On 29th September James Steele is taking on an incredible challenge, and raising funds for Futurestars at the same time..
He’s taking part in the Atacama Crossing a 250 km ultra marathon in Chile, South America that’s ranked as one of the world’s toughest races.
Below is some information about the race (including the brutal Salt Flats described as running across ankle-breaking frozen brocolli!) and about James below.
You can also follow James’ progress here : www.racingtheplanet.com/atacamacrossing
Donate here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/futurestarsghana
Or read his blog here: racingtheplanet.com/atacamacrossing/Jim-Steele
The Atacama Crossing
The Atacama Crossing is 250km self-supported footrace that takes place in South America and is ranked one of the worlds toughest races. A self-supported race means that competitors must carry all food, clothing and equipment (+/- 10kg) with them whilst running for 6 days. The race takes place over 4 “Stages” of approximately marathon length, a 5th stage of a double marathon length and a final 6th “Sprint” stage of 10km.
The Atacama crossing crosses Chile’s brutal Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. The desert consists of Salt lakes, volcanoes, lava flows and sand dunes. There are also miles of Salt flats that must be tackled which have often been described as trying to run on ankle breaking frozen broccoli.
The Atacama crossing is gruelling not only because of its terrain, distance and harsh climate but also because of the Altitude. With the race starting at over 3,000 meters runners will have to battle against reduced oxygen levels along with freezing night time conditions (and of course hot day temperatures)
After spending 6 nights in the deserts, the competitors cross the finish line in the town of San Pedro de Atacama and blisters permitting….. head directly to the bar!
James Steele
Jim Steele is from the UK and has been living in West Africa (on and off) for more than 15 years, the last 6 of which have been in Ghana. He likes beer, football (A Manchester City fan from before the money arrived) and running (but beer more). Upon hearing of the Futurestars charity and meeting with Simon and Titus he was inspired to do something to assist in the amazing work that the charity has done already.
Jim lives in Ghana with Alfie and JJ, his 2 football mad boys, Sam his rescue dog and Natalie his wife, who is traveling to Atacama to be a volunteer on the race.
Please note: All race fees, air fair and equipment for this race has been paid for. Meaning that all your donations will go directly in to helping furturestars charity in Ghana and Togo.
