Fast Lane International’s Global Strategy Manager Completes the Gobi March

Speaking of the challenges he faced, Mark said “After a week of freeze dried food, sleeping on rocky ground, thoroughly battering every joint and square inch of my feet and losing more than 7kg along the way, it was with great enthusiasm that I crossed the finish line in the old city of Kashgar where pizza and Cokes awaited!”

As this was an unsupported race, it challenges the competitor’s mentally as much as it does physically. The demanding conditions make it one of the biggest challenges any athlete can face; so much so that just completing the race is a fantastic achievement.

By day Mark Carmichael is the Global Strategy Manager for Fast Lane International, helping the low-cost express parcel delivery firm to expand and gain help clients throughout the world. However, it is his history in playing professional basketball and not his exceptional business acumen that was required when he arrived in the Kashgar province of China to tackle the Gobi March.
Ultimately Mark finished the race in 91st position from a field of 127. But it isn’t so much the position as the achievement and experience that he celebrated; “All in all, it was a unique experience unlike I have ever encountered. The local culture and its extraordinary people, the many incredible friends made and unforgettable memories made this an event never to be forgotten.”

He was also quick to thank those who had supported him and provided donations to charity thanking “the support of friends, colleagues and complete strangers.” Before finishing by saying “Every cent raised went directly to River of Life, who are more grateful than you will ever know.”

Now back in the day job at Fast Lane and 7kg lighter, Mark is able to reflect upon an outstanding achievement that very few people will ever emulate. Having overcome one of the most challenging races and made over £2,000 for charity, his Gobi adventure has been a fantastic success.