Desert Ultra | An Ultra Running Documentary

The Desert Ultramarathon is an epic trail race held each year in Namibia by Beyond the Ultimate Race Series.
This trail running documentary follows a multi-national group of runners as they race across 250km of burning hot Namib desert trail over 5 days. With temperatures that regularly hit 50°c/120°F, no rest days, and a final stage which is over 90km/50 miles in length, this race takes every ounce of strength the runners have as they grind their way to the finish line, all whilst carrying every bit of equipment, food and medical kit they need to survive.
For the first time in the race's history, Beyond the Ultimate let a film crew behind the scenes to follow the journey of the runners and the race team as they battle their way through boiling rocky valleys, desolate sandy river beds and highly protected conservation areas that support desert-adapted animals such as Zebras, Elephants, and even Rhinos.
The finish line is notoriously hard to reach but once there, the runners can claim to be one of the few.
Learn more about the race at bit.ly/Desert2020
Film by Ryan Lovejoy | www.outpost9films.com
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[@DistinctMagic]

Love that ex forces blokes attitude, cheerful in the face of adversity sums it up!

[@richt3993]

Thats the Royal Marines for you!

[@chrisrnz]

Holy hell, the cinematography in this is just something else. Absolutely beautiful footage, beautifully edited.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Thanks!!

[@DeanRead]

What an event, the documentary is beautifully shot.

[@jamestrystan]

Awesome Doc guys!

[@blipdriver]

Sooooo, it looks like my bucket list just got a little longer.

[@jimhigham]

Wow! I mean really. Just... wow! What an event. What a film. That’s truly incredible. I’m in training for the For Rangers Ultra but it suddenly feels like a Sunday afternoon stroll by comparison. Huge kudos to the competitors and organisers.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

For Rangers is no easy ride either Jim! Glad you enjoyed the film. We look forward to seeing you in the future!

[@richt3993]

I like the fact the ex-forces guy is built because I have recently started getting into the ultra world and have a similar physique. Most of the people I see are very slim and whilst I am under no illusion that I am going to 'place', it is nice to see similar guys getting into the sport (which is scarily akin to 'larger ladies' looking for role models in fashion magazines lol!!)

[@fastinradfordable]

Oh poor you and your big sexy muscles Julian

[@adamkimble818]

So rad! Kudos to everyone involved and to Ryan Lovejoy for putting together an amazing film! See you in the Desert!

[@shonviper]

Chammmp

[@gtc262]

Pretty damn inspiring - on the bucket list for sure.

[@reprobate337]

Respect to everyone who attempted this! Great film

[@abdullahbangash1960]

Salute to all participants Hats off to Beyond the Ultimate

[@paullanyi516]

They're All Winners . . : >) . . Namibia very cool terrain . .

[@cebestre17]

i love it, the ruuners are strong incredible.... some day maybe

[@SirBrickzAlot]

Amazing footage

[@jacosteyn9031]

Very well put together. Awesome

[@peterlee208]

Waiting for the mountain ultra. I'm training for it everyday! 😁😁

[@philcloete]

Fantastic race

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

That's a great film showing what looks to be an awesome adventure! 👍🏃

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

thanks! Glad you enjoyed the film

[@makingmemark]

Incredible event and magically documented - bravo!

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Thanks Mark!

[@markwalsh6714]

Brilliant film to watch. Amazing footage.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Thanks Mark

[@MikeSmith-pk4rz]

Tempting and very scary at the same time :) :).

[@jamesfield9600]

Looking forward to settling down and watching this Friday night!

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

bring the popcorn!

[@michaelkeecho7589]

Incredible and Inspirational! God Bless You Athlete’s! May The Lord Walk With You Always!

[@GokuRunner]

Damn how many people were filming. Really nicely put together.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Just the one mainly. The amazing Ryan Lovejoy at Outpost 9!

