THE ADVERT:
Why this IS the toughest footrace on Earth
It covers 243km/151 miles (in sections similar to 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78). In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.
You will have to prepare all your own food throughout the race and I warn you that there is not a chain of Tesco stores or corner grocery shops dotted around the Sahara. You will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, of running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.
The heat, distance and rubbing will trash your feet and may cause severe trauma if incorrect shoes and equipment are used. Mental stamina probably constitutes at least 50% of whether you will complete the distance or not. Physical fitness is important but don't underestimate the mental stress that you will need to endure. Even if you have run dozens of 26 mile marathons, this does not mean that you will automatically find the MdS easy - either way you will be planning to do lots of training prior to the MdS.
On the 4th day, you will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 45 - 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage!! It’s tough, so don't say that nobody warned you in the strongest terms.
Welcome to the world of lunatics and masochists


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I’d tried dozens of different sports, from moto-cross to parachuting, stock car racing to rugby, and, in my forties had taken up running and completed a load of marathons. I saw this advert and watched several TV programmes about the event. It fascinated and thrilled me and eventually, when I learned that that posh twerp Ben Fogle had completed it, I decided to go for it. This was going to be my way of celebrating retiral from 30 years in the police and of my 50th birthday. I had the desire, I would have time for training and I knew that if I didn’t try it now I never would.
Family and friends all thought I was daft but I felt there was a bit of envy from some. I couldn’t, however, persuade anyone to do it with me.
By September 2004, I had built up the courage to post my £500 non-refundable deposit for the 2006 MDS. The fear and panic that built up as I stood at the pillar box was going to remain with me for the next 18 months. A few days later confirmation arrived and training began in earnest.