Official Press Release 10
Sunday 5th April 2009
The following is from the official French race organisers:
05/04/09 - Final Press Release - Ouarzazate
Patrick Bauer, the race director, expresses his feelings the day after the final stage.
What report would you make of this 24th edition?
It’s a good report; we’ve all come out of it well. We arrived at the foot of Jebel Ighrs, with this amazing weather and the MDS Classical Orchestra, with Paris' Opera Musicians, directed by Jerome Pillement who gave us a very good hour’s concert. We broadcasted images of the start of the race to all the participants. The runners saw the floods, the bivouac in the water, the work done to find a new route. They thus understood better what had happened, what we’d been through, why we had to cancel the first stage and modify all the features of the course.
Are you more relieved or proud to have risen to this challenge?
I’m really relived that everything has gone well, in particular health wise, because I’m paranoid about safety. We took the decision to go for it together. This is a great story of shared energy. In fact, I wanted to feel myself carried along by them...
Did you think about simply cancelling the race?
Truthfully, yes. Afterwards, it was like a caravan... we’d set off and had to get somewhere. That was my objective.
What are your plans for the 25th edition?
The problem needs to be turned on its head. What happened this week could have positive consequences for the future. In 24 years, we’d never experienced such an exceptional situation. This showed that, even if one can gain experience, nothing can be taken for granted. We always have to question things, never get complacent. There will be surprises next year, in particular as regards mixing culture and sport; that’s something that I really like doing.
Abdellatif Benazzi, a special guest.
The former French rugby captain ran the last stage of the marathon des sables. Tucked in amongst the main bunch of runners, Benazzi got through the 42 kilometres without too much difficulty, with the exception of a few painful blisters at the end of the race: “After crossing the wadi I had wet feet and from then on I started to suffer. In any case, there was only 7 or 8 kilometres to go, so I finished through mental strength”. Abdellatif, who was born in East Morocco, was running for his association, Noor, which builds schools in rural areas. He sold each kilometre covered on behalf of Noor for 1000 Euros to his partners: the French Post Office, “Française des Jeux” (the operator of France's national lottery games) and Nike.
Medical report and statistics
Total number of treatments: 4394
Number of drips: 18
Number of digestion problems: 519
Consumption of antidiuretics: 3200 tablets
Consumption of plasters: 1.8 kilometres
2000 pairs of gloves
82 litres of antiseptics
3450 analgesic tablets
Back at the Hotel
Saturday 4th April 2009
Well the adventure wasn't over. It was a 7 hour bus ride back hampered by having to stop for emergency cases as the stomachs of many of the brits had given up (both ends!)
As the walking wounded came off the fleet of bus it was such a contrast to the 5 star hotel behind. Then suddenly there they were looking radiant and well. Definitely some of the better looking and I'm just talking about the way they were walking. Smell? Well perhaps not so bad. Off for first shower in a week. Then dinner
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Official Press Release 9
Saturday 4th April 2009
The following is from the official French race organisers:
Stage 4 - 03/04/09 - Aferdou Nsooualhine/Tizin Ighrs : 42 km
Conditions at 9.45am : 21,4°C and 29,6% hygrometry
Conditions at 12.15pm : 29°C and 16,5% hygrometry
Overall Men ranking
1. Mohamad Ahansal (2 - Morocco) 16h27m26s
2. Aziz El Akad (3 - Morocco) +4m14s
3. Salameh El Aqrah (357 - Jordan) +47m40s
4. Anton Vencelj (220 - Slovenia) +1h47m09s
5. Mustapha Ait Amar (8 - Morocco) +1h49m11s
6. Lorenzo Trincheri (460 - Italy) +2h14m27s
7. Samir Akhdar (4 - Morocco) +2h16m06s
8. Michael Wardian (870 - USA) +2h17m23s
9. Aurelio Antonio Olivar Roldan (529 - Spain) +2h23m24s
10. Julio Gomez Camacho (473 - Spain) +2h33m36s
Overall Women ranking
1. Touda Didi (265 - Morocco) 23h30m44s
2. Meghan Hicks (825 - USA) +58m52s
3. Luz Perez Carbajo (480 - Spain) +1h07m48s
4. Simone Keyzer (434 - Luxemburg) +2h46m27s
5. Rosa Espachs Olivera (504 - Spain) +3h11m01s
6. Jennifer Salter (782 - GB) +3h14m04s
Overall Team ranking (provisionally)
1. Eurosport
2. Kia Motors Maroc
3. Legendre Bretagne
Mohamad Ahansal and Touda Didi, the two winners reiterated their last year's exploit. Coming from Zagroa's area, both won a second victory. On the men's side, the come back of the ten-times winner Lahcen Ahansal, did not change the final general ranking. The real fight opposed the Moroccans Mohamad Ahansal and Aziz El Akad, while the Jordanian Salameh Al Aqrah, 2nd in 2008, carried off a disappointing 3rd place. Proof that the Marathon des Sables has gained an international reputation, 7 different nationalities were represented in the top 10. This race is not any more a private game for Moroccan competitors. Considering the physical lapse of Mohamad Ahansal, many pretenders will dream of victory next year.
On the women's side, no surprise, Touda Didi, won all the stages way ahead of her competitors. With a 8,60 km/h average speed, her timing would rank her in the top 30 men ranking. In top shape, the American Meghan Hicks finished at the second position for her first participation: an exploit. She came in Morocco "to discover another part of the world", she really surpassed herself. The Spanish newcomer Luz Perez Carbajo won a well deserved third rank.
On the teams' side, Eurosport won the first place thanks the remarkable performance of Slovenian Anton Vencelj. His team mates Charles Cosman and William Davies, finishing respectively on the 15th and 22nd ranks complete this muli-cultural team (Canada, GB and Slovenia).
Special congratulations to the amazing Marco Olmo, 60 years old, who finished at the 12th place in the general ranking and won way ahead in his category.
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Word from the Camp
Friday 3rd April 2009
First word back from the camp. Everyone delighted to have succeeded and seem to have survived well. To give a measure at 8.30pm they were gazing out to the darkness waiting for the last runners to get in before the 9pm cutoff. The last runner's feet are so bad he is walking with crutches. Brave or mad. Who are we to judge?
