About the Marathon Des Sables
The MdS is a 6 day / 230km endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco Competitors have to be totally self sufficient, carrying their own equipment (except a tent) and food needed for the race - only water (which is rationed) is issued on a daily basis.
the Sand Marathon, as it is commonly known, has being described as "The Toughest Footrace on Earth" and undoubtedly it is amongst the most gruelling in existence. Runners not only have to cover the vast distances but also have to contend with the extremes of enviroment and climate that the worlds largest desert offers.
The temperatures regularly soar to 49°C plummeting to around 4°C at night. You are running the equivalent of 5.5 regular marathons, carrying about 10/12 kg.
Last year, MdS 19, the daily stages were as follows:
Day 1 - 17.4 miles (28 km)
Day 2 - 21.1 miles (34 km)
Day 3 - 23.0 miles (37 km)
Day 4 - 47.1 miles (76 km)
Day 6 - Full Marathon (42.2 km)
Day 7 - 12.4 miles (20 km)
(Day 5 is scheduled as a rest day, but most people are still running day 4!)
Unsurprisingly, although partly in an effort to test my personal limits, I am running for a cause. I am supporting St Richards Hospice, a charity based here in Worcester, to help it towards it's aim of building a new hospice.
Additionally I am seeking company sponsorship. If you or your company would be interested in offering that, please don't hesitate to contact me via my email address. I am able to offer a number of marketing & advertising opportunities.
For more information about the race itself please follow the links below:
UK Organiser of the MdS: www.saharamarathon.co.uk
Worldwide organisers of the MdS: www.Darbaroud.com
Why I'm running
This is a frequent question, (usually followed by, Are you crazy?). The reason for involvement, really, is two fold. The first part is that I enjoy challenging myself, both physically and mentally, and I'm sure "The Marathon des Sables" will more than cover both of this request!! I am quite sure that the MdS will be the toughest challenge I've ever faced.
Secondly and more importantly, I am running for the Worcester charity
St Richards Hospice
. The hospice has been in operation for 20 years, in that time it has succeeded in it's mission, through Palliative care, to enhance the quality of life of those suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses.However, there is currently a huge shortage of palliative care beds in Worcestershire.
I could not believe that there are only 5 beds available!! This is why I am aiming to raise £5000 in donations to "St Richards Hospice" to help them towards building a new residential hospice which will offer patients 15 specialist palliative care beds.
This will make a huge difference to local patients & their families.
For further details on St Richards Hospice please click on the logo below
Donations
If you are able, any donation would be greatly appreciated, it will go to an extremely worthwhile cause. If you wish to give, the quickest & most painless way is online via "justgive.com" please click here to go to my personal site.
Otherwise if you would like to donate via cash or cheque please contact me directly on my email or make you cheques payable to "St Richards Hospice" and post them to the following address:
Steve Slawson,
c/o 61 Sidbury,
Worcester,
WR1 2HU
Thank you very much, Steve.
Sponsors
www.worcester-rt.org
"A big thank you to Worcester Round Table for their support."
Worcester Round Table is a "social club with a conscience", they meet twice a month and take part in a wide variety of activities & social events whilst also organising large fundraising events to raise money for local charities & organizations. Please click the logo for further details.
www.belvoirlettings.com
Belvoir are "the lettings specialist" in Worcester. If you are a tenant looking for a property to rent or a landlord with a property to let, you will not find a finer service in Worcestershire. Please click the logo for further details.
www.runaroundsports.co.uk
Runaround are a fantastic outlet in the heart of Worcester on "Foregate Street". They know all there is to know about running and can offer great advice, kit and also inhouse physiotherapy (by Chartered Physiotherapists). Please click on their logo above for further details.
"Pro-fitness have an excellent gym in the heart of Worcester, there is a big cardio suite and lots of resistance machines and free weights. The instructors are all highly trained and can offer all the help & advice you will ever need" To contact them ring 01905 731028.
Preparation Events
In preparation for the event I shall be taking part in the following events. If anyone would like to join me please drop me an email, company is always welcome & if you're lucky I might let you carry my ruckasack!!
- Sat 29th Jan - Tring to Town
45 miles on the Grand Union Canal from Tring to Little Venice,London. - Sat 19th Feb - Thames Meander
50 Miles along the river from Reading to London - Sun 6th March - Gloucester 20
20 mile road race - Sun 13th March - Forest of Dean - Half Marathon
13.1 miles through the forest! - Sat 19th March - Compton Downlands Challenge
40 miles Cross Country