There is no better way to kick-off a new year than arriving in Lanzarote for a week of good weather and all things running.
2025 signifies 19-years of training camps for me in ‘Lanza!’ They have changed and tweaked over the years and for the past 8-years, the current trail running format has been the template on how we tweak and develop each camp.
For 2025, we actually scaled the camp back to a smaller format, despite many requests to attend the camp, we kept it small with under 25 participants.
This was a significant step in ensuring smaller run/walk groups and the ability for everyone to get to know each other. It really worked, I’d go as far to say it was the friendliest and most cohesive camp in many years.
To ensure happiness on the trails, we had a core team of four guides, Pierre Meslet, Abelone Lyng, Hanna Bradshaw and Ian Corless. In simple terms, we break the guides down into groups of:
1. Faster running.
2. Running with some walking.
3. Walk/ run and
4. Walking.
Groups of 3-6 people really work and this was a huge success.
Our days follow a similar format:
0900: Morning a run that extends to the afternoon based on the distance. We have different routes and distances for each day.
A break for lunch.
1500: A talk and or workshop.
1745: Recovery run of 3-5km.
1900: Optional evening meet up for drink/ chat before dinner.
Exception to the above is one evening we do a run and overnight bivouac camp.
The last day is ‘long run’ day which starts at 0800 and covers between 30km to 45km.
Every edition of the camp, we get a great variety of abilities and experience, 2025 was no different. Up at the front we had a multiple MDS podium champion, at the other end, we had a couple who had never run longer than 10km before. It’s what makes the camp great. Mixed abilities and everyone providing knowledge.
Our bivouac night, as always, was special. Due to some glow sticks, a portable speaker and some good tunes, it was even more special. Nothing like a mini rave in a volcano.
If you do all our sessions, typically weekly mileage is around 160km/ 100 miles. It sounds a huge amount huh? It is, but on the camp recovery and downtime plays a huge roll and even the relative novices were accumulating big distances and believe it or not, our duo who had never run longer than 10km before both did just over 30km’s on the last day, a huge success for them and the camp!
A key to the recovery process for each runner is Pierre Meslet offering the option to book massage and Luke Read from Airbornfit offering strength and conditioning.
Of course, nothing is compulsory, participants can miss sessions as they wish, however, this rarely happens. The camp takes hold and neary everyone surpasses persoanl expectations or limits.
We conclude the camp with a group meal; a great opportunity to relax and clebrate the achievements of all.
The only sad moment comes with the closure of the camp and onward travel home.
However, as I told all our 2025 participants, it’s only 51 weeks to the next camp and already, many have signed up with eager anticipation of what will be a 20 year celebration in 2026.
Fancy joining us for one of the best running weeks ever?
Who is the camp for? Anyone who is interested in running. We cater for everyone and we specifically cater for those who are doing stage races such as Marathon des Sables. Ultimately, its just a great week of running, be that for stage races or single stage races of any distance.
A new year and a new race for Marathon des Sables. MDS returns to Morocco, this time, the Atlantic Coast!
First editions are always special, and anticipation is high to explore the white dunes of this magical part of Morocco.
As with all MDS events, Trek excluded, participants will choose either 70, 100 or 120km’s over 3 stages in 4 days.
Located close to Agadir, on arrival in Morocco, participants will spend two nights in a hotel for relaxation and admin protocols. After the race, everyone will return to the same hotel for post-race relaxation and of course, on the final night, a gala dinner, awards and party.
2026 participants will be pioneers of this new Moroccan adventure.
RACE FORMAT
Participants choose 3 different distances: 70, 100 or 120km,divided into 3 stages.
Typical distances are as follows:
Stage 1: 25km
Stage 2: around 20, 40 or 60km
Stage 3: 25km
Stages can be completed at your own pace: walking or running.
PROGRAM
Jan 25th arrival in Morocco and night at hotel.
Jan 26th technical and medical checks, night in the hotel.
Jan 27th transfer to the desert and stage 1, night in bivouac.
Jan 28th stage 2 and night in bivouac.
Jan 29th rest day and night in bivouac.
Jan 30th stage 3 and finish followed by transfer to hotel.
Jan 31st relaxation day with awards and dinner in the eve, night at the hotel.
Feb 1st onward travel.
