It’s the annual Jungfrau marathon tomorrow, and as usual there is a series of races on the preceding evening to ensure that everyone can get involved, even if the full marathon distance is perhaps beyond them. The first race is a short 4.5 kilometres, but after a brief run along the road, it’s straight up a mountain. These guys look like they know what they’re doing though.

Next it’s the turn of the tiny tots. They run 200 metres. Here they come.

My event is the mini marathon. It’s one tenth of the marathon distance, just over 4 kilometres. This is by far the most popular Friday race, and it’s basically a huge party. Val got some great photos.

Fancy dress is encouraged.

Here I come, straight into a barrage of water pistols.

The soaking is actually very welcome – it’s about 30 degrees and very humid.

Will is a crack shot with his water pistol, and shows no mercy.

High fives from the kids as I approach the finishing line.

So that’s that for another year. It’s a joyous event, and it never fails to make the preceding months of training worthwhile. There were about 500 competitors from 32 countries, as well as an estimated 5000 spectators. Although we all carry timing chips, no results are published for this race, so nobody knows (or cares) who won. Afterwards we went to a local pub with Will and his parents Amanda and Stuart. Dinner and beer were very welcome.