14 days to run 1390km around the Iceland Ring Road. That’s the challenge ultra-marathon runner, Ryan Keeping, faced for a new World Record.
Heading into a cross-section of the country’s shifting terrain, the experiences felt, seen, and heard were endless. Tearing through the Eldhraun Lava Field, surpassing Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Iceland’s legendary twin waterfalls, navigating the winding roads of East Fjords, and catching sight of the Krafla Volcano.
It was anything but easy.
Tackling dangerous roads at nightfall, continuing on through relentless winds or heavy downpours, and the physical strain that comes with covering 90-110km distances one day after another. The left side of the body failing, the wearing down of shoe soles, the weather-induced lung issues, and the sleep deprivation, to name just a few.
But there was never a question of finishing. For Ryan, getting to the end knowing he’d left everything he had on the road behind him was a victory in itself.
“The purpose was always bigger than just completing a run. It was a test of the human spirit, how much you can physically and mentally endure while still moving forward until the mission is complete.
It was the highest of highs, the lowest of lows, and everything in between.”
