Day 25 - Orsa Belarus into Russia

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June 25

Simon runs through Smolensk, Russia

As mentioned before, the runners have been accompanied by a group of amazing staff — including drivers and logistical planners. As we crossed the border into Russia, this group of core people changed. We now have Russian translators and Siberian drivers and vehicles that will take the Run all the way to the Mongolian border.

It’s amazing how well the runners and the non–English-speaking drivers get along, despite the language barriers. Informal sign language and hand gestures go a long way, as does a smile and a laugh.

Today, after running and getting to know the new staff, some of the runners gathered in the hotel for dinner. Afterward they cut loose on the dance floor. Rudy van Prooyen proved to be an elegant dancer in addition to a smooth runner. The local women wouldn’t let him rest and kept dragging him onto the dance floor for yet another dance. Laurel Dudley and Simon Isaacs couldn’t resist and joined in. Unfortunately, Paul Rogan could only laugh and clap from the table, because his ankle was sore from running. In the end, everyone went back to their rooms exhausted yet ready for another day of running. We all await our next unplanned adventure.

Jason passes over a bridge in Orsa, Belarus