THE EVENT
Vast streteches of brilliant whiteness, the white dunes of the Atlantic Coast are special and an epic backdrop for this new MDS event. Away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, an epic adventure awaits everyone. Agadir and the surrounding coastline also offers an opportunity for additional exploration; epic coastline, beaches, tradition, culture and an immersive Moroccan experience.
What is the MDS?
The MARATHON DES SABLES is a unique adventure, shared by thousands of enthusiasts since 1986.
To differentiate the full distance race of 250km’s, Marathon des Sables will now be known as MDS The Legendary, reflecting the legendary status of this iconic event and its long history as a pioneer of the stage racing and multi-day format.
The ‘HMDS’ format will still follow the same protocols as before but has now dropped the ‘half’ title and moving forward, events will be called MDS Jordan, MDS Morocco, MDS Cappadocia and so on.
The MDS events are a one-week sporting adventure that combines discovery, travel, meeting new people and physically challenging yourself in a self-sufficient manner.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
Is Jordan the jewel in the MDS line-up of races? It is hard to pick any one location with so many stunning options, but, Jordan offers something very unique.
Photo by Ian Corless
The runner’s are surrounded by ampitheatres of rock, canyons, gorges and the glow of intense light making Wadi Rum a very special place.
Photo by Ian Corless
Stage 1 started with an early wake up and a 4am depart from the race hotel, ahead, a 4-hour journey to the desert.
Photo by Ian Corless
Starting a little after 0930, 550 runner’s were released for the adventure of a lifetime, ahead 27.4km and 980m+.
Photo by Ian Corless
The passage of a narrow gorge and climb came early and then the track weaved through mountains, much of the time, the terrain soft sand. It’s a tough day 1.
Photo by Ian Corless
After cp2, the track is more open and flat allowing for an ‘easier’ run to the finish line of the day and bivouac, home for the next three nights.
Photo by Ian Corless
As with all MDS races, the journey is unique and challenging for each person, run or walk. However, at the front a race takes place and today, Rachid El Morabity was the victor ahead of Theo Detienne and Dorian Louvet, 2:07:52, 2:12:47 and 2:14:58 respectively. Salameh El Alaqra, the Jordanian was 4th in 2:30:44.
Photo by Ian Corless
MDS The Legendary champion in 2022, Sylvaine Cussot was the clear winner for the women, crossing the line in 3:18:24. Pauline Thinus was 2nd and Maine Canas was 3rd, 3:40:10 and 3:43:14.
Photo by Ian Corless
Tomorrow, stage 2, is the long day where participants can choose 20km, 40km or 60km.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
Stage 1 was a challenging day for many, the 33.6km proving a tough start to the 2024 MDS Fuerteventura. On the positive side, there were no DNF’s.
Stage 2 is called ‘The Long Day’ as this is the day that for 100km and 120km will prove to be the longest of the race. However, the challenge can be as much mental as physical.
An early start
Challenge 1.
After the start, almost immediately, the runner’s are given the option to to turn right and take on the 17.8kmm loop, 20 men and 63 women chose this. Alternatively, you can turn right and start the 40.5km loop. The remainder of the participants chose this.
Challenge 2.
At the end of the 40.5 km loop, you can turn right and run to the finish – 25 min and 41 women chose this.
Challenge 3.
For the brave, a left turn after the 40.5km loop provides the option to complete a final loop and the total long day distance of 56.7km – 75 men and 61 women chose this.
MUJICA GONZÁLEZ
Today’s route followed a figure of 8 shape for the 120km. The terrain mostly sandy and rocky path, the need for gaiters minimal.
Some wonderful small canyons to run through
The day started at 0600 after a warm night under the stars. The winds had calmed but the sky was cloudy and it would remain that way until midday, when a sunny period provide some blue skies. Temperatures reached a high of 28 degrees and running conditions were good.
Time to grab the race by the horns
With three race distance options, rankings would change considerably during stage 2, however, in the 120km distance, the main protagonists of SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ, ROGER PÉREZ and FOULQUIÉ PADILLA would remain the same. However, today it was FOULQUIÉ PADILLA who now takes the overall lead with an elapsed time of 7:31:21 closely followed by SANTANA FERNÁNDEZ in 7:32:11. ROGER PÉREZ remains in third.
