The Gobi March...

A very interesting race started yesterday. I signed up for updates...

12:44 am, 7 June 2008, Kashgar, China: Competitors, staff and volunteers have now arrived in Kashgar, anxiously awaiting check-in early in the morning. Competitors will depart for the first campsite in the Gobi Desert at 3 pm, with a large cultural show expected by the locals later in the evening. The bidding for the hot showers continue with a bid reaching US$2130. The Gobi March (China) 2008 website is now live.

12:53 pm, 7 June, Kashgar, China: Check-in is now almost complete. The competitor with the lighest backpack was Juan Encina of Chile weighing in at 6 kg., and William Calarese of Team Microsoft Unlimited Potential had the heaviest backpack weighing in at 17 kg. Competitors will depart for the Gobi Desert in just two hours.

2:30 pm, 8 June 2008, Taxpuxkha: Ryan Sandes of South Africa has won Stage 1 of the Gobi March followed by Siu Keung Tsang of Hong Kong in second, and Juan Encina of Chile in third place.

15:24, 8 June, Taxpuxkha, China: Lia Farley of the United States was the first female to cross the finish line of Stage 1, while Team Lieda of Spain was the first team to cross the finish line. Carlos Dias of Brazil is struggling through Stage 1. Temperatures are around 35 C (100F). Tonight competitors will stay with local Kirghiz families.

1:45 am, 9 June, Tashpushka, China: Competitors are now resting. Two competitors are expected to withdraw before the start. Stage 2 will contain one of the most difficult sections of the stage. The temperatures were very hot for Stage 1, and several competitors required I.V.s.

Check out the 4 deserts series website.