Please note that links to training events and other products are for information only; they are not recommendations.
Places on 2011
We are pleased to advise you that there are a limited number of additional places available on the 2011 event. If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible.
See the registration page for more detail about registration; contact details here.
Insurance
Your registration fee does not include insurance against cancellation etc. We recommend that you do arrange your own insurance. You must ensure that any insurance you take out will cover the MdS ... read more about insurance and providers.
Keith Flood - Parachute Gaitors - feedback request
This is posted on behalf of Keith - if you have feedback regarding his gaitors, please contact him directly.
Dear 2010 MDS Competitors
Congratulation or commiserations to you. Whatever the result I am sure you will agree, the experience was eventful, painful and unforgettable. Enhanced by the superb organisation of the event and the BOM support.
A great number of you brought the silk ' Parachute ' gaiters from me, as have competitors for the previous six years.
Please, if you can send me feedback, as it is of paramount importance that the service provided stays consistent for the 2011 MDS runners.
Can you send your comments to me at keith.flood at ge.com
Thank-you
Keith Flood
2011 Photography
Mark Gillett will be attending the MDS again in 2011 as a photojournalist to cover stories and take on private commissions. The prices depend on your requirements so please contact Mark on mark@junglemoon.co.uk to get further information on prices.
His Galleries can be found at www.junglemoon.co.uk.
Desert Runner Training Camps - throughout the year
Team Axarsport run various camps throughout the year, with a 100% success rate of all runners finishing the MdS and/or similar races.
www.axarsport.comScotland2Sahara - join Andrew Murray for a run
Andrew has sent this message, please contact him directly if interested.
Most of you will be aware im running a bit over 2650 miles in 85 days from John o groats to the moroccan sahara desert. This will be the subject of an Adventure Show, BBC2 Scotland TV Special. This is with the aim of raising £100k for the Yamaa Trust, to ameliorate poverty in the Gobi Desert. I volunteer as a medical advisor, and have been out to help with the Yamaa Trust before.
Loads of folk have asked about running a part of this with me. That would be awesome. Anytime is fine, but the most fun day would be 14th november on the west highland way. THERE ARE 2 DISTANCES TO CHOOSE FROM, 28 MILES (£40), OR 7 MILES (£30). every penny will go to the Yamaa Trust, and it'll be a brilliant day. It would be great to see as many people there as possible. There will be a free Scotland2sahara t shirt and medal with each entry. You are welcome to either run, or walk, and it's being organised, on a voluntary basis by the fantastic team at SANDBAGGERS.
Some people have also asked if they can raise money as part of this. The answer is definitely YES, great if you fancy raising money for the Yamaa Trust as part of Scotland2sahara, or also great if you fancy raising for a charity of your choice. Also great if you fancy simply running/ walking/ crawling etc. If you do fancy raising money for the Yamaa Trust, we have made up sponsor forms, and will help as much as we can. There will also be an attempt at the world record for most RUNNERS WEARING A KILT.
www.scotland2sahara.com/Neil Thubron - Training Events
Message on behalf of Neil
Dear Marathon Des Sables competitor, past or present.
EXTREME ENERGY - MARATHON DES SABLES UPDATE
As many of our competitors are either taking part in the Marathon Des Sables or have taken part we thought it would be worth putting together a specific email on the subject.
Training
Specific multiday distance running is clearly a key part of the training for
the event which is why we put the Druid Challenge and the Pilgrim Challenge in
the diary to coincide and support your training plans. Following the success of
these events last year and the large number of MDS competitors that took part
we are delighted to put them on again for you.
The Druid Challenge 12th - 14th November 2010- 3 days along the Ridgeway covering approx 83 miles, each day is 26.5 - 29.5 miles.
The Pilgrim Challenge 5th/6th February 2011 - 2 days, 33 miles each day along the North Downs Way.
Many MDS runners will be taking part in these events and in 2010 several tent groups were formed over the 5 days of running.
Competitors in 2010 said that these 2 events were perfect training and a good test for all the kit aswell.
At the Druid Challenge in November we are delighted to be joined by Rory Coleman, 7 times MDS finisher, who will be talking about all things MDS on the Saturday evening and will have his Ultrarace shop open all weekend for all those bits you need.
For more information contact THUBRONN at uk.ibm.com
Rory Coleman - Training
Message from Rory Coleman, if interested please contact him directly
With less than six months to the MdeS, it's time to get your training, your kit and training events planned in time for 'The World's Toughest Footrace'.
