Today, Switzerland held the 80th race from Morat to Fribourg. The race commemorates one of two cornerstone battles the Swiss Confederation won in the 15th century against the powers of the time, asserting Swiss independence from feudal taxation. Swiss commoners would remain free citizens unlike the subjects of surrounding countries who would struggle another 200 years to gain this privilege. I have written about the battle here.
In recent years, the race has been diversified into a multitude of events of varying distances and challenges. But the main event remains the course from Morat to Fribourg, roughly spanning the length of a half-marathon. The course leads the runners through beautiful countryside with distant view of the alps on small roads closed for traffic.
I remember three uphill grades of note. The last ascent had least grade, but was the longest and most taxing, passing through the medieval gates of the city of Fribourg and snaking up to the finish line in the city's heart. Make no mistake, the last half-mile was grueling. Plenty participants sickened at the finish.
Although the last leg has been rerouted since my day, the challenge remains. Regardless, as long as the runner households with strength, the course constitutes an enjoyable, memorable morning.
According to datasport.com, this year's winners are:
Ladies:
Martina Strähl (1:03.02.2),
Chelangat Sang (1:03.27.2), and
Aline Camboulives (1:03.47.3)
Gentlemen:
Benart Bett (53.32.8),
Shadrack Kimauyo (54.08.2), and
Joel Mwangi (54.15.6)
As in years before, Kenyans have been strong contenders. Shadrack and Chelangat represented Kenya. The world's best long distance runners seem to hail from the cradle of mankind. Congratulations!
Showing posts with label Fribourg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fribourg. Show all posts
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Morat-Fribourg 2013
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Morat to Fribourg 2012: Free Will Lives!
The winners of the 79th race (2012) from Morat to Fribourg are:
- Nancy Koech (#111; 1:03.18:1) and
- Shadrack Kimaiyo (#30; 54.52:0),
both from Kenya. Congratulations!!!
Related posts
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Morat-Fribourg, 2011
While I grappled for my old booklets of 25 years ago to reminisce, I discovered to my shame that my edition count was one off in my past posts. I corrected the miscount retroactively. The 78th edition of the race was held today.
Caroline Chepkwony, Kenya (59.09,5), and
Stéphane Joly, Switzerland (53.07,3), won.
Congratulations!
More results and video clips are available here.
Related posts
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Morat-Fribourg, 2010
Today, the historic run from Morat to Fribourg in Switzerland was held for the 77th time (erratum: My count was one off, when I posted first). The run over a distance of slightly more than 16 miles (17.170 km) commemorates a decisive battle the Suisse Confederation won against the Burgundians in 1476. The Suisse retained their independence.
Today's race winners are:
Jane Muia (1:03:33.0), Kenya,
and Fredrick Musyo (52:53.4), Kenya,
closely pursued by Daniel Kiptum, Switzerland (52:53.7).
closely pursued by Daniel Kiptum, Switzerland (52:53.7).
Congratulations! Free will exists!
Related Posts:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
