Breaking News: Race Report Stage 1 - Albania

After spending the evening camping in the Berat castle, 60 runners from 27 countries are ready for the first stage of the inaugural GlobalLimits Albania - The Hidden Treasure at the foot of the ancient city of Berat. The mayor of the ancient city gave a speech for thanking the runners visiting Albania and Berat and local school children sang the national anthem of the country to honour it.

The race started at 8am local time. Frank Johansen from Denmark finished the 38 km in an impressive 3:20hrs while GlobalLimits veteran winner Argy Papathanasopoulos followed just 5minutes behind. Kurt Alderweireldt from Belgium, shared today's podium at third place, finishing at 3:27hrs.

In female category won Leandra Kurtz from Switzerland in 4:30hrs. She obviously enjoyed the stage and looked pretty fresh at the finish. Second was Austrian Christina Khinast in 4:41hrs ahead of American Charla Heimer in 4:56hrs.

All tinners finished the stage and enjoy the evening in the small village of Buze on the ridge of the mountains with an breathtaking view. Tomorrows stage 2 of 30,6k starts at 7am local time.