I am used to covering 150 miles in about an hour whilst working on the air ambulance, but next year, it’s going to take me six days and the only mode of transport is my feet.
The Marathon Des Sables has been described as one of the world’s most extreme endurance events, and a gruelling race in one of the most hostile environments on earth.
The race takes place in the middle of the Sahara desert and unlike a normal marathon; this is the equivalent of five and a half regular marathons which take place over a six day period. Places are limited due to the amount of people that take part each year, but luckily I have now confirmed my place.
Not only is the distance 243km/151 miles but temperatures are likely to reach 45 degrees. Each competitor has to carry all their own food, equipment and supplies which include sleeping bags, clothes and survival kit throughout the whole event.
One good thing is that water is distributed at check points along the way as it would be impossible to carry enough water for the whole race. At the end of each stage there are shelters in the form our Bedouin tents.
The first day is the warm up involving running 25km where you pray for no injuries so early on in the event. The second and third day (34 and 38km respectively) cover more distance and more deserts. The fourth day is the big one (82km), you have all day and night to complete this one. Day five is just another marathon (42km) and if you manage to get to the sixth day, it’s just a small wonder to the finish line (22km). Phew!
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