Racing the Planet!

About the Atacama Crossing 2011 (6 - 12 March 2011) - http://www.atacamacrossing.com

The Atacama Crossing is one of the four races that comprise the world renowned 4 Deserts series of 250km, rough-country footraces. The race takes place in Chile’s stunning but brutal Atacama Desert, which is the largest cold coastal desert, and the driest place on Earth. The Atacama is a rainless plateau hemmed in between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, and is a unique landscape of salt lakes, volcanoes, lava flows and sand dunes, that challenges even the best runners. The Atacama Crossing is grueling not only because of the forbidding terrain which is rarely flat underfoot, and a harsh climate, but also because of the altitude that averages 2500m (8000ft) during the race.

Thanks to Suresh for highlighting this endurance race which is part of the world renowned 4 Deserts rough country foot-race. Trust our mainstream newspapers to announce to Malaysians the success of its sons who have made the country proud in their  own way. Our tabloid-like papers seem to be more interested in reporting R-rated news which excite the masses. They must have overlooked this race as they scurry along to venture into private lives of private individuals doing private things with their privates in the privacy of their private bedrooms.

Dr Tan Tah Ming

Two Malaysians successfully completed this physical and psychologically grueling challenge. And for your information, both of them are over 55 years old. Dr Jagjit Singh Sidhu, a 57 years young (2nd oldest participant) Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon from Kuala Lumpur, taking part in this 250 km race for the first time, completed the task in 69h 35m 35s (83rd place). Unconfirmed news suggested that he is  also holder of law degree. Another doctor, Dr Tan Tah Ming, a 55 years young GP in Kuala Lumpur, also completed the trail in 73h 55m 16s to clinch the 87th place. His 'athletic vitae' include participation in Marathon des Sables (a race across Sahara Desert in Morocco) and multiple Ironman contests in Malaysia and Hawaii.
To both these participants, many salutations and felicitations. All the best for the rest of the remaining races! Malaysia Boleh!