4 Deserts
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 4 Deserts is a series of four six stage, seven day long ultramarathons across some of the most inhospitable deserts on Earth. Participants must carry all their own food and equipment that they will live on for the seven-day event. Only a tent and water is provided. Each race is 250km with the final race being The Last Desert, held in Antarctica. To qualify for the last race one must have completed all the previous races in the time allowed.
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[edit] Races
[edit] Gobi March
The Gobi March is a six-day, 250 kilometer footrace across the Gobi Desert of China. It was established in 2003 with just 42 participants. The Gobi March has been held in Dunhuang, China, Turpan, China, Hami, China and Kashgar, China, all locations along the ancient Silk Road. Now attracting about 200 participants from more than 25 countries, the event has become the largest outdoor event in China.
[edit] Sahara Race
The Sahara Race is a six-day, 250 kilometer footrace across the Sahara Desert of Egypt.
[edit] Atacama Crossing
The Atacama Crossing is a six-day, 250 kilometer footrace across the Atacama Desert of Chile.
Established in 2004, the Atacama Crossing now attracts up to 150 competitors from more than 20 countries at each event. Notable individuals at this year's Atacama Crossing included best-selling author Dean Karnazes (author of 'Ultramarathon Man') and Manchester United's Rob James. Dean is trying to become the first person in the world to complete the 4 Deserts in one calendar year.
[edit] The Last Desert
The Last Desert takes place in Antarctica. It is the final event in the 4 Deserts series, open only to participants who have completed all other events in the series (Gobi March, Sahara Race, and the Atacama Crossing). Fifteen individuals from around the world completed the 4 Deserts becoming the first in the world to complete a 100 miler on the Antarctic continent. The Last Desert 2007 took place in November 2007 in Aitcho Island, Deception Island, Cuverville, Paradise Bay and Neko Harbor, Antarctica. The Last Desert was recently shown on NBC, Jeep World of Sports. The next Last Desert race will take place on 24 November 2008.
[edit] References
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- "'You have to live on the edge': a Center City paralegal enters a 150-mile race through Egypt's desert.", Philadelphia Inquirer, 2006-10-25. Retrieved on 2008-04-13.
- "For Ultraracers, It's 'No Pain, No Vacation'", The New York Times, 2005-06-26. Retrieved on 2008-04-13.
- "Surviving—Just Barely—the Gobi Ultramarathon", National Geographic, 2003-12-24. Retrieved on 2008-04-13.
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