Cross-country is commonly a moist, chilly and soiled sport–however we’ve received handy it to those French athletes who tackled a really brutal course.
On Sunday, on the Nouvelle-Aquitaine qualifying race for the French Cross-Nation Championships in Yzeure, France, lots of of runners throughout all age teams discovered themselves splashing via what may be the most important puddles we’ve ever seen.
However cross-country runners are a unique breed; most appeared unfazed as they charged via shin-deep muddy water prefer it was simply one other part of the course. Some even took a full-body dip–some deliberately, others much less so.
With temperatures hovering round 6 C, many rivals got here ready in lengthy sleeves, hats and gloves. However there was little they might do for his or her ft–simply enthusiastic about waterlogged socks is sufficient to trigger nightmares.
Spectators additionally appeared prepared for the circumstances, sporting rubber boots and moving into the identical big puddles because the athletes to line the course and watch.
Movies from the race rapidly made their rounds on-line, with remark sections filling up with each admiration and disbelief. Some praised the athletes’ dedication to race day, whereas others joked that the occasion seemed extra like a triathlon or steeplechase. One person couldn’t fairly imagine the puddle was actual, asking: “Is that this AI?”
Different viewers questioned why the race wasn’t cancelled, noting the dearth of floor visibility may considerably enhance the chance of harm.
