Peruvian pride! Remigio Huamán, a Peruvian long-distance runner and Peru Country Brand ambassador, made his country proud by being the only South American to take part in the High Trail Vanoise. This race, held in France, puts competitors’ physical endurance and ability to run at high altitudes to the test.
It is dominated by European runners. Yet, Huamán pulled off a surprise by finishing in fifth place in the Ultra category and upstaging the favorites for the competition. He covered 70 kilometers and 5,400 meters of uneven ground in a time of 9 hours, 6 minutes and 21 seconds.
Huamán arrived at the competition two hours before it started with an empty stomach and travel fatigue. “It was very difficult to get myself to run 70 kilometers in the mountains over such uneven terrain without any proper rest or nutrition. But I was among the best there, the world champion Luis Alberto Hernando, the Russian runner Dmitry Mityaev and other greats. I started out lagging behind a little, but then ran alongside them”, said the national long-distance runner.
Remigio Huamán’s journey
Huamán arrived two hours before the competition due to a flight delay. Not having slept or eaten a thing, the athlete honored his commitment and ran for 9 hours.
“The distance from kilometer 20 to kilometer 50 was a real ordeal for me. I had never felt that way in a race. I was flagging. I didn’t know what to do. I just kept going and made it to a hydration station. After I had eaten some fruit, my body started to wake up. I was in 6th place, saw the French runner Nicolas Martin and gave it all I had. With 4 kilometers left, I caught him. Then I overtook him.”
Thanks to PROMPERÚ
Remigio’s steely commitment and spirited performance landed him a place among the top five long-distance runners. He undoubtedly fills many Peruvians’ hearts with pride and proves that nothing is impossible.
“This race suited me very well, but due to external factors I couldn’t run it as I should have. I feel that I have more to give. Maybe next year, I’ll be able to come back and win it, now that I know the route. I am grateful to PROMPERÚ for funding my trip and to my coach, Diego Navarro, who was always there for me”, Huamán said.