Getting away from ergonomics for a bit, we wanted to update everyone on Blain Davis’ 250km race across the Gobi Desert for the Gobi March 2009.
For anyone who hadn’t read the blog, Blain, a pastor and personal trainer in Edmonton, began the ultra marathon on June 14th, 2009, to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. Blain’s son, Jack, was diagnosed with the disease and was the inspiration for the battle. Jack’s uncle, Carsen Lueck, joined Blain on the 7 day journey across gorges, donkey trails and desert at altitudes reaching 3000 meters. There were times, reading Carsen’s race blog, where each racer was alone in the dark and the only sound was the wind blowing across a barren land.
Tired and sore, the two men successfully finished the ultra marathon. Blain Davis finished in 19th place at a time of 36 hours, 32 minutes and 55 seconds and beat his time from last year’s Sahara Desert ultra of 49:53:27. Carsen’s finishing time was 46:56:26. However, the greatest accomplishment of the race was the awareness and money raised for research funding to help Jack and others battle Cystic Fibrosis. The total funds raised was $51,000.
Congratulations to Blain and Carsen as well as all of you who contributed to the cause. To find out more about Blain and his family, go to www.gobi4cf.com. You can also find out more information about the race at www.4deserts.com.
Keep healthy, be thankful, stay positive.