For the women, stage 1 winner MUJICA GONZÁLEZ started the day slower but then moved up through the field and is now in the women’s overall lead with a time of 8:56:08. BOLLENGIER who was 2nd on stage 1 is now 4th on GC with DEMARQUILLY moving into 2nd 9:55:47 and DEL RIO VALLES 3rd with 10:49:47.
Since 1986, the MARATHON DES SABLES has crossed the world’s most stunning deserts with several unique concepts: the MARATHON DES SABLES THE LEGENDARY (252 km in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), the MARATHON DES SABLES (70, 100, or 120 km spread over 3 stages), and the new 2024 concept, the MDS TREK (4 stages with a total distance of up to 120 km), offering an accessible adventure with optimal comfort. These international events have seen over 50 editions in various countries such as Morocco, Fuerteventura Island, Peru, Jordan, Turkey, and offer adventures that combine running/hiking in the desert with tourism.
The 2024 Marathon des Sables – The Legendary is over. The race concluded with stage 6 and 21.1km to cover; challenging terrain of stony plateau, small dunes, an ascent to Jebel Mefatigbzef, wadi, and a palm grove finish – the MDS medal hard earned! Rachid El Morabity and Aziza El Amrany the champions!
Camp life
Once again it was an early start as everyone had to prepare for an 0630 start time.
Yoann Stuck
The last day was all about survival and getting the job done as quickly as possible, crossing the line and receiving the medal. The finish line for 2024 incredible, it was full of tears, emotion, relief and laughter; all accompanied by a DJ and party tunes. Quite a way to finish the race.
The medal
However, while the women’s race was decided early on and the top-3 places confirmed, the men’s race was a potential nail biter.
The El Morabity brothers had played their trump card on stage 5 and now Rachid could smell a 10th victory, however, he would need to perform at a top level to make this happen and make sure Aziz Yachou did not attack and pull back time.
The trio started fast and it stayed that way for the duration of the 21.1km’s. Aziz looking to break Rachid.
No matter how Aziz tried, Rachid responded and as the finish came in sight, the 9 times MDS champion pulled away, removed his Moroccan flag from his pack and secured a 10th victory. Mohamed eased up making sure that Rachid pulled back the required seconds to win overall, but not so many seconds that he would lose 2nd place.
Aziza El Emrany finally took the MDS top slot after many years coming close. It was great to see and one that is really deserved, she was in incredible form this year. Aziza Raji placed and for the third time, Gemma Game placed 3rd again.
The story though was all the legends who crossed the line and achieved greatness in making it through the Sahara to place a medal around their neck.
The 2024 edition has proven to be a memorable one, with a new organisation and many changes, many feared the race would lose something, not so. The opposite, the general consensus has been approval and open appreciation for what repeat MDS participants have said, ‘the best yet!’
As in any race, some don’t make the finish. For the 2024 MDS, at the time of writing, only 60 are DNF’s, this is from 867 starters.
Time allowance 12-hours 45-minutes / 0630am and 0800 start (top 150 ranked)
The fall out from the long day is always hard. Bodies are now tired and normally, many would be saying, ‘just a marathon to go!’ But not for the 2024 edition.
Aziz Yachou
Stage 4 is 43.2km’s and to follow, stage 5 and stage 6 at 31.4km and 21.1km respectively.
Travelling north all the way to B3, this is a tough day and probably will be remembered as the soft-sand day, especially as the most challenging terrain comes at the end.
Sand and heat
With 3 CP’s at 10km, 22.9km and 30.1km, the severity of the stage is reflected with ‘additional’ water stations at 17km 37.7km.
Cooling off at the CP’s
While the early km’s allowed for easier terrain with cooler temperatures, the kick is in the tail with relentless sand and dunes from 22km all the way to the finish with increasing heat, expected at a 35-degree high, but feeling much hotter than 40-degrees for the runner’s. A tough day!
Rachid in the early 10km’s
Rachid El Morabity dictated the early pace with Aziz and Mohamed behind.
Mohamed
The trio mixed it up but by the halfway point they were all together.
Two company, three a crowd
In the closing 10km, Rachid made a notable kick and pulled away for the stage win, Aziz and Mohamed behind 3:13:24 for Rachid and 3:14:59 for the duo.
