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Costa Mano Online News Editor

A ZIMBABWEAN ultra-marathon runner, Mabasa Mubatapasango, will on Sunday be taking part in one of the biggest races on the planet — the Namib Race — which is part of the 4 Deserts Series. 

The 4 Deserts Series is widely recognised as the most prestigious outdoor footrace series in the world. 

The series consist of the Namib Race (Namibia), the Gobi March (Mongolia), the Atacama Crossing (Chile) and The Last Desert (Antarctica). 

Competitors in the races traverse 250km in seven day, over rough country terrain, with only a place in a tent and water provided. 

They are supported by highly qualified staff, all with experience in hiking, marathons and ultra-marathons, as well as medical teams, specialising in wilderness medicine. 

Mabasa before his weight loss transformation

Mubatapasango said he was looking forward to the gruelling test, adding he only started running to lose weight, but ended up becoming an ultra-marathon athlete. 

“I have a huge task ahead as I plan to finish all the four Ultra races,’’ he told The Herald. 

“What started, for me as a weight loss exercise after having survived a sleep apnea experience that almost took my life, led me to this amazing race. 

“Above everything, I’m proud to be representing my country, and my aim is to put Zimbabwe on the international platform, through sport, and showcase the beautiful destinations that the country has to offer. 

“It is also part of my dream to bring the race (as a roving race ) to Zimbabwe.” 

According to the event organiser, RacingThePlanet, the Namib Race is a seven-day, 250km footrace that takes place within the oldest desert and the largest dunes in the world. 

Through the seven days, competitors experience some of the most stunning and iconic, desert landscapes. 

The course takes one through amazing desert scenery, including wide-open red plains, scattered mountain outcrops, huge expanses of dramatic sand dunes and moon-like landscape. 

Then, there are the Atlantic waves, crashing against the sandy desert shoreline, and a fascinating array of plants and animals.