The Toughest Footrace on Earth

Welcome to the world of lunatics and masochists.

Why this IS the toughest footrace on Earth

The 19th Marathon des Sables (MdS) took place in April 2004 with 200 British entrants among 630 entrants from 25 countries. The distance covered was 243km/151 miles (made up of legs of 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) which is 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 water and a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc).

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 not 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 4^th day, you will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 52 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 26mile Marathon stage!! Its tough, so don't say that nobody warned you in the strongest terms.

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.

To read previous competitors accounts, click here to be taken to the page with useful links

The Race in Numbers:  Who goes ?

Around 30 nationalities
Over 6 000 competitors since 1986
30 % repeat competitors
70 % international,
30 % French
12 % women
45 % veterans
33 % in teams of three or more
10 % walkers
90 % alternate walking and running
14 km/hr : average maximum speed
3 km/hr : average minimum speed
Age of youngest competitor : 16
Age of oldest competitor : 78

The Race in Numbers: The Support Team

90 volunteers in technical team
100 members logistic team
30 members medical team
90 Berber tents
35 Saharan tents
80 all-terrain vehicles
3 mountain bikes
4 camels
2 helicopters
1 Cesna aircraft
5 Boeing
4 satellite phones
1 image-transmitting satellite
15 000 litres of diesel
5 000 litres of petrol
8 000 litres of kerosene
80 000 litres of water