Aziza
Aziz E Amrany has been at another level this year and once again she dominated the stage from the front with another stage win in 4:29:41.
Aziza Raji
Aziza Raji followed looking relaxed and strong with a secure 2nd place in 4:53:08.
Adriana Moser
Sadly, 3rd placed runner Adriana Moser had to withdraw from the race at one of the CP’s opening the door for Gemma Game who has placed 3rd at MDS twice in the past; it maybe three times a charm! However, it was Rajaa Hamdaoua who was 3rd on the stage with 5:09:59.
The spectacle of the Sahara
You can receive daily updates and reports on this website. Follow on IG @iancorlessphotography and @mdslegendary
As we countdown to the 2024 edition of the Marathon des Sables – The Legendary, we will be providing a series of monthly updates, articles, interviews and podcasts.
The 2024 Marathon des Sables – The Legendarywill be the longest edition in the 37-year history of the race. At 252km, the event will now take place over 6-stages/ 7-days and not 5-stages/ 6-days as announced in late 2023.
It was clear initially that the 6th stage charity stage would disappear, however, on reflection, the new organisation have decided to continue with 6-stages but this time, all stages will be timed. The charity stage in previous editions was not timed.
The infamous long day which typically took place on stage 4 will now move to stage 3 for 2024, this will be day 3 and day 4 of the race as it has an extended time allowance due to the distance.
What does the above mean for the runner?
252km’s is a long way, but the race has always been advertised as 250km’s, so, although the race has fluctuated in distance over the years, the 252km should not come as any great surprise.
The timed stages now numbering 6 and not 5 will make a big difference, especially with the long day coming on stage 3. This will mean that stage 4, stage 5 and stage 6 will need to approximately cover 100km. This makes for a tough end to the week. In past editions, the long day was feared but on completion, many had the mindset, ‘It is just a marathon to go!’ Now it will be significantly more.
The daily distances are typically never disclosed before the race and the jury is out if the distances will be announced pre arrival in Morocco, watch this space! However, it is pretty easy to guess on approximate distances.
Historically, distances for the stages are listed as follows:
Stage 1 from 28 to 35 km
Stage 2 from 28 to 39 km
Stage 3 from 28 to 39 km
Stage 4 (The Long One) from 75 to 85 km (over 2 days)
Stage 5 (Marathon Stage) of 42.195 km
Stage 6 Charity
We know the 2024 edition will be 252km, so, as a guess and guide the following will provide a good estimation, the daily figures are +/-, for example, stage 1 could be 30km and stage 2 40km.
Stage 1: 32km (day 1) running total: 32km
Stage 2: 38km (day 2) running total: 70km
Stage 3: 83km (day 3 and 4) running total: 153
Stage 4: 42km (day 5) running total: 195km
Stage 5: 36km (day 6) running total: 23km
Stage 6: 21km (day 7) running total: 252km
Total: 252km
With the above information, you now have at least a template and guide for which to plan around.
OTHER KEY CHANGES
Salt Tablets
As I announced in 2023, it was my expectation that salt tablets would not be provided for the 2024 race. The new revised mandatory requirement for the race requires 14 broth cubes – these cubes are known to be salty. You have no choice here, you must have them. However, it will be your decision if you use them? My advice is to plan a strategy that works for you. Listen to my podcast with Andy Blow from Precision Hydration HERE. Remember, this is a self-sufficient race, so, be prepared to be self-sufficient and have a plan/ strategy that works for you.
Water Capacity
Another key change was the requirement for ‘A minimum capacity of 3 litres of water’ in the form of bottles, bladder etc. This has now been revised and we go back to 1.5 ltr capacity. This is a good move. Cp’s will be increased so that runner’s will only need to carry 1.5 liters. However, on the long day, an additional 1.5 ltr bottle of water will be provided either at the start or at cp1 (making 3 ltr to carry) therefore the capacity to carry 3 litres on the long day between cp’s is recommend. It is important that you think HOW you will carry this extra 1.5 ltr. Maybe you will have a bladder in or on your pack, maybe two additional 750ml bottles at the rear or if you have the front pack, you can slide the 1.5 bottle on top. It’s not recommended to run with a 1.5 ltr bottle in you hand, so, be prepared…
Water
Water during the stage will not be provided via 1.5 ltr bottles as in past editions. Water will be provided from a series of tables and manned staff with jugs to decant water to your empty bottles. Importantly, there had been concerns about where the water will come from, to clarify: 5L Bottles on CP -> Served in 2L jugs -> Served by staff in the runners’ bottles.
