The Last Desert ultramarathon, which got underway last week, continues today with the sixth and final stage yet to be run. The event is part of the Racing The Planet series of endurance events, and is held in Antarctica. This year, there are 15 competitors, each of whom have successfully completed the other three events in the “4 Deserts” series.
The results page doesn’t contain a lot of information at the moment, so I can only guess that they have had issues updating the official times. As of now, all 15 competitors are still active, although it sounds like they have faced some brutally cold conditions during the various stages of the race.
The most recent update in the Breaking News section indicates that Stage 5 was completed yesterday, with this leg being shortened due to a massive ice shelf blocking part of the course. Racers ran in “frigid and full blizzard” conditions, with American Joe Holland taking first place, with Italian Francesco Galanzino coming in second, and Korean Byeung Sik Ahn taking third place. It is also noted that Galanzino has claimed the overall 4 Deserts crown as well, having placed high in each of the events this year.
I’m not sure which would be worse, running an ultra in the cold of Antarctica, or facing the heat of the Sahara. Then again, the other two legs of the series, the Gobi March and the Atacama Crossing wouldn’t be a walk in the park either. Something tells me that I would run the fastes in Antarctica though, as I’d want to get back to the warm ship as soon as possible. All for of these races are crazy events. Can’t wait for next year’s versions! 🙂
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