A Brief Glimpse of an Expedition Race

Irish runner Eoin O'Cearbhaill's gives a brief account of the second stage:

“After a late night, because of a 2 hour bus ride involving 2 buses, we finally got some sleep. I got 5 hours and was pretty happy with that, and I think it was about the average among the competitors. We got up at 6.30am for a 9 o’clock start again. The second bus load of competitors got in really late, so it was only fair... I was knackered myself, though. My quads were aching and my knee was twitching a little. Hmmm, not a good sign. Perhaps I went out too quickly. No matter.

The stage today involved 12 river crossings, I think, I lost count. Wet feet allllll day. We followed a canyon up stream for 18 miles of the 22 mile stage, travelling from an altitude of 1200 meters to around 2700. The stage was all up hill, with heavy wet shoes. The water comes from the snow capped peaks we are ominously approaching. There were no negotiations with the wild life either today, which was fortunate.

I set out with Otto. We started well and while Kevin, Charley and Ed raced away, we kept Rob in our sights until eventually catching him just before the first checkpoint at 10km. Another runner also caught up with us making it a foursome. We ran, and walked for the next 2 stations together. Approaching the third and last station I made a bit of a break up the stream we were running in and got though the checkpoint quickly. Rob, an experienced campaigner and such a strong runner, saw what I was doing and ran after me. He caught me after 2 km with 4 to go. Otto and our new friend were left behind.

Rob and I then struck a deal to finish together, even though he was clearly the stronger. And yes, the deal was my idea!!! The approach to the finish was all uphill to an ancient Mongolian type fort, through the fort and down to the finish line. We finished in joint 4th place with a time of 4 hours 53 minutes. It’s 4 hours later now and many people are still on the course. I’m tired but ok. I miss my family, friends and girlfriend but I have never seen scenery like this before and wouldn’t want to miss the challenge for anything. I’m surrounded by a plateau that stretches as far as the eye can see. Mountains jump in the far distance in every direction, snow capped, awesome!!

Tomorrow brings the mountain stage. At this altitude I have noticed myself breathing hard for the first time. It been tough, and it’s only going to get tougher!! The Gobi March been labelled as the toughest race ever to be held in China, and trust me, that’s saying something. Until tomorrow.”

visit the official website here