The Marathon des Sables certainly lived up to its reputation as being the toughest footrace on earth and it was made even tougher by the extremely extreme weather conditions this year.  Very high temperatures, daily sandstorms and high humidity all contributed to an unusually high drop out rate and seriously ill people.  But not us!!

We are proud to have run 250 km over 6 days in the Sahara desert, where nature takes over and you realise how small you are compared to the enormity of the stunning and varied landscapes around you.  In the prevailing conditions, it was essential to have trained and prepared well.  Not just physically, with the long-distance running and carrying 10kg rucksacks, but also with due consideration to eating and drinking properly, health and hygiene, and mentally, with the conditions that we were to experience and sheer endurance.  For details of the race see www.darbaroud.com

Since this involved much hardship and determination to succeed, we are still raising funds for the Jubilee Appeal, which has been launched by The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 2006, the 50th anniversary. Through the Appeal fund we are hoping to create a legacy, which will secure the future of The Award and extend its reach in years to come. All the money that we raise will be used for work with young people in our area, enabling them to take up challenges and to achieve across a broad range of activities.
Having volunteered in Award activities for over 20 years and most recently as Award Officer for King Henry VIII School, Coventry, we passionately believe in the benefits of The Award to young people. In a world where teenagers often get bad press, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award develops character, teamwork, responsibility and care for others in a substantial and unique way.  www.theaward.org

The Marathon des Sables had full media coverage and a DVD will be available shortly.  We will also be giving presentations soon, incorporating our own photos and raw experiences as told in our daily emails from the desert.

Many thanks for your encouragement and support.

Anne and Vaughan Wade