Lunchtime Legends
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Marathon des Sables 2002
We arrived in Quarzazato, Morocco (via Heathrow) on Thursday and
were transported to our 5-star Hotel with swimming pool, bars
etc. After a fine meal and breakfast the next morning we were
‘herded’ onto buses with the rest of the Brits (150 in total)
for the journey to the ‘desert’. With packed lunches on our
knees we conversed with fellow competitors who seemed to be
rather young and finely honed. As the temperature rose and the
landscape became more and more barren we realised there was no
turning back now.
After five hours we were transferred to cattle trucks for the
short trip to the camp site. We were directed to our ‘tent’
which we shared for nine nights with eight others. The next two
days were spent sorting out food and clothes for the race,
registration, equipment and medical checks during which time we
were fed. Saturday evening our bags were taken back to
Quarzazato and we were now self sufficient for seven days
(except water). We awaited the next seven days with trepidation.
Sunday morning saw the mass start at 9.OO a.m. (in 90°F and
rising) and we get the first taste the intense heat, sand, dunes
etc. We covered the 18 miles in under 3 hours without too much
difficulty. Second and third days were similar at 22 and 20
miles but already the heat and sand/stones etc. were having a
serious effect on the body, particularly the feet which were
swelling and blistering rapidly. We were drinking 9-12 litres of
water per day with a heavy mixture of Hi-Five Isotonic and
Dioralyte. The heavy winds, which blew for two days now, were in
our faces and combined with the sand gave major problems.
Day 4 the 50 miles stage with 15 miles in large dunes was
directly into this sand storm. The last six hours were in
darkness where navigation became a problem together with lack of
food and liquid. We completed in thirteen hours to arrive at our
sand filled makeshift tent at 11 .OOpm, hungry, thirsty and
totally knackered. Because of the driving sand (through the
tent) we couldn’t have a meal for the next 18 hours (our rest
day) and had to be content with energy bars and the like while
we ‘hid’ in our sleeping bags with heads covered. It was the low
point of the adventure but our spirits were raised by the many
E-mail messages of support from friends, NIFRA members and
fellow Lunchtime Legends.
Eventually the winds subsided and we looked forward to the final
two stages. Stage 5 a mere marathon and Stage 6 a half marathon.
The high point was the sixth stage, 12 miles in glorious
sunshine and the finish realising we had achieved our goal
despite very sore feet (loss of 4 toenails) and tired limbs but
mentally feeling great.
Friends from Belfast met us and brought us back to Quarzazato to
the hotel where we had our first shower in ten days and our
first proper meal. We also had a pint or two!
The event was magnificent overall with over 600 competitors from
all over the world. We finished 220th and 227th overall. As with
all endurance races preparation is the key factor. We trained
for 6 months (a lot in the Mournes) got our nutrition right and
were mentally 'tuned’.
We wish to thank everyone who supported us by way of faxes,
E-mails and those who contributed
to our nominated charities. The Ulster Cancer Foundation and
Barnardo's who have benefited by almost £20,000.
Wes Kettyle/Richard Stevens
April 2002
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