RACINGTHEPLANET: THE 20-YEAR RACE
250km / 155 mile, 6-Stage Ultramarathon

5 - 11 November 2023

DAYS TO GO

Race Coverage

RACE Coverage

20-Year Race Home

Beth BARR

Epidemiologist

United Kingdom, Resident in Kenya

Monica ROSA

Emergency Department Registered Nurse

United States

Judy MCCARTNEY

dentist

Canada

Yael BLAIBERG

Self employed

Israel

Angie MONTGOMERY HASSON

Realtor & Managing Broker

United States

Mark MCINTOSH

Physiotherapist

United Kingdom, Resident in New Zealand

Victoria HUFFEY

Leadership Coach

United Kingdom

Sandy KONDO

Japan

Anna DE GOUYON MATIGNON

SEO Freelancer

France

Colin SUCKLING

Business MAnager

Australia

Philip LEUNG

Engineer

Hong Kong

Lauren MCINTOSH

Trip leader

United Kingdom

Donald SANDEMAN

Retired/ Voluntary worker

United Kingdom

Taryn HARRISON

Fundraiser

Canada

Jen ZONAR

Finance and Controller

United States

Myriam SPINNLER

Civil Engineer

Switzerland

Susana BRAVERMAN

Physical Therapist

Mexico

Brian KRZYZANIAK

Paramedic

United States

Natalia GAWRON

Poland

Elaine SANDEMAN

Retired

United Kingdom, Resident in Scotland

Tanya FORD

Retired

United States

Bernadett (detti) KELéNé MAJZIK

guide (water tours)

Hungary

Iryna ZHAYVORONOK SOFILKANICH

Lawyer

Ukraine, Resident in Spain

Rachel ROSNER

researcher

United States

Matthew COYLE

IT PROJECT MANAGER

New Zealand, Resident in Denmark

Alyce LUCZAK

Fitness Studio Director

Australia, Resident in Canada

Beth BARR

Epidemiologist

United Kingdom, Resident in Kenya

Beth Barr's interest in RacingThePlanet began with her successful completion of RacingThePlanet: Madagascar in 2014, followed by Patagonia 2017 and the Gobi March (Mongolia) in 2019. She volunteered at the Namib Race in 2017 and the Atacama Crossing 2022 and found the volunteering experience to be immensely rewarding and fun. When she's not dreaming of ultras around the world, Beth lives in Kenya and Malawi and has recently founded Nyanja Health Research Institute, an organization focusing on improving the health of people living in rural Malawi - she previously worked for the CDC in various countries in Africa.

Monica ROSA

Emergency Department Registered Nurse

United States

Monica Rosa is an adventurous spirit who loves to travel, stay active outdoors, pretend to be an animal whisperer, and surrounds herself with friends and family. Professionally Monica works in the emergency department in Kaiser Hospital, California as a registered nurse, taking care of patients. Monica's main goals in life are to experience and see as much as possible, to help out where she can, to make a positive impact on the world around her, and to build long lasting relationships along the way. She is inspired to try new things and to seek adventure wherever and whenever it presents itself. The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023 is Monica's third time volunteering with RacingThePlanet - she previously "had an amazing volunteer experiences" in RacingThePlanet Georgia 2021 and Lapland 2022. She has previously been an athelete in tough events so can appreciate and understand racers.

Judy MCCARTNEY

dentist

Canada

Judy McCartney from Canada is a dentist who runs a dental surgery in Ontario, Canada. She was first lured into RacingThePlanet activites at RacingThePlanet: Iceland 2013 and has since volunteered at nine RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts ultramarathons. These include the Atacama Crossing six(!) times in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019; RacingThePlanet: Madagascar 2014 and the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2018 which have provided "and lots of laughs, friends, memories, and adventures that I am so very grateful for".

In addition to her strong work ethic, Judy has dabbled in running for years- running further in the last few years with a local 50 km at her home in Thunder Bay in 2021, a 50 miler in 2022 and another 50 miler in 2023. She confesses to thinking about running a RacingThePlanet ultramarathon one day! When not being a dentist or running Judy also enjoys sailing, curling, biking - both road and trail riding, skiing - downhill and cross country, napping, reading, cooking - but not well.

The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023 is Judy's tenth time at a RacingThePlanet ultramarathon where she is on the course team.

