Two members of the Marc VDS Racing Team decided to forgo a couple of relaxing days in Sevilla between the Valencia and Jerez tests, preferring instead to compete in the Mitja Marató de Barcelona.

Mika Kallio’s Chief Mechanic, Naoya Kaneko, and Tyre and Fuel Technician, Nacho Lorenzana, headed up to Barcelona immediately after the Valencia test, to make final preparations for their first half marathon.

On Sunday 16th February the two Marc VDS team members lined up at the Arc de Triomf, alongside more than 14,500 other runners. The 21km half-marathon route took in the famous Plaça Catalunya, before heading down towards the Ramblas and along Avenida Paral·lel. From the old town the route then took the runners into the modernist Eixample district, before returning to the Arc de Triomf, past the Parc de la Ciutadella and onto the Torre Agbar, one of the most distinctive buildings in Barcelona.

Nacho completed his first half marathon in an impressive time of 1:40.51, finishing in 3,850th place. Naoya took a little longer, completing the 21km course in a time of 2:20.

“I didn’t know what to expect, because this was my first ever half marathon,” said Nacho. “I knew I could run the distance, because I did it a few times in training, but it was very different doing it alongside 14,500 other runners. It was good fun and I was pleased with my time, but now we’re thinking of doing a full marathon, which will require just a bit more training.”

“All was good up until the halfway point, then it felt like a shock absorber had broken in my leg or something,” declared Naoya. “But I got to the end and I really enjoyed the experience. Nacho is now talking about doing a full marathon, but unless he finds someone to sponsor us to do the Honolulu marathon at the end of the year, then I’m not too sure about that!”