Marathon de Sables information
26 March to 6 April 2009 –
151 miles in 6 days
Heat and blisters not the pace that kills.
The sand will sap your energy.
Medical certificate and ECG test required.
If that was not hard enough you have to carry a 10kg rack sack with all food spare clothing sleeping bag etc (see separate check list)
What it takes.
3,000 calories per day =
Energy Bars = 150-250 calories
Dried foods
Fall behind the Camel cut off time, you must stay ahead or be disqualified!
Cope with moving forward while struggling to eat and feeling sick.
Learn to eat and drink when exhausted and suffering from heat stroke.
Many will not finish!
Sand Dust – Nose bleed -Lips blisters are just a few of the distractions to make the tough get going.
CHECK LIST
Fuel from organisers.
MDS specific Sunglasses
CP’s = Check points must check in along each route.
Feed stations – use up water know when the next aid station is coming up.
Very cold at night uses up lots of energy stay warm.
Salt tablets are a MUST every hour.
DNF = did not finish. In 2007 or 4% of the competitors did not make it.
2009 241 British Competitors from England have entered- Ask others for help.
Save energy in the banter at the start shouting etc.
Limit time to e mails in the evening. Save this for after you finish.
Other information
2 helicopters
100 4x4 vehicles
40 film Crew
5 official photographers
20 World wide presses
Emails supplied in hard copies to competitors at end of each day, many are too tired to read them.
Have extra bottle then 30 minute penalty then extra bottle DQ