I'm raising money for the British Red Cross who do work both here in the UK and abroad. If you're able to spare any money for a donation it would be much appreciated. All money donated goes direct to the British Red Cross as this event is being entirely funded by me.

In March 2009 I will be entering the 24th Marathon des Sables, which is a foot race covering 151 miles (equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons) through the Sahara desert in South Eastern Morocco run over 6 days. In addition to that, I'll have to carry everything I will need for the duration (apart from a tent and water) in my rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint. The longest stage is approximately 40 miles long and the temperature can get up to the high 40 degree celsius! In short, its not the usual sort of weather that ginger haired people like hanging about in to much!

You can read my progress in training events on my JogBlog. Since I started keeping accurate records in February 08, I've run over 1500 miles in training. In my build up to the MdS I've entered the following races:

- Nottingham Robin Hood Marathon 2007 
- Wilmslow Half Marathon
- London Marathon
- White Peak Marathon
- Buxton Half Marathon
- Bullock Smithy (56 mile race round the peaks)
- Lincoln Spires and Steeples marathon
- The Beacon Ultra (47 mile race round the Brecon Beacons)
- Several Fell races

- London Underround (A marathon round the tube stations ofLondon)

- Marrakech Marathon

- Bramhall Centre Treadmill Marathon - A charity fundraiser with a difference

I've even been working hard on the media side of things:

- facebook supporters group

- Manchester Evening News article

- Pure 107.8 FM radio interview

To send me messages during the race go to the organisers' website - www.darbaroud.com - and look for 'Ecrire au concurrents/write to competitors'. In previous years, this hasn't gone live until the Sunday that the race starts (29th). I'm competitor number 732.

Cheers

Andy