Adventurers complete 500-mile desert challenge pulling rickshaws

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By Lauren Beavis

Two British adventures have made history by completing a grueling 500-mile desert challenge – pulling rickshaws.

Adam Wilton MBE and Gavin Booth MBE took on the ’The Crescent Crossing’ across the Rub’ al-Khali in Saudi Arabia – the largest continuous sand desert in the world.

The pair carried all their supplies and water, in self-built rickshaw-style carts weighing over 200kg each, in a huge physical challenge to raise funds for a clean water charity.

Both adventurers covered a staggering 780 kilometers in just 22 days, crossing the desert from As Sulayyil to Haradh, via Ash Shalfa.

It was the first time the Ruaal-Khali (known as the ’empty quarter’) has been crossed on foot – on a fully self-sufficient basis.

Adam said: “There was always a high degree of uncertainty as to whether it would be possible to haul a huge amount of weight across the sands.

“The trade-off between weight and speed and having enough water was critical.

“There were times when we had doubts, but we pushed through.”

Gavin added: “We are truly grateful for the opportunity to journey through this incredible landscape and are humbled by the hospitality of those we met along the way.”

The expedition partly covered the historic tracks left by British explorers Wilfred Thesiger and Harry St. John Philby, in the 1930s and 1940s.

However, this is not the first time Adam and Gavin had completed an epic adventure.

Both are experienced adventurers who have completed several expeditions in extreme environments – including an unsupported 2008 expedition from the edge of the Antarctic continent to the Geographic South Pole.

The team has been supporting the UK-based charity Frank Water, which works to alleviate water poverty, enhance health, and promote sustainable water management in India, Nepal, Kenya, and beyond.

Over 19 years, Frank Water has reached more than 500,000 people across 747 vulnerable communities.

The adventurers have self-funded the expedition, ensuring that 100 percent of any money raised goes directly to the charity.

Both Adam and Gavin hope to inspire corporate sponsors and individual donors to support Frank Water’s impactful work, Adam explained: “This journey underscores the critical role of water in human survival and the necessity of sustainable water management.”

Gavin said: “We believe in doing extraordinary things to inspire and give back.”

Khalid Al Rabiah, CEO of Mallah Al-Doroub for Travel and Tourism Company, who provided advice and logistics to the expedition, said he was extremely impressed with the pair for their incredible achievement.

He added: “The Empty Quarter desert is one of the harshest and most difficult environments with a variety of challenging terrain, and it is amazing that Adam and Gavin managed to finish this journey on a completely self-sufficient basic.

“This is a unique achievement, and their persistence and planning paid off.

“Well done Adam and Gavin!”


 

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