Simon completes Desert Race "Triple Crown", next stop Antarctica
Chief Inspector (Development and Support) Simon Southgate of Railway District has just completed the 2011 Atacama Crossing, his third 250-km desert ultra-marathon.
"This was by far the toughest, but also the most amazing race I have competed in," said Simon.
The 250-km course took competitors into the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert. Participants had to climb mountains and massive sand dunes, tackle salt-flats, and take on some of the most brutal terrain on earth. Daytime temperatures were in the mid-40s, whilst nighttime temperatures were close to freezing. And if this wasn't tough enough, the whole event took place over 1.6 km above sea level, where the air was thin, making even light exercise a challenge.
"These conditions made it very tough for everyone. Over 10 per cent of the field had to withdraw after only two days, including some of the world’s best trail runners," stated Simon. The scenery was truly spectacular with snow-capped volcanoes, moon-like plains and white-crystal salt-flats.
Simon completed the event in 42 hours and 45 minutes, crossing the line in 29th position, his best performance so far. "I would like to thank everyone that sent me messages of support during the race. It was great coming in after a tough racing to read these messages," said Simon.
Simon's efforts have so far raised almost HK$100 000 for Operation Breakthrough and Hong Kong Children's Cancer Foundation.
So what's next? In November 2012, Simon will travel down to Antarctica to complete the final stage of the four-Desert Series, and his Grand Slam. Force members wanting to know more about Simon’s exploits can visit his fund-raising website: www.sims4desertchallenge.webstarts.com
Crossing
the
Atacama
Desert is by far the toughest, but also the most amazing
race Simon has competed in