Story by Beth Rainbow

Marathon Des Sables – 250km in 6 days – Self sufficient ultra marathon

Finished 6th woman overall and the first British woman home. 61st Overall in a total time of 29:59:06.

 

Impresions:
What a race, the whole week feels like an out of body dream. In the middle of the desert with no phone signal and everything you need for the week on your back, it’s surreal. Running on the dunes and the ridgeways makes this race iconic.

 

What it was like:
Honestly, the best thing I’ve ever done. The community and camaraderie this race creates is like no other. The real struggle was hunger and pre planning the food you want to take with you for the week, as it is all pre organised and packed!

 

Toughest moments:
Due to a sandstorm at the end of day 2, I didn’t get the chance to heat up my expedition meal properly which lead to some tummy issues on day 3… that was tough mentally but managed to grind it out and fuel properly that night for a stormer of a long stage 85k day the next day!

 

Crossing the finish line:
The last day was the marathon stage and I have no idea what happened on this day. The stars aligned and I felt awesome, coming in second lady which bumped me up to the first british woman. I was overwhelmed with emotions and was buzzing from this race still today!