Gaiters are designed to prevent sand, dirt and other debris from entering your shoe. They fix onto your shoes and come in a few different designs. Gaiters are certainly not required for every type of race – however, if you are venturing into the desert (Marathon des Sables, some of the 4 Deserts series) … Read more
The Global Limits ‘Last Secret’ race is a six-stage 200km race through the unique kingdom of Bhutan. Here, Colin Harper shares his epic account of the race in the Land of Happiness . . . (Warning: ultra-length post ahead!) The Global Limits series of stage races are a well-established set of adventure running through … Read more
Stage races (also called multi-stage races) are completely different animals from regular, one-day races. Be it the Marathon des Sables, a 4 Deserts race or any of the other stage races popping up, you have to be able to run well over several days – which takes a lot of training and conditioning. Here, … Read more
A Stage race is a foot race that takes place over more than one day – or stage. They typically cover between two and six stages. Given there are so many stage races with different formats and elements, it’s a wide field to try and categorise. So here is a brief overview of what … Read more
Ash Mokhtari has run the 4 Deserts ‘Atacama Crossing’ 250km stage race every year since 2009. Here, he talks about the otherworldly setting of the event, challenging personal boundaries and what to expect when you head to the driest place on earth . . .
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 . . .
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.
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 . . .
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
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…
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
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?
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
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