1K4D
In 2022, Matt Cavanaugh completed his 1K4D (One Kidney, Four Deserts) challenge, becoming the first living kidney donor to earn a “Grand Slam”—completing the full Racing the Planet: 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series in a single year.
Not only did he complete all four events, becoming one of only 89 people to ever accomplish the Grand Slam, he finished in the top four in every race, including first place in the Antarctica event. Read his reports from each stage of the race.
About the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series
Widely considered one of the most prestigious footrace series in the world and the ultimate test of human endurance, the 2022 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series consisted of four races:
- Namib Race, Namibia, May 1–7, 2022 Completed, 4th Place Read the press release
- The Caucasus, Georgia, June 19–25, 2022 Completed, 3rd Place Read the press release
- Atacama Crossing, Chile, September 25–October 1, 2022 Completed, 3rd Place
- The Last Desert, Antarctica, November 22–December 1, 2022 Completed, 1st Place
In each race, competitors covered 250 kilometers in seven days over rough terrain with only a place in a tent and water provided. Learn more.
