It’s official! 

The Running Bean has entered Marathon Des Sables 2024

Date: 12th - 22nd April 2024 

Location: Sahara Desert (Morocco)

Coined ‘The Toughest Footrace on Earth' the legendary ultramarathon is staged over six days covering 250km (156 miles) of desert, with the longest single stage stretching 80km (52 miles).

The terrain is gruelling - endless sand dunes, rocky jebels and vast salt plains accompanied with soaring temperatures, reaching above 50°C. 

I will be completely self-sufficient for the duration of the race carrying nothing more than a 25 L ‘fast pack’. Water and an open-air, communal shelter (to provide some protection from the elements) will be supplied at the end of each day. And rumor has it the sand storms are brutal! 

So, the big question why Marathon Des Sables?

First - is for the challenge.

Marathon Des Sables is my pursuit of pushing the boundaries of human capability. By enduring the grueling desert terrain and extreme conditions, I aim to inspire others to embrace the philosophy of ‘doing hard things’. I believe with physical and mental grit we can achieve the extraordinary.

Second - is to raise money for LIV2Run and their Development Elite Trail Team. 

LIV2Run, founded by the incredible Linda Meyer is an organization based on the out skirts of Durban, South Africa. Operating from within the LIV Village (home to orphaned and vulnerable children) but acting as a independent entity, LIV2Run uses sport to restore lives. 

LIV2Run has four main objectives: 

1. Wellness: Exercise and movement is a fundamental way to improve one’s overall wellness.
2. Therapy: Sport has an incredible way of helping us work through trauma and provides a safe space to heal.
3. Talent: The club will naturally provide space for people’s God-given talents be discovered and flourish.
4. Skills for life: During our training sessions we speak about the mental aspect to running and learn about how running is a powerful parallel for life

In 2018 LIV2Run became an official Athletics Club - focused on raising top athletes who could go on to compete across the country. The ‘Elite Team’ consists of 4 runners, who effortlessly balance their rigorous training schedules with taking on roles as; mentors, coaches and role models within the village - working tirelessly at inspiring the next generation. I have had the privilege of sharing the trails with them at some of the most prestigious races in South Africa - and wow they set a pace! 

Having recently moved to London, it has been a total privilege having access to the European circuit and to share the trails with the legends of the game. This exposure has been invaluable and has elevated my performance to a whole new caliber! 

With YOUR help, I am determined to make these experiences more accessible! All funds raised will go directly to LIV2Run - providing the opportunity for the Elite Team to attend a training camp, and then compete in a legendary race for the 2024  European trail season. 

Help me make this possible! 

I am committed to using sport to drive empowerment and inspire the next generation of extraordinary South African trail runners! 

Sahara Desert I am coming for you!