Earn A Wild Card Entry For The UTi Rhodes Run in South Africa

Looking for a new challenge for 2012? Then look no further than the UTi Rhodes Run, a grueling 52km (32.3 mile) race through the beautiful Drakensberg mountains of South Africa. This year's race will take place on July 14, in the heart of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and as always, the course will wander through rough terrain that offers the potential for encounters with wild animals.

This will be the 24th edition of the Rhodes Run, and over the years, it has earned a reputation for being quite the challenge for long distance runners. As a result, the race sells out very quickly. But runners who are looking to take part in the event, but weren't able to get their application in on time, still have some hope. Athletic footwear company Inov-8 is giving away a "Wild Card" entry to the race and accommodations in the race village for the weekend of the run.

To enter the contest, all you have to do is send a photo of yourself, wearing Inov-8 shoes of course, to facebook@rebel-inc.co.za. They'll choose a winner from the entries, which will earn one lucky endurance runner a free-entry into this iconic South African race.

Find out more details on the Inov-8 Facebook page and good luck!

Gear Box: Tech4o Accelerator Pro Plus Watch

Every new year brings a host of new resolutions. For many, that includes getting into better shape and generally living a more healthier life. If you've made that one of your goals for 2012, then you're going to want to take a look at the new Accelerator Pro Plus watch from Tech4o, as it just might be the best training partner you've ever had.

As you would expect from any good training watch, the Accelerator Pro Plus offers countdown timers, a 50 lap chronograph, alarms, and more. It is waterproof down to 100 meters and it even tells time – in two timezones no less! But Tech4o managed to pack in some other great features that you don't find on a lot of other time pieces of this type, especially in this price range.

Using its built in accelerometer, the watch can accurately measure your pace and distance, which is fantastic for tracking performance over time. It also keeps track of total exercise and moving times, calories burned, personal best speeds and distances covered, and much more. And when paired with the included heart rate monitor, which fastens comfortably around your chest, it can measure your pulse throughout your workout and provides critical data regarding performance and recovery. The Accelerator Pro Plus even allows you to customize your personal profile to provide visual and audible alerts throughout your run, which can help you stay on pace and alert you when your heart rate moves into the red zone.

All of that data can be extremely helpful for runners looking to increase their speed and distances over time or simply increase their overall fitness. But the Accelerator Pro Plus as another trick up its sleeve in the form of PC-Link, which allows the watch and heart rate monitor to wirelessly upload the data to your computer. The PC-Link software, which is rather basic, yet still quite functional, stores your running logs and allows you to chart your progress over time. It also displays heart rate charts, tracking your minimum and maximum pulse and giving you an average heart rate for your individual runs. It is an excellent addition to the package, which can be a very useful tool for beginner and experienced runners alike. Sadly though, the software is only available for Windows PC's (Win 98/XP/ME/Vista/Win7), keeping Mac users from fully tapping the watch's abilities.

I was impressed with how easy this watch is to use. Similar time pieces can be a bit cryptic in their interfaces, but after just a couple of runs,  I found that I was using the Accelerator Pro without thinking twice. That's a major plus for runners who just want to hit the trail and not have to fiddle with their technology while focused on their run. I also found this watch very comfortable to wear, even when not working out. The face isn't overly large and it isn't heavy either. Considering I pretty much wear a watch of sometime at all times, I appreciate both of those features.

Now for the best part of all. Tech4o managed to bring this fully-functional training watch to the market at a price that is difficult to argue with. The MSRP on the Accelerator Pro Plus is just $129.99, including the heart rate monitor and wireless PC-Pod for connecting to your laptop. That's a great deal, and I've paid similar prices in the past for watches with the half the functionality.

If you're looking for a great new training tool, then look no further. The Accelerator Pro Plus will give you everything you need in one great, affordable package. Now's the perfect time to grab one as well and start using it to realize all those New Year's Resolutions you've made.

