Hong Kong runner Samantha Chan in fourth place and going strong 88km into the Ultra Gobi

Hong Kong’s Samantha Chan Man-ha is going strong after 88km into the 400km Ultra Gobi race, and lies in fourth place.

Chan entered checkpoint seven after 13 hours 37 minutes, almost an hour behind third place, and 20 minutes ahead of fifth.

The self navigated, self supported non-stop marathon pits runners against the harsh desert environment of the Gobi in Gansu province.

“Samantha is in great spirits, going at a steady pace,” said photographer Lloyd Belcher, who is following the runners.

“She alternates walking and running to conserve energy and strength for the crucial final 100km, which decides who wins the race.”