by Lindsey Millar
McCain and Obama aren’t the only ones racing long distances in harsh conditions. Three big races starting this month may be ridiculously difficult, but they’re also thoroughly compelling.
La Carrera Panamericana
South of the border on October 24, one of those auto battles that seem to only exist in legend is revived: a seven-day, 2,000-mile road race across Mexico. Originally held from 1950–’54, the race was canceled in part due to high fatalities. Although today’s race is tamer (racing only in designated areas), it still has that unbridled spirit (panamrace.com ).
Sahara Race
Starting October 26, a seven-day, 155-mile race through hell begins with a single step into the world’s most punishing desert. About 150 runners, from 21 to 75 years old, are taking on the Sahara, where temperatures can rise to 120 during the day and fall to around 50 at night. Daily updates will be available online (4deserts.com ).
Vendee Globe
In terms of bravado, not much can touch the only unsupported nonstop around-the-world yacht race. On November 9 some 30 solo skippers will launch 60-foot monohulls from France to try to be the fastest to circumnavigate the globe. They’ll have no outside navigational help for three lonely months. If history holds, many won’t finish (vendeeglobe.org ).
This article originally appeared in the November issue of Men’s Journal.
Print this article
Leave a Reply