Cuba Marathon & 25k Trail Race
14th January 2007

In January 2007 Suet Lua, Ralph Ward, Andrea Ranson and Andy Sewell visited Cuba to take part in the first ever Cuban Trail Marathon and 25k.

Soroa, Pinar Del Rio, Cuba – 14^th January 2007: 

The day arrived; there was a calm and relaxed atmosphere around camp.  Some played scrabble whilst others strolled about the pool area.  Last minute adjustments were made to kit as the turkey vultures circled overhead: they were to be our constant companions for the next few hours.  We all knew that this was going to be something special, and we were not to be disappointed.

At 10 o’clock we set off, 30 degrees in the sun and almost 70% humidity.  After a brief section of road we hit the trails, which twisted and climbed their way through the lush vegetation.  It was rocky underfoot, and in places deeply rutted from the ox-drawn carts which carried produce from the various plantations.  Occasionally the forest canopy opened up to reveal small homesteads and farms where chickens, pigs and goats roamed freely.  As we ran by we were watched with amusement and bemusement by the locals.  One farmer had a trestle-table laden with freshly cut sugar cane which provided a sweet and refreshing energy source for our ever-wearying bodies.

There were numerous river crossings, but being the dry season they were mostly only shin deep.  We ran along one stretch of river for over 200 metres, lunging into the deeper pools, scattering small fish as we went.  Our guide had told us that there were no dangerous or poisonous creatures in Cuba; the alligators confined to the mangrove swamps. With this in mind we ploughed through the dense undergrowth, carefully side-stepping a black snake which resembled a thick coil of liquorice.

Bird song was everywhere and the bushes were alive with continuous rustlings and hoots, reminiscent of Jurassic Park.  Air plants and orchids adorned the trees and the air was full of spicy woody aromas.

The hills!  Did I mention the hills?  There were two notable monsters at 11k, and rather cruelly, at 40k (the latter being virtually impossible to run up, that required a technique of scrambling and tree grabbing). Just beyond the cascades and we were there – civilization – we’d done it!  What an amazing experience, and as we sat with our legs in the pool we all agreed that it was one that we would never ever forget.

Afterword:

As the sun was rising we ran back along the beach, the soft white sand massaging our feet and squidging up between our toes.  In our hands we each held a brightly-coloured sea-shell – a gift from the man who had readily accepted our well-used trainers!

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