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Anne Murray will participate in a 6-day 150-mile race in Chile this spring.
As a runner and adventurer, Anne Murray, RN, is always looking to challenge herself. This March, the Thoracic Surgery ICU nurse will put her mind and body to the ultimate test during the Atacama Crossing, a grueling six-day, 150-mile race through the Atacama Desert, located in the northern region of Chile.
“I started running races a few years ago, and I just kept going and wanted to do more,” said Murray, an avid outdoors person who loves to hike and travel. “I’ve always been drawn to challenging my limits. You’re always amazed when you complete something that you thought was not possible.”
During the race, Murray and other competitors will have to complete at least 20 miles per day. They will also carry on their backs all they will need for the six-day race, including food, medication and sleeping bags.
The race is one of four ultra-marathon “Racing the Planet” competitions that test the stamina of competitors. The three other races are similar in distance and take place in China, Egypt and Antarctica.
In addition to training extensively for the race, Murray is busy raising money to benefit the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, even though participants don’t have to raise money to participate. As a former Emergency Department nurse, Murray has seen first hand how the organization helps victims.
“There’s not a better way to test my limit and help this amazing organization,” said Murray. “When I am out in the desert and think I can’t go another step, it will be thoughts of the support and donations I’ve received on behalf of all the people we are helping that will keep me motivated to walk, run or crawl across that finish line.”