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Powerful Pippa glides through 56-mile ski challenge

05 MARCH 2012

Out of over 15,000 competitors in the world's oldest cross country ski race, one was of particular interest to the international press – the Duchess of Cambridge's sporty sister.

Pippa Middleton was the centre of attention as she completed the gruelling 56-mile Vasaloppet marathon in Sweden along with her brother James. 
          

 

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Despite the physical demands of the event, the brunette made light work of the slopes, gliding through the snow with elegance and ease.

The single beauty took 7 hours and 13 minutes to complete the task, finishing in a respectable 412th place.

"It was incredible and it was faster than I thought I would manage," she told newspaper Aftonbladet. "Now I'm going to rest and put my feet up." 

After the challenge, which was in aid of a children's charity, an admirer rushed in to congratulate her with a kiss on the cheek.

Before the race she explained: "My brother and I are raising money for Magic Breakfast, a small registered charity that fights child hunger through breakfast clubs."

And the organisation is now £7,500 better off thanks to the brother-sister team's fundraising effort.

It's not the first time that Pippa has demonstrated her athletic prowess.

Shortly after her sister's fairytale wedding to Prince William, the world's most famous bridesmaid was snapped whizzing her way through the Blenheim triathlon.

But now, the party planner has upped her game by taking part in the gruelling annual ski race, which attracts world-class athletes and is a highlight of the winter sports season. 

Also attending the event was Denmark's Prince Frederik, who made it past the finishing line in a cool 6 hours and 32 minutes.