The exception being on the long day as mentioned above when a 1.5 ltr bottle will be provided at the start or cp1 and at the end of each stage when a 5 ltr bottle per participant is provided. This 5 ltr bottle will cover the evening after the stage, the morning of the next day and the required 1.5 ltr capacity starting the next stage to cp1. So, if you had planned to cut down a 1.5 ltr bottle to use as a bowl for dinner and breakfast, this will not be possible. You will now need a suitable pot or similar.
Checkpoints
Will be typically 2 to 7 per stage. On the long day, it is therefore a good assumption that checkpoints will be +/- 12km’s apart and hence the need to require 3 ltrs.
Mandatory Equipment
I will list here the mandatory equipment to avoid any confusion:
Pack such as WAA Ultra Bag 20L
Minimum capacity of 1.5 liters of water*
Sleeping bag
Head torch and spare batteries (you can have a charger/ solar charger)
10 safety pins
Compass with 1 or 2 deg precision
Lighter
Whistle
Knife
Topical disinfectant
Venom pump*has now been removed
Signal mirror
Survival blanket
14 cubes of broth***
Sun cream
200 euro or 2000 dirhams
Passport or ID card
ECG and medical
* new change but consider the long day when you will have 3 ltr.
** new change
*** to replace salt tablets
Food Requirement
You need 14,000 calories of food as a minimum, 2000 calories per day. You can of course carry more than this, but 14,000 is the minimum. You must be able to prove the calories, so, if you decant food into lighter or different packaging, make sure you keep the nutritional information.
You
In addition to the above you personally will need:
Keep the pack weight as close to the minimum 6.5kg as possible, additional weight is additional stress that you do not need.
Keep luxuries to a minimum, they only add weight. A super light Mp3 player (with good battery) and earphones is the only luxury I would consider.
Accept that this is a tough challenge, you will be stripped back to a survival mode. You will not wash, you will get dirty, you will get smelly. Accept it.
Start slow and ease into the race.
Poles can be a lifesaver and I recommend them but you must learn to use them. Those at the front do not need poles, they can run.
Learn to walk, walk and walk. Many go to the desert with the expectation of running 80% and walking 20%. The reality is it will be the other way around.
Look after your feet and start with the correct shoes for you.
Take a sleeping mat or pad. You only need to do three things: run, eat and sleep. Sleep and comfort is important for recovery.
The 2024 Oman Desert Marathon concluded at Jawharat Bidiah Resort, 165km’s travelled over 4-days and Rachid El Morabity and Aziza Raji are the champions covering the total race in 16:06:49 and 23:13:32 respectively.
Going into the last 21km stage, the end result was never in question, both Rachid and Aziza had built 20-minute plus leads and all they had to do was run a calm and measured last day.
However, Saleh Al saidi pushed the pace continuously, maybe, just maybe in the back of his mind he thought he could break Rachid?
In the closing km, Rachid eased back and gave Saleh a final stage victory for the home crowd and the Army Team which he respresents.
In third place, Ghaith Al saidi. The brothers ran an incredible race and at times placed Rachid under pressure, however, Rachid for now is just too strong and experienced.
For the women, the Aziza Team were dominant and after Raji built the lead early on, El Amrany was content to run by her side.
In third place was Veronique Messina who each day consistently covered the km’s with commitment, determination and a smile. A great run in 25:38:53.
In total, thirty participants completed the race from twelve nationalities. With the race almost completely sand, the race is considered considerably harder than Marathon des Sables. This was confirmed by Rachid, “Here it is all sand, it’s slower and more tiring. Only the last day has some easier and harder terrain on which to move quicker and easier.”
While it is difficult to pick out individuals in such a tough race, Pol Makuri has inspired everyone during the week. His commitment and dedication has been an inspiration. His completion of the event brought tears to many an eye, especially his friend and teammate, Albert Jorquera.
