I‘m excited to say that I’ve managed to secure a place in the Marathon des Sables (MdS) 2020!

As some of you already know I’ve wanted to do this race for a long time and finally took the plunge this year. Being a regular runner I don’t normally ask for sponsorship but this is going to be a tough challenge and the training a big commitment so I thought I’d take the opportunity and try and raise some money at the same time. 

In the month of April, I’ll be arriving in the Saharan desert to complete this punishing multi-day ultra-marathon, whilst raising vital money and awareness for spinal cord injury (SCI) cure research charity,  Walkoncemore.

The Marathon des Sables (MdS) consists of 6 marathons in 5 days. The longest day is approximately 50 miles and involves running through the night. I will run across numerous terrains including sand dunes, salt flats, mountains and rock. Just to make things a little harder I have to carry all my own food, cooking equipment, sleeping bag, clothes, venom pump (hopefully I won’t be needing this!) and flare. The bonus is I don’t have to carry a tent as that’s provided but I do have to share it with seven other people! 

If my pace slows I’ve got camel spiders, snakes and scorpions to help me run faster!! 

All of this still does not compare to how tough daily life is for millions of people around the World after falling victim to a spinal cord injury. It is with those currently and yet to be affected in mind that I am aiming to raise as much money and awareness as possible towards a cure for this debilitating condition.

The research that Walkoncemore supports will make this a thing of the past before long. Every little bit really does help, and will propel me around this difficult course. I am looking to raise a minimum of £4,000, but I may even exceed this with your kindness and generosity!

Meanwhile in the lead up to the event I shall look forward to preparing for it by having lots of saunas and hot baths with perhaps a few long runs! 

Thank you for your support 

Lesley