On day four of the GOBI ULTRA 400, after the men’s podium was determined the previous day, the lady winner was also decided. Zheng Junyue, already last year’s fastest, triumphed in the competition, which is still in full swing even after the first eight out of 55 runners have arrived. The athletes have until 18:30 local time on Thursday to complete the 400 kilometres.
With a time of 92 hours, 24 minutes and 55 seconds, Junyue fell well short of her performance last year, but still secured victory in the women’s competition and fifth place overall.
In the mixed zone at Gobi Spring, the Chinese athlete said: ‘I value my success this year more than last year’s victory. Twelve months ago, the motto was ‘fast, fast, fast’. But this year, first place wasn’t even the main focus. I wanted to enjoy ULTRA GOBI. I took photos, chatted with volunteers and friends along the route and was really happy in this unique landscape. This is the real Gobi!’
‘Just under 40 kilometres before the finish line, I knew I was going to win. Sometimes I was in the flow; sometimes the saying applied: ‘If you face something strong, you get stronger.’”
About two hours later, John William Carey and Lucy Schodell reached the finish line together.
Carey said: ‘I’ve never felt better than I do right now. Lucy and I are like brother and sister; we run together a lot. When we signed up for the ULTRA GOBI 400, we knew we’d be competing and enjoying the race together from start to finish.’
Schodell finished seventh overall and second in the women’s classification, completing the race in 94 hours, 27 minutes and 58 seconds.
“I didn’t actually expect a podium finish. We worked hard throughout the race and enjoyed it at the same time.”
‘There were some difficult moments, too. The second night was very cold; we got lost in the mountains, climbed unnecessary elevation and saw a large lake that wasn’t marked on any map.’
Carey and Schodell emphasised the outstanding organisation and work of the volunteers. ‘They were so friendly and helpful at all the checkpoints and aid stations.’
He Zheng was the best Chinese male athlete to reach the finish line at Gobi Spring in eighth place. He is from Gansu and said, “My father died a few months ago, so I dedicate this race and this finish to him. My whole family has always been very supportive of my running.”
Text Credits: Egon Theiner
