About the Marathon Des Sables

The MdS is a 6 day / 230km endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, normally taking place at the end of March / beginning of April.

During this time the competitors (myself included!) have to carry all food, cooking equipment, food, survival equipment, etc over ground ranging from sand dunes to uneven rocky ground in temperatures upto 120°F.

Why I am running the Marathon des Sables

To raise money for what I believe to be a very worthy cause (Facing Africa and prevention of the disease Noma); the prospect of the challenge itself (I am told it's the toughest footrace on earth) and the environment in which the race takes place, - one of the most beautiful on the planet (if you like the desert that is...)

I chose the charity Facing Africa as it is benefiting people in the Noma belt of sub-Saharan Africa including Morocco where the event takes place. The charity relies considerably on the donations raised by competitors of the Sand Marathon. As well as the money raised, spreading awareness of this relatively unknown disease is also greatly needed.

The countries which Noma effects are some of the poorest on earth. They are not without their other problems; Economic crisis, food shortages, armed conflicts, the AIDS epidemic and a high level of corruption are for some, part of everyday life. For those children unfortunate enough to be infected with Noma, their prospects are particularly bleak; - approximately 90% chance of dieing, or for the few survivors, severe facial disfigurement, functional impairment and social outcast.

On a more positive and practical note, Noma can be prevented, it can be cured and to a degree, it's after-effects can be repaired. This rarely happens, but hopefully, this is what Facing Africa can change.

Any donations will be gratefully received!

Sponsor Me

Please sponsore me by making a donation to Facing Africa.

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Links

• www.saharamarathon.co.uk - More information about the MdS (you could run it too!)
• www.facingafrica.org - Helping to cure and prevent NOMA (official charity of the MdS in 2003)
• www.darbaroud.com - The organizers of the MdS
• www.bestofmorocco.co.uk - Tailor-made trips to Morocco (marathon not compulsory)