Runners Complete 24 hour Ultra in the Namibian Desert

News Release / 22.04.2009

The Namibia 24 hour Ultra Marathon took place over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with 13 out of the 24 runners completing the ultimate endurance challenge in temperatures exceeding 42°C.

The Namibia 24 hour Ultra Marathon is a yearly event organised by adventure specialists, Across the Divide and can be run for a charity of choice or simply for personal achievement. The race covers 126kms of the oldest desert in the world, pushing competitors to their limits as they pass through vast volcanic plains, striking mountains and the Messum Crater, in just 24 hours.

37 year old Darren Roberts from London, was first to cross the finish line after a gruelling 20 hr 28 min. Darren was racing for a Men's Fitness team who won a competition to compete in 3 of the toughest races on the planet. This was the first so he's off to a great start!

31 year old Tom Adams from London was following hot on his heels at 20hr 29 min and Tom Maguire, 36 from Northern Ireland finished third with a time of 21hr 21min. 32 year old Emma Rogan from Oxford finished fourth in 21 hr 27 min to become the first ever female to complete the Namibia 24 hour Ultra Marathon. Well known Blue Peter presenter, Helen Skelton, finished eighth with a respectable time of 23hr 50min.

Operations and Development Director at Across the Divide, Steve Clark says, “This year was exceptionally tough, with the weather adding that extra difficulty factor. The Namibia Ultra has got to be one of the toughest footraces out there. The 12 competitors that made it to the finishing line showed immense mental and physical strength to push on through, in such extremes of temperature and terrain, and their efforts were inspirational to all on the event. The medical cover was superb, ensuring that we managed to get everyone back to Swakopmund in one piece, where the talk was all about signing up again for next year’s race.”

Winner, Darren Roberts says, “Ten out of ten! It all worked fantastically and I can’t think of a single thing that was not on par. The Across the Divide staff have been superb throughout. As well as being an unforgettable experience, the whole event and all the people have been amazing.”

Across The Divide has over 11 years experience of organising exceptional worldwide challenges and has helped to raise over £30 million pounds for worthy causes. Quality and safety is paramount to Across the Divide and all events are planned using highly qualified staff and experienced UK medical teams.

For further information please visit www.adventure-racing.org