The Last Desert (Antarctica) 2007 is set to begin on Monday in Ushuaia, Argentina with fourteen competitors vying to complete the 4 Deserts series
17.11.2007
In all, seven countries are represented in this year's official field which also includes highly-ranked competitors Francesco Galanzino of Italy, Byeung Sik Ahn of Korea, Gary Johnson of the United Kingdom and Joseph J. Holland of the United States. All individuals have several top three placements in other 4 Deserts events and are expected to compete for the title of 4 Deserts champion. The reigning 4 Deserts champion is Kevin Lin of Taiwan, who although placed third in The Last Desert (Antarctica) 2006, went on to win the overall 4 Deserts series.
In order to qualify for a place in The Last Desert, competitors must have completed the Gobi March, a 250-kilometer footrace across the Gobi Desert in China, the Atacama Crossing, a 250-kilometer footrace across the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Sahara Race, a 250-kilometer footrace across the Sahara Desert in Egypt. Competitors had to be self-supported throughout the events with only a ration of water and a place in a tent provided each day.
The Last Desert will take place from 19 November – 29 November 2007. The competitors will depart by ship from Ushuaia, Argentina for a two-day journey across the Drake Passage to Antarctica where they begin the final stage of the journey. The stages, totaling 250 kilometers, will take place in locations around the Antarctic Peninsula
The terrain is expected to consist of snow, ice, rocks and mud. Temperatures should average around 11 degrees Fahrenheit but may drop to as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, and winds are expected to be strong with an average of 20 miles per hour likely. Weather and/or rough sea conditions may prevent the competitors from completing the entire 250 kilometers. Any kilometers not completed will be made up Ushuaia, Argentina upon their return.
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