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Being able to run 250km over 6 days is a true show of physical prowess. But what do these front runners have in common? They are all clearly strong, healthy, lean, muscular and fit. But in such a large group of what is now 163-people strong, there has to be a community of thought that binds these athletes together in terms of mental characteristics. '"Hey Lia, you were pushing us the entire way, said Kobi Itzchaki, a 38-year old Israeli who resides in Hong Kong, Thanks." Itzchaki came in 12th today, just slightly ahead of 1st placing female Lia Farley (age 36) from the United States, despite the fact that the Gobi March (China) 2008 is her first 4 Deserts event. Farley is raising money for the charity Good For Kids, which funds rehabilitative programmes for underprivileged kids in sports and music so that they can explore recreational self-expression and develop and creative outlets.
The male front runners have already established a close competitive circle. South African Ryan N. Sandes (26) came first again today in his normal life back in South Africa works as a Quantity Surveyor for Faircape Property Developers in South Africa. The Gobi March is his first 4 Deserts event and Sandes' air of ease and confidence is admirable, even beneath the potentially dangerous unrelenting heat and glare of the desert sun. "I have to make time to train," Sandes stated, in a calm matter-of-fact way, "For me the Gobi started by researching RacingThePlanet on the internet, and thought it would be a cool way to travel, I had no idea what to expect but I feel comfortable in this environment and trailrunning over several days with a pack even though this is my first multi-day trail run - but I have to admit I was nervous about it. I signed up for the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2008 but I injured my knee, so I transferred to this race." Sandes regularly competes in trailrunning in South Africa.
Popular favourite Dean Karnazes, was recently named by Time as one of the Top100 Most Influential People in the World, is well known for his epic 50 marathons in 50 days, and was the overall winner of the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2008. "I would like to say I survived first," Karnazes said, with genuine humility, "I have done so many of these things I know when to pull back and I try to respect my body so that I will have the strength to carry through and perform my best. It fits my lifestyle of fitness and challenge.I miss my family immensely when I am away, but their incredible support is my strongest motivation." When asked how he responds to placing 7th and 3rd in Stages 1 and 2 of the Gobi March respectively, "I feel my body is responding to my plan, and I just finished a 900km race so I am took it easy at first. I am just sticking to my pace." Sound advice for the newcomers to Desert endurance races where dehydration and exhaustion are real threats in the harsh climate of 4 Desert events.
Juan Encina (36) from Chile is another top runner in the event, although he lost time in the first stage of the Gobi March due to the fact that he went off the course for a period of time and needed to backtrack. Encina is currently employed at a hospital in Santiago Chile, and is sponsored by Brunton/Gerber/Andesgear and recently did exceedingly well at the Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2008. The Gobi March marks the first time that Encina has traveled outside of Chile. "I have come with the intention of doing well," Encina enthusiastically states in terms of his ambition, "I am very motivated to do well for my country, and also for my own sense of personal challenge. I have always loved doing marathons and this is just my way of pushing myself further."
One of the surprise contenders for top place at this early stage of the race is Tsang Siu Keung, who hails from Hong Kong and recently won the Hong Kong Trailwalker. Although this is his first 4 Deserts event, he has run in multi-day endurance events before and is doing exceedingly well considering the unforgiving weather and terrain conditions in the Gobi Desert.
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