Much talk of showers, brushes and beds - hearing the tales of personal hygiene from the camp makes you realise how tough our ladies have been. It is not just the running and feet, but the refugee camp conditions too.
They have an orchestra and party tonight and a chance to share stories before leaving tomorrow. No-one seems to know how as there isn't a road but I'm sure the organisers will work something out... Maybe a sneaky 10km morning run up their sleaves?!
Interviews for blog tomorrow afternoon
- Live from Ouarzazate
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OUR FINAL RESULTS!
Friday 3rd April 2009
To be completely honest, times & positions somewhat fade to insignificance when faced with a monumental challenge such as the Marathon des Sables. It is more against themselves, individually, than against the clock. Indeed, completing the race in itself is such a huge achievement of overcoming both mind and body... Especially when you consider that the ten-times champion, Lahcen Ahansal retired so early on in the 91km stage!
So, a massive CONGRATULATIONS to all of the ladies at the successful culmination of two years of preparation, training and, no doubt, anticipation... We are all so very proud of you!
It is a credit to all three that they should selflessly endure such an event in order to fund-raise on behalf of their chosen charities - and indeed, help to raise so much in the process for good causes. Thank you to all those who have supported Team MDS and donated to their charities. It makes the pain feel all that much more worth it...
However, some folk (yes, especially you runners) always like to study their own race stats and analyse their performances after a competition - so to keep them happy, below are the final (preliminary = my maths!) results for Team MDS+Z. I'm sure you'll agree that they're all absolutely outstanding achievements, even in light of the conditions!
Summary
Michaela : 32h 51m 51s - 21st female (298th overall)
Debs : 32h 25m 30s - 17th female (285th overall)
Sarah : 36h 06m 06s - 30th female (389th overall)
Zayne : 29h 07m 23s - 11th female (155th overall)
Michaela (bib 546)
Final position : 298th overall / 21st female
Total running time (202km) : 32h 51m 51s (6.15km/h)
Stage 1 (33km) : 4h 56m 45s (6.67km/h) - 400th position / 33rd female
Stage 2 (36km) : 5h 21m 43s (6.71km/h) - 330th position / 27th female
Stage 3 (91km) : 16h 53m 34s (5.39km/h) - 303th position / 21st female
Stage 4 (42km) : 5h 39m 49s (7.45km/h) - 325th position / 22nd female
Debs (bib 547)
Final position : 285th overall / 17th female
Total running time (202km) : 32h 25m 30s (6.24km/h)
Stage 1 (33km) : 4h 55m 34s (6.70km/h)- 391st position / 31st female
Stage 2 (36km) : 5h 12m 28s (6.91km/h) - 287th position / 18th female
Stage 3 (91km) : 17h 22m 08s (5.24km/h) - 312th position / 23rd female
Stage 4 (42km) : 4h 55m 20s (8.57km/h!) - 175th position / 9th female
Sarah (bib 545)
Final position : 389th overall / 30th female
Total running time (202km) : 36h 06m 06s (5.60km/h)
Stage 1 (33km) : 4h 57m 32s (6.65km/h) - 405th overall / 34th female
Stage 2 (36km) : 6h 02m 06s (5.97km/h) - 498th position / 48th female
Stage 3 (91km) : 18h 56m 11s (4.81km/h) - 410th position / 33rd female
Stage 4 (42km) : 6h 10m 17s (6.84km/h) - 404th position / 32nd female
Zayne (bib 596)
Final position : 155th overall / 11th female
Total running time (202km) : 29h 07m 23s (6.94km/h)
Stage 1 (33km) : 4h 52m 51s (6.76km/h) - 376th position / 26th female
Stage 2 (36km) : 4h 42m 13s (7.65km/h) - 156th position / 12th female
Stage 3 (91km) : 14h 15m 07s (6.39km/h) - 108th position / 7th female
Stage 4 (42km) : 5h 17m 12s (7.98km/h) - 264th position / 14th female
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Official Press Release 8
Friday 3rd April 2009
The following is from the official French race organisers:
Stage 4 - 03/04/09 - Aferdou Nsooualhine/Tizin Ighrs : 42 km
Conditions at 9.45am : 21,4°C and 29,6% hygrometry
Conditions at 12.15pm : 29°C and 16,5% hygrometry
4th stage Men ranking
1. Aziz El Akad (3 - Morocco) 2h52m23s
2. Mohamad Ahansal (2 - Morocco) 2h54m29s
3. Salameh El Aqrah (357 - Jord) 3h04m28
4. Mustapha Ait Amar (8 - Morocco) 3h06m00
5. Samir Akhdar (4 - Morocco) 3h09m43s
6. Aurelio Antonio Olivar Roldan (529 - Spain) 3h10m32s
7. Jorge Aubeso (458 - Spain) 3h12m15s
8. Anton Vencelj (220 - Slovenia) 3h12m41s
9. Michael Wardian (870 - USA) 3h14m15s
10. Lorenzo Trincheri (460 - Italy) 3h19m57s
4th stage Women ranking
1. Touda Didi (265 - Morocco) 4h16m52s
2. Luz Perez Carbajo (480 - Sapin) 4h18m33s
3. Rosa Espachs Olivera (504 - Spain) 4h24m49s
4. Meghan Hicks (825 - USA) 4h30m51s
5. Simone Keyzer (434 - Luxemburg) 4h38m41s
General ranking stage 4
Men
1. Mohamad Ahansal (2 - Morocco) 16h27m26s
2. Aziz El Akad (3 - Morocco) +4m14s
3. Salameh El Aqrah (357 - Jord) +47m40s
4. Anton Vencelj (220 - Slovenia) +1h47m09s
5. Mustapha Ait Amar (8 - Morocco) +1h49m11s
6. Lorenzo Trincheri (460 - Italy) +2h14m27s
7. Samir Akhdar (4 - Morocco) +2h16m06s
8. Michael Wardian (870 - USA) +2h17m23s
9. Aurelio Antonio Olivar Roldan (529 - Spain) +2h23m24s
10. Julio Gomez Camacho (473 - Spain) +2h33m36s
Women
1. Touda Didi (265 - Morocco) 23h30m44s
2. Meghan Hicks (825 - USA) +58m52s
3. Luz Perez Carbajo (480 - Spain) +1h07m48s
4. Simone Keyzer (434 - Luxemburg) +2h46m27s
5. Rosa Espachs Olivera (504 - Spain) +3h11m01s
6. Jennifer Salter (782 - GB) +3h14m04s
Mohamad Ahansal robbed the precious trophy from his brother, keeping it in the family patrimony. He has won his second Marathon des Sables in the row despite his main pretender's best efforts, Aziz El Akad, at the second place. 6 minutes behind Ahansal at the general ranking, Aziz El Akad did a phenomenal stage today trying to fill the gap. He won this stage ahead Ahansal, who simply contented himself to keep control over the race. The Jordanian Salameh Al Aqrah won a well deserved third general rank, 47 minutes behind Mohamad Ahansal.
