August 1, Saturday

After arriving at 9:30pm the previous night, and then getting 'home' to Leysin by 11:30, we were up at 6:15 to get breakfast. The vans were leaving for Aigle at 7:30 to take us to the start line of the Aigle - Ai 'fun run'. It's a half-marathon length run, which starts in the valley at Aigle, runs up to the top of La Berneuse, and then returns halfway back down to Aigle. There is 1 mile of vertical up, and a half-mile of vertical down. The best runner this year did it in 1:57. I did it in 4:17... but I made it!! There were a dozen or so students who did the course, and around 4 or 5 staff members who ran, as well. All made it, with minimal injuries. There were 2 separate groups of supporters who met us at various points along the course, cheering and singing and waving their signs. It was a HOT day, so some sunburns were enjoyed, as well. Seemed that all the students enjoyed their day.