The Red Bulletin June 2019

In an attempt to stave off swelling, blisters, infection, trench foot and the loss of toenails, many competitors stashed
fresh socks and medical supplies in drop boxes, which were delivered to checkpoints. “What the Gobi Desert lacks in
endless dusty dunes, it makes up for with perpetually uneven rocks that threaten to macerate feet and eat through trail
shoes," says Poole. "The luxury of a clean pair of socks and some adeptly applied tape can be the difference between
just stepping out the door or climbing onto the bus to the finish.”
With an army of Chinese and international volunteers
manning each of the checkpoints, runners are able to
receive physio and medical treatment to sufficiently
repair injury and any other wear to their bodies. However,
staff are encouraged to turn runners around as quickly
as possible – they have to continue on or succumb to
the threat of DNF (Did Not Finish).
Mandatory survival equipment includes a sleeping bag,
GPS, head torch and medical kit. Runners must carry
sufficient hydration, nutrition and clothing between
checkpoints to endure successive nights in sub-zero
temperatures. “Each night I was wearing everything I had
and until the sun rose I was still freezing,” says Poole.
THE RED BULLETIN 79