VIDEO: Every year, hundreds of people apply to take part in a historical horse race in Mongolia called the Mongol Derby, and for the first time ever an Iowan is making the cut.
The 1,000 kilometer race is based off the same messaging system used by Genghis Khan around the 1200s.
Cedar Rapids firefighter Shelby Van Weelden is one of around 40 international riders chosen to participate in what some people say is the longest and toughest horse race in the world.
"It was almost that imposter syndrome that you feel where it's like, 'oh my gosh what am I doing here, how did I end up in this position?'" Shelby said.
She came across the Mongol Derby on a Facebook post five years ago and after applying in 2022, she was finally chosen for the ride at the start of 2023.