©Marathon des Sables
Brilio.net/en - The Sahara Desert is the third largest desert in the world that records an average annual temperature of about 30 degrees. For the 31st time in its history, this largest hot desert staged the Marathon des Sables, a charity marathon for UNICEF that involved competitors running through challenging routes in the Sahara Desert! Over 1,000 participants took part in the contest, with 973 of them making completing the rigorous 257 KM to the finish line. The marathon lasted for a total of six days. Here are some snapshots of the inspiring runners who accomplished this amazing feat.
1. Moroccos very own Rachid El Morabity wins the race for the third consecutive time.
Image via euronews
2. Natalia Sedykh became the first Russian woman to win the race since Valentina Liakhov in 1994.
Image via moroccoworldnews
3. 71-year old Bill Mitchell became the oldest Briton to complete the race, beating Sir Ranulph Fieness by seven months and claiming the Best UK Male award.
Image via telegraph
4. Jeff Smith is a 52-year old former ice hockey player who completed his first ultra marathon with two artificial hips.
Image viawalesonline
5. Phil Vibert raised 10,000 pounds for The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in the UK.
Image vialeicestermercury
6. Hayley White of Great Britain raised 7,000 for The Christie NHS Foundtaion Trust, which specializes in cancer treatments. You can help her raise funds on her online sponsorship page: justgiving.com/hayley-white40, which is active until June 8.
Image vianorthwichguardian
7. 42-year old Mandy Bansal raised close to 2,800 pounds for the vision charity British Blind Sport, which helps blind and partially sighted people play sport actively.
Image viailfordrecorder
Even though Marathon des Sables is known to be the toughest footrace on Earth, it just goes to show that when there is a will, there is a way. Potest Qui Vult!
Source: euronews
(brl/red)
