The race, which is seen as the most challenging known to man, raised more than US $ 10 million for water shortage relief in Africa. It also led to a rare mention on the UN website of non-member Taiwan--Lin's victory brought Taiwan global attention, thus creating a "sports diplomacy" effect.
這項堪稱近代人類在地表上最大冒險的挑戰，不僅為解決非洲水資源問題募得了上千萬美元的經費，聯合國網站也相當罕見地提到沒有會員資格的台灣並介紹林義傑，讓台灣再度以「體育外交」方式躍上國際舞台。