Summer Issue of Trail Run Magazine Now Available

The Summer Edition of the fabulous Trail Run Magazine is now available for your downloading and reading pleasure. Summer Edition you ask? Why yes, it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and this great e-zine focuses on the trail running scene in Australia and New Zealand, although it has plenty to offer trail runners everywhere.

Readers will find all kinds of interesting content in the latest issue, including excellent gear suggestions and reviews, profiles of great trail options, and an awesome interview with legendary mountain runner Sjors Corporaal, who seemingly burst onto the New Zealand running scene, and has dominated some of the tougher races there. The mag also takes a look at some of the toughest races down under and the latest trends in trail running shoes, including the popular barefoot craze.

As usual, the Trail Run is filled with great photos to accompany the excellent articles, and it can now be purchased in a high quality "mook" format. A mook falls somewhere between a magazine and a book, for those who prefer reading offline.

If you like the look and content in Trail Run, than stay tuned for more big things from the team who is delivering this great magazine. I've heard through the grapevine they would like to turn their attention to our other favorite outdoor sports, like climbing and paddling as well. If Trail Run is any indication of what their other projects will be like, I'm excited to see what they bring to the table.

Gear For Winter Running

Last week we received some tips on gear for winter cycling courtesy of Gizmodo and today we have a similar list, this time for runners, from our friends over at Wend. If you're like me, and you absolutely hate to run indoors, than this nifty little gear guide will come in handy for getting ready for the long cold months ahead.

Personally, I like the Wend gear guide better than the Gizmodo one because if focuses on the most important aspect of cold weather activities, namely staying warm. At the heart of that is excellent clothing that breathes well, is warm enough to withstand the cold temps, but doesn't leave you sweating your butt off. It is a fine line to walk, but most cold weather runners learn what works and wasn't doesn't and adjust their apparel accordingly.

Amongst the gear that Wend recommends is the Salomon XT Wings 2 trail running shoes, which they like for keeping your feet warm and dry, even in the snow. They also give a nod to the Montane Lite Speed Jacket, which is wind and water proof, and designed for cold weather exercise. The gang at Wend also likes running tights from Pearl Izumi for keeping you warm on the road or trail too.

There are more items on the list which will either help to keep you warm in the weeks ahead or would make a very welcome gift for the runner on your list. Everything from gloves to stocking caps and gaiters are listed, making it a snap to prep for the winter.

Gear Box: Brooks Range Isto Softshell Jacket

Brooks Range is one of those gear companies that knows its market and knows it well. They make a very nice, albeit limited, line of outdoor gear that is high in quality, well designed, and very affordable. Their small catalog of products keeps the company focused and agile, continually delivering gear that performs well in a variety of settings and conditions.

That same philosophy is on display with Brooks Range's newest lightweight, softshell jacket, the Isto. The Isto is built for active pursuits, and incorporates four-way stretch fabrics to keep you moving without restricting motion. Those same fabrics are comfortable and breathable, making this jacket ideal for aerobic activities. Something I forgot about when I first put it on.

You see, the Isto is quite lightweight, and the first time I put it on, I was surprised to find that it wasn't quite as warm as I had expected. But then I started to move, and in the process, started to warm up as well. Taking an early morning hike with the Isto soon showed off its strengths, as it clearly keeps you plenty warm when used in active pursuits. In fact, it is the perfect weight for hiking, climbing, trail running, or just about any other outdoor endeavor in cool weather.

Brooks Range knows that one of the most important aspects of any piece of  active apparel is that it fits well and moves with the person wearing it. With that in mind, they've incorporated drawstrings into the hem that allow you to adjust the fit to your needs. The cuffs also use high quality velcro to seal snugly around the wrists, and the main zipper easily glides up the front, closing off the comfortable collar. The jacket also includes three pockets – one large one on the chest and two others for the hands. All three are ample in size and can be zippered shut, keeping contents safe and sound inside. An interior pocket is sadly missing, as I always appreciate the option for keeping small items on the inside of my jacket.

