For all of the defenders of this "race" and my own "why?", the question doesn't concern the act of doing it.  My question is why the non-event is being broadcast in the news media as some astounding feat setting up an artificial "race".  The intent, to me, is massaging egos, self-gratification, public notoriety and acclaim.  It lacks respect for the moutains and their environment.  The doing it isn't the problem.  If they had done it and shut up about it, I could understand.  Racing around the planet and loudly proclaiming the time factors contributes nothing except the personal glory of the participants and their "sport" idolators.  Walking and observing the flora and fauna of the beautiful area has much more importance for self-enrichment than any race against time and the elements.  Just another "race" like the Iron Dog roaring and distubing the land purely for human egomania.