Training
Rory Coleman offers two different MdeS days, each priced at £150:
- Day One is a fitness building clinic where your fitness is assessed and a
bespoke gym programme is built for you to make you lean and strong for the
desert.
- Day Two is an MdeS training day, where all aspects of the race are covered in
detail and all those tricky questions on the race are answered. It's polished
off with a 26.2 mile run where the art of desert ultra-running technique is
learned.
Kit
Learn how to get your pack down to the 6.5kg limit. We have the lightest
equipment for sale and on either of the MdeS days we can research just what's
best for your Desert experience. We have the lightest cookers and the amazing
Raidlight Sleeping Bag that turns into a jacket. Email rory@ultrarace.co.uk for
the latest price list which is heavily discounted. You will also save £'s on
NOT buying irrelevant kit.
Events
ULTRArace has a full calendar of events in the new year to get you used to
covering the distances you will experience in Morocco. ULTRArace.Grantham in
March which will also have the ECG and Medical Form sign offs for just
£50.
Keith flood - Gaitors & more - future competitors
If you are interested in the offer below, which is sent to you at Keith's request, please contact him direct.
He can also supply Expedition Foods at reduced prices - again, please contact him for a price list
Keith Flood completed a known ultra event runner has been working with a supplier who makes Gaiters. These gaiters where used by previous MDS competitors for the last six years and have proved to be extremely successful.
The Gaiters 'must' be regarded as an essential part of your kit. They minimise any risk of sand getting into your shoe and therefore reduce further risk of infection due to the inevitable cuts and blisters which occur to most athletes during the event.
The sand gaiters are based on a tried and tested design which have been a Made from ripstop nylon (Aka. Parachute silk) and featuring a double toggle tie system for maximum security and comfort the gaiters are durable, comfortable and effective at keeping sand out of your footwear.Gaiters will be made to your required size and will be sent with full use instructions.
Please remember that your feet will grow approximately two sizes during the run, so this will need to be considered when ordering. The Gaiters cost approximately £35.00 a pair which includes post and package.
Bear in mind that if you make your own, materials alone will cost approximately £25 .00, then there will be the pattern and seamstress costs. All essential and mandatory food, equipment and clothing can also be purchased by request.
If you want a pair of gaiters, or have any questions relating to ultra events, please contact Keith via e-mail at keith.flood at ge.com
Potential extreme endurance event
Rob Redhead is considering setting up an extreme endurance event and is &quiot;looking for feedback to gauge the level of potential interest and offer the opportunity to previous MdS competitors.". Please conatct him directly: robredhead74 at gmail.com.
Dates and registration
For the next available MdS and how to register, see the Register to Run page.
Find sponsors to cover your costs
The Grand Alpha Club is a community web site for sports men and women of all disciplines and all abilities. They are proactive in finding you the funds you will need to compete in the MdS. See the Grand Alpha website for more details.
Seminars
Previous competitors of the MdS arrange events that are useful for meeting and sharing knowlege about the event. Best of Morocco does not organise these events so contact the organisers directly.
- Ambition Events welcome days - a day combining a run, workshops, kit review and a massage - full details
- How to do the Marathon des Sables - Luke Cunliffe - Full details
- Also see the other marathons / training events
DVD of the MdS
BBC Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall made a film of his experiences on the 2005 MDS. It is available directly from him at £10 (including p+p) for a burned DVD. To obtain it, email him at sbackshall at hotmail dot com for purchase details. Note that this is not the DVD produced by AOI.
Book of the MdS
Clive Gott, a competitor in the 2006 MdS, has written an honest and emotional book telling his story about how he completed the hardest footrace in the world. To purchase your copy send a cheque (payable to Clive Gott) for £5.50 to 15 Toll Bar Way, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire. LS24 8JT.
Clive will donate £1 to Facing Africa for every copy sold.
Donations raised for Facing Africa
Thanks to the efforts of the competitors who ran for Facing Africa, the charity is getting significant donations. See the donations list for this and previous years sponsors.
Facing Africa wil contribute towards your costs if you run on their behalf - more details.
Websites of previous competitors
It's well worth reading the experiences of past competitors, including looking at their photos of feet, etc. A list of some of the more detailed sites.
The Darbaroud Boutique
The race organisers have opened a shop with book / dvd and equipment at www.darbaroud-boutik.com.