

The race starts from the town hall with 3 smallish laps around the town centre. Our old friend Kora Boufflert, who last year impressively completed the full Paris-Colmar alongside the men, went off near the front with the leading men. Richard and I started steadily near the back of the field, settling into the race and enjoying a brief chat with people we haven't seen since last spring at Bourges. Remarkably, I never saw Kora again till the finish. We were on the same lap for 22 hours and 170kms, generally around 15 minutes apart, sometimes a few minutes more or less. At the end, ten minutes separated us, Kora leading the way in 21.49, me finishing in 21.59.39. I think we both enjoyed the event very much. We were both pleased that the rain in the final hours didn't affect us for too long. Neither of us is looking to do this year's Paris Colmar. Kora wants to try to qualify for the French women's 24h running team, where her ability to walk fast as well as run should stand her in good stead.

Kora was looked after as ever by her husband Eric, together with Eric's parents. Richard and I were on our own, so were relying on the organisers' feeding arrangements or having to stop to get our own food and drink, clothes etc. After a good 100kms, Richard stopped and provided much appreciated help to me as chef de mash.
At the end of the event, the hour change (to "summer time" in France and the UK) meant that we had to dash to the station for our train.

The final result brings home to me the lowish finishing rate. The repeated long, tough hill climb to the castle, and a later hill climb - plus of course the long downhills too - were taking their toll, and you could see people tiring. One of our Dutch friends (who is usually very tough and steadfast) retired at some point, as did a fair number of others, so that the course could have felt a bit lonely by the end if it had not been for the wonderful people who were walking in little groups for the local diabetic association.

It was great to be back at an event in France. The qualifying races are so friendly, well-organised and enjoyable, and we are made very welcome.