What is the 4 Deserts Grand Slam (and Grand Slam Plus)?

The 4 Deserts Grand Slam takes place in even numbered years and, therefore, will again take place in 2022 starting with the Namib Race in Namibia. In one calendar year, competitors from all over the world will attempt to complete 4 x 250 kilometer (155 mile) ultramarathons across the world's most forbidding landscapes and in the most extreme weather conditions. The races include the Namib Race in Namibia, the Gobi March in Mongolia, the Atacama Crossing in Chile and The Last Desert in Antarctica. To date, just 78 individuals in the world have been successful. More than 4,000 people have climbed Mt. Everest. Time Magazine has twice named the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series one of “Top Ten Endurance Challenges in the World.”

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 4 DESERTS GRAND SLAM

Q1: What is the 4 Deserts Grand Slam?

A1: Started in 2008 by famed ultramarathoner Dean Kanarzes, the 4 Deserts Grand Slam entails successfully completing, in one calendar year, the races which comprise the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series: the Namib Race in Namibia, the Gobi March in Mongolia, the Atacama Crossing in Chile and The Last Desert in Antarctica. Each race is seven days and 250 kilometers (155 miles).

Q2: What type of terrain and weather conditions will I face?

A2: Everything. Sand, sand dunes, salt flats, small hills and mountains, river crossings, rocky terrain, dirt paths and roads, grasslands and undulating terrain.

Q3: How difficult is this challenge?

A3: Since 2008, only 78 individuals in the world have completed the 4 Deserts Grand Slam.

Q4: What is the past success ratio of those who have attempted the 4 Deserts Grand Slam?

A4: To attempt the 4 Deserts Grand Slam is in itself self-selecting. Out of those who indicated they would attempt the 4 Deserts Grand Slam, roughly 80 percent have been successful.

Q5: How can I reserve a place for The Last Desert if I have not qualified yet?

A5: We suggest registering for the Namib Race in Namibia and indicating that you are considering the 4 Deserts Grand Slam. Once registered for the Namib Race, we suggest that you register for all races to reserve a place.

Q6: What is the cost to complete the 4 Deserts Grand Slam?

A6: Each race is US$3800, except The Last Desert in Antarctica which costs US$12,900.

Q7: What do I get for completing the 4 Deserts Grand Slam?

A7: Self-satisfaction of completing what Time Magazine has called one of “Top Ten Endurance Challenges in the World.” In addition, you are awarded a special pewter medal and mug.

Competitors from the following 31 countries have completed the 4 Deserts Grand Slam:

For further information: Samantha Fanshawe, [email protected]

www.racingtheplanet.com/4_deserts_grand_slam

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 4 DESERTS GRAND SLAM PLUS

Q8: What is the 4 Deserts Grand Slam Plus?

A8: Individuals who complete the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series and the RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon in one calendar year can say they have successfully completed the 4 Deserts Grand Slam Plus. In 2020, the RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon will be held in Georgia, The Caucasus.

Q9: How many in the world have completed the 4 Deserts Grand Slam Plus?

A9: To date, just eight people, two of whom are women.

Q10: What do I get for participating in the 4 Deserts Grand Slam Plus?

A10: The self-satisfaction and knowledge that you will be one of less than 20 in the world who have completed this challenge, plus a unique pewter mug. Competitors from the following five countries have completed the 4 Deserts Grand Slam Plus:

For further information: Samantha Fanshawe, [email protected]