British ultrarunner Luke Grenfell-Shaw claimed an emotional and courageous victory in the 110km HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB race in the Central Pyrenees at the weekend.
The 100-mile Torn dera Val d’Aran had been suspended due to adverse weather conditions so all eyes turned to the 110km race.
And it featured an unforgettable performance from Grenfell-Shaw.
‘He has given me strength’
Running on the anniversary of his brother John’s tragic death when running in the Lake District, Grenfell-Shaw made an emotional tribute afterwards.
He had battled the challenging conditions to come out on top in 12 hours, five minutes and three seconds, which was 25 minutes ahead of his nearest rival Andreu Simón Aymerich of Spain.
And after crossing the line, Grenfell-Shaw explained: “My brother passed away six years ago.
“No matter how bad it was up there, in my mind I only thought about John.
“He has given me strength to continue. If I have learned anything from my brother, it is that no matter how much pain you have to endure, it is worth it to live.”
Inspiring others
Luke Grenfell-Shaw was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer six years ago since when he has inspired thousands with his recovery and positive mindset, calling himself a ‘CanLiver’.
Indeed he was awarded the MBE in last year’s King’s Birthday Honours for “services to Charitable Fundraising for People with Cancer”.
Less than 50% of the starters in the 110km race finished the event, with American Allison Baca dominating the women’s race from start to finish.
She had a gap of 45 minutes from Spain’s Silvia Puigarnau and also finished 11th overall.
You can watch how both races unfolded via the embedded video below.
