Competitors are preparing to start the eighth edition of the Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race which is the most southerly adventure race ever run.Competing nations include UK, USA, Japan, Switzerland, Brazil, Chile, Canada, Russia, Germany, Spain, Argentina and Finland. Sadly no Irish team is involved.
Last year’s event, won by British team (and newly crowned Adventure Race World Champions) Helly Hansen-Prunesco, proved its reputation as the wildest race in the world when American Team Calleva became lost and had to be rescued after surviving on berries for four days.
This year the event will mark Chile’s Bicentenary with 600km-plus of trekking, kayaking, climbing and cycling in the footsteps of explorers Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin through the stunning Tierra del Fuego region of Chilean Patagonia.
Race organizer Stjepan Pavicic said: “Every year we explore new areas of Chilean Patagonia to make the race as scenic, wild and unexplored as possible, always at the limit of the possible. The historic average of teams crossing the finish line is below 50%, last year’s race edition it was as low as 30% – so this year is going to be interesting!
“But the value of this race is not only in the physical and mental challenge; it is also in spreading a message to preserve this region. This year that message will be even stronger as the race will pass through Wildlife Conservation Society’s reserve ‘Karukinka’, the conservation area we collaborate to preserve and develop in a sustainable manner.”
Team Helly Hansen-Prunesco will lead a 60-strong field of men and women that includes teams from 12 nations all battling for the pride of victory. The ‘Land of Fire’ will provide competitors with challenging terrain of white-capped mountains in the Darwin Range, freezing glacier-fed waters in the legendary Beagle Channel and unpredictable sinking moss, known as peatbog, widely found in Patagonia.
The test was conducted in northeastern Brazil between Sao Luis and Fontaleza in the National Park Lençois composed of huge white sand dunes and its thousands of lakes, it is the poorest region of Brazil, but the more intact.
The first two stages took place between sandy land, swamps and along the most beautiful beaches of Brazil Santa Isabel Island and Ile de Canarias.
Step 1 in the morning 14km Karim ranks second in 30seconds Mahmoud Letaief.
Afternoon 22km second stage, 35 ° sweltering heat and 80% humidity. The Brazilian will lead Decio Ribeiro, Mahmoud Letaief after 3km suffered heat stroke and finish the stage alongside his wife.
In the 6th km Karim feels bad as the heat rises, it will watered down to body temperature and slow the pace, he will be overtaken by Sagastume Juan Carlos of Guatemala, which in turn undergo the same thing and is will exceed by Karim recovered.
The stage was won by Decio Ribeiro Brazilian 14minutes before karim.
On arrival Cunche Alain will suffer discomfort and supported by the doctor and put on a drip but the fighter no question of abandoning.
3rd step on the Isle of Caju crossing swamps, forest that will win Mosta.
Step 4:
The big step Cabure 60km on a long straight track of red earth under a blazing sun, crossing several villages stop competitors from time to time to buy a Coke at km 34 the young Brazilian will join Daniel Acacio after refueling and depart together and browse the 26km of beach which are nothing compared to the 9000km of beach bordering Brazil. It is 11am, the heat is greatest, Karim will refresh in seawater under the cries of seagulls and vultures, the vultures from the forest to eat what the sea throws. It was in this atmosphere that Acacio try Alves acceleration but Karim does not let go. Acacio Alves wins stage 6:20 to 6:21 Karim, but the big loser in this first step and the classification of Decio Ribeiro ends one hour behind Karim takes the first place. When asked the question on the first place, he replied, as it is not finished is not earned for the victory that is not the effort that counts but the result. A rest day at Cabure a unique place in the world between the ocean and the river, rest assured to recover and heal blisters.
Stage 5 38km starting at 5:30 am just before sunrise. Extreme Runners are ready to face the dunes and the lagoons through the village of Atina, a dog follows the competitors head, then it is filled with birds tides. The sun rises in the distance, one can see the dunes, landscape paradise. Karim a few words with Matthew who lives in Brazil and who joined us for the last 2 steps. Suddenly the dog attacks a flock of goats, and a little goes astray and follow Karim and Acacio for 6km until 1 or PC it will be recovered by the organization. Competitors will continue between desert and lagoons which does not help the bulbs. Karim was amazed by the beauty of the landscape, he said: I almost ran into all the world’s deserts, but it is the first time I see a magnificent unspoiled wilderness and pure with that magical mixture of sand and water crystal. We are privileged because it is the first foot race held in this exceptional place is heavily protected by the Brazilians. Decio Ribeiro wins the stage 1 minute before Karim. Night at the village of Dos Queimada or six families live. The meal will be served with rice flour, cassava, watermelon, and a good night’s recovery in the hammock. On May 13, Step 6, given starting at 7 am Karim Mosta now believed to victory and wants to win the stage to finish off. What fixes it because the stage is difficult: desert, dunes, heat, humidity 80% said fatigue stages. Karim took the lead in the 10th km and wins the stage with his side the dog (named Lençois) arrival at the village square of Santo Amaro to the applause of people and a warm welcome by the town mayor, accompanied by assistants and Franck Viandier organizer who will Karim welcomed his victory.
Discount prices in Sao Luis in Brazil atmosphere; gala dinner and tour of the city founded by the French before being retaken by the Portuguese. It is also one of the most mixed of Brazil or continue a project to renovate the historic center.