The others in front of him kept his eye on the prize. He would not give up that easily. Shifting from the soft, loose sand, he moved to the thicker, salty saturated sand. The wet sand thunked with every racing step, it was an awkward sound none the less, and he let out a soft chuckle at his own inappropriate thoughts. Moving on this sand was much easier, the ground was able to support his heavy weight, and not bog him down.
Sweat began to roll in rivulets down his muscles now, the hot sun scorching his dark hide. He could feel the heat radiating from his body. It would do him good to find an icy bath for his muscles after this, so he would have to explore the mountains later. His breathing was running ragged now, and he could only hope the end would come soon and fast. But, he had to win, there was no loosing in his book. He just hoped the hoofbeats behind him would not catch up.