No overpowering heat and sand storm for this edition but fresh nights, muddy ground and an high hygrometry throughout the race. Usually organised in a small city, the end the 24th Marathon des Sables is set in the middle of nowhere. Families are there to share the runners' joy. Tonight, all the competitors will relax themselves : a classical concert will be given by musicians from the Paris' Opera and will share dinner with the organisation's staff.
The Prize ceremony for the 24th Marathon des Sables will take place on Sunday in Ouarzazate.
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Saving the Best 'til Last!
Friday 3rd April 2009
Wow! All of Team "MDS+Z" have been achieving some fantastic performances throughout the race, but it was a sizzling final marathon stage by Debs - finishing 9th out of all the females, and covering on average over 8.5km per hour! Not sure that I could even do a normal marathon in that time...
Continually moving up the field, who knows where she might have finished if they did run the final stage tomorrow! Yellow jersey perhaps?...
Debs: 4h 55m 20s (Stage position: 175th overall / 9th female )
Zayne: 5h 17m 12s (Stage position: 264th overall / 14th female )
Michaela: 5h 39m 49s (Stage position: 325th overall / 22nd female)
Sarah: 6h 10m 17s (Stage position: 404th overall / 32nd female)
That's now Team MDS+Z, all present and correct - well done ladies!
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LOOK TO THE LEFT
Friday 3rd April 2009
Well they are nearly there (well I hope so as I'm writing this when they are in the middle of the long stage)
Hope you've all been enjoying the blog...down to some great work by Clive who at this point is probably still in Spain
Whilst you are waiting for the next installment why dont you look to the left, click on OUR CHARITIES and see the great work the girls have done in raising over £13,000 so far. Thanks to everyone who has contributed. Every little helps. If you have enjoyed this adventure with them, feel inspired by what you have seen and haven't already made a donation now might be a great time as they go in to the last stage. Also if you haven't told your friends and family about this its not too late to get them hooked on MDSrunMdS+Z
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The Long Stage...
Thursday 2nd April 2009
91km - the longest ever MdS stage in 24 years of history. Tent 80 - final photo and motivation talk before attempting to finish it all in one go. No one wanted to camp out in the night!
All of us have a different story to tell of adventures along the way, but the real challenge began as darkness descended... After a gruelling 9 hours of heat and strong desert winds, suddenly we were faced with head-torch visibility and a never-ending 8 hours following glow sticks. The big shock came when the glow sticks led us up a 'Jebel' mountain and then in to mountains - a very mean streak of the organisers!
By 5.30am, Tent 80 had all of its 8 residents complete - job done! Blister count: M=2, D=4, S=4.
Signing off now in trepidation of a trip to Doc Trotter (medical tent) for some emergency blister treatment...
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Desert Poem for Team MDS+Z
Thursday 2nd April 2009
Many thanks to Lou Walker for this fantastically inspired sample of poetic genius...
There once was a girl from the army,
Who with two physios went a bit barmy.
They entered a race,
With plenty of space,
Where the diet of choice was salami!
The problem of course was the blisters,
And the rain, and the heat and the twisters.
The camels weren’t bad,
The French firemen were mad,
But the best were the MDS sisters...
They scooped up an extra called Zayne,
(Another one, clearly insane).
And they ran every day,
Such a very long way,
That now pedicures will be in vain!
We’re glued to your progress, back in Britain,
Our thoughts with you, our fingernails bitten.
You know it’ll be worth it,
When you finish the circuit,
And that medal you’ll deservedly fit on. (?!!)
So, we hope in your tent in the desert,
You are laughing despite all the effort.
That your feet aren’t too sore,
Packs seem heavy no more
And you’ll find strength for that final stage spurt!!!
- Lou Walker, 2009!
When asked if we could include the poem on our web-site, Lou replied:
"It was just a bit of madness. Hope it makes them laugh a bit. I had such problems getting something sensible to rhyme with 'desert’ and ‘effort’ in the last verse! Originally it was something unsavoury about smelly ‘T shirts’...
Well, we now look forward to the next instalment describing the pleasures of odourful sports apparel!
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Shock Race to Finish Early
Thursday 2nd April 2009
The organisers have shocked everyone by announcing that the race will end after tomorrows marathon stage. Saturday is always a short easy day and seen as much as a fun run and chance to celebrate the achievement. With no chance to let off steam with a fast(?!) 10-miler, how will our ladies feel?
Certainly the most unusual MDS ever!
Also means we will not be at the finish line to help them celebrate...
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Marathon Final Stage!
Thursday 2nd April 2009
Wow - what an unusual year this is turning out to be for the organisers of the Marathon des Sables!
As mentioned at the end of their last official press release:
The race direction has decided to cancel the saturday's stage. The 24th Marathon des Sables will complete after the tomorrow's last 42km long stage.
Understandably, the weather has been against the organisers from the outset, so modifications to the route have been necessary - including the longest ever over-night stage (91km!)
Michaela, Debs, Sarah & Zayne have all been part of a genuinely unique challenge!
Tomorrow will see them complete their final stage of the 24th Marathon des Sables - and quite fittingly, it's a traditional marathon-distance of 42km (26.2 miles).
