From 4 - 10 April 2010 I took part in the 25th Marathon des Sables. This ultra-marathon event has been described as being the ‘toughest footrace on Earth’.

Thankfully after 68 hours of running and walking across the sand, rocks, scrub and mountians of Morocco I finished the event! Thanks to everyone for their enduring support and encouragement. I really couldn't have done it without you!

The Marathon des Sables was first run in 1986 and since then, over 24 events, over 10,000 competitors have endured both highs and lows during the endurance 6 day event. Such is the draw and allure of the event that 30% of the competitors in 2009 were repeat runners.

The event is held every year in the southern Moroccan desert and covers 254 km (156 miles) over a period of six days. This distance is equivalent to 5.5 regular marathons with the longest stage being around 91 km (55 miles) long.

Competitors must carry all personal belongings and food for the entire event in their backpack. Water and tents are supplied by the organizers. The event has been dominated for the past 13 years by Moroccan brothers. As of 2009, Lahcen Ahansal has won 10 titles, and his brother Mohammed Ahansal has won 3 titles.

My aim is simple: to complete the event and
to raise over £10,000 for charity.

So far I've managed to raise over £4,250 between the two charities that I am supporting:

The Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research is a centre of excellence within the University of Edinburgh, set up to carry out research into MND (also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Its focus is on developing more effective treatment for patients and forming part of a worldwide effort towards finding a cure for the disease.

Help For Heroes (H4H) was the idea of Appeal Chairman Bryn Parry and a group of friends and relations, many of who have connections with serving servicemen and women. Bryn and his wife Emma wanted to do something to help the wounded and came up with the idea of a sponsored bike ride. Word spread and suddenly H4H was born and growing fast. A flurry of visits to various offices led to the campaign being blessed by the head of the army, Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt.

If you follow this link you can read more about my experiences during the event and events that I have done in preparation.

Thank you again for all your support!!!