Tussler in Cuba
JOHN Tussler and Fidel Castro – you never see them in the same place together! Could they be the very same person?
Juan has just been out to the Caribbean island to take part in the Cuba Trail 25km race, which runs alongside a marathon and which is set amid the Sierra Maestra mountain range.
Renowned for serving as a refuge and campground to rebel fighters as early as the 16th century, the wild, untamed woods that blanket the slopes have borne witness to many guerrilla struggles, including three wars of independence against Spain in the 1800s.
In fact, the decision to relocate the race to Santiago this year - having been held in the western province of Saroa last year which John also took part in - gives a historic nod to the continued legacy of Fidel Castro, Cuba's infamous Communist leader. Castro first landed his yacht on the south-eastern coast of the island 50 years ago, before escaping into the lush green terrain of the mountains to launch his revolution against the USA-backed Batista regime.
Now a popular hiking ground among tourists, the 6,000ft-high peaks rise sharply from the coast, offering panoramic vistas over both the sun-kissed ocean and the island's diverse terrain below.
John said he had a terrific time in Cuba. “It was much better than last year - fantastic location, good weather and good group of people,” he writes. “I am trying out my limited amount of Spanish on the locals especially with the children who turned up at the race but there are subtle differences over here so it doesn't always work. Am learning a bit more too, though!”
John explained that the race was as tough as expected but walking the course a couple of days beforehand helped to prepare him for what lay ahead.
He added: “I managed to run more of it than I thought, but there were a couple of relentlessly steep ascents and descents which were mainly unrunnable.
“The second half of the 25km race was on very rough tracks and through river beds, and the last two miles were on road with temperatures in the 30s which took its toll a bit.
“I did the half in 2hrs 55min 38sec which shows how hard it was. The winner was a local who did it in 2.13. But we had 6 intrepid runners who went round again to complete the marathon (mad fools!).
“The winner of that race finished in 4hrs 45sec. He is an experienced fell runner, though, but the next one was an hour and a quarter behind.”
Photo courtesy Runners World.