Looking for a multi-day adventure race in a far flung destination? Here’s our pick of the best stage races in the world right now . . .
250km At The End Of The World – Antarctica, The Last Desert
Brendan Funk is the youngest person to complete Racing The Planet’s 6-day, 250km Antarctica adventure race. Here is his full account of his journey through Antarctica.
How Nike Almost Broke The Two Hour Marathon
Nike’s audacious #Breaking2 campaign – attempting to run a marathon in under 2 hours – came up 25 seconds short on Saturday. Despite not succeeding in breaking the 2hr mark, it set a new record. And Nike and it’s athletes are proving that challenging perceived limits can lead to breakthroughs.
The Blind Runner – Simon Wheatcroft
Meet Simon Wheatcroft, the blind runner who is breaking new ground in distance running and accessible technology.
Marathon Des Sables – An Honest Account From An Under-Prepared Runner
The Marathon Des Sables is a 250km self-supported race across the Sahara desert.
Now with over 1200 entrants each year, the event is the biggest of it’s kind on the planet.
Participants usually train for months to condition their bodies and prepare for the race – but often other commitments and time limitations mean many runners turn up at the start line under-prepared. James Bowkett gives his first hand account of participating in the Marathon Des Sables, his first ever ultra-marathon, with less preparation than he would’ve liked . . .
The Way Of Legends – Race Report
In September 2016 I ran the inaugural edition of the ‘ The Way of Legends ‘ stage race through Northern Spain. Steeped in local history, culture and gastronomy, this fantastically-supported event is a first-class example of boutique ultra-running, and is set to become a regular race on the must-do multi-day lists.
By Thomas Watson
Stoicism and Running Far
The act of going for a run and a 2000-year-old group of philosophers might not seem like an obvious pairing, but some of The Stoics’ key tenets can provide a great lens through which you can prepare yourself for going far by foot. Stoicism is an ancient school of philosophy that has seen a surge in … Read more
Virgin London Marathon – Race Report
26.2 miles of rhinos, velociraptors, carnival music and high fives – the London marathon is one of the most surreal and wonderful road races to experience in the UK. Coming back from a dislocated knee, Megan Davies shares her experiences from her comeback run . . .
Racing The Planet Sri Lanka – 2016 Roving Race – Race Report
Racing The Planet Sri Lanka – From the highlands to the Indian Ocean, by shrines and stone Buddhas, through rice paddies, and jungles and sugar cane fields, this race pretty much covered the Sri Lankan landscape in all its variations and glories. Despite getting stitches in her knee on day 2, Cynthia Fish survived the jungle to bring us her Race Report from the Pearl of the Orient…
Running Motivation – How To Kick-Start Your Enthusiasm
Do you need some inspiration or practical tips to get you running? We’ve all suffered from waning motivation, slumps, or a general lack of interest at some stage. It’s easy to rationalise to yourself some reasons to skip your run and stay on the sofa. In times like these, it’s helpful to have some goals … Read more
4 Deserts Sahara Race (Namibia) 2016 – Race Report
The 4 Deserts Sahara Race is part of Racing The Planet’s annual series of 250km global stage races. The Sahara edition has previously taken place in Egypt and Jordan, but the organisers have decided to switch the location to Namibia as of 2016. This year’s event took place from 1st to 7th May, and over 220 competitors gathered to test themselves against the new locale.
By Thomas Watson
10 Things That Should Be On Stage Race Equipment Lists (But Aren’t)
The race organiser’s equipment list is often treated as a shopping list when you’re preparing for a distance running event. Whistle? Check. Headlamp? Check. Spare socks? But what about things that aren’t on the provided equipment list?
Run The Rann 101km – Race Report
Run The Rann is a series of trail races taking part over a weekend in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India. There are 21km, 42km, 101km and 161km events and the race could probably be more aptly described as ‘adventure racing’ rather than trails – throughout the epic vastness of the setting you encounter multiple steep climbs, challenging underfoot conditions and forests of thorns – all while self-navigating using the provided GPS device. I travelled to the ancient kingdom to attempt the 101km race, check out the region’s history and meet the crazy crew that attend and organize this remote and spectacular event.
By Thomas Watson
Global Limits Cambodia – The Ancient Khmer Path Stage Race – Race Report
Global Limits currently organise three annual semi-supported multi-stage races in exotic locales around the world – Bhutan, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. The Global Limits Cambodia race takes part in rural and ancient parts of the Cambodian countryside, taking in amazing temples, natural landmarks and rural scenes.
They keep their races small (under 50 runners) and the focus is on interacting with the locals, seeing some amazing locations and having an enjoyable week.
After running their Sri Lanka race in April 2015 I went back for more in Cambodia in December. Here’s how the week went down (warning: ultra-long post ahead!):
By Thomas Watson
Mumbai Marathon (SCMM) – Race Report
City marathons are a total different beast from trails and ultras, and the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon offers a unique chance to see the Island city from streets that are usually teeming with black-and-yellow taxis, cars, bullock carts and the odd Bombayite. Between Victoria Terminus, Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Haji Ali Dargah and the Sea Link bridge, the route takes in a load of great sights and locations – despite there being a little bit of re-tracing your steps.
Living in Mumbai, this has become my local race and the only city / road marathon I’ve taken part in for ages. This year was my third year in a row at the race – so I felt it was a good time to do a wee write up.
By Thomas Watson
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