Brazil 135 Ultramarathon

Ray is getting the logistics together for his redemption at the Brazil 135 ultramarathon. Last year was a learning experience and now this year he is returning with a crew (last years attempt was solo) in the hopes to finish in the top 5 if not take the top overall spot. His mileage and training are at the peak so he is looking forward to some redemption. If you are able to provide assistance in this race please contact myself or Ray via this blog.

Here is a brief summary of the race.

January 23rd begins the BR 135 - 2009 Edition. With 135 Miles (217 KM) to be crossed in up to 6 0 hours, BR 135 Ultra is considered Brazil's most difficult foot race. In the heart of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, in the State of Minas Gerais, in the most difficult part of the "Caminho da Fe" (Path of Faith), Brazil 135 Ultra is in its second edition. The "Caminho da Fe" (Path of Faith) is the origin of this race.

BR 135 is part of the 135 Mile World Cup Series -aka- BAD135.

These extreme World Cup Ultra Marathons are already considered some of the most difficult series on the planet. The races that belong to this World Cup are:

Badwater Ultramarathon - race in the desert
Arrowhead Ultra - race in the snow
BR 135 Ultra - race in the mountains

BR 135 Ultra is extremely difficult because it takes place in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, with only 20 km of the 217 km being run without any inclination (so only about 12 of the 135 miles are flat...the rest is all uphill and downhill). Throughout the race the athletes run up and down the total distance of Mount Everest, with more than 10.000m (about 33.000ft) of elevation gain and approximately 9.000m (about 29.000ft) of elevation loss.