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Stage
3 - Roman Ruins
Posted 10pm
Another hot one but shorter than yesterday to the relief of many. The first competitor, Ray Zahab, Canada crossed the line at 9:40am. Kevin Lin, Taiwan came in 9 minutes later. Ahn Byeng Sik came in third at 10:14am. The highlights of the day were the early start in the cooler air, the oasis spring at checkpoint 9 and the beautiful camp site at the finish line. A viper was spotted near the oasis and it was immediately taken out by the Eqyptian tourist police who pop up occasionally to protect us. Camp is quieting down and racers preparing for a 5:30am start. Many feel rejuvenated and feel that they still have reserves left, something they have not felt in previous days.
Posted 9am
It was a restless night for all last night due to a
blinding sand storm that started sometime after midnight
and raged all night. One competitor tent and one staff
tent blew down while there was a furious effort by staff
to secure the rest. In the competitor tent, the inhabitants
either slept under the downed canvas while a few others
went to seek out shelter in a staff 4WD. As for the
staff, due to previous complications only 2 tents had
been put up for the 36 staff so most had settled in
for a night under the stars. When that sandstorm hit,
there was a mad dash for the minimal space in the two
tents. Let us just say it was nice a cozy for all! Even
as the racers gathered for the 6:30am start, it was
still blustery. As of 8:45 the first two runners are
on their way to checkpoint 10 and then a final 7km home.
Posted 7am
Today promises some respite, at least in distance since
Stage 3 is only 32.1km. More sand dunes, more white
chalk, more small rocks, more "undulating hills"
and more SUN.
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