Considering the previous four stages of running they have already endured, plus all of the kit and food that they are still carrying, we somehow doubt that any of them will set a personal best (PB) time over this distance...
...But in our eyes, completing what truly has been the toughest-ever "Toughest Footrace on Earth", will be a PB in all of their lives.
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Official Press Release 6 / 7
Thursday 2nd April 2009
The following is from the official French race organisers:
02/04/09 – Stage 3 - Erg Znaïgui/Aferdou Nsooualhine : 91 km
Conditions at 9.30am: 31°C and 31% hygrometry
Conditions at 12.15pm : 29°C and 24,7% hygrometry
33 retirements at 9.30am
3rd stage Men ranking
1. Mohamad Ahansal (2 - Morocco) 8h08m22s
2. Aziz El Akad (3 - Morocco) 8h23m23s
3. Mustapha Ait Amar (8 - Morocco) 8h30m15s
4. Salameh El Aqrah (357 - Jord) 8h47m23s
5. Anton Vencelj (220 - Slovénia) 8h47m23s
6. Aurelio Antonio Olivar Roldan (529 - Spain) 9h27m34s
7. Lorenzo Trincheri (460 - Italy) 9h27m55s
8. Julio Gomez Camacho (473 - Spain ) 9h35m45s
9. Marco Olmo (297 - Italy) 9h42m49s
10. Michael Wardian (870 - USA) 9h51m59s
3rd stage Women ranking
1. Touda Didi (265 - Morocco) 11h52m49s
2. Meghan Hicks (825 - USA) 12h01m07s
3. Luz Perez Carbajo (480 - Spain) 12h12m35s
4. Simone Keyzer (434 - Luxembourg) 13h10m50s
5. Rosa Espachs Olivera (504 - Spain) 13m31s10s
General ranking stage 3
Men
1. Mohamad Ahansal (2 - Morocco) 13h32m57s
2. Aziz El Akad (3 - Morocco) +6m20s
3. Salameh El Aqrah (357 - Jord) +37m41s
4. Anton Vencelj (220 - Slovenia) +1h28m57s
5. Mustapha Ait Amar (8 - Morocco) +1h37m40s
6. Lorenzo Trincheri (460 - Italy) +1h48m59s
7. Michael Wardian (870 - USA) +1h57m37s
8. Samir Akhdar (4 - Morocco) +2h00m52s
9. Lhoucine Akhdar (5 - Morocco) +2h04m29s
10. Julio Gomez Camacho (473 - Spain) +2h07m01s
Women
1. Touda Didi (265 - Morocco) 19m13m52s
2. Meghan Hicks (825 - USA) +44m33s
3. Luz Perez Carbajo (480 - Spain) +1h06m07s
4. Simone Keyzer (434 - Luxembourg) +2h24m36s
5. Jennifer Salter (782 - GB) +2h41m20s
Such an intense, tough and stunning stage! Scoop of the day is for sure the retirement of the great favourite Lahcen Ahansal. The 10 times winner champion threw in the sponge at check point 4. Not really in a good physical condition since the start of the race, accentuated by a lack of training after his previous year's break, he left the vicotry escape. He took the hard decision to give up, informing his brother between chek points 3 and 4. Mohamad Ahansal moved then to top speed and left the Jordanian Al Aqrah and the Moroccan Aziz Al Akad on the spot. Taking advantage of his incredible pace, he did not get any rest on check point 5, cooling down his rivals' ardour. He reached the finish line, almost 15 minutes ahead of Aziz Al Akad and robbed him of his first place. Tomorrow will be an unique opportunity for the 2 top leaders to have a bit of a fight, considering other runners are "out" for the first place. The slovenian Anton Vancelj gave renew proof of his great shape, with a beautiful fourth ranking.
On the women's side, as to amazing Touda Didi, the fireworks go on with no true pretender. Her timing would rank her in the top 30 men ranking. The American Meghan Hicks reached the line in second position ( 44 minutes after the leader), followed by the Spanish Luz Perez Carbajo (+ 1h06min), Simone Keyzer (+ 2h41min) from Luxemburg. Touda Didi should finish this stunning week with a well deserved title.
Almost 24 hours after Mohamad Ahansal, the last two runners, the Swiss G. Dietrich Kohler and the Malaisian Adnan Mohamed Adnan Bin Osman, 68 and 66 years old respectively, reached the finish line under the runners and staff shared clamours. A amazing moment of solidarity and brotherhood, representative of MDS' spirit.
Because of the exceptional weather conditions throughout the Marathon, the safety does not allow the setting of a new bivouac in the area. The race organisation has therfore decided to cancel the Saturday's stage. The 24th Marathon des Sables will come to an end with a last 42km long stage on Friday.
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MADE IT - a Hard Days Night
Thursday 2nd April 2009
Results are in and they have made it!!!
Michaela 303rd - 16hrs 53 mins and now 308 overall with 27 hrs and 12 mins running
Not far behind was Debs 312 - 17hrs 22 now 313 oveall with 27hrs 30
Sarah had a fantastic effort finishing 410..middle of the field in 18 hrs 26...now 398 with 29:55
AND AS FOR ZIPPY ZAYNE...wait for it ...wait for it...yes here it comes...108th on the day...a brilliant 14hours and 15 to put her into 142 overall..one of the leading ladies
For our girls a hard earned rest until tomorrows Marathon distance 26mile 385yds..........but just think there are still some runners out there....how absolutely fantastic the 800 are.
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McCallums Fly
Thursday 2nd April 2009
At 18:00 today George Stu and Rory head for Morocco. Should beat Clive but this now leaves the blog control to Simon.
