Since November 1st 2007, I've been in training for the 23rd Marathon Des Sables, a race across a 150 mile stretch of the southern Moroccan Sahara. MDS is a self sufficient ultra marathon over 7 days. I'll be carrying my own food, sleeping bag, medical supplies and clothing (click to read BBC article on last years event) ; I'll be issued with around 9 litres of water each day. At night, I'll be staying in a group tent with around 7 other people; the tents are setup for us by the race organisers. To find out more about the marathon click here to open the: official presentation (3MB)
I have also created my own page for this event, please visit my website: www.bartosik.org
I signed up to run the marathon in March 2006, as part of my ambition to run a marathon on all 7 continents; as of writing, I only have Africa and Asia to complete, and am determined to complete both by the end of 2008, and before my 29th birthday. In preparation for Des Sables, I have run the following races as training:
- Las Vegas Marathon.
26 mile road race, with 8Kg pack (Dec).
- Tring to Town.
80 mile ultra marathon, 40 miles on Saturday, 40 miles on Sunday, from Kew to Tring and back along the Grand Union Canal, with 8Kg pack. (Feb)
- Thames Meander.
54 mile ultra marathon with 8Kg pack (Feb)
I've also had the expert guidance of my coach Huw Davies, who has been setting me sometimes harsh training programs, which have often included up to 12hrs of training per week, which is a physically and mentally draining endeavour to undertake alongside a full time job.
I decided to support the Royal British Legion, a charity who's work supports British service men and women, who's lives are impacted or lost whilst serving our country; through welfare programs and care homes, the legion provides for those in need from conflicts past and present. Click to read some facts about the Legion's work. Regardless of the politics behind the various conflicts, which we ask service people to go, and they're all too often forgotten. No money from my fundraising efforts, goes towards the cost of my trip or to me. I'm VERY grateful to all of you who have donated so far, and it's great to know that every mile I run will raise nearly £14 for the legion, which is a big mental boost, and brilliant to know that so many of my friends are backing me. Please help me support the Legion, I have setup a donation page:
Sponsorship page: www.bmycharity.com/MarathonDeSables.
Download my PDF sponsorship form.
E-mail me in the Desert!
I will be runner 667, and you can track my progress across the desert each day during the race, which will run from March 30th - April 5th. They don't guarantee that messages will reach me, but it would be a big boost if my friends and family mailed me a few times during the race. There's little to do at the end of each day, except for fixing your blisters and feet and refueling for the following day. I won't have a book or anything to do, and a short message will be real big boost.
To e-mail me visit: http://www.darbaroud.com (30th March - 5th April) and click “ecrire aux concurrents” (write to competitors) fill in a message form which will require your surname, first name and ID number (667). They must ONLY send text messages and NOT attachments or pictures. Messages are posted each evening for all competitors.