Yael BLAIBERG

Self employed

Israel

Angie MONTGOMERY HASSON

Realtor & Managing Broker

United States

Angie Montgomery Hasson is not new to RacingThePlanet. She worked in a volunteer team at the Gobi March (China) 2017, Namib Race 2019 and Georgia 2021. In her every-day life Angie is far from deserts. She works as a realtor and managing broker for a successful real estate office in the Washington, DC area. One of her life's passions is travel. As a result she is always actively engaged in trying to convince someone; husband, dad, brothers, sister, sisters-in-law, business partner, friends into trips to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking the Golden Circle in Iceland, trekking the Highlands of Scotland, etc. it's never ending! When Angie is not busy pitching them on the next adventure, she spends her quiet time running, writing and wine drinking! We are excited to welcome Angie to RacingThePlanet: The 20-Year Race!

Mark MCINTOSH

Physiotherapist

United Kingdom, Resident in New Zealand

Briton Mark McIntosh is a physiotherapist from Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom. He is particularly interested in musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, and integrates this with his role as an adaptive sports instructor. Mark speaks conversational French and Spanish and previously joined the RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series volunteer team at the Gobi March (China) 2015, the Sahara Race (Nambia) 2016 and RacingThePlanet: New Zealand 2019. Mark is excited to rejoin the RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts team at The 20-Year Race in Jordan 2023.

Victoria HUFFEY

Leadership Coach

United Kingdom

Vicky Huffey from the United Kingdom completed the Gobi March (Mongolia) 2018, She then wanted to see the other side of the RacingThePlanet and so supported as a volunteer at the Namib Race 2022. The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023 is VIcky's third time at a RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts ultramarathon having completed one race as a competitor and one as a volunteer. Vicky is competitive by nature, having competed in numerous road and trail races and ultramarathons. When she's not on the trails, she can be found on the water having competed internationally at Dragonboat and currently races wooden 4-man rowing gigs on the Essex coast. She loves being both a competitor and supporter - being outdoors is her happy place! When Vicky isn't competing, she is coaching her clients to become confident and authentic leaders where she combines her 20 years of corporate experience and professional training to help her clients uncover their unique strengths, and use these to become more effective and fulfilled. Her coaching style has been described as warm and direct, and she uses insight, curiosity and a touch of humour to help her clients challenge doubts and build confidence.

Sandy KONDO

Japan

Sandy Kondo from Japan has volunteered sixteen RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Races - she also raced in RacingThePlanet: Jordan 2012and Madagascar 2014. Sandy worked for the South African Embassy in Tokyo before retiring in 2023 and has managed the RacingThePlanet office in Japan for more than ten years. Sheis a natural organizer with a flair for multi-tasking.

Kind and generous, Sandy is one of our best known cheer-leaders and has assisted dozens of 4 Deserts and RacingThePlanet competitors in preparing for the races. She also works and volunteers at the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, Tokyo Marathon in Japan and, most importantly, multiple 4 Deserts / RacingThePlanet events.

Anna DE GOUYON MATIGNON

SEO Freelancer

France

Born and raised in Paris, France, Anna de Gouyon Matignon studied law, After completing her studies and passing the Bar Exam she backpacked across South America for a year (hiking from the Iguazu Falls to the Patagonian Glaciers, crossing the Uyuni Salar and the Atacama Desert, going deep into the Amazonian Jungle...).

She is now based in Hossegor, a small town in the south west of France, known as the surf capital of Europe where she works as a freelancer in SEO.

Anna volunteered at the Gobi March (China) in 2007 and the Sahara Race (Egypt) in 2008 when her father was running and then again fifteen years later at the Namib Race 2022. She has also volunteered at other events including in the Amazon Jungle in Brazil and organised obstacle races in France.

As well as her mother tongue, French, Anna is also fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. We are excited to welcome Anna back to volunteer at her fourth time volunteering with RacingThePlanet over more than 15 years.

Colin SUCKLING

Business MAnager

Australia

A member of the 4 Deserts Club Colin Suckling from Melbourne, Australia works as a Business Manager with the Education Department, “but I am secretly just an adventure seeker”.

Colin and his wife raced and completed the Sahara Race (Egypt) in 2010. He says "it was so tough, but it set us up for many more adventures and helped define a part of me". He went on to complete the Gobi March (China) 2011, Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2012 and The Last Desert (Antarctica) 2012 to join the 4 Deserts Club. It has also widened his eyes to tavel and the big world out there and he has taken on his fair share of indpendent multi-day hikes.

