I’ve been dreaming about running the Marathon des Sables for a while now. It’s on the bucket list…so just a matter of time. In the mean time I enjoy reading about other runner’s race experiences and learning as much as I can about the race to prepare 🙂
So how do the the elite train and run Marathon Des Sables? Sharing Danny Kendall’s MdS 2014 race experience (placed 5th – highest place achieved by a Brit in the history of the race!)
The Marathon Des Sables is an iconic multi-day race in the Sahara desert which requires the 1,000+ competitors to cover around 150 miles on foot over 6 stages/7 days in semi self-sufficiency (bottled water for drinking and an open-sided 8 man “tent” are provided). Extreme temperatures are to be expected and 50C+ is not unusual.  Food for the week and various bits of equipment must be carried in a backpack weighing anywhere between 6.5kg and 15kg and includes the long list of compulsory stuff such as a minimum of 2,000kcal per day, an anti-venom pump, signalling mirror and of course tropical disinfectant (causing many debates on the forums as to what it actually is!).Â
The MdS is often dubbed “The toughest footrace on earth!” and many documentaries have been made about the race featuring celebrity runners such asBen Fogle, Jack Osbourne
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