In early 2018 I watched a documentary on the Marathon des Sable and was in awe of the challenge of the event and the people that participated in it. My immediate thought as the credits were rolling was 'what kind of nutter would put themselves through so much suffering voluntarily?' plus 'surely only a seasoned ultra marathon runner could be capable of finishing?'.

After a few days, and much research on the event I decided that I was 'crazy enough' to give it a shot and although I have so far never run an ultra marathon before, I have completed 13 official marathon races (+ more in training) plus the National Three Peaks in 24 hours (in a self-supported group of 4) AND I am stubborn as a mule so surely mental grit and determination must count for something?

I would also be following in the footsteps of such brilliant adventurers as Sir Ranulph Fiennes and James Cracknell - If it's good enough for them...

So... on 22nd January '19 I found myself signing up to the MDS 2020! The event starts on the 3rd April 2020 (now 18th Sept due to Covid-19!) and highlights will include:

- 156 mile race over 6 days across the Sahara Desert in Morocco
- The equivalent of 6 marathons in distance
- Longest stage is approximately 50 miles
- Temperatures of up to 120 degrees
- All food, clothing, sleeping (except tent) & survival gear for week will be carried in a backpack
- My feet are going to hurt... a lot!

Being a regular runner, I don't normally ask for sponsorship but this is going to be a very tough challenge for me so I would like to use it to support other people who have way tougher challenges on a daily basis. For that reason I have chosen to fundraise for 'The Running Charity':

Donations of any size are appreciated and will be going to a very worthy cause. Please don't let my black toenails and blisters be in vain :)

Thank you!

https://marathondessables.co.uk

Note: The entry fee of approx £4,500 for MDS + approx £1,500 in kit is being fully paid for by myself. This is NOT a charity funded place.

ABOUT THE RUNNING CHARITY

The Running Charity believes that running is as good for your mind as it is for your body. Running builds resilience and self-esteem, and we use this to improve the lives of 16-25 year-olds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Homelessness can happen at any time and to anyone. And when it happens to a young person it can affect them for the rest of their life. We use running to improve fitness and instil a goal-setting mentality that are key tools in helping these vulnerable young people to build healthy, sustainable futures.