As well as completing four RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts ultramarathons Coin has also volunteered twice at the Namib Race 2018 and 2019 - and also turned up at the finishline of RacingThePlanet: Jordan 2014 as a surprise to his wife who was racing and won the race. He loves working like minded people and giving back to RacingThePlanet. We look forward to welcoming Colin back to the RacingThePlanet family for the seventh time at The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023.

Philip LEUNG

Engineer

Hong Kong

Philip Leung first discovered the RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series when he was hired as a radio frequency engineer for the Gobi March in 2013. Since then, he has lost more than 10kg and joined ten RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts ultramarathons as a volunteer and completed the Gobi March (China) 2017 as a competitor. The races he has volunteered at are: Gobi March 2013, 2016, 2018, RacingThePlanet: Iceland 2013, Madagascar 2014, Sri Lanka 2016, Patagonia 2017, New Zealand 2019, Georgia 2021 and Lapland 2022.

When it comes to communication systems, Philip Leung is unarguably your man! He ensures that communications run smoothly, as well as undertaking normal volutneer duties and keeping us entertained with his amazing Rubik's Cube skills.

A native of Hong Kong, Philip earned his Bachelor of Science in electronic engineering and is an experienced problem solver. He is also now an endurance athlete, having begun running and ultra-racing since his exposure to the sport at the Gobi March. He has since completed numerous events in Hong Kong, Korea and China.

We look forward to seeing Philip return as a member of the volunteer team for the eleventh time at The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023.

Lauren MCINTOSH

Trip leader

United Kingdom

Lauren McIntosh from Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom is a trip leader for Backroads Active Travel. The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023 is her first time at a RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts ultramarathon but with her background, experience and lust for adventure - as well as hearing all her brothers stories from RacingThePlanet - she will be a great asset to the team.

Originally trained as a Speech and Language Therapist Laruen worked in neuro rehab in a hospital on the sunny south coast of the UK. After a few years enjoying the work and living by the coast, trail running on the cliff tops, taking sea dips on frosty winter mornings before work, and igniting a passion for cycling whatever the weather with a rad group of people she decided to put the 9-5 on hold and seek a little more adventure.

Lauren found her way to Italy, working as a trip leader for an active travel company giving her the opportunity to share her passion for the outdoors, connect with likeminded people and strengthen her problem solving muscles! Being the bridge between guests and the local culture, customs and cuisine, arriving to each location on foot or by bike was super rewarding and a lot of fun. In her off-time, she was fortunate enough to meet many people who were willing to join her on impromptu bikepacking trips, mountain hikes and trail runs, whether they knew quite what they were signing up for she will never know, but they did seemed to enjoy themselves!

Always looking for adventure she recently completed a two-month bikepacking trip through New Zealand featuring wild camping, river swims, some yoga and an abundance of cafe stops! On this trip she conincidently bumped into a RacingThePlanet veteran who will be racing at The 20-Year Race (Jordan).

Among other skills Lauren speaks fluent Italian, is a qualified yoga teacher and can sew!

Donald SANDEMAN

Retired/ Voluntary worker

United Kingdom

Donald Sandeman from Edinburgh, Scotland loves travel, adventure and ultrarunning which consequently makes RacingThePlanet events the perfect match! He completed the Atacama Crossing 2017, the Gobi March 2018 and the Namib Race 2019 as a competitor - as well as Marathon des Sables and over 100 other ultramarathons - where he can easily spotted in his tartan shorts. He also organises races in Scotland.

In 2022 Donald decided to take "the more challenging side of the race" by volunteering at the Special Edition of RacingThePlanet: Georgia and swept about 90% of the course!

The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023 is Donalds fifth time at a RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts ultramarathon having raced three times and volunteered once before.

Taryn HARRISON

Fundraiser

Canada

Jen ZONAR

Finance and Controller

United States

Myriam SPINNLER

Civil Engineer

Switzerland

Susana BRAVERMAN

Physical Therapist

Mexico

Brian KRZYZANIAK

Paramedic

United States

Brian Krzyzaniak is a Paramedic from Redwood City in California who is also a mid-distance trail runner and has provided both logistical, course, and medical support for ultramarathons in remote locations (High Lonesome 100mi, 2021, 2022). As a paramedic, he is a problem-solver and is familiar with resource-limited environments. Brian joins a RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathon for the first time at The 20-Year Race (Jordan) where his wife is on the medical team.