[@bajaboy27]

Very nice 👍 I reckon they're all ready to come cross Death Valley from its north end to the South at the town of Baker CA.. cheers 🍻

[@LifeWithVinceLuu]

So awesome and inspiring. Can't wait to get some more ultras under my belt!

[@jeff2231963]

nice job guys! inspiring

[@augustshadow9578]

i am totally watching this for an 8th grade assignment

[@russelljackson3687]

Fantastic documentary guys. Brought back some great memories from 2017 and I can’t wait to take on my next BTU race sometime soon! :-)

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

We cant wait to have you back to Rusty!!

[@arjobeer914]

Merci beaucoup for being so ultra-fantastic guys !

[@kunalsharma2116]

My Dream race.... Huge respect for all the participants

[@LoVE.B.]

This is for the mind. Goals..

[@runhanrunnl]

Wow. Hats of to the runners, and support crew.

[@monkeyx01]

Friday night viewing sorted. Just need some beers!

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

That is actively encouraged

[@susanjane4784]

Wednesday night and a mug of tea. Being sober to witness this race is a must!

[@iancharles6691]

One day I am going to take part in an ultramarathon too... very motivating

[@Xenophlanes]

The marathon looks amazing, great shots from the drone! great camera work and what awesome music used!

[@Chief_Red_Cloud]

Bravo racers & crew♨

[@mariuslekkerkerk]

Great story. Epic race, Top athletes. I'm to old but like to see others do it. Keep the stories coming.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Thanks Marius. Age is but a number!

[@tuathaigh-aa]

Ultramarathoners tend to be really old actually. The average age is 45. Many get into it in middle age. So maybe you're not too old!

[@BlacksOnline]

Absolutely incredible!

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Thanks for joining us @blacks_online.

[@jovienarciseph]

Wow! This is awesome!

[@agooddaytorun9237]

Amazing cinematography and nicely told story. Love this. I want to sign up someday.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

We will keep that medal to one side for you

[@joshcolbert5613]

Ive noticed the support in these things great to see.

[@mariposaqueen5955]

My hat off, I would love to do this race

[@irisnan3666]

The sun will stop shining before he loses his positivity 😂

[@KrisKingy]

So excited for this!

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

So are we!

[@migscaff]

Am so into these ultra ❤❤❤❤

[@eduardherak8599]

Super hrdinové super borci 👍👍👍🏃‍♀️❤️❤️❤️🌞🌞🌞

[@INKAFESTfilms]

We are waiting!!!

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Welcome guys!

[@willroberts1429]

Bring. It. On!

[@joelouden6592]

This is iNsAniTy. I ran 2 miles recently in cool weather, I hated EVERY second of it, and I never want to do it again. I can't imagine doing 15-20 times that in searing desert heat and then doing it day after day. That looks like a nightmare.

[@2spoons]

Fabulous, exhausting and overwhelming run but well done..... what next! 😂

[@paudyo]

Just. Class.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Thanks Paudy!

[@2spoons]

Well its definitely on my bucket list.... unless this the Marathon des Sables..... then I wish my family would back me as this is also on my bucket list (my list is so long)... lol if you ve been in a coma your life becomes such a challenge (again)!!

[@Dougbanks7]

Awesome work team BTU - you’ve almost tempted an 800m runner to sign up 😂

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

That's only like 5million 800m's isn't it?

[@anthonyjouannic3980]

Looking forwaaaaaard to it !!

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

SO RAD!!!

[@joannei.s.299]

Amazing

[@MW-xx4cc]

You know these people are tough as nails when a 22km run in the heat uphill is considered a rest day!

[@MikeSmith-pk4rz]

Just: WOW

[@RunWithConor]

$2500 to enter the race... someone fund me lol

[@KcirnaS31]

one day!

[@MaryLegaspi-v6w]

WOW!!!!

[@dryoutube]

Man versus fear!

[@Jan2010new]

Is there a shot of Wim Steenkamp of Namibia? He placed first in this 2019 race per the Canadian magazine "Running Magazine", being the first Namibian to do so. I'm guessing he didn't agree to be part of the documentary?

