Breaking news from stage 1!
The day started very early, the most impatient runners waking up at 5:00 AM :)
The opening ceremony took place in the Ruins of the Temple, all runners being blessed by 2 monks and getting holly bracelet to protect them, Before start, 5 little Sri Lankan girls sang the national anthem of Sri Lanka, a very emotional moment for Sanath, the only Sri Lankan runner of the race.
Stage 1, a 35 km mostly flat stage, has been won by Stefan Vernay in 3h02 mn, way ahead of the 2nd runner.
1st female was Veronique Messina in 3h21mn - 5th in scratch ranking - followed by Clementine Tanguide in 3h24mn, and Charla Heimer in 4h02mn.
Men´s 2nd place was taken by Jan Orye in 3h17mn, as 3rd place was taken by Bjorn Van Camp in 3h18min, both from Belgium
All runners have arrived safely at camp 2, the Temple of Sasseruwa.
More infos to come tomorrow, stage 2 - 36 km