About the Marathon Des Sables

The MdS is a 6 day / 230km endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, normally taking place at the end of March / beginning of April.

During this time the competitors (myself included!) have to carry all food, cooking equipment, food, survival equipment, etc over ground ranging from sand dunes to uneven rocky ground in temperatures upto 120°F.

Why I'm running the Marathon des Sables

Having been running now for over 17 years (and got the numerous T-shirts to prove it) I have finally decided to call it a day, but not before I lay one last ghost to bed namely the MDS...............

Whilst running has played a major part in my life I feel that it is time to give my body a break and return to a more `normal' way of life (ie. remembering what it is like to be able to lay-in bed on a Sunday morning, being able to eat and drink when I like, not having to walkaround with a bag of frozen peas strapped to my achilles after a long run etc....)

Throughout my running career I have always felt the lure of the MDS primarily I suppose because it is, `as it says on the tin' THE HARDEST FOOTRACE ON THE PLANET and secondly if I gave up running without ever attempting the MDS I would forever be asking myself whether or not I could of completed the race.

I have for some time attempted to persuade/cajole/conscript fellow club members to join me on my little `jolly' to southern Morocco but have always been amused as to how quickly the subject changes to the local 10k or similar (you know who you are!!)

Running has taken me all over the world and I have made some good friends through the sport. I feel quite privileged to of been an active member of some truly fantastic running clubs most notably Stragglers in Kinston-upon-Thames and Poole Runners in Dorset.

I may not be one of the running elite, however, I have run to what I believe to be a good standard and achieved all that I possibly can whilst enjoying every moment of it. What better way to go out than completing the MDS..............

Ps. anyone seen my bucket and spade?

Running Biography:-

• South Downs Way 80
• Comrades Marathon (55 miles)
• London Marathon (x5)
• Paris Marathon
• New York Marathon
• Race The Train
• Grizzley
• 50 + Half Marathons

Links

• www.saharamarathon.co.uk - More information about the MdS (you could run it too!)
• www.facingafrica.org - Helping to cure and prevent NOMA (official charity of the MdS in 2003)
• www.darbaroud.com - The organizers of the MdS
• www.bestofmorocco.co.uk - Tailor-made trips to Morocco (marathon not compulsory)