The Skeleton Coast is generally regarded as the most hostile
stretch of coastline in the world where many a ship and its
crew have foundered over the centuries, due to the unpredictable
high seas and ever shifting sand banks hugging the Namib Desert
shore line. Shipwrecked crew members who did make it to land
alive never really stood a chance against the utter destructive
barrenness of the desert that always managed to finally even
the score.
The marathon of 42km, this wil be run at the same time as
the 120km ultra. All competitors will start together, but
the marathon runners will finish at the 42km rest station.
For further information on the Ultra marathon click here. Two runners from the 2008 Namibia Ultra Marathon event have written all about their experiences of the 120km race on their blogs. Andrew McMenemy who came in 2nd place, Joakim Jonsson came in 3rd and Bill Martin and Pete Holdgate who came joint 7th.
This race is of such extreme
nature that it will be a serious undertaking to train hard
enough to cope with the onslaught of the Namib on your body,
covering 42km (26 miles).
Contestants will be completely self reliant from the start
of the race till the end, and will need to carry their food
and equipment on their backs. Water stations and medical tents
will be provided at 20km intervals along the route. Temperatures
are expected to be in the region of min 5ºc / max 35
ºc but could also be more extreme.
Namibia Marathon Video
Route Description
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
First
section 21km:
The race starts on the gravel plains of Brandberg and head in a westerly direction towards the first medical and water stop at 21km at the origin of Messum River. The terrain during most of this section is flat and firm underfoot, but with corrugations from time to time.
Second section 21km:
The route continues along in a westerly direction to the second checkpoint and 42km finish line at the entrance to Messum gorge. The terrain will remain flat and firm underfoot initially. As we enter the gorge, we will be following 4x4 tracks which will be firm under foot, though uneven under foot in places.
Charity
As you are taking on an
extreme challenge, why not run this event for charity? Many
charities will agree to cover a percentage of the costs if
you agree to and meet a fundraising target. Click here
to view the charities currently supporting the extreme
series, or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.
Prices 2009
Across the Divide would encourage you to raise money for your chosen charity by taking part in this event. Please contact your charity of choice directly or take a look at our charity homepage for details of charities who support the Namibia Ultra race.
Option 1: Self Funding options
Option 2: Sponsorship packages
Registraion Fee: £150
Registraion Fee:£150
OPTION 1
Full tour cost, including flights (exc reg fee): £1,323
OPTION 1
Full sponsorship package - includes flight and ground costs (exc reg fee): Minimum sponsorship £2,700
Our policy is £45.00
for up to 10, or part thereof, days travel. For each additional
week a charge of £9.00 per week is payable. Click here to purchase our travel insurance.
British nationals can enter
Namibia for a holiday or private visit of up to 90 days without
a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months
upon entry to Namibia.
All non British Nationals are required to check with the
Namibian High Commission in London. For further information
on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact
the Namibian High Commission in London:
Head of Mission:
HE Mr George Mbanga Liswaniso
6 Chandos Street
London
W1G 9LU
Please click
here for our full terms and conditions.
FAQs
Who are Across the Divide?
Across the Divide was established in 1996 by Mark and Karen
Hannaford, using their many years of experience in organising
expeditions and managing large events. Across the Divide has
ten years of working closely with our charity clients to deliver
exceptional worldwide challenges. Please visit Across
the Divide for further information.
Will the marathon be
safe?
Yes. Across the Divide’s main focus is on participant
safety.
The marathon route has been fully checked and approved. There
will be water stations every 20km along the route with tents
to offer shade from the sun. There will be a minimum of 1
UK doctor, local guide at each water station, and each will
have a comprehensive medical kit. There will be a team of
vehicle based UK doctors along the route. Full risk assessments
and casualty evacuation plans are in place.
The route will be clearly marked.
Is there a recommended
kit list?
Yes. Please click here to take
you to the kit list.
Are Across the Divide
Atol bonded?
Yes. Our Atol number is 6475.
What standard is the
accommodation?
We have 3 nights camping and one night in a 3 star lodge
hotel see below.
Do I have to share a
tent and room?
Yes. In order to accommodate everyone tents and lodge
rooms must be shared. You can prearrange to share a room with
a friend.
What is the route like?
The route is along gravel plains, dry river valleys, volcanic
plains, and is mainly flat with some undulating sections and
some long sandy stretches. Temperatures are expected to be
in the region of min 5 oc / max 35 oc. However temperatures
outside of these norms have been recorded and you must be
prepared for much colder or hotter conditions.
Can I raise money for
charity?
Yes and we would encourage you to do so. Click here
to view charities that already support the extreme series,
or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes. However if you wish to stay longer then you will
need to buy the non-flight package and arrange your own flights.
It will be your responsibility to meet the group at the airport
at Windhoek on the 5th April.
Can I book my own flights?
Yes. You must inform us that you do not wish to take
our flights, advise us of your alternative flights, and your
plans to meet the group at Windhoek International Airport.
Failure to do so will mean that group tickets will be issued
and charged for.
I have my own insurance
policy so do I need to take out your insurance?
