Ray Zahab

Ray Zahab is a Canadian explorer, ultra-distance runner, and entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the world of adventure and expedition travel. Here's an overview of his remarkable journey and achievements:

Background and Transformation

Ray Zahab's story is one of personal transformation. At the age of 30, he was a pack-a-day smoker leading an unhealthy lifestyle.1 However, he made a dramatic change, discovering a passion for outdoor activities such as climbing, mountain biking, and trail running.2 This newfound love for adventure would set the stage for his future expeditions and career.

Notable Expeditions

Ray has undertaken numerous challenging expeditions across the globe:

• In 2006, he completed a 7,500 km, 111-day crossing of the Sahara Desert on foot.12
• He has run over 17,000 km across the world's deserts.1
• In 2010, Ray and Kevin Vallely ran 650 km across the frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia in 13 days.1
• In 2011, he became the first person to run the length of the Atacama Desert in Chile, covering 1,200 km in 20 days.1

Accolades and Recognition

Ray's contributions to exploration have earned him several prestigious honors:

• Recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada.1
• Explorer in Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.1
• Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.1
• Recognized as one of Canada's Top Explorers by Canadian Geographic in 2015.1
• Awarded the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 2024.1

Philanthropic Endeavors

In 2008, Ray founded impossible2Possible (i2P), a non-profit organization that aims to inspire and educate youth through adventure learning.15 The organization provides free expeditions to young people aged 16-21, combining adventure with educational experiences that are shared with classrooms worldwide.2

KapiK1 Expedition Co

In the fall of 2018, Ray co-founded KapiK1 Expedition Co with close friends.1 The company's goal is to offer people the opportunity to join adventure travel-based expeditions to regions that Ray and his team have previously explored.14 As a co-founder and guide, Ray brings his vast experience to create unique, once-in-a-lifetime expeditions for adults, essentially offering adult versions of the impossible2Possible youth expeditions.23

Ray Zahab's journey from an unhealthy lifestyle to becoming a world-renowned explorer and expedition leader is truly inspiring. Through his various roles and initiatives, he continues to push the boundaries of human endurance while also focusing on education and inspiring others to pursue their own adventures.