Mimi Anderson, 2010 Champion  Kevin Mowat, 2010 Finisher

"There is only one word for the Namibian Desert Challenge 2010 – MARVELLOUS!  This is without doubt a tough event, competitors had everything thrown at them from mountains, canyons, wading up to our waists in water, climbing the 2nd highest dune in the world and everything else in between all in temperatures of 40 degrees plus.  

To add to the stunning scenery there was an abundance of wildlife from Gemsbok, springbok, jackals and of course Ostrich, some of them got extremely close – it was like my own running safari!

I would highly recommend this event, the organisation was great, the crew worked hard and looked after us well and the course was spectacular – AND just to get you to the finish line quicker there will be a cold beer waiting for you! (or in my case wine!!!)  As for the post race party.......you will just have to come to the race to find out how amazingly special it was.

Thank you to my fellow competitors, it was marvellous to spend 5 glorious days with you.

 

 

  

 "It was down to you guys that got me through the challenge and so far the pinnacle of my running career, the encouragement gave me the belief that i could get through all 5 days after having a less than good 1st day.

The comraderie generated around the camp was truly an experience and never to be forgotten, and a big thankyou must go to the good Doctor who had the unpleasant duty of repairing my feet for 3 days.

I am certain the NDC will grow in stature.I will never forget Namibia and its wild beauty and nor will my feet which are still in the process of being repaired, keep up the good work.
   
Dr Andre Lombard, 2009 Finisher  Hilary Walker, 2009 Finisher

“What started out as a serious race trying to deal with the daunting prospect of 200km in the heat and sand, turned out to be an awesome adventure with 5 unique stages of well planned variety of trails giving a very good feel of the larger Sossusvlei area. Friendships formed because of the small group will live on forever.

The water points were like an Oasis in the dessert with a picnic laid on at each, we were very spoilt! The support on route from the team was excellent and friendly and turned a hard event into great fun, this standard of organisation is equal to the Cape Odyssey or other big events.

Sossusvlei, a very special place, and having such good rain made it even more so. This race WILL BECOME AN ICONIC EVENT, it is very do-able and within the ability of the average good runner.

  

We were privileged to be able to access parts of the Namib and Sossuslvei that tourists normally can’t reach.  Camping beneath Dune 45 on the last night of the race being was one of the best experiences.  The organisation was superb with a sympathetic crew from both the organisers and the Sossuslvei Lodge looking after us well both at the checkpoints and at the campsites. 

The routes for each of the 5 days were varied and interesting with considerable sighting of both Oryx and Springbok and some of the rare endemic species such as the Dune Lark. This race is a must for any runner who enjoys the great outdoors and the magnificent African scenery in particular, where you can run free but with the knowledge that there is unobtrusive but efficient support if required."