2011 Libyan Challenge FEBRUARY 21ST   Sandy McCallum is heading back to the Sahara Desert this year to take part in the Libyan Challenge for a second time. This is a 130 mile non-stop race that takes place in the extraordinarily beautiful Akakus region in south-west Libya. This is an incredible race and what makes it unique, and extremely difficult, is that competitors have to navigate their way to water checkpoints. There are no course markings of any kind. Athletes must also carry all of their own food and gear. Click here to follow along.

Sandy is the only Canadian woman to complete the
Libyan Challenge ultramarathon.

The Libyan Challenge

This is the second time Sandy will compete in the Libyan Challenge. In 2007 Sandy was part of a team and finished in 8th place for women with a time of 68 hours. Sandy is running as an individual this time...and is hoping to do much better. The event has more than doubled in size since she participated in the 2nd Edition of the race. Follow Sandy's progress on the race website, www.libyanchallenge.com . You can also read Sandy's blog for a first-hand accout about the preparations leading up to the race, the event, and post-race thoughts.

What Is The Libyan Challenge

Athletes are given 75 hours to complete the 127 mile course. This year the race is going to begin at midnight, rather than first thing in the morning. Competitors must carry everything they will need for the event on their backs. This includes food, gear and emergency equipment. Runners must also use a GPS to navigate their way to the water checkpoints, which are spaced about 20 kilometers apart.

Where Does The Libyan Challenge Take Place?

The Libyan Challenge will take place around the ancient city of Ghat. It is in SW Libya near the Algerian border.

When Is The Libyan Challenge?

The Libyan Challenge starts midnight February 22nd, and ends on 3am February 26th. There will be 161 athletes this year from 20 countries.

What Will The Weather Be Like For The Libyan Challenge?

During February temperatures will be around 30 degrees Celsius, with lows of about 10 degrees.

Who Lives In Libya?

There are 5,900,000 people living in Libya. The main ethnic groups are Berbers and Arabs.

Facts About Libya

The U.S. resumed diplomatic relations with Libya in May 2006 and rescinded Libya's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in June.

The capital city of Libya is Tripoli.

A natural hazard to be aware of in Libya is called a Ghibli. It is a southern wind lasting 1 to 4 days that brings duststorms and sandstorms.

Itinerary

Sandy leaves for the race on Wednesday, February 16th. She arrives in Paris on Thursday, February 17th. She has a few days to get over jetlag before leaving of Libya on Saturday morning. Sandy will land in Sebbah, Libya on Sunday afternoon. Athletes will take a bus to the first camp.

Sunday, February 20th, 2011
Race Check-In

Monday, February 21st, 2011
Sleep before race starts at midnight.

Friday, February 25th, 2011
Race ends at 3am...Awards ceremony that evening.

Saturday, February 26th, 2011
Free Day

Sunday, February 27th, 2011
Fly back to Paris