Namib Desert Challenge returns

THE Namib Desert Challenge is back for the third consecutive year and will take place from March 27 to 31.

The Desert Challenge, a 220-kilometre footrace over five days through the toughest and most scenic terrain in Namibia, is the ultimate running adventure The competitors carry everything they need to survive in their ultra running backpacks and each night they have to reach a designated tented campsite which marks the completion of a stage.Competitors will challenge each other completely unaided, averaging the equivalent distance of a full marathon each day, with no route indicators, distance markers or crowds offering support. This is the ultimate test of endurance, each person against the toughest elements on the planet and equipped with only a map and a compass for navigation purposes. The stages are arranged to cover the most spectacular and varied part of the area. Each stage consists of several legs where competitors must pass through a checkpoint to collect water and where medical assistance is also available. The 2011 edition is already well represented internationally with competitors coming from the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Italy, Canada, South Africa and Namibia. Buys Steenkamp, a pharmacist from Tsumeb and winner of the first edition, will be back to represent Namibian endurance running.Two other extraordinary Namibians who will be taking up the challenge are Michael Greef and Pieter Meuwesen. They will represent the Quinton Steele Botes Cancer Fund, raising awareness and funds for the cause. The organisers are looking for volunteers and medical crew to assist during the challenge. For more information, visit www.namibdesertchallenge.com or email info@kineticevents.net