The EnduranceSource Big 10!

If challenges are what you are looking for then go no further, as you have arrived at the EnduranceSource Big 10!

Our top 10 list (in no particular order) will no doubt differ from those of others, but it is in this variety that the nature of these challenges lie. If you have any suggestions, please go ahead and let us know through the comments box! Otherwise, read on and enjoy…

   10: The Marathon des Sables (Mds)

Billed as the toughest foot race on Earth, the Marathon des Sables is a gruelling event in which runners complete approximately 6 Marathons (151 Miles / 243K) over 5 days - across the oven that is the Sahara desert. Not for the faint hearted, participants must carry all of their food, water and suppliers with them as they run, as well as an anti-venom kit and a rescue flare! The event has limited places available and tends to fill up approximately 2 – 3 years in advance (there is also a cancellation list). Unsurprisingly the Mds has a very high drop out rate, with most DNF’s (did not finish) occurring due to the oppressive heat of the desert and the extreme damage that can be suffered by the runners bodies, in particular their feet.

  9: Deca - Ironman

Yes that’s correct - Deca means 10!

A Deca-Ironman is a Triathlon which involves racing ten times the normal Iron-distance, in one race! That means:  24 Mile Swim 1120 Mile Bike262 Mile run

The race usually takes place in a Pool, a short bike circuit and a run loop. Due to the extreme nature of this event there is generally a small field of athletes who take part and finishing times range from approximately 8 Days upwards. This is a race for only the supremely fit and possibly (or probably) insane. For a full race report from one of these events, just click on this link! 
Maximum respect to those who have succeeded!

  8: Sail Around the world Solo (Circumnavigation)

As with all of the challenges listed, the mental aspect of this entry is just as gruelling as the physical aspect. An official circumnavigation of the world by yacht, involves a journey of approximately 21,600 Nautical miles (40,000 Kilometres). Budding Mariners should expect to sail through all types of weather conditions from roaring winds and rougue waves, to the mind numbing doldrums where scantily a breath of wind can be found. Preparation for this challenge comes with hefty costs including sourcing and rigging your yacht, purchasing and testing your electronic equipment as well as stocking and stowing your supplies. A solo circumnavigation is one of the greatest challenges known to man, as they not only take on huge risks but do so alone and without support – relying only on their own ability, ingenuity and planning.

  
  7: Seven Marathons on 7 continents - in 7 days!

Running 7 Marathons in 7 days would be a huge challenge for most people. Then throw in the logistics of travelling to 7 different continents and a time limit of only 7 days and you really have yourself a real challenge! Runners must clear airport check ins, fly between continents, try and grab some rest before hitting the trail/pavement/snow and clocking an officially recorded 26.2 mile run! Then it's back on the road to the next destination!! Sir Ranulph Fiennes completed this challenge only a short time after suffering a heart attack and under going a double heart bypass. More recently Irish Man Richard Donovan completed this challenge in an incredible 6 days 9 Hours and 8 minutes!

  6. Climb One (or more) of the 7 tallest summits in the world

The “7 Summits” are the highest points on each of the 7 continents. Officially they are:
• Asia - Mt. Everest
• South America - Mt. Aconcagua
• North America - Mt. McKinley (Denali)
• Africa - Mt. Kilimanjaro
• Europe – Elbrus
• Antarctica - Vinson Massif
• Australia – Kosciusko
It is unquestionable that there is a big difference in the difficulty of summiting the mountains mentioned on the list. Kilamanjaro and Kosciusko are both mountains which are accessible to most reasonably fit people and do not really rank in terms of the challenge offered by the other summits. The list also doesn’t reflect that fact that although Kilamanjaro may be the tallest mountain in Africa, K2 (Asia) is arguably the most difficult to climb on the list by far.
Anyone who sets out to climb mountains from the above list will encounter logistical issues including travel, gear, visas and permits – not to mention the inherent difficulties involved in climbing such as weather, crowding (on certain mountains), conflict in certain regions and challenging/technical climbs.
As with all of the EnduranceSource BIG 10, ample planning, preparation and experience is a necessity.