There were Elephant tracks in the dry river bed not far from camp when we woke up this morning raising the hope that we’d see some more wildlife today.  Before the start however only a scorpion had shown it’s face and he proved to be popular among the runners, even pausing for a few photos before disappearing into the leaf litter.

The race kicked off on time at 8am this morning and every runner took to the start line.  A good night’s sleep, some food and the attention of our team of exceptional medics restored even those who were most exhausted yesterday.  The runners having the hardest time of it buddied up and trudged out together into the dust.

The clouds which had provided welcome cover yesterday morning dissolved early today, but a stiff breeze kept the temperature from climbing too high through the hottest hours.  Much of the 50km of trail today was made up of undulating, rock-strewn 4×4 tracks used occasionally by the Damara farmers clinging on to a living in this hard scrub land territory.  The browns and oranges of this rocky terrain gave way to the yellow and greys of the soft sandy tracks along the river bed leading to tonight’s camp.

All of the runners have taken things a little steadier today and, for the most part, are looking all the stronger for it.  There was a sense of trepidation around the camp last night after the shock of the first sweltering day but the field appear to be growing accustomed to the conditions.  Our river bed campsite is more relaxed and there’s been more laughter among the runners and the race crew alike.

Vicente Garcia continued his dominance coming in first by over an hour.  He barely paused at the final checkpoint as he made his way to the finish line.  Next behind him was Steve Williams followed by Toby Hoyle and Si Bayliff who came in together for joint third.  First female was Sarah Watson again who came in alongside For Rangers team-mates Pete Newland, Jamie Gaymer.

The backmarkers have had a seriously long day out there.  Pete Ryan crossed the line not long after darkness descended in good spirits.  Dale and Emile came in not long behind having kept each other going through a 12 and a half hour day.  Most of the race team and medics greeted them at the line, whooping and clapping in the darkness.  Dale crossed the line laughing with a booming ‘well that was fun!’ as he took off his pack.

Tomorrow is the White Lady Marathon, named after one of the areas most famous cave paintings.  The runners will be glad of the shorter trail.  Stage Three begins at 8:30am.

[arve url=”https://youtu.be/QorNlrg2Qdo” title=”Desert Ultra Interviews – Pete Newland” /]