My Sister-in-Law, Ash Sinfield, takes on the toughest foot race on earth, second stage today…
Ash has just completed the 2nd stage of the Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands) today. She has been training for two years.
It is a six-day, 251 km (156 mi) ultramarathon, which is the equivalent of six regular marathons. The longest single stage (2009) is 91 km (57 mi) long. This multiday race is held every year in southern Morocco, in the Sahara Desert, close to the Algerian border. It is considered the toughest foot race on Earth. Some would consider her tough as nuts, others just plain nuts!
Message from Ash before first stage ..‘Very windy night and very cold I had to really layer up. Packed weighed in at 7.5kg which is ok. The first day is the massive chebbi dunes which is quite scary. Tent mates are great.’
Here’s a pic of those dunes they all faced yesterday, on the first stage, and the founder, on arrival in Morocco, Patrick Bauer and a pic of her reaching end of stage 2 a few minutes ago.….
You can see James Cracknells’ Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0Qak8e4vYA
If you would like to donate, here is a message from Ash below photos.
Dear All,
I wanted to give you all un update on fundraising… incredibly I have now managed to smash my target of £3275.00… with 75 donations…. TODAY I tipped over the £5,000 mark (with gift aid) I am honestly speechless and so blown away by the incredible generosity and kindness. THANKYOU everyone…. for all your messages as well it is just the best motivation…
http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/AshleySinfield
So, with only 2 days to go until I leave home… I thought I would send you all some race info incase you want to track me… I the leave the UK on the 8th April to travel to the race start deep in the desert. The race begins on Sunday 10th And there are a number of ways you can track me if you are interested during the following 7 days.
The important info is that my race bib number is 1149 and full name Ashley Sinfield (GBR)
HOW TO FOLLOW MDS
Website : Each day on our website we publish everything you need to know about MDS: details of each stage, overall and stage rankings, portraits, interviews, live streaming of competitors passing the finish line. → http://marathondessables.com
KEEPING TABS ON FAVOURITES
For friends and family keen to get a taste of the MARATHON DES SABLES adventure from the inside, nothing could be easier: tell them to sign up at the address below. They will then be able to follow the race live starting from 10 April, in two different, complementary ways:
[if !supportLists]§ [endif]Live tracking: simply select the runners you want to follow and get information on the fly;
[if !supportLists]§ [endif]Geolocalization: in real time, your supporters can follow your progress on the field, as if they were at your side. Or follow my dot on the screen to make sure it is still moving!!!! I will also try to wave at the camera at the end of each stage if I can.
→ To follow MDS 2016: http://live.marathondessables.com
YOU CAN SEND ME A MESSAGE
The course will be long on the 31st MARATHON DES SABLES: 257 km to be exact. That is, if you don’t wander off the most direct route. To keep up your spirits, each evening you can receive encouragement from your loved ones. How does it work? Once again, it’s very simple: from 09 to 15 April (i.e. from the technical control day to the penultimate day of the race), they can go on the MDS website and the section “Write to a competitor”, then just follow the instructions, indicating the first and last names and bib number of the person they want to follow. No file attachments possible. Their messages will be given to you on the bivouac every evening, on paper. → To send a message to a loved-one:
http://marathondessables.com
Thanks you all again.
With much love Ash xxx
1 Comment
Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.
Eish hats a long way, Jo! Hope she finished well.
Cheers Andrew
Sent from my iPhone