We're all looking forward to getting there and hopeful of getting to finish but not sure the hire car will be up to the flooded roads. Will need to take advice when we arrive...we could always wait by the pool but that is hardly in the spirit of MDS
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Official Press Release 5
Wednesday 1st April 2009
The following is from the official French race organisers:
01/04/09 – Stage 3 - Erg Znaïgui/Aferdou Nsooualhine : 91 km
Conditions at 9.15am: 20°C and 36% hygrometry
Conditions at 13pm : 29°C and 29% hygrometry
13 retirements at 12.15pm
Stage 3 ranking not available at the moment
The mytical stage of this 24th Marathon des Sables will be the longest one ever organised. A 91 km long stage with 6 check points, indispensable to the runners looking for water, medical cares and getting some rest under tents. 2 waves of runners set off this morning, depending on their ranking. This double start allows the organisation a better supervision. An opportunity for the slowest runners to admire the leaders' pace and cheer them. As the stage, this competition should be a mytical one thanks to the fight between Aziz El Akad, Salameh El Aqrah and the Ahansal brothers. Considering as a "key stage", this heat should reveal rapidly the name of the leader and put the ranking in order. Fine weather and beautiful landscapes for the classic longest stage of the Marathon des Sables.
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When Long is not Long Enough!
Wednesday 1st April 2009
Well they were supposed to be doing a mere 82 KM today but as the race organisers adapt to the rivers that have appeared over the weekend their idea of fun is to extend the stage to 91KM...the longest ever stage in MDS history...our girls once again will be making history..............or as some would say what did they expect for missing the first day?
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News from Yesterday
Wednesday 1st April 2009
Bed at 7.30pm last night - not sure how much sleep we all had as it hurt to turn over from carrying our packs.
Sarah started the day with shepherds pie! Our expedition food is becoming more appealing!!!
38km today and a lot hotter.
Blister count now: M=1, D=1, S=2.
Saw a sand viper and managed to take a photo...
Mad rush to start, then half hour of speeches from Patrick. It was actually cold and D had gloves on! Temp did soon get up to maybe 35 degs?
Great mix of people so far - we're all in good spirits!
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Houston, We Have Contact!
Wednesday 1st April 2009
Short but sweet, this snippet was sent last night (but arrived this morning - problems with the courier camel?!). A "fuller" blog entry was also sent and will be updated in the near future...
Just to let you know that we ARE getting all of the messages from the website no probs. "A Huge Thank You" to everyone who is sending them to us - it's a massive morale boost to get first lot just now!
First blister today, hate iodine now! Sand gaiters not working, though probably better than nothing. Would do things differently next time, but there won't be one!
The iodine they're referring to is a form of torture that "Doc Trotter's" medical team inflict upon unsuspecting runners... Here's what they do:
- Firstly, they use a scalpel to cut away all of the loose skin and into the surrounding good skin to smooth the area from rubbing any more (pain rating: 3/5).
- Then, they douse the raw wound with liquid iodine solution (pain rating: 7/5!). Seriously, grown men do cry...
- Finally, they slap a bit of plastic-like compound on to seal it - which has fallen off already by the time you get back to your tent...
Trust me, you only ever, EVER visit the medical tent once!!! After that, it's better to grim and bear it, or do your own DIY surgery with a safety pin...
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No News back from the Dunes
Wednesday 1st April 2009
We waited eagerly to hear back ...midnight came and went but nothing
French Comms gone down?, too busy reading the many emails that have been sent to them to queue at the email tent, too tired afer the 5 hour runs? Too scared of what lies ahead in the next 2 days?
We know they made it back from the results but that it is
Keep the messages flowing in. We are hoping they get there...but we do have a record of them back here. Fantastic support
Thanks
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The Beast is on the Move
Wednesday 1st April 2009
No not an April Fool, but today Clive sets off in the "Beast" to drive through France, Spain and Morocco to get himself to Ouarzarate. This is the first stage of their Morocco to Mongolia trip!
- Debs runs 150miles across the Sahara...
- Clive takes on some of the worst drivers that Europe has to offer...
...not sure who has the easy option!
With Clive on the move we lose some of our technical expertise... Apologise in advance if base camp struggles a bit
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Offical Press Release 4
Tuesday 31st March 2009
The following is from the official French race organisers:
31/03/09 – Stage 2 - Erg Znaïgui/Erg Znaïgui : 36 km
Conditions at 8.45am: 15,8°C and 38% hygrometry
Conditions at 10am : 20,7°C and 37% hygrometry
Conditions at 12.15pm : 24°C and 18% hygrometry
6 retirements at 12.15pm
2nd stage Men ranking
1. Aziz El Akad (3 - Morocco) : 2h41m17s
2. Salameh Al Aqrah (357 - Jordan) 2h45m48s
3. Lahcen Ahansal (1 - Morocco) : 2h49m17s
4. Mohamad Ahansal (2 - Morocco) : 2h50m30
5. Michael Wardian (870 - USA) 2h52m36s
2nd stage Women ranking
1. Touda Didi (265 - Morocco) : 3h54min9s
General ranking stage 2
Men
1. Aziz El Akad (3-Morocco) : 5h15m54s
2. Salameh Al Aqrah (357-Jord) : +7m21s
3. Mohamad Ahansal (2-Morocco) : +8m41s
4. Lahcen Ahansal (1-Morocco) : +8m44s
A surprising stage today, done with at infernal speed. Dunes, stones and wind were excepted, but coldness and wind have been the last stage's guests. Lead by the Jordanian Salameh Al Aqrah and the Moroccan Aziz El Akad's paces - second and third rankings respectively last year, the race was really testing for the stretched bunch of runners at the foot of the spectacular Jebel El Begra. An amazing duel, worthy of the best Western movies.
Up to the second check point, the two leaders were on each other's heels, cooling down their rivals' enthousiasm. Thanks to an impressive final sprint, the Moroccan Aziz El Akad left his challenger way behind, seizing the 1st place of the general ranking. He seemed really confident at the finishing line regarding his 1st place this year, "private proptery" of the Ahansal family for 13 years. Despite his tough end of stage, the Jordanian shares exactly the same ambitions and expects a lot about tomorrow's heat. 7 minutes behind the leader in the general ranking is actually not an insuperable obstacle...
Exhausting race for the Ahansal brothers : Mohamad suffered of digestive confusions, obliging his body to have a short break during this stage. His brother Lahcen was weak as well on the finishing line, apparently destabilized by the other competitors' ardour. Totalising more than 8 minutes difference with the top leader, this is an unforeseen situation for them. Temporarily lapse of end of kingdom? Answer tomorrow during the longest and mythical stage...