After owning the Isto for a few weeks, I found myself grabbing it without thinking as I headed out the door each morning, even if I was just running errands around town. Thats when I realized how much I liked this jacket. It is comfortable, fits well, and is a great option for active days on the trail. It comes in four different colors and would make a great holiday gift for someone on your list. With an MSRP of just $100, it won't break the bank either.

Trail Run Magazine Issue #2 Available Online

Way back in July I posted a story about a new online e-zine called Trail Run Magazine that was being put together by some friends of mine in Australia. At the time, I thought the content was fantastic and that the magazine was off to a great start, and judging from some comments that I heard, a number of you thought so as well. Now, the second issue of the magazine is out, and delivers even more great content.

Granted, Trail Run has a definite slant towards running in Oz and New Zealand, but that said, there are plenty of good articles for trail runners and adventurers everywhere. For example, the second issue has shoe reviews, as well as gear previews, that will be popular with runners of all types. The magazine's athlete profiles are also interesting to read, and their regular columns for improving performance and shaking off injuries are welcome as well. I particularly took note of the article on ankle injuries, as I've been suffering with one for a month now, and it has severely hampered my running.

Trail Run Magazine continues the high quality that was set down with the first issue, and I continue to be impressed with how beautiful it looks. The images are fantastic and the writing is top notch as well. It is clear that this is a labor of love by people who live and breathe trail running and have a passion for sharing with their readers. Give it a glance and I think you'll find that you enjoy it as much as I do.

Gear Box: New Balance 360 Degree Running Jacket

With the summer now long over, and cooler weather settling in, runners are digging deep into their closet to pull out their warmer gear. A recent cool front has brought some much needed, and appreciated, fall weather to my neighborhood, which has made longer runs much more bearable and served as a perfect testing ground for a new running jacket from New Balance.

The 360 Degree Jacket was designed to remove any excuses for not going for a run due to inclement weather. It is both wind and water resistant, helping to keep you warm and dry while on the move, but it is also lightweight and breathable, which goes a long way to extending your comfort even further. New Balance has conveniently included heat vents along the front and back of the jacket as well and an internal mp3 pocket was greatly appreciated, as I rarely hit the road without my iPod.

With its semi-fitted cut, the 360 Degree Jacket fits nicely without impeding movement, two things that always look for in my active wear. Drawcords along the waist allow you to adjust the fit further and an inner lining, that stretches down the sleeves, provide a nice buffering layer between your body and the outer layer of the jacket when you start to sweat. Zippered pockets help to keep important items, such as keys or a wallet, safe, and one of those pockets even includes a ribbon to record your emergency contact information, heaven forbid you should ever need it.

Put to the test in the real world, I found this jacket to be comfortable and performed well in a variety of weather conditions, just as advertised. I was a bit on the warm side however, even in the semi-cool weather that I tested it in. To be fair, I do tend to heat up easily when working out, and if your core temperature doesn't run as high, or you live in a place where there truly is cool weather, you'll be more than happy with the performance of the 360 Degree.

If performance in bad weather were the only thing this jacket had to offer, you'd still think it was a fantastic addition to your running wardrobe, but it turns out it has another trick up its sleeve. When designing the 360 Degree Jacket, New Balance incorporated a new version of the Scotchlite fabrics from 3M. Scotchlite was created to be highly reflective and this latest version is thin, lightweight, and designed for performance gear. It also happens to make that gear HIGHLY visible in low light conditions. In fact, the New Balance 360 Degree Jacket gets its name from the fact that the wearer can be seen from all angles, even while running in the dark.

The addition of the Scotchlite really does make a massive difference in visibility, extending the distance that you can be seen my several hundred meters. This feature of the jacket is also greatly appreciated in the fall, as not only are the days becoming cooler, but they're getting shorter as well. I won't speak for you, but before too long, I know I'll be running in the dark every night.