[@HonestAbe122]

5:42 that guy looks cool to hang out with.

[@carolinegladwell7855]

I've read ultras are bad for you... Watching this scares me... Bloody machines though!!!

[@aeortiz2004]

Just a question: Who's age is the oldest person finishing this race?

[@jassaljs]

Lovely 🍻

[@johngardner1898]

Music track way too loud. But with volume turned down, the scenes are visually attractive.

[@susanjane4784]

I was constantly turning the volume up to hear voices and down for the music. But the photography and the runner were awesome. I need to find some Namibia for my desktop pattern.

[@jamesvenice3086]

Such a basic thing to fuck up. So frustrating.

[@sigmatau8231]

brutal...

[@arvidfotos]

Is this the well-known Sahara Race Namibia???

[@Rayvo1985]

Why is only like 20 people running? Such a small group?

[@AllThingsZz]

What packs did they use?

[@FifalianaFR]

How do these people still manage to look cool 😂

[@Makalu2010]

I'll be watching with some lukewarm regurgitated porrige and a sandy plastic bottle of hot squash.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Ahh the desert ultra classic

[@crawfordstrat]

Stewart household Friday takeaway will be replaced with Firepot Orzo Bolognese! MRS Stewart tells me I’m not allowed to watch it, as it will only make me want that hat trick.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

No one has ever done it three times Archi. Just saying. Also. We are team posh pork and beans.

[@crawfordstrat]

Beyond The Ultimate oh no, challenge accepted! 2021 desert podium or bust! Can you put an embargo on speedy runners?

[@terryboardman789]

So are these athletes carrying their camp gear?

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Everything but the tents they sleep in!

[@lauren9373]

Who's the ex marine guy? 😍

[@africarain1671]

Again. The loud distracting music. Takes away from why we even trail run to begin with, the silence and solace of nature. Please stop putting all this loud obnoxious music on trail running documentaries.

[@AK-jh4us]

what the name of the tents?

[@alexmontoya120]

Hell man "........hell

[@planck10-43]

28:22 that's what she said..

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Great spot!

[@ryanlovejoy]

Hahaha best comment

[@richt3993]

Ha ha ha - well spotted on that comment!! Must watch an episode of The Office now!

[@tombateman101]

i assume these are just rich london people? seems like an expensive holiday.

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

We have had postmen, new mums, marines, electricians and many more types of people sat next to millionaires and royalty. Everyone is treated the same and the beauty of the events is the environment doesn't care how much you earn. No more expensive than a safari or a guided tour. Alot cheaper than if you was to try and do it yourself.

[@tombateman101]

@@BeyondTheUltimateRaces I could probably have just looked on your website to be fair. £2500 probably isn't that much compared to some of these "challenges" still out of my reach mind.

[@susanjane4784]

Some people spend that much on their vacations every year. Others go to college and spend far more. It all depends on what your priorities are. I follow Barkley which costs $1.65 and some of those competitors have plenty of money while others drive halfway across the US to be there.

[@killerpize99]

Someone knows name of song from 1:00?

[@o.mendez1255]

The Adventurer by Farrell

[@o.mendez1255]

Wooten

[@xelionizer]

Next up; The Lunar Ultra without oxygen.

[@hacker4chn841]

Looks like a great race. Damn shame it's £2500! And that's probably before the cost of flying out there. I mean bloody hell. For that price I could do Badwater, one of the US 200 milers and just about any 100 miler.

[@richt3993]

4:20 41 Degrees C. ***k me.....

[@lestudio76]

Why 🤷‍♀️

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

Why not?

[@lestudio76]

Beyond The Ultimate the video sort of explains that

[@BeyondTheUltimateRaces]

lestudio76 😁

[@PrimeMatt]

Apart from the constant fucking adverts, it was decent.

[@noname-bt9ky]

Ultra runners are psychopaths lol