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At the end of March I am running the Marathon des Sables in 2009 in aid of The Pepper Foundation.  This race is considered to be the toughest foot race on Earth, the Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands) is a seven day, 254 km (156 miles) endurance race, which is an equivalent to running 6 regular marathons back to back. The longest single stage is 84 km (52 miles) long.  The event is held every year in the southern Moroccan desert. I will be carrying all my own food and equipment (cooker, sleeping bag, clothes, survival kit, etc) in a rucksack  and water is strictly rationed.  The terrain is tough and varied covering sand dunes, rock and hills.  Temperatures in the extreme can often reach up to 50 degrees Celsius.

The question I am always asked when explaining about the event is “Why??”.   Well, I have just turned 40 and have always been a keen sportsman and when my sons decided to take up rugby, this was my queue to stop playing and turn my hand to a less physical pursuit such as marathon running. Having successfully completed the London Marathon 5 times and being the type of chap motivated by challenges, the Marathon Des Sables caught my eye back in 2006 and in 2007, I was fortunate enough to gain a place. I have always raised money for Children’s Charities when running marathons and I am delighted to be able to support such a fantastic local charity which provides such unbelievable level of support to seriously ill children.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Pepper Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!