THE MARATHON DES SABLES: AN ADVENTURE FOR THE BODY AND MIND

In three months’ time, from 4 to 14 April 2014, at the heart of the South-Moroccan Sahara, “Highway to Hell” will ring out once again to herald the start of the first stage of the 29th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES.

For some 1,200 runners from all over the world, the notes of this legendary ACDC hit will punctuate the first steps of a 250km adventure that will see them carry their own food throughout, whilst experiencing the whole range of emotions.

 

DAY-TO-DAY – 250 km in some majestic settings

The provinces of Errachidia, Zagora and Tinghir, in the Sahara south of Morocco, will once again play host to the SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES. On completing the six stages, competitors will have covered nearly 250 kilometres and traversed dunes, djebels, dried-up lakes, ergs and a wealth of grandiose panoramas, all of which will leave their mark. “Even though we’re very familiar with the different sites, we always manage to find new places, new sections for the stages and the bivouacs, explains Patrick Bauer, Event Director.

For one thing, the places themselves change with the passing years. This 29^th edition will have a few surprises in store again too, with a totally unique finish. The first stages will be surprising both in terms of difficulty and distance and it’s worth noting that managing your race is the key to the Marathon des Sables. You mustn’t forget that…” The final stage, contested the day after a concert given by musicians from the Paris Opera, will be coloured by the theme of Solidarity in association with Unicef. It’s an opportunity for sharing and will leave a lasting trace that even the wind cannot erase.

 

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DESERT ENCOUNTERS

When ‘personality’ rhymes with humility

Each runner at the start of the SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES has their own story. For the 2014 edition, among those we often refer to as the “unknowns of the pack”, some will be a little less ‘anonymous’ than others. The famous chef Thierry Marx, famed around the world for his molecular cuisine and a member of the jury on Top Chef on France’s M6 TV channel, Samuel Etienne, presenter of the TV news broadcast from 1200/1300 hrs on France Television, as well as Christophe Pinna, four-time World Karate Champion and a sports coach on the Star Academy show on channel TF1, will each be at the start.

However, like all the protagonists involved in this great adventure, they will tackle the event with great humility and a thirst for new encounters, adventure and a desire to constantly set themselves fresh targets. “The images of the Marathon des Sables have always inspired me, admits Samuel Etienne, an experienced marathon runner (15 marathons and a PB of 3hrs13’). The MDS is where everything I love comes together as one: running, the country, the generosity of people and the warmth. The warmth of the climate but also the human warmth. Added to that of course is the desire to push oneself to the limit, even amidst a crowd. In what is both an arid and a generous setting, this must reach a whole new level. Running forms the bedrock of my life. When I run, it’s a form of celebration.”

Soon to hit 46 years of age, Christophe Pinna is also seeking a human adventure. “It’s rather as if I was entering a retreat in a monastery, with the notion of pushing oneself to the limit an added extra. It’s my way of life. It must also be a human adventure; a sharing experience. Together with three other runners from Nice this will be a sharing experience and that’s what great. Our dream is simply to complete it. In this MDS adventure, I’m going to throw away my mobile and all the daily constraints. I’m just going to live for what I was made to do, what I was born to do: running.”

 

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VIDÉO

Clips are available everyday via the YouTube – Marathon des Sables channel . Click here
https://www.youtube.com/user/marathondsables