Taken as a complete package, this is one fantastic jacket for runners. It'll keep you warm and dry, without overheating, and provides great visibility in low light situations. If you're a dedicated runner, I think you'll appreciate all the little touches that went into making the 360 Degree Jacket. New Balance's legacy in the running world is well on display here. (MSRP: $89.99)

Gear Box: Camelbak Marathoner Hydration Vest

It has been a very long, very hot summer in Texas. Today will actually be our 90th day of the year in which temperatures will top 100ºF/39ºC. While that record heat hasn't deterred me from my regularly scheduled runs, it has reminded me of the importance of staying hydrated while out in the sun and recently I've been using a new hydration vest from Camelbak to do just that. Yep! You read that right. Not a hydration pack, but a hydration vest.

The new Marathoner was designed from the ground up to be the perfect hydration solution for runners. It is lightweight, weighing in at just 12.7 ounces, made from breathable fabrics, and allows runners to carry plenty of water. The included hydration bladder stores up to 2 liters of water and two harness pockets on the front can support 24 ounce bottles. Those same pockets can also carry snacks or other items you want to keep close at hand while on the go. A second storage pocket is located on the back and is great for carrying keys or other small items.

The Marathoner's unique design is a lot more like a vest than a traditional hydration pack and when I first started using it, I was worried about how it would feel while on a longer run. Fortunately, it as easy to adjust the fit and after a mile or so, I barely remembered that I had it on. I was happy to find that once I had the narrow belts pulled tight, the vest stayed snugly in place, moving with me as I went about my run, even after I built up quite a sweat.

Another concern of mine was how much warmer I'd feel while using the vest in the summer heat, but once again, I was relieved to find that my fears were unfounded. What little fabric there is on the Marathoner is very thin and an air channel along the back helped to keep me as ventilated as possible, even when he mercury climbed into the triple digits. Wearing the vest was warmer than simply going shirtless of course, but it wasn't a dramatic difference and the quick access to water while on the move, more than made up for any slight discomfort. I also learned to add ice cubes to not only help keep the liquid cooler on longer runs, but it also helped to reduce the overall temperature of the vest as well.

Perfect for long distance training or trail runs, I predict the Marathoner will become a favorite piece of gear for runners upon its release. The bad news is, it won't be available until February, but with an MSRP of just $100, I think any runner will want to add it to their gear closet. It makes staying hydrated incredibly easy and that will not only help you run further, it'll help performance as well. Keep an eye out for this one. I highly recommend it.

Registration Open For 2012 Trans-Rockies Run

The 2011 edition of the Gore-Tex TransRockies Run is still fading from memory, but registration is already open for the 2012 edition, which is scheduled to take place beginning next August 14. But runners who are interested in joining the field will have to hurry, as there are a limited number of entries available, and they are already filling up fast.

There are two options for running the TransRockies – solo or as part of a team. If you elect to go solo, the course is 59 miles in length from Buena Vista to Camp Hale, Colorado and takes three days to complete (August 14-16). The route also features 8400 feet of vertical gain and is limited to just 100 runners, which made it a sell out this year.

The second option is the team run, which is 120 miles in length, features 20,000 feet of climbing, and stretches from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek. This is a six day event (August 14-19) that is limited to 180 teams of two, and was 75% sold out in 2011. Registration for both team and solo options can be found by clicking here.

Spectacular views, great trails, and a tough course have made the TransRockies one of the more popular trail running events in North America over the past few years, as evidenced by how fast it has sold out. If you'd like to take part in the event in 2012, you'll definitely want to register soon, and first time participants will even get a free DVD of the past race. Sign up now and get started on your training program. August 2012 will be here before you know it.

The Leadville Trail 100 Run Is This Weekend

The epic Leadville Trail 100 Run is set to take place tomorrow in Leadville, Colorado. The 100-mile long "Race Across the Sky" will test some of the best endurance runners on the planet with a grueling course designed to push anyone to the limit.

The actual race itself begins at 4AM in the morning with the athletes setting out for one very long day on the trail. The top runners will finish in around 18 hours (last year's champ Duncan Callahan came in with a time of 17:43:24) while the bulk of the pack will take somewhere in the neighborhood of 24-28 hours to finish, depending on conditions. There is a mandatory 30-hour cut off for the race as well, and a lot of runners fall outside of that window.

