What is it?
The Libyan Challenge is a non-stop 190 km (about 120 miles) desert foot race by team (3 minimum) or solo, self supported with navigation by road-book and GPS. Each competitor must carry all food, clothes, and mandatory survival gear to complete the course within the 75 hour limit. The event is scheduled for February 22nd through March 1st 2009 near Ghat Libya in North Africa.
Why this race?
If you have been looking for a multi day race in the desert outside of the U.S. where you must rely on your hard earned time-tested wilderness skills, navigation, pacing and endurance; this race is for you. You will be the first Americans to participate in this event and help to kick off the improvement in relations between U.S. and Libya
What is unique about this event?
In recent months diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Libya have improved. Americans can now travel to this country and participate in this event. Our key contact in the U.S. is Rebecca Byerly. She is a journalist who recently participated and reported on similar events in China and other endurance events in Asia. She is actively securing interest by world-wide news agencies CNN and NPR. Rebecca along with up to 9 other Americans will have a chance to participate in the event and bring relations with this country to a new level.
This is the 4th year of the event and reviews by well respected desert endurance runners like Ray Zahab and Sandy McCallum both whole heartedly endorse the event as a well organized and unique adventure.
What does it take to do this race?
Experience in ultramarathons is essential. Additionally, understanding the demands of this kind of environment including sand, wind, heat and rocky terrain which must be navigated over the 190km.
Refined navigational skills using a GPS along with surmounting both physical and mental challenges will contribute to a successful race.
Where is this race and how do I get there?
This race takes place in south western Libya in one of the harshest environments on the planet. Travel from Paris to Ghat, Libya will be by charter airplane and is included in the race entry fee. Lodging and overland travel to get to the starting line in the Akakus region northeast of the city is also included. Hotels pre and post race in Libya are included.
How much does it cost to participate?
The entry fee for the race is 2055 Euros (about $2500 US) including cancellation/repatriation insurance. This is payable by international wire transfer to the organization’s bank.
What’s the deadline for entries?
We got an extension from the race director to get our entries in by December 15th (from November 30th).
How do I get more information about this event?
Visit this web site for more information: http://www.libyanchallenge.com/anglais2.html A quick download of the rules, cost and prize money for leading participants can be found here: http://www.libyanchallenge.com/PDF/reglementenglish2009.pdf
If you are interested in competing (solo or team), please contact Howard Cohen at or Rebecca Byerly at .
Sponsorship – Corporate or Individual
What has changed politically and economically between the United States and the Libyan government?
On November 21, 2008 CNN reported on the historic changes in this relationship. Below is and excerpt from this news article.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Libya has paid $1.5 billion to the families of terrorism victims, overcoming the final obstacle to full relations with the United States, the State Department said Friday.
The payment ends Tripoli's legal liability in U.S. terror cases and paves the way for increased U.S. involvement in the oil-rich nation.
President Bush signed an executive order Friday restoring Libyan immunity from terrorism-related lawsuits and dismissing pending cases over compensation as part of a deal reached this summer.
David Welch, the top U.S. diplomat for the Middle East, who negotiated the agreement, called Libya's rehabilitation from a terrorist nation to a U.S. ally "historic."
….U.S. business executives hope the new relationship will lead to billions of dollars of new investment in Libya, a country rich in petroleum reserves but lacking a developed infrastructure.
How can my company benefit from supporting the first Americans to race the Libyan Challenge?
As economic and political relations improve there are new opportunities for American companies to engage in business with Libya. The U.S. Libyan Challenge Team can create awareness of your company as we travel through the country and meet the Libyan people. The international news coverage of the American athletes will get your company’s name and logo viewed by millions of people across the globe. This is a rare opportunity to promote your brand and will provide support for enhancing your business relationships in Libya and globally.
How can I participate in sponsorship?
There are a number of ways to participate in sponsoring this historic event:
Members of the U.S. Libyan Challenge Team will proudly display your company logo on their shirts, jackets or hats. As the event is documented by race management these images will be displayed on their web site. More importantly, as the story is covered by international news agencies like CNN and National Public Radio (NPR), your company will be promoted through team member endorsements using high definition video, audio and digital photography.
What contribution levels are needed to support the first U.S. team’s participation in the Libyan Challenge?
The U.S. team is working with race management to reduce all costs to participate in this event. The contribution levels needed at this time is to support the 4 members of the core U.S. team. Sponsorship begins at $500 per team member. As more team members are added, the incremental cost for sponsorship of runners is optional but will clearly have a positive impact on company brand recognition, success of the team and also provide funding for talented runners with minimal resources.
Can I support your team with products instead of funding?
Yes. The U.S. team is comprised of experienced endurance athletes and they have most if not all the gear necessary to successfully complete this event. If you have gear or clothing that you believe will support the success of this team, we would like to hear from you. The U.S. team will test your products prior to the race to ensure they will meet the demands of this event. Chosen products will proudly be worn and promoted during the event.
Who do I contact to discuss sponsorship of the first U.S. team to Libya?
Please contact Howard Cohen at or call 805-732-9137