The latest videos from day 9 are now live, see them here

Order restored: marathon in 5hrs 38mins.

A good day today. Hugh ran the vast majority, which is highly encouraging. Samia seems to have worked her magic with some strapping (the mysterious pink stuff) which reduces the stress of his damaged muscle. Hugh was relieved that he got in before dark. Yesterday there was little time to relax in the evening as we got in late and there were the customary ice bath, massage then dinner. I did not allow this to disturb my merry journey round Portugal's wine regions opting for a decent Douro which Samia also enjoyed.

In fact this jaunt has afforded the support team many an opportunity to find a random bar along the route. Often there is a straight bit of road which keeps Hugh busy for a half hour or so and we'll sniff out an opportunity. Generally opposite a church with faded plastic chairs outside we find a typically non descript sort of place and sip espressos in the morning and white port/cerveza in the afternoons. There is always a local soak hunched over a drink peering at us biliously through watery eyes. Not recognizing kindred spirits of course. A startled barmaid is astonished to be serving someone not from her immediate family (the village) and outside in the recent, decent weather, we idle away the time until the cheery figure of Hugh hoves into view and off we go again.

Last night Hugh finished at the hick but oddly named Ipanema Bar on a dusty coastal road near Apulia. We explained our quest to the bartender and tried interviewing him. Unfortunately the fellow was starstruck so this snippet is on the floor of the editing suite. Hugh is a natural behind the lens and can little afford someone who quivers silently when questioned. Most of the bar scattered actually, settling in different parts of the bar minutes later like curious insects.

We distribute 50in50 leaflets (in Portuguese) to each hotel we go to and generally there is a positive response once the incredulity wears off. It can be hard work and we would not wish to be travelling salesmen. Great excitement about tomorrow though - Samia, as translator, has made her usual preparatory call and the hotelier informs us he has followed the progress of the expedition and has everything in place. This is more like it. We cross the border to Spain tomorrow. Must make sure Hugh has his passport in his shorts.