"If you think you're outclassed: you are. You have to think high to rise. You have to be sure of yourself before you can win a prize. Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man but sooner or later the man who wins is the fellow who thinks he can"

Marathon Des Sables - The Facts

Why this IS the toughest footrace on Earth

It covers 243km/151 miles (in sections similar to 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors . In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.

I will have to prepare all your own food throughout the race (this is probably the toughest part of the challenge as my culinary skills are only legendary in a negative way! and I'm not yet but I don't think there is a chain of Tesco stores or corner grocery shops dotted around the Sahara). I will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F along with running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.

The heat, distance and rubbing will trash my feet . I am told mental stamina probably constitutes at least 50% of whether I will complete the distance or not.  Organiser say "Physical fitness is important but don't underestimate the mental stress that you will need to endure. Even if you have run dozens of 26 mile marathons, this does not mean that you will automatically find the MdS easy" - either way I will be planning to do lots of training prior to the MdS.

On the 4^th day, I will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 45 - 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage!! Its tough!................but you know I wouldn't have it any other way!

Three 'Interesting' Facts you never knew about the challenge

• The route changes every year. Why I don't know. One sand dune must surely be the same annoying hill to climb as each other!
• I am not good in the heat. I get over heated easily .That's why those that know me are never surprised that even in the depths of Winter I will still declare it valid "Shorts weather!"
• I entered this race almost three years before the start of the race. It is one of the hardest races to get in with long waiting lists of mentally unstable people wanting to do this challenge!