About the Marathon Des Sables
The Marathon des Sables covers 150 miles (c.250 kms) through the Sahara Desert in Morocco in 6 daily stages ranging from 22kms - 82kms with temperatures frequently reaching 120 degrees C. It attracts around 700 runners from 40 different countries and increases in popularity each year; each must be fully self-sufficient (except water) for the entire race. The terrain varies from massive sand dunes, stony plateaux, trails, oueds, palm groves, small mountains and wadis. The event has become know as "the toughest footrace on earth".
The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Trust
(Registered Charity No. 268369)
The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Trust was established following Henry's tragic death in a car crash in December 2002. The Trust is currently supporting the school in Uganda where Henry was due to work as a volunteer teacher in his Gap year, by building a library and classrooms.
About me
I am running as part of the Northumbrian Universities Officer Training Corps (NUOTC), which forms part of the Territorial Army. The team consists of 4 runners in the second or third year, 3 of us from Newcastle and one from Durham. We are each competing for individual charities, and have so far been generously supported by the OTC and the Army.
I have not yet run a regular marathon, and have no desert experience. I am hugely looking forward to the challenge and serious training is under way. Henry was a close friend at school and I am sure that knowing as I race through the Sahara, that all the money I raise will directly benefit children in Africa, will make all the difference in assuring that I complete this arduous event.
Team NUOTC
Team NUOTC includes
- Andy Morris,
- James Shelton,
- Amy Poskitt,
- & myself
Links
- www.saharamarathon.co.uk - More information about the MdS (you could run it too!)
- www.darbaroud.com - The organizers of the MdS
- www.bestofmorocco.co.uk - Tailor-made trips to Morocco (marathon not compulsory)