The day began with a brisk run out of Plovdiv alongside local runners who had also joined us the day before. The morning’s run consisted of long stretches of road through fields of wheat and meadows of waving grass.

We had an entire 132km to cover before our first meeting. On our way, we ran through a variety of different landscapes on very different roads. After running on main roads for nearly 80km we took a detour in order to run through more scenic parts. We were warned that the road surface would not be so good but we didn’t realise to what extent. At first the roads were a bit bumpy but as we travelled on, the potholes became more frequent until there was more of them than road!

We came to a small village and were unsure of whether to keep going. Up ahead the road was practically non-existent but a police escort urged us to keep going because the road would get better. The road was mucky and the water-filled potholes were so big that you could nearly go fishing in them! The drivers of our vans had lots of fun winding around the dips and hollows trying find the smoothest route. Further on, the road did indeed get much better, with bright green trees lining both sides.

The road swept through a beautiful plain of wild grass interspersed with blooming lavender plantations of rich purples and pale pinks. As we passed, a large family rested under the shade of the trees, perhaps having spent the morning harvesting lavender. At a crossroads once more the road surface changed, now to a gravel track with a herd of goats wandering across up ahead. This route was wonderfully adventurous and seemed just like a safari trail through the unknown. All around dark evergreen-covered mountains were like buffers circling the large expanse of plains.

Eventually we reached modern infrastructure once more and passed a little town at the foot of the mountains, then the steep ascent began through valleys and around the mountainside. The runners look forward to the challenge of these stretches. In no time we reached the summit and were racing down the far side. This quiet road descended through tunnels of deciduous forest with speckles of light slicing through the trees and dotting the road.

We reached Gabrovo in the afternoon for our first meeting.

We had a nice ceremony with a town representative wishing us good fortune on our journey, and cheerleaders performing a dance routine.

After 46km of running on busy roads we reached the outskirts of Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of Bulgaria. Rocky grey cliffs gave way to a valley and the entrance into this hillside town. In the centre of the town we entered a park where there was a cosy little city ceremony.

A talented group of musicians played a hearty tune and a young and most cheerful bunch of traditional dancers danced most energetically. They moved so quickly, hopping and skipping here and there.

After a warm presentation with the Mayor we left for our accommodation. Our day came to a close after a delicious meal in an Italian restaurant.

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Distance: 178km

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