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.

The back pack must weight between 6kg and 15kg. Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.  Carry more than you are allowed and you are penalized.

You will have to prepare all your own food throughout the race and Tesco stores are in short supply.  Infact, irritatingly, there are not even any grocery stores dotted around the Sahara.  Mid-day temperatures can reach up to 120°F, running (or walking) is over uneven rocky, stony ground and just for good measure 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.  Either way it will require a lot of training prior to the MdS.

On the 4^th day of the race, we will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 45 - 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some do not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage!!   So basically it is tough.

As if this is not bad enough, not only will I be tormenting my mind and body for a week but I also have to find thousands of pounds for the pleasure.  At least I will be in the company of about 700 others who share your penchant for self destruction!