ception in the canyon and only two emergency exits are
available. Evacuation from the deep canyon is done via stretcher on foot
or helicopter and vehicles in the later parts of the trail. Emergency
exits can be found:
� prior to Sulphur Springs at 27.650�S 17.609�E
� as a Jeep track at 27.819�S 17.587�E. This leads 10 kilometres further to the main road between Ai Ais and Hobas.
Trail running in the Canyon
Documented
running through the canyon started in 1990. A group of hikers in
running gear attempted to complete the 5 day, 90 kilometer hiking trail
in 24 hours. They achieved their goal in a time of 11hrs 42min. In
August 2003 this time was lowered to 10hrs 54min. Then in August 2012,
after a previously abandoned attempt in 2011, Ryan Sandes completed the
course in 6hrs 57min.
The Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon
A contestant facing one of many technical sections through the Fish River Canyon 27.650�S 17.611�E
Unofficial
running through the canyon has subsequently evolved into the annual
Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon which held its inaugural race on the
27th of August 2011.
This technical marathon follows most sections of the current hiking trail, testing the athlete's capabilities to the extreme.
The
route starts close to Hobas and after a short section on the rim of the
canyon steeply descents 500 meters to river level. Thereafter the
contestants mostly follow the river to Ai Ais. They are allowed to plan
their own routes and take short-cuts through the canyon provided they
reach a number of predefined checkpoints. Shortcuts may greatly reduce
the total distance of the race but may also cost the contestant dearly
in effort.
Due to the remoteness of the trail, all competitors are
required to be self-sufficient for the duration of the event and are
expected to have adequate nutrients as well as
