JUNGLE

Welcome Marathon

Jungle 64 runners took part this time, most of whom had a singular goal: to get through. For a few elite participants October 2012. Somewhere in the winning is a possibility but for most Brazilian jungle. Shirley Thompson just getting to the finishing line is a is the organiser of one of the triumph. With 254 km of deep jungle toughest ultra running marathons ahead of them, only a few passages in the world. She has just spent are similar to what one would call a six gruelling weeks in the jungle road. A conventional marathon this laying the foundations for perhaps is not. Runners compete not just the biggest test of endurance any with each other, but against rivers, human being can take. swamps, steep mountain passages and dense rainforest. Such a test can The 254 km trail had to be set, sap even the most sturdy resolve and measured, marked, and even every runner has to carry their own more importantly made passable. personal equipment, water and food. Without clearing the way it would be impossible to get through the jungle. Equipment and clothing are crucial In addition, countless discussions for the success in the race. In the with authorities and Amazonian few days of preparation prior to the native communities were had. start of the race, equipment is a hot Shirley Thompson has overseen the topic. Anything which gives a runner jungle marathon since 2004 and on a competitive edge, or even just every occasion the organisation of a greater chance of completion is the event has provided an endurance considered. Some runners even soak test of its own. their running clothes in mosquito repellent overnight. While the main challenge is the distance and terrain, competitors must deal effectively with 99% humidity and daytime temperatures of up to 40C. They must complete distances of between 23 to 108 km per day and running times of more than 15 hours. Anyone not in great shape both physically and mentally will fail.

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If the run itself isnt enough, runners must be prepared for the very real prospect of an encounter with wild animals. Jaguars, snakes, spiders and scorpions all occupy the jungle, where athletes not only run their marathon, but also sleep in hammocks out in the open. And finally, the jungle marathon has one ultimate opponent the runner himself. The UVU Jungle Marathon is a race u versus u, a race against your own head. Safety is paramount for Shirley Thompson and her team. 220 people, including military and experienced medical personnel accompany each section of the race. Via radio they can all communicate with each other and act swiftly should the need arise. Local hospitals even keep beds free in case of emergency.

Approximately five to seven checkpoints are set on each track. There are compulsory breaks of 15 minutes at each checkpoint during the first two days of racing. These are strictly enforced to prevent a threatening rise in body temperature, an issue which has arisen numerous times in recent years hence the creation of this rule. Serious threats to health are ever present, nowhere more so than on the feet of runners. These are permanently wet and the resultant blisters and sores often force runners to give up through sheer pain. By the end of the 2012 jungle marathon, almost half of the participants could proudly boast they had mastered the jungle and made it across the finish line. The winner was Duncan MacRae, who completed the course in a superb time of 39h, 8min. More importantly there were no serious health problems and once rested and recuperated, all participants were keen to come back and start the fight u versus u again next time.

Key data: 254 km of jungle trails 10 days of exquisite agony 220 support staff during the race 23,480 litres of water 450+ blister dressings 22 communities 25 doctors and medical staff 2-3 kg average weight loss 99 % humidity 40C+ temperature 60-70 participants 30+ nationalities 18-69 age of participants 80 % male runners 20 % female runners

Temperatures of up to 40C, distances of 23 to 108 km per day and running times of more than 15 hours require an excellent physical condition and mental strength.

Arrival

Runners gather in the picturesque village of Alter do Cho, known as the Caribbean of the Amazon due to its stunning fluvial river beaches. Many runners arrive several days before the race to acclimatize. The locals watch with amusement as they take to the trails and beaches with heavy backpacks in the midday heat to train.

UVU Jungle marathon Arrival

UVU Jungle marathon Arrival

The medical team arrive laden with every imaginable drug to be able to treat all manner of problems. The main problems tend to be heat exhaustion, high core body temperature, dehydration and foot problems.

Constant wet feet during the race doesnt help and leads to most of the problems. Here at the base camp in Prainha, we have medical and kit checks and briefings on jungle safety and medical care during the event.

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UVU Jungle marathon Arrival

Runners watch and listen to the jungle safety briefing. Running numbers are distributed and everyone undergoes a thorough medical check.

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UVU Jungle marathon Arrival

Basecamp Prainha. Here inhabitants of the local villages prepare food for the support staff, often freshly caught fish. Tucunare is one of the local favourites.

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Day 01

The opening stage is a gruelling 23 km and takes in a taste of everything the jungle can throw at you. There are water crossings, swamp crossings, hideous climbs and descents all in deep jungle. Plus you cross Takuara, one of three indigenous villages in the Flona Tapajos. Watch out for the anacondas.

UVU Jungle marathon Day 01

During our trail preparation this year, we saw a huge anaconda lurking in the swamps. There are any number of creatures lurking in the mud and the water, and there are plenty of ticks.

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Day 02

Stage 2 starts with a deep long water crossing. Runners tend to take off their backpacks and use them as flotation. This means they must ensure the contents of their packs are in waterproof bags. This river is home to all manner of amphibious threats. Caimans, piranha and of course snakes lurk everywhere and can strike at any time.

