Sportsguide Multisport Magazine

Ryan Sandes Wins Stage 1 of the Amazon Jungle Marathon

 By Glen on October 12th, 2009

Ryan has done it again – proving he can run in both deserts and junglesJ Ryan won the first stage of the 2009 Amazon Jungle Marathon, beating his nemesis Spanish runner Salvador Calvo Redondo by 5 minutes. Ryan won the 16.3km stage in a time of 2hrs 51min and 55 seconds. I have included some information about the first stage from the race director below for you. If you should need any additional info please visit www.junglemarathon.com.

THE RACE BEGINS – Race Day 1
The day began early with the competitors ready at the starting gate for 7.30am following medical & kit checks. Some raced off at full sprint whilst others began at a more measured pace down the beach towards the first check point.

This first stage of the Jungle Marathon was 15km consisting of swamp crossings and lots of very steep inclines and declines. All of which were sure to test the competitors endurance and stamina, even in the lesser early morning heat.

Gradually athletes began to arrive at base camp and recount their adventures on the day, often with photos accompanying them: a tarantula defeated by a single hornet, boa constrictors with the circumference of a grown man’s thigh and even jaguars with large saucer eyes watching from a distance.

And so the race continued with only one competitor deciding not to go to the end and one unable reach the finish within the time allotted. No serious medical problems were experienced during the race, however after the first arrivals began to rest in their hammocks, the first medical emergency occurred. Three more followed shortly after, with three evacuations to the nearest hospital in Santarem two and a half hours away.

Although one of the emergencies was due to a previously existing medical condition, the others were due to dehydration and too much salt intake. These outcomes should have been prevented with better fluid control and a slower pace in the extreme heat and humidity. A lot of athletes were rightly frightened and concerned by these events.

The second stage tomorrow is longer and consists of further water crossings. All we can hope for is that everyone keeps properly hydrated and stays within their physical limits. Nothing would be better than to see all the remaining competitors continue to the third stage.

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