About the MdS - Nick Hancock's Marathon des Sables 2010 website

The Marathon des Sables is often described as the toughest footrace on Earth. In 2010, the 25th anniversary year, it will cover 250km (155 miles) run over 7 days - equivalent to five and a half regular marathons whilst carrying an 11kg pack over sand dunes, rocky desert, and stony ground. The total distance generally breaks down as follows: Day 1, 25km; day 2, 34km; day 3, 38km; day 4-5, 82km; day 6, 42km; day 7, 22km. To start the race, I had to provide a medical certificate and resting ECG report plus graph.

Example route map (click to enlarge)

In addition, I carried everything I needed for the duration of the race, apart from a tent, on my back in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag, stove, fuel, etc). Water was rationed and handed out at each checkpoint; we were given approximately 10.5 – 12 litres per day, which I also had to carry (1 litre = 1 kg).

During the race mid-day temperatures were up to 40°C (120°F), running or walking on uneven rocky ground as well as 20% of the distance being on sand dunes. On the 4th day, we set off across the desert to complete a 52 mile stage. Few people finished this before dark that evening and some did not come in until after dark the next night. This was followed the next day by a 42km (26.2 mile) Marathon stage!!

The heat, distance and rubbing blistered my feet. Mental stamina probably constituted at least 50% of whether I would complete the race or not. Physical fitness is important but surviving mental stress is a key factor. The rules state that you will be disqualified if you require more than 2 intravenous drips. Luckily there was an insurance policy covering medical evacuation and corpse repatriation in the event of death! To give you a taster of what the race is all about; click this link to read Mark Gillet's article on the MdS 2009.

My training included the London and Edinburgh Marathons in 2009, and the Glasgow to Edinburgh Double Marathon on 6th March 2010.

The course followed the Forth & Clyde and Union canals and took in the Falkirk Wheel before heading into the heart of Edinburgh. The race was just over 56 miles and I carried approximately 4kg in my pack (this was lighter than originally intended due to injury). The race was an opportunity to try out some of my new kit and rucksack for the MdS. I finished 64th out of 100, in 11:41:50. I was a tad disappointed with this result, but bearing in mind I'd been injured for 5 out of the previous 6 weeks, I was happy that I was able to finish (9 starters did not).