Another successful day has passed in Sri Lanka for the Global Limits runners with 100% finishing each stage to date.   The fifth stage took in forest, river crossings, rice paddies and a huge dam to end in pouring rain at a tented camp.  Local flooding and reports of rogue elephants wandering into the area resulted in last minute course changes prior to the start and repeated relocation of the campsite. 

After an enforced late start due to concerns over the elephants the lead pack of 14 or so runners all got to the first check point within 15 minutes of the front runner.  Today this was Sri Lankan Sanath Bandara (32).  Stephan Vernay (41) took second with the race for third clinched by an excellent performance from Daniel Meyes of Switzerland (36).   The top three female finishers were unchanged with continued strong performances from Vero Messina, Clem Tanguide and Charla Heimer.  Thomas Watson, 28 of Scotland, came  sixth running a particularly strong race today.

Special mention goes to Gordon Irving, 65, of Great Britain, coming in at 14^th place in 3 hours and 40 minutes.  Len Stanmore, 62 year old Canadian mountaineering legend, completed another strong stage in 32^nd place.   Megan Davies of Great Britain, 29, showed incredible tenacity in contending with a painful injury to walk the entire stage and finish with a smile.  Nigel Hewitt, 54, and Derek Kwik, 46, of Hong Kong, both also dealing with injuries, helped to keep spirits high in the last pack of runners with an incredible show  of endurance. 

The final stage beckons tomorrow, with a finale on the top of Sigiriya Rock.