Gobi March (China) 2014
'Chema' and Isis Breiter Run Their Way to Victory
Press Release / 06.06.2014
Jose Manuel ‘Chema’ Martinez Fernandez, who has run the equivalent of four laps of the world in his long and storied career as an Olympic long-distance runner, triumphed in The Long March of the Gobi March today—nearly cementing his first win in the 4 Deserts Race Series as he came over the line at 17:34:20.
He was followed by Nicholas Mead of the United Kingdom and Andrzej Gondek of Poland, who tied for second place, while Sebastiano Arlotta Tarino of Italy was only 1 minute behind them for fourth overall.
Mexico’s Isis Breiter was the first woman to cross the finish line, a testament to her extraordinary performance in this year’s race as the leading woman.
Many competitors are still out in the course in today’s Long March, a 68.1-kilometer journey through some of the most impressive scenery of the race. The course began with a slightly later start of 10:00 this morning, which allowed for more rest at camp after an extended Stage 4 yesterday.
After the second checkpoint, the day was truly warming up. Paul Taylor, Alexander Moran, Lisa Akeroyd and Jonathan Tilbury—all Brits based in Hong Kong and Singapore—were conscious of the heat, walking as a group and trying to collectively figure out why a water spritzer cools you down more than pouring water on yourself.
Lee Kiho of South Korea, who is taking on his first 4 Deserts race in China, was the final competitor to arrive to the flag on the last, huge climb before Checkpoint 4. Standing at the top of the ridge, framed behind by breathtaking views of green pastures with the valley floor far beneath him, he motioned to the pink flag marking the route, and asked, “Can I take this flag? It means so much to me,” he explains. “When I was seven years old, I had heart surgery and this is the biggest climb I have done after that operation. It feels so amazing to be able to be here and climb these hills.”
The course involves another climb up to Checkpoint 7, but this is where the true treat lies: an expansive view of Lake Sayram. As Danish competitor Asger Bech-Thomsen, the chief operating officer at Nordisk Film, ascended the ridge he took a photo. As he turned to head on and down the slope, he admitted, “I haven’t felt this tired since 1989.”
As Rob Trepa came up the hill, he nearly bumped into a herd of yak and cried, “You don't see that everyday!” Meanwhile, Australia's Brett Foote just stood overlooking the view and uttered, “This is beautiful.” A scene of impressive camaraderie played out between Brett and Fredrik (Ted) Stromwell. Ted motioned for Brett to go ahead and finish the five kilometers ahead of him but Brett refused and said, “We started together; we will finish together.”
The day’s weather has been a little bit of everything with sunshine, clear blue skies, rain, thunder and dark clouds. As evening approaches, the sky is becoming overcast and a light wind is picking up. The sun has set over the snow-capped mountains and competitors will be continuing the stage into the night.
The last three competitors, India’s Jagdeep Kairon and South Korea’s Lee Sungmin and Park Chanho, have just arrived into Checkpoint 4 with the sweepers.
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