Rachid and Aziza may well have crossed the finish line the fastest, but a winner and champion comes in many forms and Pol Makuri is a prime example.
Each medal was hard earned and yes, as in many races some did not reach the finish. However, they were there at the finish line to cheer the others on, no doubt being inspired to return and try again.
Day 2 of the Oman Desert Marathon and after day 1, there was some anxiety. At 55km’s long, the stage was set to be tough. A planned 0630 start with sunrise, would provide participants with extra time in daylight. However, the weather had different plans. An inversion came in during the night and early morning reducing visibility in the valley to zero, the start was delayed 1-hour.
At approximately 0730, the runners were on the way despite some lingering mist. However, the mist was guaranteed to disappear quickly and it did. While it lasted, it gave an eerie feeling to the desert.
Sadly, Mohammed El Morabity was a DNS today. He was tired and feeling under the weather after long delayed travel and a tough first day. Although sad to see a competitor leave, I am sure Salah Al Saidi and Evgenii Glyva were somewhat happy to have one less El Morabity brother to deal with.
Having run a very strong stage 1, Salah Al Saidi took the race to Rachid pushing the pace. As always, Rachid started easy and looked relaxed while following and Evgenii was pushing to hold the pace.
For the women, Aziza Raji must have felt very confident after her stage 1 performance and huge gap. By contrast, Aziza El Amrany was probably wondering how she could pull back any time? Kathleen Leguin who was a pre-race favourite had suffered with sickness on stage 1 but started the day feeling better and the trio ran together with Veronique Messina behind.
Despite 55km’s, stage 2 was billed as a more runnable and easier day, it wasn’t. There was a great deal of soft-sand, several dune section and lots of heat. It was all too much for Kathleen and sadly she withdrew from the race at cp3.
It is never easy to tell if Rachid is suffering, but today there seemed some signs of fatigue and tiredness at cp3. He left with Saleh but looked happy to hold back and let the pace be dictated.
However, in a typical Rachid move, he finally applied pressure and opened a gap crossing the line in 5:47:24 to Saleh in 6:07:43. Evgenii finished 3rd in 6:23:13.
The two Aziza’s were playing truce today and duo ran together all day, Raji happy not to loose anytime to El Amrany and at the same time share the desert with a friend.
With Kathleen out of the race, Veronique finished 3rd, the times of the top 3 8:31:06 and 8:31:07 for El Amrany and Raji, 9:04:37 for Veronique.
Results HERE and GC ranking HERE.
Albert Jorquera and Pol Makuri were battling the day and due for an early evening finish, in darkness.
A long stop at cp3 allowed Pol to get some treatment for his feet and recharge ready for the push to the line; he’s one tough guy!
Tomorrow is stage 3, the night stage. The runner’s will start in two waves. The first around midday, the second early afternoon and they will go in to the night over roughly a marathon distance.
Day 6 of the Lanzarote Multi-Day Training Camp is the ‘long day’ covering a marathon on a beautiful point-to-point course that starts in Uga and concludes at Club La Santa.
The route was first introduced in 2020 with great feedback. The 2022 route was extra special due to the current weather – sun, warm, high winds and Calima. You actually couldn’t get better training conditions for a desert race.
The route is a perfect way to sight see and experience the best of Lanzarote. Early miles pass through countless black sand and wine fields.
At all times, the landscape is magical and unique, the resulting backdrop from the greatest recorded eruptions which occurred between 1730 and 1736.
The area is delicate and protected, so, for the most part, a route weaves its way through the landscape which must be followed.
While there are few high points (in meters) on the island, it is possible to ‘rollercoaster’ and in our marathon point-to-point we accumulated 1500m+.
The wind was strong all day, gusts almost lifting us of our feet.
From Tinajo, the fina third of the route, the conditions became increasingly hard as the harder ground became softer with large amounts of soft sand. A Buff making for great protection.
In the latter miles it was head down and push on… Finally Club La Santa could be see in the distance. A marathon done in perfect test conditions.
As training days go, they don’t come any better than today…! With just one day left, many of the attendees are now tired and looking forward to some recovery time to let the stimulus from this training take hold.
Each runner has covered different distances but the below is typical for many!
Day 6 concluded with showers, food, recovery and well-earned calm and peaceful night.
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IAN CORLESS 