Under the towering presence of Spitzkoppe Mountain, nicknamed the Namibian Matterhorn, the 2024 Desert Ultra began in spectacular fashion, and what a start we’ve had!

We’ve got a fifty-fifty battle in the overall top ten, with five male and five female runners duking it out for a place in the top spots.

The ancient granite mountain, standing as a sentinel over Base Camp, inspired awe and trepidation in equal measure among the runners as they prepared to tackle the first 50km of this grueling adventure.

The day’s stage traversed a breathtaking variety of desert terrain, beginning with 13km of flat scrubland. Coarse grasses and hardy shrubs set the tone for the rugged environment ahead. Passing through The Saddle, a natural gap between granite outcrops, runners were met with striking views before transitioning to a rarely used 4×4 trail. The course concluded in a dry riverbed, after a short but challenging sandy section that tested the resolve of even the toughest competitors.

The blistering heat of the Namib Desert failed to deter some outstanding performances. Jon Shield led the men’s field with a dominant time of 4:36:00, setting the pace for the rest of the competition. Following him, Carla Andre, the top female finisher, delivered a commanding performance in 5:55:00, securing the second overall spot and demonstrating her prowess against the terrain and competition alike.

Among the men, James Adams (6:26:00) and Kasper Fisker (6:31:00) battled hard for the podium, while Marshall Maine rounded out the top five with a time of 6:44:00. On the women’s side, Rosanna Morani (6:51:00) and Rose Blackie (6:53:00) kept the top three positions tightly contested. Hannah Goldring (7:17:00) and Ioana Barbu (7:22:00) showed remarkable grit to complete the top five.

A Family Affair: Peter and Marianne Kleist
One of the standout stories of the day was the married couple, Peter and Marianne Kleist, who crossed the finish line together in 9:45:00. Their teamwork and mutual support in the face of the harsh desert conditions were a testament to them both.

Other Notable Performances
Several other runners made their mark on Stage One. Carlos Constantino (7:36:00) and David Nicolas (7:31:00) demonstrated solid pacing in the top ten, while Hahmed Shafiq (7:45:00) showcased impressive endurance in the relentless heat. In the women’s field, Lauren Gregory (7:59:00) and Carly Stretton (8:48:00) both displayed determination despite facing their individual challengers to finish strong in their respective categories.

Adapting to the Desert
Stage One of the Desert Ultra served as a brutal yet beautiful introduction to the challenges of the Namib Desert. The flat scrubland, rocky trails, and sandy stretches tested every runner’s ability to adapt to the intense heat and unforgiving terrain. With water stations providing essential relief and the finish line offering the promise of rest, runners have already begun strategizing for the days ahead.

As the sun sets over the Namibian sands, the field of competitors reflects on a day that was as humbling as it was exhilarating. Tomorrow, they will rise to face yet another daunting stage in this epic journey through the desert.

You can track the runners by hitting the link here