Despite last night's thunderstorm, the cool air and breath-taking view of the Berat castle energize our runners and they are now ready for the first stage of the 3rd GlobalLimits Albania - The Hidden Treasure. 

With the well wishes from the Mayor of Berat and school children singing the national anthem of Albania, our runners are ready to start!The race started at 8am local time. Bryan Gensits from the USA finished the 38 km in 3:56hrs while Ralph Crowley, also from the USA followed in 4:15hrs. The brothers Alfred and Gezim Gaxhja representing Albania shared today's podium at third place, finishing at 4:24 hrs.

In the female category, GlobalLimits veteran Christina Khinast from Austria finished first in 4:42hrs. She obviously enjoyed the stage and looked fresh at the finish. Second was American Barbara Blok , finished in 5:11hrs. Belinda van der Riet from South Africa took the third Place. The top female runners changed the lead in the race a few times and it is going to be a tight race for the next stages.

The runners enjoy the evening in the small village of Buze on the ridge of the South Albanian mountains with a spectacular  view.  Tomorrow's stage 2 of 30,6k starts at 7am local time.