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Written by David
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Friday, 06 October 2006 21:27 |
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 The Marathon de Sables is a 151 mile race across the Sahara .... on foot. With the exception of a tent, competitors have to carry everything they need for the duration of the race. This includes food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bags and any other confort items you may want.
The MdS is recognised as one of the hardest endurance races in the World. The terrain over the 151 mile course is sand and rock and competitors are expected to endure heat and exhaustion. All competitors must carry with them what they need for the duration of the race including their food for 6 days. As well as this, all competitors must manage to run each section of the race within a given time scale in order to ensure they are not disqualified from the event. |
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 November 2008 16:31 )
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Written by David
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Monday, 27 October 2008 12:40 |
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The rules of the MdS are quite stringent ... not something I realised when I first entered the race! For example, if you are asked at a spot check, you must be able to show that you are carrying at least 2,000 k/calories of food per day remaining in the race. Failure to do so will result in a 2 hour penalty! Not having a sleeping bag or a compass with you will incur a penalty of 3 hours! Receiving extra water (although I am not quite sure where you get it from) - first offence 30 minutes, second offence 1 hour and third offence ..... elimination from the race! |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 27 October 2008 16:14 )
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Written by David
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Thursday, 12 October 2006 10:00 |
 One of the biggest problems with running so far over such a short space of time is feet. The rocks play havoc with the ankles and the sand gets everywhere. Feet swell and sweat and blisters often reach gigantic proportions. At each of the check points medical staff are on hand to ensure that competitors are fit enough and well enough to continue. However, you have to take what you need to make sure that your feet last the distance. The shoes are specialised rough terrain running shoes - you would not want to run 10 miles in them on the roads. When I get hold of mine I will let you know more. |
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 November 2008 15:56 )
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