Q1: What is the 4 Deserts?
A1: It is a series of 250-kilometer footraces across the largest and most forbidding deserts on Earth including the Gobi in China, the Atacama in Chile, the Sahara in Egypt and Antarctica.
Q2: Is the 4 Deserts an ultramarathon, adventure race, expedition race or some kind of extreme race?
A2: NO. It is not part of any category or genre. It is unique.
Q3: Why were these locations chosen for the 4 Deserts?
A3: Deserts are separated into four categories: subtropical, cool coastal, cold winter and polar. The 4 Deserts is located in the largest desert of each category which also represents the driest, hottest, coldest and windiest places on Earth. The course has also been set up to pass through some of the most beautiful, pristine land on Earth.
Q4: Do I have to sign up for the whole series or can I complete just one event? Which event do I have to complete first?
A4: You may complete the Gobi March, Atacama Crossing and Sahara Race at any time. You don't have to complete all three and there is no specific order in which you must complete the events. However, if you are interested in competing in The Last Desert in Antarctica, then you must have successfully completed the other "three deserts" first in order to qualify.
Q5: What is the format of the 4 Deserts?
A5: Each event is a six-day, 250-kilometer footrace. However, each individual must also carry his or her own gear, food and clothing in a backpack. The only assistance provided is water (plenty), tents and medical assistance. The average backpack weighs about 20 pounds (9 kilos).
Q6: Where do I sleep each night?
A6: At the end of each stage, you will meet your fellow competitors and staff in an incredible campsite with a view of the stars and the moon unlike you have seen before. You will sleep in a tent with up to ten people. You will also have a warm fire in the morning and at night to boil water and cook. A local indigenous family will assist you in cooking.
Q7: Who typically competes in the 4 Deserts?
A7: The typical competitor is a working professional, a high achiever – someone who believes in maximizing every opportunity in life. Our competitors generally work full time, some have families, many do a lot of community service and all lead a healthy lifestyle. Our competitors consist of medical doctors, professors, investment bankers, small business owners, actor, actresses, entrepreneurs, journalists, top athletes and coaches, military professionals, managers and stay-at-home moms and dads. We have many father/son, father/daughter, mother/son and brother/sister competitors.
Q8: I don’t think I can run 250 kilometers, can I still make the cutoff times?
A8: The event is set up to allow for generous cutoff times. The leaders run the whole course, and many walk the whole course.
Q9: How much training will be required?
A9: Our competitors are busy professionals – we don’t expect them to train all the time. Many complete the event with minimal training, some want to win and thus train a lot. Each competitor has his or her own goal. We simply want everyone to finish.
Q10: Why do you limit the number of competitors in each event to a relatively small number?
A10: The 4 Deserts is a unique, special experience. Deserts are stunningly beautiful because they are (1) remote and pristine and (2) sparsely populated. Solitude leads to a very spiritual experience.
Q11: What else is special about the 4 Deserts?
A11: Each event highlights an indigenous culture in the region with the hope of preserving the culture for generations to come. You'll experience Ugyurs, Mongolians and Kazaks in China, Atacamenos Indians in Chile and Bedouins in Egypt.
Q12: What is the best part of the event?
A12: Many say it’s the competitors themselves – that they leave the event with a new set of friends from all over the world. Many call on these new friends in business later or just to have dinner when passing through someone’s hometown. Some have even met their future spouse!
Q13: Can I run for a charity?
A13: Absolutely – we encourage it. Many of our competitors have raised significant amounts of money for charities all over the world.
Q14: My ultimate goal is to complete The Last Desert in Antarctica. Can I compete in this event first?
A14: No. The Last Desert is only open to those who have completed the "three deserts" which include the Gobi March in China, the Atacama Crossing in Chile and the Sahara Race in Egypt.
Q15: Any last words to describe the 4 Deserts?
A15: Life enhancing for all, life changing for many.
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