Joan Mason made a "Ryanair special" trip to France this weekend to run the Cognac Half Marathon again. The only dry day in a week of torrential rain meant that the undulating course was a real treat through vineyards and chateaux, before diverting through a Cognac warehouse (with samples as well as water!) just before the end. Joan ran better than last year, finishing in 2hrs 9mins, enough to gain her first place in the Veteran Female 3 group (over 60), receiving a silver trophy, and a  waist pouch that contained a bottle of Pineau (the local aperitif)though sadly this will hasve to remain in France till Joan returns by car! Festivities continued all weekend in the little town of Jarnac and the French know how to party!