Breaking News - Race report Stage 1 - Sao Tomé

In the presence of the Minister of Sports of São Tomé and Príncipe, Mr Vinicio Pina, cheering locals and local school children singing the national anthem of the island, the 3rd edition of GlobalLimits São Tomé - The Hemisphere Crossing - started in front of the hospital in the biggest and most impressive plantation of Agostinho Neto on the island.

The first stage was 36,9km with a mix of various trails and water crossing. It was a hot day but occasional breeze brought some delights to runners.

Our runners left the plantation and made their way towards the coast before returning to the beautiful lush forests and finished the stage at the heart of the island in the community of Monte Café.

Monte Café was once the largest coffee plantation on the island. The village still host a coffee museum and the coffee production facilities is still very much visible. Tonight the runners stay in the local Kindergarten.

The winning male is Saõ Toméan Dulie Fntes at an impressive 3hrs 33m 10s, followed by Nathan Montague of the UK just 12 secends behind. The third place went to our second time local runner Kinderly Batista from Monte Cafe. In the Lady race, Christian Khinast from Austria did not disappoint and finished first in the first stage. Harri Washington from the UK was just 33seconds behind. She was closely followed by German runner Tanja Schönenborn, who arrived the finish line 4minutes later and took the third place.

Tomorrow’s stage is only 30km heading towards the south, to the flower garden of Bombaim.

Stay tuned and follow our runners. Race result, photos, and daily race report available at www.global-Limits.com; Instagram @globallimits_running; and Facebook @GlobalLimits.