Marathon of the Sands

Approximately one and a half years ago, I diverted from a company business trip to go to Morocco to visit a friend who was working as a contractor there. We went for a overnight camp trip at the Sahara, after travelling down south of Morocco. The organiser of the overnight trip told us about the Marathon of the Sands, which is the biggest annual event to them, besides Hilary Clinton visit to Morocco and Sahara many years ago. The trip to Sahara was one of my lifetime moments, under the vast desert, empty sky filled with stars, the cold night under a berber tent, and learning how to use the toilet where there was none.

Recently on CNN, I saw that the Marathon of the Sands was in progress, in fact, the 2006 session is scheduled to end today. It brings back memories of Sahara, and more so, this continues to fascinate me- running across the desert, under such harsh conditions and in an ultra marathon format.

The article below is from one of the organiser's websites, it is very fascinating, and very under published event. The epitome of ultra-marathons.

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The Toughest Footrace on Earth
Welcome to the world of lunatics and masochists - don't take offence, I have great admiration for all those who even think about doing this event.

Why this IS the toughest footrace on Earth
It covers 243km/151 miles (made up of legs of 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78). In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.
You will have to prepare all your own food throughout the race and I warn you that there is not a chain of Tesco stores or corner grocery shops dotted around the Sahara. You 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 your feet and may cause severe trauma if incorrect shoes and equipment are used. Mental stamina probably constitutes at least 50% of whether you will complete the distance or not. Physical fitness is important but don't underestimate the mental stress that you will need to endure. Even if you have run dozens of 26 mile marathons, this does not mean that you will automatically find the MdS easy.

On the 4th day, you 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 42km Marathon stage!! Its tough, so don't say that nobody warned you in the strongest terms.

Cost of Registration
Not only will you be tormenting your mind and body for a week but you will have to find over £2,000 for the pleasure (it almost sounds like one of those SM parlours). At least you will know that you are in the company of about 700 others who share your penchant for self destruction.
You should be thinking of raising about that sum in addition to the costs of food, equipment and training. The majority of competitors raise the money through sponsorship and if you need to do this, it is essential that you start without delay. You can do it, but it requires a lot of work and determination to succeed. Potential sponsors will admire you determination in entering the 'toughest footrace on Earth', especially if you are doing it for a good cause.

Charity - I would urge you to select a suitable charity who will benefit from your participation in the MdS as this will enhance your request for sponsorship. Your efforts will benefit a good cause and it will help motivate you while during the race. Futhermore, some charities will subsidise your entry fee - e.g. Facing Africa 50% subsidy offer.

One last word - almost anyone can do this event - you don't need to be superman or an Olympic athlete. The fact that you have asked for more details suggests that you are probably reasonably fit right now and run a few miles a week. If you do want to register but have limited financial resources, NOW is the time to start fund raising - the physical training does not really need to start till around mid-October when you should start training with about 30 miles a week, building up to 50 miles and gradually training with a pack on your back.

It needs a great amount of self-discipline, determination and a will to reach the finishing line. There will be many times during the race when you will feel like shit and you will think of throwing in the towel, but with self-motivation, the help of other competitors, those depending on you at home and the charity will all help you get to the end.

Don't think that just because it is a lot of money that you cannot raise it. Harass and bully your friends into helping you raise the money. Not only will they have a friend to be proud of and perhaps even envy a little (even if they think you are absolutely nuts), but a sick child, an AIDS sufferer, a cancer or MS patient, a suffering animal, an endangered species will get some benefit from your supreme efforts through the charity that you are competing for. We all have someone we know and love who has suffered some terrible illness and wondered what we can do to help - well, this is your chance to make up for lost time.

Go out and raise money and train for the craziest thing you are ever likely to undertake. As the French say, 'Bon Courage mon ami'. I will do all I can to help you with advice and guidance.

Chris Lawrence - Promoter of the Marathon Des Sables