Relentless forward progress: My 250km Namib Desert Challenge

Hi

I’ve always been excited by impractical, impossible challenges. At 16, long before Strava, I cycled 630km from Johannesburg to Durban, finishing on the iconic Down Comrades Marathon route. Adventure later led me to hike the Drakensberg ranges and the iconic Otter Trail.

In New Zealand, I embraced triathlons, cycling, and open-water swimming, including the 160km Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge, the 4km Mauao Swim, and the Huka Extreme River Swim.

During the COVID lockdown, while studying for my teaching degree, Jeff Pelletier’s trail-running films lit the spark to run. A string of fractures delayed my plans, but also strengthened my resolve to keep moving toward. Jeff's Racing The Planet Namibia films fused my love of the Namib Desert, unforgettable family adventures there, a near-fatal misadventure, and a deep gratitude for a second chance at life.

When self-doubt crept in, Zach understood. At 69, he was still taking on desert races himself. He gently and steadily encouraged me, saying, “Karen, you’ve got this — in fact, your journey has already started. You've got to do this.” Sadly, my friend passed away before he could return to Namibia, the one desert race he hadn't yet finished, so now it's about honouring second chances, rebuilding after setbacks, and remembering that at 62, age and loss don't define me.

With a little help, I will give it everything I have — for my family, for Zach, for the desert, and for anyone who needs reminding that it is never too late to begin again.