The Toughest Footrace on Earth Some Info on the MdS
Why this IS the toughest footrace on Earth
The MdS covers 243km/151 miles (in sections similar to 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's means we (Bruce Wright and myself) will be running a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour. In addition to that, we have to carry everything we need for the duration (apart from a tent) on our backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.
We will have to prepare all our own food throughout the race and will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, of running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.
The heat, distance and rubbing will trash our feet and may cause severe trauma if incorrect shoes and equipment are used. Mental stamina probably constitutes at least 50% of whether we will complete the distance or not. Physical fitness is important but we can’t underestimate the mental stress that we will need to endure. On the 4th day, we will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 45 - 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42kmMarathon stage!!
We have both started our training with endurance events all over the UK and Europe and are currently planning to do lot of training prior to the MdS together in races such as ‘Sleepless in the Saddle’ a 24 hour bike race, London to Paris Bike Ride, The Frankfurt Marathon, and the ‘Coast Challenge’ a 175 km foot race over 3 days. I appreciate that there are many fundraising events all supported by friends and family but I hope that you will appreciate all the training and planning that I have put into preparing for the Marathon des Sables which involves such extreme physical fitness and endurance.
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CHARLIE
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