The 21st Marathon De Sables

By: Richard Harpham
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:25:56
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We caught up with George Horne at the Ordinance Survey Outdoor Show at the NEC, Birmingham where he was getting support and publicity ready for his Marathon De Sable (MdS) endeavour. For those that don’t know it is reported to be the hardest race on the planet as it winds it way across the Sahara. It covers a total distance of 243km/151 miles (made up of legs of 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. This year was the 21st MdS with a field of 736 competitors who are undertaking the challenge for a multitude of reasons. Rumours were that this was one of the worst ever with hot conditions (in a desert…you surprise us!). Many competitors struggled with the conditions and a water ration of 11 litres per day. In the rules, are such scary inclusions as only one IV drip per competitor, two and you are out.

As they often say, an army marches on its feet and one of the most common ailments given the heat, distance and sand is extreme blisters to the point of disintegration of the soles of the feet.

When you have read George’s account be aware that despite the difficult conditions it is already oversubscribed for next year’s race. You can pay ?500 to be on the reserve list, the entrance fees for the whole event are slightly over ?2K and with kit and other preparation nearer to ?3K. Check out the official website at: http://www.saharamarathon.co.uk/

A Few Questions

What was the most challenging aspect of your adventure?

The fear that I might not complete the race after all the preparation & hard work that I have put into place.

What were some of the funnier elements that you remember or most embarrassing moment?

I remember being told that an American runner who had found somebody in distress & removed the casualties emergency flare & had fired it off, only to find he wasn’t pointing it upwards when it hit him in the hip.

Embarrassing was most definitely when your were half way through going to the toilet in a sand dune & some locals wander bye with camels & start waving to you just to be friendly.

Who are your heroes or who has inspired you in your life?

I don’t have any celebrity heroes, I tend to be motivated by people I’ve worked with in previous civilian jobs or served with whilst in the army.

What gave you the idea or inspired you to do this?

I seen the Marathon des Sable advertised years ago & for one reason or another put it on a back burner because we tend to change our priorities, my inspiration came from the title “the toughest footrace in the world” I thought if I run one ultra-marathon that’s the one I’ve got to do.

Can you describe some of the highs?

After I got in on day two I remember feeling strong & after being told that the most people dropped out on that day than in any previous MdS altogether made me feel good, the guy’s in our tent bonded well & helped each other with equipment & advice.

At the finish line I thought if a guy like me who had never run a marathon before, who had more gut’s than natural skill can do this then anyone who trains & prepares properly can also do it. (Ed’s note, having met George we know what he means but be warned he is a tough customer with plenty of guts!!!)

Can you describe some of the lows?

The morning after the double marathon day my feet were in a bit of a bad way & going 15 metres away from the tent to pee was agony, I didn’t know if I would make the next marathon due that day, I ran out of water 3 times & during that time without water was a bit of a low. Of course another obvious low – I did not pass one solitary pub!

Your favourite catchphrase/pearl of wisdom?

Every morning before sunrise an English accented runner would shout out “groundhog day” across the tented area, seemed apt at the time.

Any advice or tips on someone attempting an amazing endeavour such as this?

Have specialist made gaiters to keep the sand out, I got commercial ones & they snapped on day one, Skittles & Haribo sweets make an excellent snack on the long road.

A few random questions:

What were your favourite and least favourite subjects at school?

Favourite – p.e. English & art, Least favourite – maths & religious education

If you could have had any job what would it be and why?

The job I am doing I am the armourer for South Wales Police, I get to work on & fire new weapon systems for free.

We grant you 3 majorsporty wishes? What would they be?

1. To have the sponsorship to pay for me to do the jungle race in Brazil, ( 200k ) and the Gobi 200k (counts as 2 wishes)

2. and free tickets for all Scotland rugby matches in 2006

Quick Fire Round:

· Last book? Filth by Irvine walsh

· Favourite tunes of the moment? House or techno ‘cos it’s what I listen to when I’m running.

· Cat or Dog? Dog

· Curry or Chinese? Chinese curry!!!

· Favourite Tipple? Jamaican rum

Have you any other dreams or adventures in the pipeline?

The two races I’ve mentioned above would be superb (Brazil Jungle Race and the Gobi), but after paying out ?3k for the MdS I wouldn’t do another without full sponsorship, but if I had it yes I would do them both.

I am in Kenya in July on an expedition, which I’ll let you know about on my return.

Cheer’s George Horne.

To read a full account of George's MDS adventure, check out the community at www.majorsporty.com

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