While obviously the length of the trail is always a concern, the altitude in Leadville adds another dimension to the run. It is a 50-miles out and back course, with the lowest point falling at 9200 feet (2804 meters) while the highest is 12,600 feet (3840 meters). Needless to say, in between there are a lot of ups and downs.

Last year, Lifetime Fitness took over the Leadville series of athletic events and has been promoting it ever since. Before, it was always more of a grassroots affair, but it feels a bit more corporate this time out. On the other hand, the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race, which took place last weekend, seemed to fly under the radar. The past few years it has been a media circus, with guys like Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer, amongst others, riding in the event. I actually had to actively search for the results this time out, and barely knew that it was taking place.

Good luck to all the runners tomorrow. Stay safe on the trail!

New Online Trail Running Mag Hits The Web

A newly launched online magazine entitled Trail Run looks to be a great new resource for outdoor athletes everywhere, despite the fact that the e-zine is focused on trail running in Australia and New Zealand. The first issue of the new periodical was released just a few days ago, and it is packed full of great information for trail runners, even if they aren't from Down Under. Best of all, the mag is absolutely free!

While Tail Run does show off it's geographical roots, many of the articles will be of interest to runners everywhere. For example, the first issue includes reviews of all kinds of gear that will prove useful on any trail, whether its in the Outback or the Alps. There are also practical articles about preventing chafing, long distance speed trekking, and more. That's not all however, as the issue also includes an excellent interview with Kiwi ultrarunner Lisa Tamati, who is gearing up for a 222km (138 mile) run through the Himalaya, and a look at the proper food and nutrition necessary to fuel a long distance adventure.

That's just scratching the surface however, as there is plenty more in the first issue as well. In fact, the .PDF file for Trail Run is a massive 65MB in size. In other words, makes sure you're reading it on a suitably beefy device, or you may find the experience a bit sluggish. Aside from that, I think you'll be very impressed with the quality of the writing and the overall product of the e-zine. The inaugural issue has set a high bar for others to follow, and if this first release is any indication, Trail Run has a bright future ahead of it.

Book mark the website and download the first issue now. You'll be glad you did.

The Western States 100 Is This Weekend!

Looking for something to do this weekend? Feel like getting in a good workout? Then maybe you should enter the Western States 100, one of the toughest trail runs in all of North America. The 38th edition of the race will gets underway on Saturday in Squaw Valley, California, where runners will take their mark at 5 AM for what promises to be another great run through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The 100 mile course begins with a long, slow climb out of Squaw Valley, up to Emigrant Pass. Along the way, the runners gain more than 2500 feet in just the 4.5 miles of the run. It doesn't get much easier after that, as the athletes will face another 38,000+ feet of elevation change over the remaining 95 miles of course, before eventually reaching the finish line in Auburn, California.

Due to the record levels of snow that fell in the Sierra Nevada this past winter, there is still as much as eight feet of powder still on the ground at some of the higher altitudes. This has caused the race organizers to alter the traditional course to a degree, although the changes won't have an impact on the overall length of the race. While the change in course has been made for the safety of the athletes and the support crews, they won't avoid it completely, as there is just too much of it along the trail.

The race has a full field of 400 participants, including defending men's champ Geoff Roes, who set a new course record last year at 15 hours, 7 minutes. Tracy Garneau, the reigning women's champ, will also be on hand to defend her title as well.

Kilian Jornet Sets New Speed Record Up Mt. Olympus

Trail runner and endurance athlete Kilian Jornet has set another speed record for running up a mountain. According to the Salomon Running blog, the man who is widely considered the best trail runner in the world, conquered the 3500 meter (11,482 feet) Mt. Olympus in Greece in just 5 hours, 19 minutes, and 45 seconds. His trail to the top was 45km (28 miles) in length. Check out the video below to get a taste of what it was like to run up that legendary peak.

