Story
On 14th of March this year I have talked a group of 60 otherwise sane individuals into competing in the Engadin Ski Marathon. 42km on cross-country skis. Ha, ha, ha.
It's a great event: 12,000 competitors get whipped into a frenzy by music from Chariots of Fire, then set off across frozen lakes, around a mediaeval castle, through St Moritz, into an enchanted forest and down the dramatic Engadin Valley. The atmosphere is amazing, the crowds come out in support, complete with cowbells, Alpenhorns and bananas.
The winning time is about 85 minutes, our skiers take anywhere from a sprighly two to weary eight hours. To read more about the race itself, visit www.engadin-skimarathon.ch
Most of the group members have never put on cross-country skis before. At least I was practically a professional skier in my mis-spent youth, so I have nothing but admiration for them. Part of the reason through go through all this pain and humiliation is to raise money for a great charity called WellChild (formerly Children Nationwide). They fund research and treatment for a wide range of children's illnesses.
At the 22 mile mark of the race there is a picture postcard Swiss cafe, which serves the best hot chocolate and cakes in the world. Without your support, the chances of us skiing past it without stopping are very remote. We need your help! Please make a donation, big or small, and give us a reason to keep going right to the finish!
Thanks so much, Michael Liebreich Team leader (slavedriver), Engadin Marathonistas British Olympic Ski Team 1992
It's a great event: 12,000 competitors get whipped into a frenzy by music from Chariots of Fire, then set off across frozen lakes, around a mediaeval castle, through St Moritz, into an enchanted forest and down the dramatic Engadin Valley. The atmosphere is amazing, the crowds come out in support, complete with cowbells, Alpenhorns and bananas.
The winning time is about 85 minutes, our skiers take anywhere from a sprighly two to weary eight hours. To read more about the race itself, visit www.engadin-skimarathon.ch
Most of the group members have never put on cross-country skis before. At least I was practically a professional skier in my mis-spent youth, so I have nothing but admiration for them. Part of the reason through go through all this pain and humiliation is to raise money for a great charity called WellChild (formerly Children Nationwide). They fund research and treatment for a wide range of children's illnesses.
At the 22 mile mark of the race there is a picture postcard Swiss cafe, which serves the best hot chocolate and cakes in the world. Without your support, the chances of us skiing past it without stopping are very remote. We need your help! Please make a donation, big or small, and give us a reason to keep going right to the finish!
Thanks so much, Michael Liebreich Team leader (slavedriver), Engadin Marathonistas British Olympic Ski Team 1992