The Moroccan Touda Didi keeps shining in this competition, reaching the finishing line on the 1st position. Unless something drastic happens, she should keep the lead all through the week with a well deserved title.
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Zipping Zayne for Ztage Z
Tuesday 31st March 2009
We can't start this blog without a special mention for honoury member Zayne Crow who seems to have broken away to finish in 156 (4 hour 42) for the 2nd stage.. This puts her 253 overall. Fantastic.
She was followed in by Debs some 20 mins behind in 287 position to be 335 overall with Michaela 9 minutes later (330 on the day and 360 overall). Sarah made the top 500 in 6 hours to be 447 overall
Great performances from our girls and all set for the 53 miles inc night stage for the next 2 days
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Stage 1 Done - Safe and Sound
Monday 30th March 2009
Well we got to see the results of the first day. Our ladies finished in just under 5 hours for the 33KM through the dunes
Finishing just in the top 400 and within 2 minute of each other it looks like they ran this together. Safety in numbers after the first fews days adventures and having 400 in front lessens the chance of getting lost...and 400 behind increasing the chance of getting found if you do get lost
Incidently the leaders did get lost in the dunes
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First News from the Dunes
Monday 30th March 2009
Well the long wait is over......for those of us back home waiting to hear back from our ladies........
Messages have been flowing out to the Dunes and we were hoping they would get there........but the with the running long since done......there was still no news back
Then at 22:20 this came through:
"The race is finally underway! We have adopted a new team-mate called Zayne, so we are now team 'zee mds'. Today included 14km of sandunes, which was tough but fantastic - peppered with some ruins and a few passing camels. We have been allocated our tent (no 80) for the rest of the race and have a great group. First blisters and injuries have appeared but morale is high"
Looks like they have made it safe and sound. Bring on the next stage!
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Watch the Race Videos...
Monday 30th March 2009
You can now watch videos online of the first few days of the Marathon des Sables.
They are only short clips, but do help to you give a better idea of exactly what it's like out here. However, you'll have to excuse the French sense of humour in some of them...
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Official Press Release 3
Monday 30th March 2009
The following is from the official French race organisers:
30/03/2009 - Erg Chebbi / Erg Znaïgui : 33 km
Conditions at 10am : 20°C and 36% hygrometry
Conditions at 1.30pm : 29°C and 24% hygrometry
1st stage Men ranking and General ranking
1. Mohamad Ahansal (2 - Morocco) : 2h34m35s
2. Aziz El Akad (3 - Morocco) : 2h34m37s
3. Lahcen Ahansal (1 - Morocco) : 2h35m21s
4. Salameh Al Aqrah (357 - Jordan) 2h38m17s
5. Michael Wardian (870 - USA) 2h46m48s
1st stage Women ranking and General ranking
1. Touda Didi (265 - Morocco) : 3h29m
812 competitors set off this morning at 10.am at the foot of the Morocco' highest dunes. Mild temperatures, fresh wind... the regular racers noticed a huge change from the old routine. So impatient to compete, the favourites got lost in the last dunes of Erg Znaïgui, avoiding previously slippery wadis. Accordingly, the lead runners, including unsurprisingly the Ahansal brothers, the moroccan El Akkad and the Jordanian El Aqrah, had to run 3km longer than the initial route. An unusual orientation blunder for these old hands, which underlines again this edition is really special.
Despite the come back this year of Lahcen Ahansal, the first heat was a real contest. On the finish line, the moroccan runner seemed really confident "competitors are better and better trained...The race is far from finished, everybody is really excited... but the situation is rapidly going to become clearer". In a great shape, the American Michael Wardian did an excellent performance today, with a beautiful fifth ranking. Participating for just the second time (26 in 2000), his ambitions are really clear: "my goal is the first place, I am not here to lose".
Unsurprisingly, on the women's side, the Moroccan Touda Didi left her challengers way behind. Proof that solidarity is one of the most important values shared by competitors, Fabien Debaucheron (260 – France) lent her a helping hand by restoring her bag during the race. Let this exciting adventure begin.
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Race Route on Google Maps
Monday 30th March 2009
Okay, so it's not very accurate, but using the information sent back by M, D & S when they collected their "Race Books" on Friday, we've plugged the place names into Google Maps to give you an idea of the route.
Zoom-in and play around with the different view settings: map, satellite & terrain. Unfortunately for Team "MDS run MdS", their route is not likely to be quite as straight-line as this map!
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Day 2 (Stage 2) - We're Off!
Monday 30th March 2009
Team "MDS run MdS" are finally off on the 24th Marathon des Sables!!!
Early this morning, they were all transported by coach from the hotel in Erfoud, where all of the MdS competitors had taken refuge from the flash floods that wiped out the first bivouac camp-site...
They have now gone directly to the start line for Stage 2.
Awaiting update...
Distance today: 34 km (21 miles)
Distance so far: 59 km (36 miles)
Distance to go: 184 km (115 miles)
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Official Press Release 2
Sunday 29th March 2009
The following is from the official French race organisers:
29/03/2009 - Press Release Number 2
The sun has finally arrived in Erfoud, bringing smiles on runners and competitors' faces. The 24th MDS began with the usual technical and administrative verifications. Runners had to comply formalities regarding their rucksak weight, calories (2000 calories minimum required) and compulsory safety items (compass, knife, mirror, whistle, aluminium survival sheet). Participants had to present themselves to the race adminstrators before receiving their identification number.
The come back of Lachen Ahansal is of course one of the most important event of this edition. He promised to stop after 10 victories and he kept his word... for a better and really appreciated come back after his absence last year. He remains the great favourite. His young brother, Mohammad Ahansal, who kept the precious prize since the previous edition, seemed to be worried regarding the weather conditions: "because of the rain, the ground is less soft. And as you know, it is easier for runners to take a clear lead on sand surface. It will be harder than last year..." Same explanations according to the talented Jordanian outsider, Salameh Al Aqrah, 2nd in 2008.
