The Organizer

Robert Pollhammer

Until the end of 2002 in my regular job I worked for TUI AG which is one of the world’s leading companies in the tourism industry. I had to handle a variety of different projects, e.g. implementation of the new Masterbrand in the retail organisation, Sponsorship and Innovation Management.

After having been running marathons for a couple of years, I got into adventure racing. I enjoyed this so much that I decided to use the knowledge which I had acquired through my job and combine it with my love for adventure and sports. This way in 2003 my company, the GREAT OUTDOORS, was born.

2003 was also the first year I organised the Yukon Arctic Ultra (YAU) the worlds’s coldest and toughest ultra. Back then I was contracted to work as the Race Director for the first two editions of the original Jungle Marathon in Brazil. In December 2005 I started Racelite.de an online-shop especially for trail runners, ultra runners and people venturing into the Arctic. Almost 20 years after the YAU I also created the Lapland Arctic Ultra, another winter event.

So, it was about time I did something in the summer again. I think the last Brazlian Jungle Marathon took place 2019. It had changed quite a few details over the years and then it stopped.

I met my wife in Santarém 20 years ago. So, I never lost the connection to the region. Also, I tried to follow the Jungle Marathon from a distance to see how it was evolving. Once it became clear that it will likely not come back, I started thinking about organizing a new ultra in Pará, Brazil.

I first contacted ICMBio, the Brazilian government agency in charge of national parks, a couple of years ago. Initial feedback on the idea was positive and so the seed was planted.

Of course, one of my motivations is to simply organize another exciting ultra in a landscape that I find fascinating. However, that’s not the main reason. My main intention is to help the development of eco-friendly tourism. If the people living in these protected forests can generate above average income by welcoming visitors from all over the world, it is a great incentive to preserve the nature around them. All people I talked to – politicians, government officials and community leaders – are well aware of climate change and the crucial role a healthy rainforest plays for all of us. They want to share the beauty of their land with us and make a positive impact. The Rainforest Ultra can and will help them on their way.

See you in Brazil.