Travel News - Adventure - Namib Desert Challenge 2010 a big success
The second Namib Desert Challenge came to an end amidst the high dunes and scorching temperatures of Sossusvlei. The NDC, which took place from 21–25 February and is regarded as one of the toughest footraces in the world, covers 220 kilometres of inhospitable, desert terrain and comprises five stages of high-endurance ultra running.
Says Mimi Anderson, winner of the 2010 Namib Desert Challenge and one of the world’s top female ultra-athletes, “There is only one word for the Namib Desert Challenge: marvellous! This is without doubt a tough event. Competitors had everything thrown at them – from mountains, canyons and wading waist high in water to climbing the second-highest dune in the world and everything else in between, all in temperatures of 40 degrees plus. To add to the stunning scenery there was an abundance of wildlife – from gemsbok, springbok and jackal to, of course, ostrich, some of them coming extremely close. It was like my own running safari! I highly recommend this event. The organisation was great, the crew worked hard and looked after us well and the course was spectacular.”
From all walks of life Of the 28 runners hoping to take on the Namib in all its glory, 22 finished the race. There were runners from all walks of life: a 57-year old British lady on her second Namib Desert Challenge; a 65-year-old Englishman; eight American ladies from Team Project Athena, some of them cancer survivors who promote the will to be active and accomplish your athletic dreams even after battling cancer; a Scotsman who ran the race in his kilt for the Thistle Charity; and local Namibians discovering their own land – all of them an inspiration. The participants from Namibia were Buys Steenkamp, Alpheus Hausona, Russell Pashke, Sharon Pashke and Tinus Hansen.
“The NDC is not merely a physical race, but also a mental one. Running the equivalent of more than a full marathon every day for five consecutive days, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s, it is a super test of endurance, stamina and the ability to carry on through personal pain barrier,” says Terry Southam of Kinetic Events. Registration for next year’s challenge, which takes place from 27–30 March 2011, has started and is limited to 80 runners. “The race is getting bigger and better each year – 2011 promises to be awesome! Namibia is a country that can take pride in its abundant nature, friendly people and the ability to host world-class events.” www.kineticevents.net/ndc
