The Namibia Marathon is an endurance test for marathon runners. Our route will take you into the northern Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world and the largest and most remote National Park in Africa. If the landscape does not help to keep mind and soul occupied, the ostrich and springbuck you will pass along the way should bring your thoughts into focus.
The marathon of 42km, this wil be run at the same time as
the 126km ultra. All competitors will start together, but
the marathon runners will finish at the 42km rest station. You will have to finish the marathon in 8 hours.
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 126km 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). There will also be a time constraint you will have 8 hours to finish.
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 21km 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
Section1 Start point to checkpoint 1 (21km):
The race begins at the foot of the Brandberg Mountain range and follows a relatively straight line for the first 10km. The route then takes a left turn, following jeep tracks towards the first checkpoint. This section of the route is undulating, firm under foot but fairly stony so you will need to pick a safe path.
Section 2 Checkpoint 1 to Finish Line (21km):
During this section you will continue in a westerly direction, following 4x4 tracks along a dry river bed. The terrain during the first part of the section continues to be firm with loose stones, but as you near the second checkpoint, the ground becomes softer under foot, with short grass cover found in places. Our second checkpoint will be set up in the shade of a large Acacia tree.
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.
How it works:
Option 1: Self Funding – This payment option means that participants will cover all of their tour cost fees as well as the registration fee. Any additional funds raised on top of the ground costs can then be given to the participants charity of choice.
Option 2: Minimum Sponsorship – This payment option is generally double that of the tour cost and participants will pledge to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship for their chosen charity.
Participants chosen charity will need to authorise this option as the fundraising agreement is between the participants and the charity.
The charity will be invoiced for the participants tour costs 10 weeks before the event is due to take place.
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 £47.00
for up to 10, or part thereof, days travel. For each additional
week a charge of £10.00 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
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?
Across the Divide
Thorncombe Barn
Fore Street
Thorncombe
Nr Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PP
Please note that we will require section B of the insurance form to be completed if you have taken out your own insurance. Click on the to complete section B of the insurance form
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
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. The flight arrives breakfast time the following morning.
9th APRIL 2009 WINDHOEK – BRANDBERG
On arrival at Windhoek, we transfer by bus to our camp in the Namib Desert. On arrival at camp there will be a short orientation briefing. After this you are free settle in, begin race preparations and take in some of the awesome surroundings.
10TH APRIL 2009 RACE REGISTRAION AND ACCLIMATISATION DAY
After breakfast, a half day trek is arranged to give you an indication of the type of terrain and extremes you will encounter during the race. In the afternoon, a full race briefing will take place. A pre race meal is provided in the evening followed by a final Q&A session.
11TH APRIL 2009 RACE DAY
After an early breakfast, the firing pistol will sound at 09:00 sharp, and your epic journey will commence. You will need to finish within 8 hours of starting so at 5pm is the cut off.
12TH APRIL 2009 - ULTRA RACE FINISH AND RECOVERY
Your gear and tent are set up and ready for you to crawl in to and begin your recovery. After a short lie in, camp is left behind at around 13:00 and we transfer to our hotel in Swakopmund where the sensible runners take the time to relax and recover from their efforts from the previous 24hours.
13TH APRIL 2009 FREE DAY IN SWAKOPMUND
Today is free to explore Swakopmund and the surrounding area at our leisure. In the late afternoon a visit to the nearby Swakopmund dunes is arranged, followed by a celebratory meal to congratulate ourselves on our achievements and swap stories of our adventure.
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
We arrive at Gatwick early this morning.
Accommodation
Your first three nights will be spent camping will be in 2 man dome tents with basic facilities including a bar, dining area, showers and long drop loos.
The final night will be spent at Swakopmund Municipal Bungalows. This resort is nestled between the desert and the sea. Swakopmund has a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens.