Natalia GAWRON

Poland

Elaine SANDEMAN

Retired

United Kingdom, Resident in Scotland

Tanya FORD

Retired

United States

Bernadett (detti) KELéNé MAJZIK

guide (water tours)

Hungary

Detti Keléné Majzik from Hungary works in her family business where she is a water tours guide - organizing and leading both wild and flat water tours as well as teaching children to swim during school hours. She is a mother herself and considers herself very fortunate to be able to do things in life that she loves. Her hobbies are also related to nature and sports - she loves trail running, ultrarunning, cycling and hiking in addition to water sports. Detti says "running adds a lot to my life", she not only runs, but also organizes races, and enjoys participating in the volunteer team. She has supported her husband on several occasions on a bicycle in long running races (over 200 km). The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023 is her first experience of a RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts ultramarathon but she brings with her lots of experience and enthusiam to support racers on the course.

Iryna ZHAYVORONOK SOFILKANICH

Lawyer

Ukraine, Resident in Spain

IrynaZhayvoronok Sofilkanich is from Ukraine but has lived in Spain for more than 20 years and currently lives in Tenerife having grown up between Poland, Argentina and Barcelona. She loves travelling around the word which she has done since she was a child and speaks 8(!) languages including English, Spanish, French and Italian very well - saying she is happy to learn a new one if needed! The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023 is Iryna's first experience of a RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts ultramarathon - her "very sporty" husband is racing for the first time and is so excited for the race that Iryna wanted to join him and other friends who are competitors. She is a fast earner, easy going, first-aid qualified and will be a great help at the race.

Rachel ROSNER

researcher

United States

Rachel Rosner from the United States grew up in the north-east of the country but now lives in the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. She is super excited to join her first RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts ultramarathon at The 20-Year Race (Jordan) 2023 where her partner is racing for his fourth time with RacingThePlanet. Rachel is also a keen runner and hiker and is a seasoned traveler who especially likes going to off the beaten track places She is a seasoned caregivera team player and good behind the scenes leader who is looking forward to seeing Jordan in this unique way.

Matthew COYLE

IT PROJECT MANAGER

New Zealand, Resident in Denmark

Alyce LUCZAK

Fitness Studio Director

Australia, Resident in Canada

RACINGTHEPLANET: THE 20-YEAR RACE 250km / 155 mile, 6-Stage Ultramarathon

DAYS TO GO

Race Coverage

RACE Coverage

Beth BARR

Epidemiologist

Monica ROSA

Emergency Department Registered Nurse

Judy MCCARTNEY

dentist

Yael BLAIBERG

Self employed

Angie MONTGOMERY HASSON

Realtor & Managing Broker

Mark MCINTOSH

Physiotherapist

Victoria HUFFEY

Leadership Coach

Sandy KONDO

Anna DE GOUYON MATIGNON

SEO Freelancer

Colin SUCKLING

Business MAnager

Philip LEUNG

Engineer

Lauren MCINTOSH

Trip leader

Donald SANDEMAN

Retired/ Voluntary worker

Taryn HARRISON

Fundraiser

Jen ZONAR

Finance and Controller

Myriam SPINNLER

Civil Engineer

Susana BRAVERMAN

Physical Therapist

Brian KRZYZANIAK

Paramedic

Natalia GAWRON

Elaine SANDEMAN

Retired

Tanya FORD

Retired

Bernadett (detti) KELéNé MAJZIK

guide (water tours)

Iryna ZHAYVORONOK SOFILKANICH

Lawyer

Rachel ROSNER

researcher

Matthew COYLE

IT PROJECT MANAGER

Alyce LUCZAK

Fitness Studio Director

Beth BARR

Epidemiologist

Monica ROSA

Emergency Department Registered Nurse

Judy MCCARTNEY

dentist

Yael BLAIBERG

Self employed

Angie MONTGOMERY HASSON

Realtor & Managing Broker

Mark MCINTOSH

Physiotherapist

Victoria HUFFEY

Leadership Coach

Sandy KONDO

Anna DE GOUYON MATIGNON

SEO Freelancer

Colin SUCKLING

Business MAnager

Philip LEUNG

Engineer

Lauren MCINTOSH

Trip leader

Donald SANDEMAN

Retired/ Voluntary worker

Taryn HARRISON

RACINGTHEPLANET: THE 20-YEAR RACE
250km / 155 mile, 6-Stage Ultramarathon