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It is interesting to note that the locals would not dream of swimming across this stretch of river...

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This is one of the checkpoints on stage 2. Runners take time to cool down or even lie down. The heat and humidity is debilitating so it is vital competitors take time out to rest.

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Another of the checkpoints on stage 2. On stages 1 and 2 there is a compulsory 15 minute rest at each checkpoint so that runners have the chance to cool down and rehydrate.

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Sleeping in a hammock takes a bit of getting used to, but after each stage runners are so drained and in need of rest they can sleep almost anywhere.

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Day 03
The third stage is considered the hardest by most runners. It is 40km and features a series of relentless killer climbs and descents which sap both energy and spirit. Runners also encounter more water, crossing streams deep in the jungle where claustrophobia can set in. Stage 3 finally reaches the deep jungle camp, where armed guards are on hand due to the high population of jaguar in the vicinity. Runners often hear and smell the jaguar during this stage but must ignore their very real threat.

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The climbs and descents are so steep that runners are faced with a challenge just to stay on their feet.

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Foot problems can often be so severe that runners are forced to abandon the race. The medical team work hard at providing footcare but sometimes even their expertise and toil are not enough. The pain of running or walking on blistered, saturated feet is almost unbearable.

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Day 04

After a night at the deep jungle campsite, runners embark on their fourth day. This stage covers about 13 km of primary jungle before a testing 1 km water descent in a fast flowing stream. The stage is followed by swamps village trails and the finish at one of the most picturesque fluvial beaches

UVU Jungle marathon Day 04

While reptiles and dangerous fish are a threat even in shallow water, another hazard comes in the shape of tree trunks under the surface which can cause nasty injuries to the shins and ankles of runners. However, the water provides a welcome opportunity to cool down. This eventually gives way to a final kilometre of muddy swamps, where runners need once again to be very vigilant as there are many snakes.

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UVU Jungle marathon Day 04

Roberto Bezerra is in charge of communications and it is the role of he and his military team of 18 to ensure maximum radio coverage during the race.

Race Director Shirley Thompson.

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Tape is applied by the medical team where the contsant friction from a heavy back pack has taken its toll.

At times of exhaustion, simple cognitive tasks can become more difficult. Even stopping to remove backpacks from waterproof bags following a river crossing can be testing.

As another grueling day comes to a close, runners can boost morale by collecting supportive emails from home which have been printed out by the media team.

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Day 05
This stage is the longest at 108.22km. It takes runners through a varied series of challenges. It takes in deep jungle, villages and hamlets, mangroves, rivers, a lagoon and more riverside beaches. The Children from Porto Novo village watch the race with interest. Each village feels a part of the event and are encouraged to get involved. Some help with preparation with others manning the checkpoints or providing vital hot water.

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CP5 is an important check point of this stage of the jungle marathon. It represents a milestone for all participants as they need to arrive here by 3pm to avoid the dark zone. If they fail to each CP5 before 3pm they are obliged to remain there until 6am when day breaks.

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Medics check the runners and give their support after such a long stage.

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Day 06
This is the final stage. By this point most runners are injured and exhausted but they must battle on as the end is in sight. While the distance is comparatively short at 22km, the previous six days of endurance have now begun to take their toll. This stage takes in more fluvial beaches. While this may provide a picturesque finale for runners, the reality is the temperature is around 35C and shade is hard to come by. Most runners find themselves limping towards the finish line in Santarem and while pain is an ever-present enemy, euphoria soon takes over.

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Tears, exhaustion and euphoria are a heady mix which is soon joined by ice cold beer and vital food for refuelling. Those who are fortunate enough to complete the race can have lunch and relax in the knowledge they have taken on the trio of nature, other runners and indeed themselves and achieved a life affirming feat. They can celebrate their accomplishment at the finish party at Casa de Saulo later that evening.

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Duncan MacRae won The Jungle Marathon 2012. Having not taken part in a competitive marathon for five years, this was an even greater achievement. His victory was unexpected. The Jungle Marathon follows its own rules and the success depends on many variable factors. As lucky winner and UVU ambassador, Duncan recalled how he not only took part at the hardest running race of the world, but won it.

UVU: Why did you choose running through the jungle and was it your first running-experience of that kind? Duncan MacRae: I had been looking for a personal challenge for some time and I first heard about The Jungle Marathon whilst working on a photo shoot for the race sponsor, UVU. I immediately knew that it was a challenge I had to do and I was fortunate enough to be offered a place by UVU as one of their brand athletes. UVU: How did you prepare yourself for the challenge and how long did you train for? DM: I had just three and a half months to prepare for the race and so I had to cram in lots of training in a short space if time. My first goal was to get up to running the marathon distance as quickly as possible. I then set myself a number of goals to help me be competitive in the race, like doing all my training runs with a backpack, running as often as possible on consecutive days to prepare for the multi-day format. I managed to wet my feet on runs wherever possible to prepare for racing with wet feet due to the jungle humidity and river crossings. I also tried to build up the furthest distance I could run in preparation for the 100km long stage - I managed to get up to about 75km. And, of course, I did lots of hill training sessions.

