Mongolia on Horseback

Tekapo man Dave Murray, 29, now based in Perth, is one of four New Zealanders taking part in the 1000km-long Mongol Derby, which began on August 22 and runs for two weeks. The race follows Genghis Khan’s communication system route to get messages from Mongolia to Eastern Europe in a fortnight, which is the 26 riders’ time-limit. The other three New Zealanders participating are: South Seas Film and Television School director Dave Coddington of Helensville, and London-based women Charlotte Davison and Hannah Ritchie. Murray, who had to lose 12kg to meet the 85kg limit for riders, is raising money for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation which helps homeless Mongolians by providing them with a ger – a traditional Mongolian felt tent. Prior to the race Murray said he was eagerly anticipating the challenge. “I love setting these sorts of goals and throwing myself in the deep end. It’s the sense of adventure, a great opportunity to do something pretty extreme.”