You may also recall that Kilian was the man who set the new speed record on Kilimanjaro last fall. On that run, he went from the base to the summit, and back again in just 7 hours and 14 minutes. His summit climb took just 5 hours and 23 minutes. Impressive times to say the least, as the trail up Kili is not a smooth one, and dealing with those kinds of rapid altitude gains is not easy.

Teva Mountain Games Results

Over the weekend, the 2011 Teva Mountain Games took place in Vail, Colorado. The 10th annual event saw some of the top outdoor athletes in the world going head to head in a 23 different competitions that included mountain biking, road cycling, trail running, bouldering, paddling, and more. As usual, it looks like this was a great event, that combined outdoor adventure, music, and art into one big party.

One of the highlights of the event was the paddle down the whitewater of Steep Creek, which challenged kayakers with its wild rapids and treacherous boulders, before eventually crowning Adriene Levknecht of Lowell, Michigan the champion. To get a sense of what that run was like, check out the video below and then click here to get a list of all the winners in the various categories, including the Ultimate Mountain Challenge, which pits the top outdoor athletes against on another in a 10K trail run, a cross country mountain bike and road cycling time trial, as well as traditional paddling event and a stand-up paddling race as well.

Congrats to all the athletes who took part in the games. It looks like it was another great weekend in Colorado, which seems to be the capital for these kinds of events.

Preview Trailer: Run To The East

Yesterday I was sent the link to this beautiful trailer for a documentary film entitled Run To The East. The movie documents three Native American high school students living in New Mexico who are using their running abilities as a means of improving their lives by earning a scholarship to college. The film will also explore the impact of running, which has been ingrained in Native American culture for centuries, on the lives of these young men and women, as they struggle to grow up in a challenging environment.

This looks like quite a film, with a great story to tell, and definitely something that will appeal to the runners out there.



Run to the East Trailer from Run to the East on Vimeo.

Nat Geo Launches "Fringe Elements" Adventure Video Series

National Geographic has launched a new line of adventure sports videos called Fringe Elements that looks to have a ton of great potential. As you can imagine, coming from Nat Geo, the quality is extremely high, and they cover a broad base of outdoor activities. In the first round of videos alone, there is everything from  rock climbing to trail running, with just about everything in between.

Along with the launch of these new videos, there is all a gallery of "expert tips" which offers up some great advice on a number of important topics. For example, there are tips on how to pack lighter (always important and appreciated on my end!) as well as a list of the top gear for aspiring adventure filmmakers.

Check out the full list of a launch videos by clicking here. I've also posted an example below. Great stuff to start the day.

Gear Box: Osprey Hornet 32 Pack

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Osprey Packs. In fact, I own several of them in a variety of sizes, and they each serve a specific purpose, and they do so very well. Which is why I was excited to have the offer to test out one of their new Hornet 32 packs, a lightweight, minimalist daypack that still carries all the quality you expect from Osprey.

The first thing you'll notice when you pick up the Hornet is just how light it actually is. The bag is designed for trail runners, adventure racers, and peak baggers, and it serves their needs very well. It is so lightweight in fact, that you barely notice that it's on your back, but even when filled with gear, it still carries the load very well. There are a variety of adjustment straps to help you get just the right fit, and secure your burden, which is appreciated when you want to set a faster pace on the trail.

As the name implies, the Hornet 32 is a mid-size pack with plenty of room to carry everything you'll need for a long day on the trail. The Hornet features a spacious main compartment, as well as three outer mesh pockets, one on the back and two on the front. Those mesh pockets are perfect for storing items you want to get to quickly, such as water shoes or a rain jacket. There are also two more pockets on the hipbelt, and a removable top pocket with two separate compartments as well. In short, you have plenty of places to organize and store your gear.

Despite its lightweight, the Hornet still impresses with quality. The pack is made fro triple-ripstop nylons that wear well and feel solid, as do the shoulder straps and belts. Often times a pack this light feels like it could rip easily or show wear and tear after just a few hikes, but the Hornet 32 weathered the storm well, and looks new, even after using it a few times.

