Simon Edgar

The Marathon des Sables (MdS), otherwise referred to as the ‘Toughest Foot Race on Earth’ certainly lived up to its reputation but exceeded all my expectations. An amazing, albeit gruelling, event that involved running 155miles across the Moroccan Sahara in temperatures reaching 55ºC!

After 6months of training running over 850miles I was as prepared as I could possibly be. Running the MdS is the equivalent of 5 ½ regular marathons, however to add to the difficulty of terrain and temperature you’re also required to carry everything needed for the duration (with the exception of water and a tent). My training had gone well and after 7 days in the desert I finished as the 19th placed Britain and 143rd overall (out of 850).

Running with Polar RS800SD enabled me to run according to heart rate. Not something I have ever done before but I quickly learned about the physical demands of running in such an unforgiving environment. Setting my max heart-rate at 150bmp enabled me to run within my limits for up to 50miles at a time (Day 4), and certainly helped me to my highest place finish of 88th on the final day.

With a total run time of 36 Hours 51 minutes the Marathon des Sables was easily the hardest thing I’ve ever done but strangely it was also one of the most enjoyable races of my life. “Thanks to Polar who has kindly supported this challenge and everyone who helped me raise over £5000 for my chosen charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.”