Jungle Ultra
Gabriella Mathisen and James Izzard Win The Jungle Ultra
Press Release / 12.06.2023
From addiction to one of the world’s toughest ultra races, amputee Gabriella Mathisen claims 1st woman whilst James Izzard sets blistering pace to take victory in the Jungle Ultra 2023.
James Izzard (GBR) has won the Jungle Ultra 2023 in frenetic style. His meticulous approach and blistering pace, has set him apart from his competitors. Having previously placed in the top 30 of the Marathon Des Sables, he came to the Jungle Ultra with the ambition to podium. He finished the overall race 9 hours ahead of his closest competitors.
From addiction… to one of the toughest ultras in the world, amputee Gabriella Mathisen (NOR) has conquered the jungle with everything she had. She crossed the finish line to win first woman and 6th overall. She is one of only 6 competitors to complete the full course this year. Her drive is to inspire others to do extraordinary things and this week she has shone the light for many others this week.
Among the competitors looking to conquer the course was adventurer and television star Spencer Matthews (GBR). He came to the jungle with best friend John Belton (IRE) to raise money for the Michael Matthews Foundation, which was set up in honour of his late brother and supports thousands of children from remote areas in Tanzania to access education. Spencers' fearless spirit and relentless determination saw him podium in 3rd position behind John Belton in 2nd.
Matthews claimed, “I gave everything I had to the Jungle Ultra and to be rewarded with a podium position is a real honour. 230 km through the jungle terrain is no joke and at times it was incredibly rough on the mind, body and soul. Working together with John Belton at times turned out to be a really useful strategy - this race can be brutally dark and lonely. This was without a doubt the hardest physical challenge I have ever undertaken, although I’m sure it won’t be the last.”
Only 50 people have ever completed the long course of this gruelling test of physical and mental endurance despite over 300 people having tried over the past 8 years. This year only 6 competitors finished. Our runners have endured suffering like they’ve never experienced before, but they’ve come away with a deep and profound feeling of having achieved something remarkable.
Entries for 2024 are open now; https://www.beyondtheultimate.co.uk/race/jungle-ultra/
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