“My team is more tired than me,” smiles Hamid Belhaj, saluting the feat of his guides, all volunteers.
This 52-year-old marathoner has just won his bet: run 17 marathons in 17 days through Charente-Maritime.
A great performance for this Rochefortais who has covered a total of 717 km and 135 m since July 9.
Hamid Belhaj is now aiming for the French 100 km record.
ASEASE Association
Sunday, he completed his course at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium, home of the rugby players of the Rochelais Stadium, after being encouraged by dozens of people, on foot or by bike, through the city.
“It was grandiose, rejoices Hamid Belhaj.
I had goose bumps.
I am just starting to realize the feat!
“Confronted with piles of waste during his training, the athlete mainly accomplished this challenge to raise awareness of environmental protection.
Another successful bet according to him: “People have been very receptive!
The message got through.
"
“My legs were on fire during the last stage!
"
Assures him that he could have stacked up for a few more marathons: “My legs were on fire during the last stage!
"His time calculated over all 17 events sounds in any case like an achievement:" 2h43 on average ", assures the Rochefortais who feared above all injuries and minor injuries.
“In the end, I only had one problem: an insect bite in the tibia during a stage!
"
Barely arrived, Hamid Belhaj is already thinking about his next challenge.
The 50-year-old is now eyeing the French 100 km record.
Sports coach by profession and former double French marathon champion, he could get started in the spring or next summer.
