What’s the WHY?

We may be small, but we are MIGHTY! In every race, each person is unique in the way they choose to push their limits, step out of their comfort zone and face a special and beautiful challenge. In this race, there are a few who stand out as having overcome monstrous adversity and trials to be able to toe the line and we would like to give them special recognition.

Gabriella Mathisen from Norway has had many reasons to give up -- she could have backed down from challenges -- instead, she has chosen the road less travelled, and it started with the need to give herself a sense a of control and choice over her life. Growing up in a dysfunctional home of violence and drug addiction, Gabriella became addicted to drugs and was forced to turn to prostitution and had her arm amputated. She learned early on that she had to take care of herself. Always a fighter, as a child, she would ride her bike for miles, fantasizing about everything she wanted to do.

Mabasa Mubatapasango from Zimbabwe, resident in Namibia, started off driving 1000’s of kilometres to support the Namib Race 2017’s satellite connection for 7 days! Somehow the insanity of the race stuck with him, and he decided to take on a different level of responsibility by volunteering in 2018 and 2019, with each time his mind-set shifting slightly from insanity to curiosity, to commitment to join the race as a competitor. The road to where he is now, a fit, strong, capable dune warrior has not been easy or straight-forward.

Vladmi Dos Santos and Atul Patki, make up the dynamic duo in the Namib Desert. Vladmi is a blind runner from Brazil who has not let anything get in the way of living life to the fullest and is a 4 Deserts Club Member. Atul Patki from USA is part of the exclusive 4 Desert Grand Slam, having completed the entire series in 2014!

Dr Robert Ripley from USA, a cancer survivor, has been preparing for a RacingThePlanet race since 2019 and blogging since January 2020 – this is where you will be able to read some more of his stories, including his experience with Nordic and cross-country skiing which he uses to cross-train during the winter months. Rob sustained an injury during a freestyle (skate ski) race resulting in a concussion which was ultimately diagnosed by his wife Nancy. Rob gives thanks and praise to Nancy, who is also a physician, on a regular basis.