I have had the pleasure of competing the Marathon des Sables on two occasions. The first time in 2009 was cut short due to having a viral infection of my heart. I have to say it’s not easy running with 14 kg on your back while your heart is being squeezed. It also didn’t help getting lost in 9.75 million miles of desert as well!
Having been taken out of the race I was determined to return to Morocco, which I did in 2010. This was a success and I finished 528th out of 1150 competitors. The MDS was hard earned and my feet felt every one of the 250 km.
The Otter Trail in South Africa is my nemesis. It’s one of the most beautiful and equally tough races in the world that I have never finished. The Marathon distance course is devastatingly brutal and winds its way across and over incredibly challenging terrain. From rocks in the ocean, to forest and cliff tops with sheer drops to murderous rocks far below, to river crossings with sharks and an unforgiving series of ascent and descents, it’s no surprise that it is also called the Grail of Trail.