I think anyone who runs and finishes a Comrades Marathon deserves a lifetime’s worth of respect, but go ahead and add close to two full marathons to that and you have the Western States Endurance Race.

Regarded as one of the toughest tests of human endurance anywhere on the planet, Hout Bay resident Ryan Sandes has been keen to add this title to his long and illustrious list of achievements.

From the race’s official site:

Following the historic Western States Trail, runners climb more than 18,000 feet [5 500m] and descend nearly 23,000 feet [7 000m] before they reach the finish line at Placer High School in Auburn.

In the miles between Squaw Valley and Auburn, runners experience the majestic high country beauty of Emigrant Pass and the Granite Chief Wilderness, the crucible of the canyons of the California gold country, a memorable crossing of the ice-cold waters of the main stem of the Middle Fork of the American River, and, during the latter stages, the historic reddish-brown-colored trails that led gold-seeking prospectors and homesteading pilgrims alike to the welcoming arms of Auburn.

That’s right – 100 miles (160km) of cross-country running. The mind boggles.

Red Bull have put together a short doccie called Dedicate that captures just how much hard work goes into winning a race like this, so let’s hand over the reins to Ryan himself:

Pretty much need a lie down after watching that.

Congrats, Ryan – one hell of an achievement.

[sources:wser&outsideonline]