The Event

I am running in the MdS this year. It is a 151 mile endurance race in the Sahara Desert in Morocco and starts on 30 March. Run over different stages and terrain the competitors carry all their food and survival kit finally finishing on 5 April.

I have wanted to take part in the event for a long time and at last all the various factors (cash, time etc) have come together to make it feasible. It is an exciting but also a daunting task to undertake!

Charity Fund Raising/Sponsorship.

I am not running such a tough event without Fund Raising for Charity. And, that is where I need all the support you can give please.

I discovered a Charity called Facing Africa when I got my place in the MDS. This is the official charity associated with the race for the UK participants. It needs £800 per patient so that medical teams can help treat the terrible disease NOMA. The disease causes death for 90% of the young children affected if not treated early on. The 10% of survivors are left with severe facial disfigurement and all the awful issues associated, including being outcasts, without the medical intervention from specialist teams. A shock to learn about and see this disease.

Please help by sponsoring me by donating to Facing Africa (Online donation form). Thank you.

My experience.

I have been a runner all my life (55 by the start of the MDS!). I am a member of Strathaven Striders, my local club in Scotland. I do a range of running events including Ultras (e.g. 6 West Highland Way race completions) and hill races as well as road marathons. I know that preparation for ultras is critical. I have not done a desert event before though I have walked trails in Badwater and the Grand Canyon and have some idea of the difficulties the intense heat can bring. Most of all I have experienced the great camaraderie amongst Ultra runners. I am sure the MDS will be no different in that regard and I look forward to it.

Links

• www.saharamarathon.co.uk - More information about the MdS (you could run it too!)
• www.facingafrica.org - Helping to cure and prevent NOMA
• www.darbaroud.com - The organizers of the MdS
• www.bestofmorocco.co.uk - Tailor-made trips to Morocco (marathon not compulsory)