Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page

About The Race

The Marathon des Sables (The Sand Marathon) is a multi-day, ‘ultramarathon’ run in six days over a course of around 156 miles long. That’s the equivalent of running from London to Dover, deciding not to go to France after all and running back again, in 50 degree heat, with a back pack on and voices in your head, talking about ice cold beer.

The route changes every year and is kept secret until the day before the race starts, however the typical format consists of;

Day 1 - 16miles

Day 2 - 21 miles

Day 3 - 24 miles

Day 4 - 51 miles

Day 5 - 26 miles

Day 6 - 14 miles.

Each competitor is completely self sufficient and carries all food, medical supplies and equipment throughout the entire race. The only exception to this is water which is handed out at the checkpoints throughout each day.

Visit the website www.runningsahara.com to find out more.

About Me

After watching a TV documentary about this race I thought it looked like an amazing experience. This thought quickly developed into me joining the gym and beginning my running career. I started by running for one minute (yes that's right, just 1 minute!!) and over a period of weeks I built up the length of time I could run for, without collapsing in a quivering heap. In May of this year, the 2013 race registration opened and with butterflies in my stomach I signed up.

So, as of today (August 2011) I can run for five miles and I'm learning to run 'barefoot' in order to reduce the risk of typical runners injuries. I intend to increase my mileage this year and then train with a 10kg ruck sack next year.

Your Donations

The British Heart Foundation will use your money to fund research, vital prevention activities and ensure quality care and support for everyone living with heart disease. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure and once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the British Heart Foundation and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

Every penny you donate will go to the British Heart Foundation and not towards the costs of the race which will be paid for by myself.

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This is one of the hardest challenges I've ever taken on and all your support will help motivate me during the endless training sessions and inevitable injuries I will sustain along the way (I'm going to be an expert in blister care!!). Not only will you be helping me, your money will go to an amazing charity who touch the lives of so many families.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Laura

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