As you would expect, the bag is hydration ready and can carry up to a 3 liter water bladder. It also comes with a vented back panel with a removable, replaceable pad, which helps you to stay ventilated on your back while on the trail. But, don't expect the same level of ventilation you find on Osprey's other, heavier, packs that have a true frame in place to help facilitate air flow. Clearly this was one of the compromises you make in order to reduce weight and adhere to the minimalist philosophy.

Still, the Hornet is a joy to use. It fits well, carries a load nicely, and has plenty of room for all your gear, plus water and lunch, on a day hike. Sprint adventure racers will appreciate the lightweight but high quality and fast packers will enjoy the variety of places to stuff their gear as well. It should be noted that this bag comes in 24 and 46 liter capacities as well, so be sure to get the one that most fits your needs.

(MSRP: $139)

Checkout other Osprey Packs at TravelCountry.com

The Rhino Relay Looks Fun!

The Rhino Relay, a new adventure race scheduled to take place in September in Utah, looks like it trying to do something new with the format that could appeal to a different crowd than the typical adventure racer.  The Rhino will indeed be a true relay, with up to six team members taking on various stages of the event where there skills best suit them. So, for example, you can have your best mountain bike rider cover that stage, then hand of the "baton" if you will to your trail runner, and so on. Stages will also include swimming, orienteering, and rappelling as well.

The event will be held on September 24th in Yuba State Park, located not far from Nephi, UT. Since it is still six months off, you still have time to find some partners to join you in the event. Check out the video below for more.

Looks like it could be a lot of fun!

Atacama Extreme: Ray Conquers The Desert!

The Atacama Extreme long distance endurance run that we've been following over the past few weeks came to an end over the weekend when Ray Zahab completed the expedition that saw him running the length of the Atacama Desert north to south. Ray crossed the finish line on Saturday, covering 87km (54 miles) in one last, long push. His total time in the desert was 20 days, 2 hours, 59 minutes, and his final distance total came in at an eye popping 1,145km (712 miles).

Crossing the Atacama on foot is just another fantastic accomplishment for Zahab, who already has an adventure resume that includes running across the Sahara Desert and traveling on foot to the South Pole, amongst others. Traditionally he has been joined by his partner Kevin Vallely on those expeditions, but due to a family illness, Kevin was forced to drop out of this run, leaving Ray to face the Atacama alone. Face it he did, overcoming a number of obstacles and challenges along the way to cross a desert that is considered to be the driest on the planet.

Updates to Ray's Facebook page indicate that he has already left Chile for home, where he'll take a much deserved rest following the expedition. Expect a video of the final day to be released later today, which will no doubt offer more insights into what it was like out on the trail. I'll add it to this post when it become available.

Congratulations to Ray for a job well done. You continue to inspire us all!

Atacama Extreme: Blisters Bring The Suffering

We're now a week into the Atacama Extreme, which is an expedition that has been undertaken by explorer Ray Zahab who is attempting to run the length of Chile's Atacama Desert, the driest place on the planet. So far, the pace has been exactly what he expected, as he has covered roughly 70km (43 miles) per day, but that hasn't come without a price. Ray has been suffering with a massive blister, which has rubbed his foot raw, and as a result, yesterday he was forced to take some time off to let it heal. This is, as you can imagine, a bit of a frustration for the man who has run across the Sahara, gone to the South Pole on foot, and traversed the length of Lake Baikal in the dead of winter.

The video below gives you an idea of what exactly Ray has been dealing with while he has run the past few days. Clearly the desert has taken its toll on his feet. Since our last update on the run, Ray has moved through a region that was full of deep gorges and has found his way out onto the salt flats that the Atacama is so well known for. He has also found a set of abandoned railroad tracks that have helped lead the way through some of the more remote areas, but despite that, the desert still presents a considerable challenge, although the expedition remains on track to finish up later this week.



Day 7 Atacama Extreme from GOi2P on Vimeo.