Stage 2 - Marathon el Qarawin
Posted 8:30pm
The final ten competitors are within a mile or two of camp.
The air is just now starting to cool off. Glow Sticks are out
to mark the final approach.
Posted 5pm
Competitors are still slowly crossing the finish line after
a tough last leg. Prior to checkpoint 6, they struggled right
in the midday heat through a stretch of sand dunes. Many felt
these were better than expected and absolutely beautiful,
some even stopping to take pictures. Nevertheless all felt
they were tough in the heat. The last leg was a winding path
up through through small plateaus of rock/sand. Camp Table
Top is perched on one of these plateaus in order to take advantage
of a slight breeze. Front runners Ray Zahab and Kevin Lin
placed first and second with Ahn Byeng Sik close behind. Terri
Schneider and Kazuko Kaihata placed first and second among
the women. Others like Gobi March 2005 winner Evegeny Gorkov,
Russia seemed to be conserving their energy today, saving
up for the next stages. Competitors have been spread far apart
on the course with many expected to not cross until after
sunset. Despite the high temperatures and grueling miles,
camaraderie seems to be the spirit of the day, with competitors
keeping each others spirits high.
Posted 10:15am
The runners got off to an early start today to try to beat
some of the heat. The morning was beautiful and cool, with
the sun peeking over the horizon when they all set off at
7am. The front runners seemed determined to get in as much
ground before the heat kicks in at 9am. Thos in the mid-pack
and back were pacing themselves carefully, knowing that it
could be another long day. Hydration is on every one’s
minds now as it is heating up fast.
Posted 8am
Marathon distance today with similar heat expected. For much
of the stage the terrain for will be more sand, small rocks,
gravel and hard chalk. Also thrown in are some “rolling
hills” or otherwise, sand dunes.
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