Dr Dave takes on Marathon des Sables, 'The Toughest foot race on earth' In
March I will be taking part in Marathon Des Sables, often described as
being one of the 'toughest footraces on earth,' I will be running the
equivalent six marathons over six days, carrying all my own kit
including food water, sleeping bag, venom pump and distress flare!!!
Temperatures are likely to be around 45-50 degrees which will make
'running' particularly challenging. I shall be hoping to raise money
for The Shooting Stars Childrens Hospice.
The Hospice is a very special place - a home from home for families who
find themselves in truly unimaginable circumstances. The hospice
provides essential care and support for children and young people with
life-limiting conditions and their families, free of charge, 365 days a
year. Through the provision of respite, palliative and specialist end
of life care, whether in the hospice or in the family's own home, we
strive to ensure that quality of life is enhanced for the whole family
throughout the course of a child's illness and beyond. So all i ask is
that if you can spare a few bob, your donations would be greatly
appreciated. If you wish to make a donation, you can make a contribution directly at the practice, or alternatively visit www.justgiving.com/mantlesmarathondessables many thanks Dave Update 22/04/09 
I'm still alive!!!
After
what can only be described as a gruelling week, i'm glad to say i'm
back in blighty after completing the 24th Marathon Des Sables. For
those of you that may have followed the online coverage, you will no
doubt be aware that the start of the race didn't go quite to plan with
flash floods in and around the Sahara, a first for 25years.
Logistically this proved a nightmare for the organisers as many of the
Wadis had flooded and the ground in places had been reduced to a
quagmire. Fortunately, we managed to start the race only by one days
delay, although the original six stage race was reduced to 4 stages.
This made the race even more difficult as the organisers squeezed just
over 200km into 4 days, including a brutal 91km stage where at times we
were on our hands and knees crawling up sand-dunes in pitch black
darkness This proved to be the stage that earned the race its tough
reputation with many runners dropping out or continuing well into the
following day with feet in tatters. The following day was our final
43km over mountainous and rocky terrain together with a few energy
sapping dunes. I finally made the finish line to receive my traditional
kiss from organiser and ex-Foreign Legionairre Patrick Bauer, after
7days of not washing and living outdoors i think i was more pleased to
see him than he was me!! So
I now have the tshirt, the medal and the Mug and my wife is glad to
hear that although it has been a fantastic experience, i won't be doing
it again. Thank
you all for your support, it has been very much appreciated. Shooting
stars have been very supportive and enthusiastic about this race and i
know your contributions have been very well received. Cheers Dave P.s if any of you would like to see photos of my feet i would be more than happy to email a picture to you.: )
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