Marathon Madness in Morocco 

Richard Snowden is taking the ultimate challenge for FSID -  the infamous Marathon des Sables in March 2009. FSID interviewed him to find out why. 

What is the Marathon des Sables?

The Marathon des Sables (MdS) is an ultra endurance footrace covering 150 miles (equivalent to five and a half regular marathons) in six days across the Moroccan Sahara Desert in temperatures of up to 120F.

What will you need to take?

I will have to carry everything I need for the race on my back (apart from my tent) in a rucksack - food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc.  Water is rationed and handed out at checkpoints.

Why are you doing it?

I don’t know!  No - seriously, there are two reasons for taking part.

The MdS is considered to be the toughest footrace on Earth. It will give me a great sense of achievement and push me to my physical and mental limits of endurance.

The other reason is that my younger brother died of cot death at the age of five months and FSID provided support to my parents. I want to raise money for a charity that helps bereaved parents affected by cot death and finances research to prevent it from occurring.

How do you feel about doing it?

A mixture of excitement and nervousness. I expect it to be both the best and worst experience of my life!

What kind of preparation are you doing?

I am already a keen runner, having completed several regular marathons. I intend to start my full training in about a year’s time which will increase to in excess of 50 miles running a week, whilst carrying a rucksack weighing 10kg.

What kind of amount are you hoping to raise?

I am hoping to raise between £3,000 to £5,000

 

 

FSID wishes him the best of luck for the challenge.

If you would like to help Richard reach his target in this, the ultimate physical challenge, then visit his justgiving page now:
 www.justgiving.com/richardsnowden

Could you do something like this for FSID? Visit our Sports and Challenges page to find the event to suit you.

 

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