No, but you must send us a copy of your policy either
by fax to 01460 30444 or to
Across the Divide Insurance
Namibia 24hour Ultra Marathon
Across the Divide
Jubilee House
Fore Street
Thorncombe
Nr Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PP
Kit List
Main luggage bag weighing
no more than 20kg
All items marked in blue are compulsory
Running Shoes
Shorts
Running T-shirt (long sleeved recommended)
Running cap or sun hat
Sunglasses
Running socks
Camelbak or bottles to carry at least 2L of water
Backpack
All food and snacks to cover your 24 hour race.
We recommend a minimum of 4000 calories.
Head torch
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Lightweight Fleece
Lightweight Running Trousers
Whistle
GPS
Sleeping Bag
Therma-rest or sleep mat
Pen knife
Knife, fork and spoon
Personal Items
Loose cool clothing for when not racing
Warm clothing for the cool evenings
Toiletries and towel
Camera, lots of film and a spare battery
Padlock or means of securing/locking luggage
Money belt
Sun cream minimum factor 30
Lip salve with sunblock
Insect repellent
Camera
First Aid kit
Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory (not for asthmatics)
Imodium for diarrhoea
Antihistamine tablets and cream
Antiseptic wipes
Plasters
Zinc oxide tape (or Leucotape which is much better)
Moleskin and/or 'Compeed' for blister treatment
Dehydration mix such as Dioralyte
Small tub of Vaseline
Tweezers (not in hand luggage on flight)
Scissors (not in hand luggage on flight)
Alcohol hand gel
Itinerary
8th APRIL 2009 LONDON GATWICK – WINDHOEK
We board our international flight from London Gatwick bound
for Windhoek.
9th APRIL 2009 WINDHOEK – BRANDBERG
On arrival at Hosea Kutako International airport, we transfer by bus to the starting point in the Namib Desert, where our camp will be set-up in the shadow of the stunning Brandberg Mountain – Namibia’s highest peak standing at 2,573 metres. Transfer time will be about 4 hours and expected time of arrival should be around 14:00 in the afternoon. Packed lunches and enough drinking water will be provided on the bus. On arrival at camp, we can settle in to camp and rest after our long journey, looking out onto the Namib Desert landscape at some breathtaking views.
10TH APRIL 2009 REST DAY
Today is a complete rest day, so we can take our time to wake up, get to meet some of the race competitors and make our final preparations before the race. If we feel the need for some exercise, there is the option to take part in a short trek from camp to the foot of the Brandberg Mountain later in the afternoon.
11TH APRIL 2009 RACE DAY
The race starts this morning at 09.00am, so we’ll need to be up early for breakfast and last minute kit preparations. The route heads almost directly west towards the Skeleton Coast, with the landscape constantly changing before us. The route will be clearly marked with brightly coloured flags spaced at visible intervals, and with water stops and a medical tent spaced at 20km intervals. The 42km finish line will be set up at the entrance to the ancient Messum gorge – now an amphitheatre of desert, this site was once an ancient volcano stretching across 22 kilmoetres. Snacks will be available at the finish line, and transport will be waiting to transfer us to camp at the 120km finish line on the Skeleton Coast beach front. Our drop-bags will be available at the finish line for a set of warm clothes to change in to and some extra snacks to keep us going whilst heading for camp. On reaching camp, we can enjoy a shower and meal once all the marathon runners have arrived.
12TH APRIL 2009 FREE DAY AT CAMP, TRANSFER TO SWAKOPMUND
We will wake up at camp on the beach to a glorious breakfast – helping us on our way to recovery! The day is ours to enjoy – a good lie in; relax and watch the waves roll on to the beach or stretch your weary legs by taking a stroll along the isolated coast. There is an optional visit to the nearby seal colony at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve if you wish to check out some of the Namibia’s sea dwelling friends.
We will have lunch at camp, along with the ultra marathon runners who should have got back to camp by 9.00am. After lunch we will pack up our gear and transfer to a lodge in Swakopmund for a good shower, good evening meal and well earned rest.
13TH APRIL 2009 FREE DAY IN SWAKOPMUND AND CELEBRATORY MEAL
Today is free to explore Swakopmund and the surrounding area at our leisure. There are a number of adventure activities available to take part in if we are not feeling too exhausted from the run. A gala meal will be held this evening to celebrate our achievements and soak up the weird and wonderful atmosphere of this unique post-colonial town.
14TH APRIL 2009 TRANSFER TO WINDHOEK
After breakfast at the lodge we board our bus and transfer back to the airport for our flight back home.
15TH APRIL 2009 ARRIVAL BACK AT GATWICK
Hotel
3 star Schweitzerhaus in
Swakopmund. The hotel is one hour’s transfer from the
finish. The establishment is only 100 yards away from the
beach, has a heated Olympic-size swimming pool, and is close
to the towns business centre with its magnificent historic
buildings. They offer comfortable, spacious rooms, each equipped
with a private bathroom, telephone and television.
Camping will be in 2 man dome tents with basic facilities
including a bar, dining area, showers and long drop loos.
