Gobi March (China) 2014
The Long March Concludes
Press Release / 06.06.2014
The Long March, a 68.1-kilometer odyssey through the depths of the northern Gobi Desert, has come to an end with all competitors now resting at the final campsite. Two-time Spanish Olympian Jose Manuel ‘Chema’ Martinez Fernandez was the first to complete the stage, claiming his gold medal as he finished the course in the swift time of 8:02:20.
He was followed by the British journalist Nicholas Mead, who finished with a time of 9:19:46 and seconds later by Andrzej Gondek of Poland who finished in 9:20:56. Isis Breiter of Mexico was celebrating her win as she completed the course in 11:25:35. An hour later, Danish competitor Lene Larson came in as second placed female, with a time of 12:31:47.
It was a long night for many out in the field as they pushed on through the darkness, following glowsticks and getting a chance to be out in the wilds of this beautiful region at night.
The course pushed through two significant climbs as competitors moved deep into the Tian Shan mountain range. A tent was provided along the course for competitors who needed some rest to sleep for a few hours before continuing on. Despite the difficulty and length of the stage, it was a truly rewarding experience for all. Scotland’s Peter MacKenzie, who participated with his son Nicholas and son’s girlfriend Yevgeniya, said: “It was a sensational event and while it involved moments of pain the sense of accomplishment and achievement is wonderful.” Serbia’s Adriana Dulic, who lives in Long Beach, California, was concerned about her blisters but having made it through the course, said, “It was really difficult but I enjoyed the scenery and being able to challenge myself.”
As the sun rose at the campsite, more people were just finishing the long stage. The final competitor to cross the finish line was India's Jagdeep Kairon, who arrived at 11:57:44, after nearly 25 hours on the course. The remainder of the day was spent getting lots of rest, sleeping and relaxing in the beautiful setting amid ruins and farmhouses by the shores of Lake Sayram.
Tomorrow’s final stage, called ‘Visit Genghis Khan’s Sayram Lake,’ is a moderate 14- kilometer course along the lakefront to finish by the largest and highest lake in Xinjiang. In the Kazakh language ‘Sayram’ means ‘blessing,’ and for many it will be a true blessing to have completed this spectacular race.
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