HE did it!

We can proudly report that a Penarth publican completed the notoriously difficult Solomon MaXi-Race series ‘tOur-du-Lac’.

Part owner of the Pilot pub in Penarth, Francois Commeureuc-Cherot completed the 94km running challenge in the Alps doing it in a mere 18 hours and 24 minutes – that’s right folks, Mr Commeureuc-Cherot ran non-stop for 18 hours and 24 minutes.

Maxi-Race series tOur-du-lac historically difficult

Maxi-Race set races all around the world from China to Ecuador, however Mr Commeureuc-Cherot has picked a peach of the pile, with the tOur-du-lac, or ‘lake tour’, round the stunning vista of Lac d’Annecy, just South of Geneva, coming with a health warning.

It is says on the website: “We’d like to make you aware of the historic difficulty of the tOur du lac course.

“We don’t want to set a minimum entry level for this format, but please be aware that without adequate and specific training, it will be difficult to complete the tOur du Lac.”

The stunning scenery of the Maxi-Race series tOur-du-lacThe stunning scenery of the Maxi-Race series tOur-du-lac (Image: Francois Commeureuc-Cherot)

The tOur-du-lac, or ‘lake tour’, round the stunning vista of Lac d’Annecy, just South of GenevaThe tOur-du-lac, or ‘lake tour’, round the stunning vista of Lac d’Annecy, just South of Geneva (Image: Francois Commeureuc-Cherot)

Pilot pub owner completes historically difficult race in nick of time

Mr Commeureuc-Cherot made it in the nick of time, being given 20 hours to complete the race or being disqualified – training running up and down Pen y Fan helped Mr Commeureuc-Cherot complete his epic quest and personal challenge.

At the end of it, he thanked all those who sent him well wishes to help get him through.

He also thanked the team he completed the challenge with, saying: “Me, my best mate, and two other boys from the Brittany village (in France where Mr Commeureuc-Cherot is from).

“We are all proud that we finished, so congratulations to Antoine, Matt and Fred.”

Francois crossed the line after over 18 hours of runningFrancois crossed the line after over 18 hours of running (Image: Francois Commeureuc-Cherot)

He started at 5.20am and finished at 11.44pmHe started at 5.20am and finished at 11.44pm (Image: Francois Commeureuc-Cherot)

Essential supplies on the challengeEssential supplies on the challenge (Image: Francois Commeureuc-Cherot)

 

Pilot pub Penarth gets spruced up with new paint job as it fights for Wales' pub of the year

Maybe it’s because it’s in the running for Wales pub of the year, but the Pilot has had a new lick of paint.

The Pilot is up for Wales pub of the yearThe Pilot is up for Wales pub of the year (Image: Newsquest)

It’s been a big year for the Pilot with new owners Francois Commeureuc-Cherot and Serge Luceau looking to push the pub to the next level with improved food and wine offering as well as offering world class ales.

Those ales have been recognised by the prestigious CAMRA real ale guide and the result has propelled the pub to winning area of pub of the year, at now it’s up for Wales pub of the year. Good luck lads!

Got a story in Penarth? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.