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Chouchous : Simon EDGAR, 724
Day 6 - 26th Marathon des Sables
I'll start by saying I'm going to keep this short. As I write the Paris Opera are playing live on a temporary stage erected in the middle of the Moroccon Sahara desert. Truly an amazing experience and one that is very fitting to the mood within the camp. For those that have finished and even those still on the course (refer to day 4 post for my admiration for these competitors) we are just one day and 17.5km away from completing the 26th Marathon des Sables and dreams are turning to reality as we can almost smell the finish line. Today was a brutal day for many as temperatures exceeded 50 degrees on the very challenging 42.2km marathon stage. The climbs within the first 14km were extreme in the early morning sun but the long, seemingly endless desert flats were equally punishing as the temperature peaked in the mid-afternoon. The final day is a fun run in comparison to what we have acheived in the last six days but it won't be without pain. I don't think there is one person not walking-wounded, with feet being the primary ailment for the majority. Pain aside and spirits are high. One more sleep on the stones of the bivouac, one more run in the scorching Saharan heat, one more pass of sand dunes... then home (or nearly home). Food, ice cold drinks, shower, toilets, communication, reality... what will we do?!
Simon EDGAR, No. 724
Day 4 - 26th Marathon des Sables
To ENDURE as in endurance!
After three punnishing days covering 119km over some agressive yet beautiful terrain we start day 4 - and the challenge of running 82km across the Moroccon Sahara desert. Initial thoughts of an early start to cover as much ground as possible before the peak in midday sun were quickly shattered as word spread of another 9am start and nervous competitors amassed for the customary music; 'Highway to Hell'. The top 50 competitors were dealt a cruel blow of having top start at midday but there presence to cheer away the masses was welcomed and promptly returned when they camle racing effortlessly by some hours later.
Day 4 is a notorious component of the Marathon des Sables. By now the competitors understand how unrellenting the environment is in both terrain and temperature. Yet, the added component of an almost double marathon means all competitors will be running into the night and some throughout the night. While the elite cover the distance in over 7 hours many of the walkers and walking-wounded can take over 24 hours, choosing to camp out on the course and get the ,uch needed sleep to continue. As I write over 20 competitors are still on course aiming to finish within the 34hr time limit. While the elite are admirable in their grace and speed at which they cross the terrain it is the ordinary competitor looking to do extraordinary things - ENDURING far beyond the limits of most, they push on in their personal quest to achieve. I finished in around 13hr 40min but could not contemplate the phyisical and mental strength required to push myself for over 30hrs in this environment, especially with the full marathon stage of day 6 waiting to punish even further.
Whether the goal is to compete or complete, everyone who attempts the Marathon des Sables is a deserved winner and joins a still elite group of people willing and wanting to ENDURE!
Simon EDGAR, No. 724
Day 3 - 26th Marathon des Sables
Day 3 was another 38km stage with the customary sand dunes and the addition of some punishing climbs that bring ALL including the elite to a steady walking pace. Six people didn't make the start line; one through a broken leg received running the previous day. Testemant to the exceptional organisation he was recovering well in a Parisian hospital before the majority of racers new of the accident. This is the 'toughest footrace on Earth' but the organisation, infrastructure and support structure is second to none. With a team of over 400 staff and a 100 strong medical team we really are in good hands. Sadly for the competitor who broke his leg, his race is over but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him return and complete this fantastic race in the future.
Simon EDGAR, No. 724
Day 2 - 26th Marathon des Sables
In case you missed the day 1 post; it was tough, and cionsistent with the 'Toughest Foot Race on Earth'. So to day 2, and there was little restbite from the pain of running in this challenging environment. The 38km (24mile) second stage had everything. The first 11km stage was made harder by the gale force cross wind twisting your backpack while the accompanying sand storm made visibility a challenge in parts as most runners donned their sand goggles and simply got on with it. Thankfully the course changed direction after CP1 and the 2nd 11km stage began with more unforgiving sand dunes but was aided by the wind pushing the runners through.
The accompanying cloud cover also helped keep temperatures lower than the previous day but if mother nature gives with one hand, she takes away with the other! After the final 16km to the finish dreams went to rest and food. However, the wind increased further (clearly insensed by helping earlier) and proceeding to flatten a number of tents in the camp (including mine). The spirit of the Marathon des Sables is never more evident than in times of adversity and everyone pulled together to bring a modicum of calm to an otherwise frenetic time. The ealier winds have recceeded and thoughts in camp turn to those still out on the course, enduring the distance and environment far longer than most and in my eyes the true champions of the Marathon des Sables.
6 people did not start day 2 and I fear there will be more retirees by the morning as we gear up for another 38km stage that includes a further 12km of energy-sapping sand dunes and a climb thrown in for good measure. Hard it certainly is but the desire among all competitors to endure to succeed is strong. Bring on day 3!!!
Simon EDGAR, No. 724
