Day 48 - Irkutsk, Russia

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July 18       Photos by Chris Emerick

Team Silver sits down for lunch overlooking Lake Baikal.

After the toughest stretch of the Run so far, the runners are excited to be in Irkutsk. With a population of more than 600,000, it is the largest city in Siberia and is famous for being the social and intellectual center for exiles from Genghis Khan’s army and those involved in the Decemberist revolt against Tsar Nicholas I. The city is located on the Angara River (another tributary of the Yenisei River) and serves as a foothold to incredible Lake Baikal, famous unto itself, and for travelers to Mongolia. Lake Baikal is the deepest, oldest and most voluminous freshwater lake in the world! In his blog, David Christof wrote “At one point, Bajkal is one mile deep. It is a true wonder. Surrounded by mountains, it is truly breathtaking and humbling to see this jewel.” The runner's day began with a well attended event at the Alexander III monument along the banks of the Angara River. The Irkutsk Rotary Club presented the runners and staff with a tasty traditional bread cake. The runners were excited to see such a great crowd eagerly snapping photos — so much so that the team passed out stickers to the spectators, enabling them to carry the message beyond the event itself. The runners also worked hard to spread the message throughout the country, speaking with four local media stations.

Rudy van Prooyen enjoyed the first view of Lake Baikal, where hundreds of people were at the exchange point enjoying the view and picnics. Paul Rogan had the pleasure of having a handful of children bike with him for part of his run and he also received shouts of encouragement from passengers as a train passed by during his run.

The Blue Planet Run crew spreads its message at the exchange point in Irkutsk.

Members of the Team pose with Irkutsk Rotary Club

Team Silver takes time out for a group shot in front of the most fresh water in the world.

TEAM SILVER BLOG, Day 48, July 18, 2007
Team Silver ran through Irkutsk with Shiri running into the main exchange point where the runners were met by the Irkutsk Rotary and a battalion of media. The well-attended event included a breaking of the bread ceremony with the Rotary before the baton was passed off to Emmanuel who ran it out of the City. Emmanuel, Jason, David and Dot ran the steep and beautiful hills towards Lake Baikal. Upon reaching Lake Baikal, the world's largest fresh water body, a sacred lake which is over a mile deep, the team jumped into the frigid waters for a very refreshing swim.

Team Silver takes the plunge in the chilly water.