Runners brave -35C ( -31 F ) in Genghis Khan Ice Marathon

[steve2470]

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/runners-brave-35c-genghis-khan-ice-marathon-1541994

Wolves and bitter sub-zero temperatures were the perils facing runners in the first Genghis Khan Ice Marathon which took runners across remote parts of Mongolia. The race was staged in breathtaking scenery in the Tuul Gol River area, a region so heavily populated with wolves that teams of dog sleds were provided to keep the runners safe as they crossed the wilderness and to carry supplies and medical equipment.

Only nine runners took part, although some support runners joined in for part of the distance, and British doctor Andrew Murray came first, in just three hours, seven minutes, with Douglas Wilson of Australia taking second place 35 minutes behind him with another Briton, Paul Dunstan, third in four hours, 12 minutes.

Still gasping for breath, Murray said afterwards: "It's not easy but it's absolutely perfect conditions for ice running. It started off about minus 34 or minus 35 [Celsius], it's maybe now about minus 26 which is actually quite nice and mild for a Mongolian winter apparently. Three days ago it was minus 47.

"The one thing that's difficult is route finding. It's really clearly marked but you're [busy]looking around at all the mountains, the ice, the huskies, looking out for wolves, yaks. The Mongolians are extremely friendly. They don't know what is going on but they all give you a wee wave, a thumbs up or some sort of signal that they mind you, so it's great."

cool video at link!

[frylock]

1. Jeez! I elected not to ride my motorcycle into work today..

because it was 37 this morning. Kinda feel like a wienie now.