THE PLACE
Namibia lies in the West coast of Southern Africa. It became an independent republic in 1990, and today it's a stable, well organized and environment friendly Country. The capital named Windhoek is situated on a plateau 1700 metres high. Here you can find many evident signs of the German colonial domination, such as the most ancient houses and the pretty Lutheran church.
However, our journey and our race is far from the built-up areas.
The Namib Desert is the background of the race. It's the most ancient desert in the world and the only one where you may find elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinoceros, ostriches, antelopes, gazelles and oryxes (that's the country's symbol, also present in the event logo). The Namib is also known as 'the living desert' because of the myriad of plants and animals living in this area. Here is the Namib Naukluft Park, which is the largest national park in Africa and fourth largest in the world. This part of desert is characterised by a wonderful unique view: Sossusvlei, the highest sand dunes in the world since they're higher than 300 metres.
During our stay you may experience optional excursions such as hot-air balloon rides or panoramic flights and quad excursions.
The weather.
July in Namibia is winter, and temperatures go from 3/8°C (37,4/46,4°F) at night to 20/35°C (68/95°F) during the day. Humidity rate: between 10% and 20%.
THE RACE
We're going to run in Naukluft Park, and for the first time such wild an uncontaminated places will be opened to visitors.
There are 4 stages, which have to be run in 4 days, covering a distance of 108 km. It's a very engaging competition, for even if grounds are firm and stony in the first stages, in the last one we're going to run on sand dunes. You may think it's an useless effort, but it will give you such an unique emotion that you won't forget it in all your life!
Routes are marked, assistance and a water station are provided.
During the whole race, participants must have a water supply of 2 litres, together with the safety equipment according to the rules.
Walkers Programme. In every stage, the walkers start to the refreshment point (about halfaway) and arrive at the finish-line.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. According to the regulations, having a medical certificate is compulsory in order to be admitted to the race. This pass certificate must be issued by a Sport Medical Centre after a test on physical efforts. Anyone who hasn't all required documents won't receive the bib.
The certificate is not required to the walkers.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
All participants must have their own equipment with them (safety kit) during the whole competition. Such kit may be checked by the organisation at any moment, and a penalty will be given to anyone whose equipment proves to be incomplete.
Compulsory Equipment:
• 1 litre water (minimum quantity)
• 2 energy bars
• mineral salts
• survival sheet
• lighter
• whistle
Race website
PROGRAMMES
PROGRAMME WITH FLIGHT
It includes schedulet flight to Windhoek and back, from Frankfurt.
Departures also from Milan or Rome, with extra charge.
From Saturday July 5 to Saturday July 12, 5 nights in lodge in Sossusvlei + 2 nights during the flights.
PROGRAMME WITHOUT FLIGHT
Individual Travel, participants will meet in Windhoek.
From Sunday July 6 to Friday July 11, 5 nights in lodge in Sossusvlei
THE ACCOMODATION
We'll stay at the Sossusvlei-Lodge,a really comfortable complex in the Namib Naukluft Park. You'll stay in bungalows with 2 beds, a bathroom and a lovely veranda with a view over dunes, surrounded by a bewitching African atmosphere. Swimming pool, bar and restaurant are available at the hotel, menus are customized in order to follow the athletes' needs. 4x4 excursions around the region will be organized on demand by the Lodge staff.
The hotel: description, images and map
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