On the women's side, all the favourites expected are taking part in the competition: Simone Keyzer coming from Luxembourg, with 3 victories under her belt, and the winner of the previous edition, the moroccan Touda Didi.
This afternoon, the race Director Patrick Bauer, has been referred to the 812 participants. He has called to everybody's mind the possibility to cancel the race because of bad weather conditions. In accordance with all competitors, decision has been taken to maintain the race meanwhile adding route modifications in the order to avoid oueds in spate.
These important last route alterations should complicate the race development for runners and support staff "I know that you did so many sacrifices for taking part in this competition, so we have to take up together this challenge. It will not be easy but unity is strength!". Competitors warmly applaused the words of Patrick Bauer regarding this quite unique edition.
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Send Us Some Messages!
Sunday 29th March 2009
Yes, by the miracle of modern technology, we can now receive your messages of encouragement, support and the odd joke, right here in the Sahara Desert!!! (Just don't send us any bills please...)
Just click on "Send messages" and start typing - it's that simple! Your message will then zip across to the Race Organisers' server in France, from where they beam all of the messages once a day by satellite deep in to the heart of the Sahara! At this end, the Race Organisers print them off and pin them up on boards at the overnight camps for us to collect at the end of each stage...
It's always a morale boost to receive some mail at home - but it's even more valuable now that we're out here! So please do getting typing...
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Day 1 (Stage 1) - Cancelled!
Sunday 29th March 2009
The stats for today were supposed to be:
Distance today: 25 km (15 miles)
Distance so far: 25 km (15 miles)
Distance to go: 218 km (136 miles)
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Official Press Release 1
Saturday 28th March 2009
The following is from the official French race organisers:
28/03/2009 - Press Release Number 1
Sand, sun and heat were expected... But instead of, the runners have been welcomed by rain, cold and mud. They arrived in the Morroco's South Sahara wearing a short, they were obliged to wear their parka and wellingtons.
After their arrival in Daya, where normally medical and administrative checks were planned, the competitors discovered an inundated bivouac, like a slippery skating rink. In only three hours, the MDS' organisation had to repatriate the 1200 runners and support staff to Erfoud where they staid at the main city hotels. Because of the really bad weather conditions, the race direction has decided to cancel the first stage and alter of one day the departure of the race.
"We never live this kind of situation in 24 editions, we have been obliged to modify the race departure in order to respect safety rules" according to the race director Patrick Bauer. Technical and medical checks will take place tomorrow, allowing the runners to set off on Monday morning. The competitors met a very tough transfer, dealing with surprise, anxiety and disappointment.
They all fully appreciated the reactivity of the organisation regarding this unique and complex situation. Some of them enjoyed this free time for shopping, others began their training in this surprising weather conditions.
Will they influence the race development? Will they help outsiders to beat Marrocan on their fields?
Answer on Monday the 30th, during the first heat, if the weather does not oblige the organisation to cancel the race.
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STAGE 1 CANCELLED!
Saturday 28th March 2009
Now confirmed that Stage 1 will be cancelled and the race will begin with Stage 2. It means our girls will spend another night in the hotel(!) before being shipped on Sunday to the start of Stage 2.
Everyone in good spirits now that there seems to be some certainty.
Oh, and yes, it has finally stopped raining!
The following is from the official "Darbaroud" web-site:
Bivouac of MDS flooded!!!
This MARATHON DES SABLES 2009 seems left on bases more than surprising and unusual. The first three nights in Morocco would not be under berber tents in the bivouac but in the Hotel to Erfoud...
Indeed, big intemperies in South of Morocco on March 27th and 28th on all the region of the route did not allow the organization to reach the departure point of the race.
The bivouac is flooded and the repatriation of competitors and all the carvane of MDS was organized at the beginning of the evening to Erfoud under cover and dry weather yesterday...
The first stage of March 29th is cancelled and in case of a more claimant weather, MDS will take its departure on March 30th.
Release of official press this afternoon on this site.
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Lost in Morocco
Saturday 28th March 2009
Well last night everyone rescued from the flooded campsite made it to a hotel...but no-one seems to know where it is. Only the brits here at the moment..2/3 very muddy..1/3 dry -they had spent the day stuck on buses...bored but dry. The rest of the countries are spread out across Morocco
It appears that stage one on Sunday was due to run along a dry river bed...problem the river bed is now at the bottom of a river!!! Current plan is to abandon stage one and gather competitors at start of stage 2. Some runners want to run the missing 20 miles..some pacing the corridors..our 3 intrepid ladies head out to the town to look for shops
More later
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Admin Day at the Bivouac
Saturday 28th March 2009
Today is supposed to be the pre-race administration day out in the desert:
- A full individual kit-check of all our compulsory safety items (such as an anti-venom pump, signalling mirror, etc). Yep, we were originally concerned at the packing-list too...
- Proving that we each have at least 2,000 calories of food per day - which isn't really all that much considering it's also the Government-recommended "average daily consumption" for women, and 500 calories shy of that for men. Then again, we don't tend to carry seven day's worth around with us on our backs at home!
- The issuing of hand-launched emergency flares to everyone! Hopefully we won't have any need for these, but they could make for a great final-night fireworks display?!
So after yesterday's weather-induced fiasco, it'll be interesting to see exactly what today does hold in store for us all! The Race Organisers now have the unenviable challenge against the elements to regain considerable lost time - watch this space...
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Wellies and Umbrellas?!
Friday 27th March 2009
Today has not been the day that anyone was expecting - and everyone is now very worried... It went something like this:
6:30am - We were woken up as we all have to leave an hour earlier. Managed to get a tent group together last night: 4 girls & 4 guys. No wierdos (we think / hope!) Packed, ready and waiting for the bus out to the first bivouac site. We also got given the "Road Book" - maps and descriptions of our race route for the next seven days. There are some very strange sounding place names!
9:30am - IT'S RAINING!
10:30am - TORRENTIAL RAIN!!!
Noon - STILL RAINING... All quite usual, apparently(?!) Well that's what they said...
3:30pm - so wet trucks cant get to camp site. Only brits made it waiting for French to make a decision
5:30pm - We're all standing in a flooded camp-site, desperately trying to keep warm of all things! Not very funny and the Race Organisers are somewhat worried...