Above all that physical training, I tried to learn as much as I could about the race and the best equipment to take. This included reading Mark Hines book The Jungle Marathon and speaking with as many previous competitors as possible.

After the long stage I allowed myself to believe that I could win.
UVU: Which were the biggest difficulties for you before, during and after the race? DM: The biggest difficulty before the race was judging how to train as hard as possible without getting injured or sick. Fortunately I managed to avoid any set backs and I hit most of the goals I set myself before the race. One of the biggest challenges during the race was carrying and drinking the right amount of water. Its easy to become dehydrated without realising and I had a scary moment on day 3 when I ran out of water and really suffered as a result. My legs became very swollen after the race (I sat on the floor with my feet raised on my seat for most of the flight home) and I had a cut to my leg that became infected, which Im still taking antibiotics for.

UVU: Which was the longest running day, how long did you run? DM: The longest day was day 5 and it was the day I knew would be the biggest challenge. It was over 100km and a tricky route through swamps, dense jungle, up hills, across rivers and through the day and night. I think it took me about 19 hours and Ill never forget a half hour river swim in the dark after 15 hours of continuous running!

UVU: Did you see Jaguars or any other kind of wildlife? How were your feelings about that neighborhood? DM: I didnt see any jaguars, although I did smell them a few times - they mark their territory and it smells like the zoo! I did see lots of spiders and a large snake. Being bitten by a snake was a big concern for me as I knew it would be the end of my race and so I chose to run with snake guards to protect UVU: Did you ever expect winning my legs. I would highly recommend the race? them to future entrants. DM: I wanted to run well to thank UVU for putting their faith in me, UVU: How important is the right but it was impossible to predict how equipment in such an extreme well I would run - I had never raced environment? in the unique jungle conditions DM: I cant emphasise enough the before. After the first few stages I importance of the right equipment knew that winning was a possibility, for The Jungle Marathon. I spent but one bad day can completely lots of time researching the best change your position and so it equipment and I was was very was only after the long stage that lucky to be able to use the latest I allowed myself to believe that I UVU jungle prototypes to race in. could win. UVU: What did you find most UVU: What was your time? impressive about your journey? DM: My accumulative time was 39 DM: It would have to be a hours, 8 minutes. combination of things: The incredible bond that develops between all the competitors, the beauty and magnificence of the rainforest, the fighting spirit shown by all the finishers to complete the toughest footrace in the world! And, for sure, Shirley Thompson managing to organise such an awesome race, despite so many obstacles to overcome.

UVU: How much weight did you lose? DM: I didnt weigh myself after the race, but my friends and family back home all commented on how much weight I had lost. UVU: Was it an adventure you would like to repeat? What are your next plans? DM: The Jungle Marathon is by far the hardest thing Ive ever doneits the ultimate test of physical and mental strength and endurance and Im sure its a challenge Id like to repeat in the future. I dont have any immediate plans, but the UVU Vietnam Jungle Marathon is tempting!

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Race location: TAPAJS NATIONAL FOREST

The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation - ICMBio - is a federal agency linked to the Ministry of Environment of Brazil, responsible for the management, monitoring and protection of 312 This cultural richness is also units of existing nature conservation represented by more than 3000 in Brazil. traditional inhabitants - riverside populations with cultural habits The Tapajos National Forest is an themselves - who live in 23 important nature conservation unit communities in the region since located in the Amazon, specifically before the creation of the unit. the banks of the Rio Tapajs region of Par Part of this population - Traditional and Indigenous performs Founded in 1974, the Tapajs sustainable forest management in National Forest is a federal an area specially reserved for this conservation unit that houses purpose - with less than 5% of the the mos scientific research in the total area of the unit. This reference Amazon Biome - 91 studies in 2012 management is successful in Brazil (SISBIO, 2012). and Latin America and moves almost R $ 4,000,000.00 per With approximately 527,000 year. This feature is in the unit and hectares - more than 150 miles assists in the development of social of beaches - the unit has a great protection and the Tapajos National diversity of landscapes: rivers, Forest. lakes, wetlands, land, hills, plains, forests, fields, palm heart areas, etc... Forest cover is strongly preserved, the Rio Tapajos with its green warm, fresh waters , and the enormous scenic beauty of the region make the Tapajs National Forest one of the most visited protected areas in northern Brazil.

Besides the environmental qualities of the Tapajs National Forest it also presents significant sociocultural richness, represented by approximately 500 indigenous Ethnicity Munduruku divided into three villages - Bragana, and Marituba, Takuara.

Today the Tapajs National Forest is one of the units most prosperous and proteceted nature conservation reas in the Amazon, with a wide range of activities - including sports - including the maraton da selva JUNGLE MARATHON! Finally, now that you know a little more of the Tapajs National Forest, may I extend this opportunity to invite you to discover it - in person - this amazing piece of Amazonia! Sincerely, FBIO MENEZES DE CARVALHO Head of the Tapajs National Forest - ICMBio

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