The Marathon des Sables, is commonly referred to as the toughest foot race on Earth. In its 19th year, the marathon is a week long event whereby competitors run in excess of 40C heat, across almost 150 miles of the Saharan desert. If this wasn't enough to end it all for most people, the competitors also have to carry their equipment to survive the trip including clothing, food and snake venom extractor just in case an extra competitor is met along the way. This article looks at the background to the event, highlights a few of the outstanding and extraordinary competitors, and interviews a runner from a recent Marathon des Sables to find out both the motivation for and his experiences of the toughest foot race on Earth.

The Marathon des Sables was founded by Frenchman Patrick Bauer in 1986. In its first year it drew only 23 competitors but now attracts in excess of 700 from approximately 30 countries across 6 continents. Old and young, men and women, experienced runners, and those who have never run a marathon before, all sign themselves up for the gruelling soul-searching mission. Many do so for the experience whilst for others the motivation lies in the desire to raise money for their chosen charities.

The course itself consists of varying terrain including sand dunes, rocky areas and lake beds, all typical of the Sahara desert. The marathon is split into various stages, the longest usually consisting of a 50 mile stretch which contestants are allowed 2 days to complete.

The majority of participants do finish the race but occasionally people have got lost along the way. In 1994 with sandstorms raging, an Italian Olympic Gold medallist went missing and after a massive rescue effort was found 9 days later and 44 pounds lighter, in Western Algeria.

Mahmood Mortazavi, a Central Planning Officer for JP Morgan Fleming, signed up for his first Marathon des Sables in 2001. He agreed to talk to us about this decision:

What made you decide to sign up for the Marathon des Sables?

"I had heard a lot about this race and the charities it supported in Africa also appealed to me."

Would you describe yourself as 'super-athlete' or 'super-fit' and is this necessary to be able to take part in the Marathon des Sables?

" I think you need to enjoy a certain level of fitness but you must have an enormous appetite for adventure and fun."

What sort of training, if any, did you undertake to prepare yourself for the event?

" I did intensive six month training on Brighton Beach where I ran on pebbles and rough terrains. In my training I was very conscious of improving my recovery period so that I would be able to cover the long stage of the event "

Did the Marathon meet any expectations or preconceptions you had about the event?

"It was every bit as fun and romantic as it had been portrayed. "

How well was it organized?

" It was extremely well organized. Although you were running in hostile terrain you knew full well that a whole team of experts were supporting you. "

What was the most difficult and/or most memorable stage of the marathon for you?

"Each stage had different memories for me. We initially arrived at Quazazate where we were driven to the hotels. The following morning all the runners left for the desert on trucks and the trial began:

Stage 1 was the easiest stage with a distance of 26KM.

Stage 2 was 36 km but a trickier terrain than stage 1. This was a wake up call for most runners as they had suffered. The use of painkillers became popular for most at this stage.

Stage 3 was 31 km with temperature over 45 degrees.

Stage 4 was the most difficult one and took over 21 hours to complete 75 km. This included running in the dunes at temperatures over 50 degrees and also going through Casbah at night. This is a walled city in the middle of nowhere where for the first time in the desert you use your sense of smell .

Stage 5 or the marathon day with a distance of 42 km. This is tough because it is on the back of the previous stage where you had to complete 75 km in 48 hours.

By Stage 6 the end is approaching, with only 20KM to go. "

Who were the most unusual characters at the marathon?

"I came across Roger Rabbit who was really a London cab driver around 60 years old. He was carrying a big plastic carrot and was very popular with the French TV crew.

There was also a blind man who was an ex army chap who had lost his sight in a mine clearing exercise in Northern Ireland and was running for a mine sweeping charity. He had a friend running with him as a guide. Amazing guys!

There was also an old French man who was carrying no 77 on his back to signify his age. I believe he runs every year with his age as his running number. More like Beckham."

What techniques did you or others use to survive the exhausting week?

"My technique was to talk to as many people as possible while running. This way you forget the passing of time and get interested in other people’s stories. I met a Japanese man who shared his survival secret after the event, Sake."

What runner or group of runners dominated the event? Do you know the keys to their success?

"The Moroccans won the event followed by the French and the Italians. They are locals who are used to the terrain and make a living as local Celebes doing these events. They have a very elegant effortless style of running and have tremendous stamina in tackling the dunes."

Would you run the Marathon des Sables again or is it a once in a lifetime event?

"I would like to do it again time permitting. I think a few people would like to re-visit this."

If you would like further information on the Marathon des Sables, visit their website at Darbaroud.com

Sources/Further Information

Racing the Planet - Marathon des Sables

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