6:30pm - The camp-site has now flooded so badly that even the rest of the Race Organisers can't get here! And our buses have since gone back. Patrick Bauer, the overall Race Director, arrives in helicopter!
7:00pm - It's still only British contingent that has managed to get here! We're now in our "tents" for night. We use the word "tent" in the loosest possible terms - a series of stitched Hessian sacks, pegged down along two opposite sides and then propped up in the middle by a pair of criss-crossed wooden poles. This inverted "V" shape is completely open to the full force of the prevailing elements at both ends - so dare we say that the mood is actually quite miserable at this moment in time!
7:30pm - The Moroccan Army have just arrived to rescue us all in their military trucks and take us to a nearby (- distances are all relative out here!) hotel. Everyone is absolutely soaked to the skin and wearing up-side-down bin bags as makeshift waterproofs! And it's dark. Hmmmm. No-one will believe this!!!
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Where's Ouarzazate...
Thursday 26th March 2009
Well, we've all now successfully arrived here in Ouarzazate (pronounced "was-zar-zat"!) - a Moroccan oasis town plucked straight out of an "Arabian Nights" film-set, perched on the edge of the Sahara Desert...
Landing at an airport with little more than a shack at the end of the runway, the ambient heat strikes you as soon as you disembark from the plane. A quick check around, and no, we're not stood behind the exhaust from the dwindling jet engines... It really is going to be this temperature for the next 243 kilometres!
In the far distance, a few snow-capped peaks of the High Altas mountain range shimmer in the heat haze - is this a mirage that is going to taunt us throughout the race?! If we can see past the next sand dune, that is...
More immediately, however, "Race HQ" are already getting worried as Michaela managed to leave the airport with the wrong suitcase - not a good start!
Transferred by coach to the "Race Hotel" which appears to be extremely nice - a taste of luxury before the harsh reality of life under open canvas strikes tomorrow... It looks like they build exactly what they like - buttressed walls with . The hotel even has a swimming pool - better make good use of it before we go as everyone is banned from it after the race!
We spend an hour in the rooms trying to glue our sand-gaiters on to our trainers... Which is somewhat easier said than done it transpires! Then we head off to dinner, now four ladies strong - M, D & S plus Zayne (a nurse from London), looking for four other unsuspecting fools to share a tent with... No luck so far!
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Let the Adventure Begin
Thursday 26th March 2009
We fly! Got off to a good start with all of Team "MDS run MdS" successfully meeting at London Gatwick and now waiting to board... It wasn't difficult to spot our check-in desk - the one with the long queue of similarly-equipped runners?!
As we wait in the departure lounge, all you can hear everywhere is the hesitant enquiring of questions like:
- "what make of this..."
- "how much of that..."
- "have you got something-else..."
...Runners are a strange-breed! But this ritual only serves to make us question ourselves ever so slight - even though we do feel as though we have prepared as far as possible for this challenge, you can't help that niggling doubt from entering into our minds when everybody else seems to have gone with a different idea... Only time will tell!
But our preparations wouldn't have gone so smoothly without the relentless support of our ever-patient family, dependable friends and so many more "contributors" besides... A huge thank you all for putting up with us over the past two years!
Now the adventure really begins...
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Final "Skype" Call... Or is it?
Sunday 22nd March 2009
With "Team MDSrunMDS" currently spread between Winchester, Plymouth and Bristol, the online chat service, "Skype", allows all three of us to chat together in "conference mode".
This evening was to be the last chance for us all to touch base... and panic about how many socks and knickers to take, how big a tube of toothpaste and how many energy bars... What a minefield!!
In fact, we'd better not make that the final call, but have another chat again on Tuesday!
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Seven Days and Counting...
Thursday 19th March 2009
Yes, there's only seven days left until we fly out from London Gatwick on a charter aircraft with over 200 other mad fools from around the UK! By then it'll be too late for whatever it is that we've forgotten to pack - perhaps our sanity, some may think?!
No more deliberating over which sleeping bag to take: the warmer one or the lighter one? Both equally important considerations...
No more worrying about whether we've packed enough calories to keep us going throughout the six gruelling stages of the hardest physical endurance event that any of us have ever attempted...
No more opportunities to swap our trainers for a half-size larger and then back again... How much will our feet really swell in the intense heat? What socks to wear in an attempt to prevent blisters from forming on Day 1?!
Nope - in one week's time, all of those materialistic thoughts will be irrelevant... Pure and simple, it'll be a "mind game" from then on!
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Numbers
Thursday 12th March 2009
The 24th Marathon des Sables has many facts and figures associated with it... Here are a few of "our numbers":
2009 will certainly be a year to remember!
850 competitors fool-hardy enough to enter...
243 kilometres of sand dunes, dried-up wadis and rocky outcrops...
80 kilometres in a single over-night stage...
71 years young - the age of the oldest competitor...
50 degrees Celsius at the height of the running day...
47 teams of 3 or more runners...
42 kilometres of a "traditional marathon" distance on Day 6...
39 different nationalities represented (Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Estonia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Israel, Iceland, Italy, India, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden and the USA)
26 March 2009 - the adventure begineth...
16 years old - stupidity starts early for the youngest competitor...
6 April 2009 - the pain endeth!
4 charities chosen to benefit from our endeavour...
3 members of Team "MDS run MdS"...
2 short weeks to go...
But still only 1 true question - WHY?!
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Stonehenge Stomp
Sunday 25th January 2009
This was a beautiful off road run that was really enjoyable, despite the large amount of mud! Aimed at walkers as well as runners, it was a far more casual and social event than ones we have done in the past. A particular highlight were the sweets and biscuits at all the checkpoints! Michaela and Debs both ran this with a pack weighing 7kg.
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The Last "Longmoor Lollop"
Sunday 11th January 2009
Michaela ran this race 13-mile race with a pack, and still managed to finish as the 1st lady!
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Doyen of the Downs
Sunday 7th December 2008
Very cold 30-mile run near Arundel, with M, D & S finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively! The icy conditions underfoot are not something we are likely to encounter in the desert!
