<p>What? &ndash; Six marathons in seven days...<br /> Where? &ndash; Sahara desert (Morocco)...<br /> When? &ndash; April 2011...<br /> Who? &ndash; Me...<br /> Why? &ndash; please see below...<br /><br /> The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is an amazing organisation that not only helps clear the remnants of human conflicts worldwide (i.e. landmines) but also helps rebuild the communities and lives that have been shattered by the randomness and cruelty of war. Whilst travelling through South East Asia in 2005, I saw the effects of their work first-hand and have nothing but awe and respect for the job that they do. You can read more about the charity at http://www.maginternational.org/about/<br /><br /> I have the opportunity to make a difference by helping to financially support their cause. I have accepted the challenge of competing on their behalf in the 2011 'Marathon des Sables'; an event held annually in Morocco from 31st March to 11th April. This event is a 156 mile race across the Moroccan Sahara, and is the equivalent of six marathons in seven days. I have been in training for the race since late summer 2010 and things are going well! My fundraising target is &pound;12,000 and every contribution definitely helps.<br /><br /> A few logistical details...<br /><br /> The breakdown of the race is<br /><br /> Day One &ndash; 20 miles<br /> Day Two &ndash; 24 miles<br /> Day Three &ndash; 24 miles<br /> Day Four &ndash; 51 miles<br /> Day Five &ndash; Feet up, mend blisters...<br /> Day Six &ndash; 26.2 miles<br /> Day Seven &ndash; 11 miles<br /><br /> Typically, every week since November I&rsquo;ve been running six days per week, with two pre-brekkie runs, two hill interval sessions, and two back-to-back big ones on the weekend eg 2 (building up to 7) hours on Saturday &amp; 2 (building up to 6) hours on Sunday, all with 10kg in my rucksack as I need to get used to carrying my gear needed for the race (food, sleeping bag, distress flares, anti-venom pump - everything except tent and water), which will be about 10kg. Temperatures can reach 50 degrees celsius during the day.<br /><br /> Training is now nearly complete and has gone well; I completed the 2-day Grantham 58.6mile Ultra Marathon on the 5th and 6th of March and felt good!<br /><br /> If you wish to donate, please donate through JustGiving &ndash; it&rsquo;s simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they don't sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to MAG and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. It&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.<br /><br /> This is the ultimate challenge for me, and a fantastic cause; please, be as generous as you can, and donate now.<br /><br /> Thank you!!!<br /><br /> Ayo<br /><br /> P.S. I will also be having a sponsored head-shave (yes, my head) to raise money for the cause at 3.30pm on Friday 11th March, at work... any donations will similarly be gratefully accepted!</p> <p>***UPDATE***</p> <p>Sponsored head-shave complete, see the photos or go to <span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">&nbsp;</span><a style="margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; background-color: transparent; color: #0033cc; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQ84GHgGtM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQ84GHgGtM</a> if you have seven minutes to spare!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>