This week we'll be keeping you updated on the third leg of the 4 Deserts race. Runners from around the world are taking on the grueling Sahara Desert in Egypt over a period of six stages.
Stage 1 Course:
Beginning around the oasis of Farafra, competitors begin Stage 1 in an area surrounded by white rocks in the heart of the White Desert. The first stage is moderate with a total of 35 kilometers (21.9 miles). There are four checkpoints with mainly flat, rocky and sandy ground. The fast competitors are expected to take 3 hours, while the slower competitors will take up to 12 hours to complete the stage.
Below is the video from the start of the race:
Stage 1
It was an exciting beginning to the Sahara Race (2008) Egypt, as competitors shot out of camp at an impressive speed and stayed together through most of the way to Check Point 1. Ryan Sandes took an early lead, and remained, on average, 20 minutes ahead of the second runner. As runners left the stunning rock formations of the Bahariya Camp behind them, the sun blazed across the stunning landscape and highlighted the stunning contrast between flat, sand plains and natural rock formations staggering the cerulean blue of the sky with stratified tonal yellows and whites.
Course De-Briefer and volunteer Alasdair G. Morrison told the competitors that it would be 50% white sand, and that the other 50% would consist of limestone rock. Many of the competitors complained of the extra muscle strain the soft sand caused them, saying that it was difficult to maintain speed and thus forcing them to plod slower through certain parts. Douglas Girling (USA) said, “that sand…it is a lot softer than I thought it would be.”
Cleo J. Plover (UK) said, “I don’t need to go to the moon anymore; been there, done that.” Summing up perfectly the variation and look of the terrain. Between Check Point 1 and 2, Peter E. Ball (Australia) described the small, naturally eroded spacepod-like rock formations as resembling, “Mount Rushmore.”
Competitors Catherine F. A Jones (UK) kept other competitors spirits up throughout the day, teasing about what type of electrolytes they should consume, claiming that “tropical fruit” was the flavour du jour.
Rob D. Bolton was in good spirits through until the end, opting to put his buff around his head to prevent sweat stinging his eyes, emphasizing the need for the correct equipment on these events. “It’s all about fashion,” he explained, “and I personally think that this is a really good look for me.”
The first placing runner came into Camp 2 “Twin Peaks as early as 11.34.45 – Ryan N. Sandes(S. Africa) is leading the pack with strength and determination on Stage 1. Paul Liebenberg (S. Africa), the “Bush Doctor” placed second clocking in at 12. 14.05m and Phil Adams (UK) placed third at 12.14.33.
Nina Breith (Germany) lead the Women’s division, she arrived at camp at 12.21.20 and placed 6th overall. Team SIPA/Teko Socks (Denmark) won the Team division and came into camp joking and singing like they have been all day. They arrived at 13.03.16.
The oldest competitor Jack E. Denness (UK) is 73-years old, and he arrived at camp as the final competitor to a large gathering of fellow supporters who cheered and clapped in support for this amazing man who was in extremely good spirits. Denness has completed the Badwater Marathon thirteen times and the Trans 333 seven times. Denness clocked in at 16.56.55, marking the end of an exciting day.