On April 3rd I travel to Southern Morocco to run the equivalent of six marathons in just six days. The longest single stage of this "ultra marathon" is a gruelling 80+km which involves most competitors running for over 16 hours non stop.

Tom, 29, an ex Clitheroe Grammar student who lives in Clayton Le Moors with his partner Jen, and owns the award winning Whalley Wine Shop has never run a marathon before. “This is my first long distance run of any description, and I've gone for one of the most difficult races that exists. It’s not one marathon, it’s six, it’s on consecutive days, it’s in the Sahara desert running on sand dunes and it’s in 50 degree heat.” On top of that it is a 'self sufficient' Marathon which means runners have to carry all their food, clothing, equipment and sleeping gear in a rucksack weighing about 10kg. 

“We start running on the 5th of April and finish on the 10th. It is by far the hardest physical thing I have ever done or am likely to do. This year is also the races 30th anniversary as it started in 1985, sort of fitting as its my 30th birthday this year too. If we needed any more inspiration we have found out that Sir Ranulph Fiennes the greatest living explorer is also doing the race with us this year!"