d-day | iancorless.com – Photography, Writing, Talk Ultra Podcast

A beach landing, a torchlight crossing through Bayeux and a finish line with 3000 children.

The 14 athletes will arrive on land from the sea in Utah Beach on June 12th, 2014. They will arrive in Bayeux at the end of the day and go through the city holding torchlights. Finally, they will join the 3000 children of “Les Foulées de la Liberté” to complete the last kilometers of the ‘Ultra D Day Trail’ up to the Caen Memorial.

Athletes running are:

The schedule is available HERE

“The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.” — Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s message to the troops before the invasion, 1944

“They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate.” — President Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio broadcast, June 6, 1944

I should have been participating in this event and unfortunately due to the theft of my computer and all my camera equipment in Barcelona, I am no longer able to attend. It saddens me greatly not be a part of this adventure and I wish everyone all the very best and as Churchill would have said, “And what a plan! This vast operation is undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever occurred.’‘ — Winston Churchill to the House of Commons, June 6, 1944

Bonne Chance – Good Luck – Powodzenia – Viel Glück – Break a leg!

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I was recently contacted by Sebastien Chaigneau (The North Face) to be involved in a project to celebrate the D-Day landings in Normandy, June 6th 1944.

2014 is the 70th anniversary!

The Project

Representing 7 important nations from the D-Day landings, 7-ultra runners will join 7-soldiers from prestigious military academies:

The United States Military Academy West Point
The French Special Military School of Saint-Cyr
The British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
The Canadien Royal Military College Saint-Jean
The officer of the Army School in Dresden

14-athletes will run 100-miles together and will stop at ‘check-points’ that will not only allow some downtime but will also allow an opportunity to commemorate past events.

This ‘Ultra-Trail’ will use a majority of paths and trails with respect of the environment and natural spaces.

“Honoured to be named as one of 7 international runners (along with 7 military runners) running together for 100 miles along the landing beaches/commemoration sites of France in June to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D Day landings that changed the name of our game. Change your game by writing your own rules!” Jason Loutitt

The runners (tbc)

CANADA = Jason LOUTITT
USA = Dian Van DEREN
FRANCE = Bertrand COLLOMB PATTON
GERMANY = Philip REITER and Thomas WAGNER
POLAND = Natalia SIERANT
UNITED KINDOM =
BELGIUM =

Schedule

Starting at 0400hrs on Thursday June 12th at Utah Beach, the 14-runners will progress along the 100-mile route with the objective to finish at the ‘Memorial’ in Caen at 1400hrs Friday June 13th.

It’s an incredible opportunity

This is an incredible opportunity for a UK ultra runner to be involved in a moment in history.

IS THIS RUNNER YOU?

If you think it is, please email iancorless@mac.com explaining why you think you should be considered and please provide a running CV.

IMPORTANT: A UK RUNNER HAS NOW BEEN CHOSEN. IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED AS A RESERVE, PLEASE FORWARD DETAILS AS REQUESTED.

Please note:

You must be able to run 100-miles within 32-hours, including breaks within the context of this D-Day project.
You must be available ideally June 11th – June 14th tbc.
All expenses will be covered
Deadline for application – January 22nd.

This event will be open to the public and the media. You will be representing your country in a key moment in history. Please, only email if you are serious and committed.

I am able to provide a PDF document that outlines the whole experience with more specific details should you require it.