British ultrarunner makes history in Namibian desert with clean sweep of Global Race Series

Ultrarunner Jon Shield has made history by becoming the first male athlete to win every race in Beyond the Ultimate’s Global Race Series.

His latest triumph came at the Desert Ultra in Namibia, where he tackled 50-degree heat, powerful winds, and relentless deep sand to secure victory across all five stages, completing the 250km course in an impressive total time of 27 hours and 39 minutes.

The Desert Ultra is one of four events that make up the Beyond the Ultimate Global Race Series. It takes on some of the world’s most extreme environments (Jungle, Ice, Mountains and Desert).

Ultra domination

Shield, from Shropshire, dominated the race, winning every stage of the event and showcasing resilience and skill in an environment that had previously defeated him.

Reflecting on his achievement, he said: “It feels great to complete the series, winning every race.

“It’s taken me to some beautiful, far-flung places and extreme environments. From stunning scenery to amazing wildlife and fantastic people, I’ve loved every minute.”

Incredible journey

The Desert Ultra marks the culmination of a six-year journey into ultrarunning for Jon, who began running during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His athletic prowess is deeply rooted in a lifetime of sporting activity, a degree in sports science from Bangor University, and postgraduate work in strength and conditioning.

He says his resilience was forged during his time in the Parachute Regiment, where a nighttime parachute jump left him with severe injuries, leading to his medical discharge.

Despite this setback, he retrained as a paramedic, balancing his career with his passion for running.