Race Coverage

RACE Coverage
Namib Race Blogs 2022
View All Posts 2022 From : Marisa Rodriguez

09 May 2022 06:31 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The final stage snuck up on me. I can’t decide if this week went by super fast or if I was in the middle of the desert for a very long time. It’s almost as if time was suspended. Either way, the feeling is stupendous.
Our last stage was only 9.9 kilometers (slightly over 6 miles). The course included a sample of all the terrains and landscapes we experienced during the last five stages: sand dunes, soft and hard sand, some river beds, and even two tiny rivers. The rivers were very small, yet I managed to get one of my shoes wet.
The day was cloudy and perfect for running. My phone was fully charged and I decided I would finally listen to music and run the whole course. After mile two, my friend Saad from France caught up to me and we paced each other.
During the last mile, we had to make a quick stop to take pictures with a flock of camels. We crossed the finished line to be welcomed by an amazing cheer from volunteers, the medical team, fellow runners who had already finished, family members of some runners, the race organizers, and local dancers.
We celebrated with pizza before heading to the hotel for a much needed shower.
The event wrapped up with a fun evening banquet. It was cool to see how great desert runners clean up. Indeed, a very handsome group of people, both inside and out.
This experience truly exceeded my expectations. I came in excited and nervous for the challenge but what I did not know was that my fellow runners would turn into close friends. We were there for each other. We lent a hand when someone needed encouragement. We celebrated each other's successes. We truly built beautiful friendships.
The Namib Desert took much from me, including a lot of sweat and a few tears. But it also gave me so much and I leave with a very full heart.
Thank you so much friends for following along in this journey. I have decided to do all four desert races. Not sure when the next one will be - maybe the Gobi March in 2023 or 2024. Hopefully I will share that experience with some of my new friends and hopefully some of you will also join.
Hugs, kisses, and lots of smiles!
Marisa
Comments: Total (1) comments
Mary Gadams
Posted On: 09 May 2022 07:26 am