What's more difficult than running a marathon?
How about running a marathon through watery streets?
How about running a marathon over mixed terrain like a grass and rocks?
How about running a marathon through gales and storms?
Sounds tough, but how about running it barefoot?
That's what exactly what Londoner and Research scientist Yanni Papastavrou did when he completely one of Britain's toughest runs (The Snowdon Marathon) in a respectable 4hr 9min---without shoes.
"I certainly wouldn't recommend the Snowdon race as a first-time barefoot experience," said Papastavrou.
"I have a few new blisters after the race. But, I suspect I was
the only runner who actually went through all the puddles. I didn't
have to worry about keeping my shoes dry."
"I was trying to get it done in under four hours, and I made it to the 20-mile point in three hours, he added. "I thought I was in good shape to make the final six miles in an
hour, but during the final hill over Waunfawr my feet started to hurt.
The race was won by Martin Cox, originally from Leicester, a chef in Italy, who finished in 2.44:40.