About The Race
It covers 151 miles over 6 days - equivalent to 5.5 regular marathons run in planned stages. The runner’s speed averages 3-14 km an hour in mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F. The terrain is tough, ranging from rock strewn hills to around 30km of sand dunes – and anyone who has run on a sandy beach will know how hard that is. What’s more, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the 6 days - food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc. The only exception is a tent. Water is strictly rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.
The heat, distance and rubbing will trash your feet fast, but physical fitness is only half the battle. Mental stamina will make or break the competitors. The 4th day will see competitors face a key challenge - a 45-50 mile run across a barren wilderness. Few people complete this before dark and some will not finish that night. Coming after three hard days of running, and followed by the 42km marathon stage – the Marathon of the Sands will challenge even the toughest and most physically prepared athletes.
The race involves over 400 support staff, 100 all-terrain vehicles, a helicopter, 7 planes and 4 camels. 40 medical staff will be on hand with 5 km of Elastoplast, 2700 Compeed, 15000 compresses, 2800 pairs of gloves, 2300 antibiotics, 5300 painkillers and 125 litres of disinfectant.
For more information on George Eyles and Spinal Research please visit: www.myspine.org and www.spinal-research.org.
