The Marathon Des Sables
Known as the hardest footrace on earth, MdS is a 6 day / 151 mile (243km) endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Stages are split into 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. Mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F. Running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes. Dates for the event confirmed as 1st April until 12th April 2010 including preparation and recovery days.
Why we are doing MDS
We are passionate about sport, healthy living and challenges beyond our perceived capabilities. The Marathon Des Sables as the hardest foot-race on earth has inspired us for years. Our desire to achieve what currently seems unachievable is coupled with a determination to raise as much as we can as a team for our named charities. With your help we can realise these goals.
About Us
Captain William Gough, Mr Hywel James and Dr James Gough are competing in the Marathon Des Sables. All three graduated from The University of Wales College of Medicine, now part of Cardiff University. William serves as a dentist in the British Army and is currently based in Germany. Hywel is a qualified Physiotherapist and is currently completing a second degree in Medicine and is due to qualify as a doctor in 2011. James is a British Army doctor currently working within the NHS in Cardiff and due to enter Sandhurst Military Academy in 2010. They are all keen athletes and between them have completed several marathons including London, New York, Paris and Mumbai, endured numerous triathlons and have taken to the killing fields on countless occasions to complete the mighty Tough Guy. Amongst other achievements, Hywel has completed Ironman Great Britain, William and James represent The British Army Medical Services Rugby Team and all three are past members of the notorious Cardiff Medics RFC.
Our Chosen Charities
Khandel light: An international charity working to improve the lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged families in Khandel and the villages surrounding it, located in the desert state of Rajasthan, India. Working in close partnership with the local NGO, Nirman Sanstha Khandel, the Charity encourages local people to help themselves, focusing on long-term development projects including access to clean water and sanitation, better healthcare, education and housing. It also aims to raise the status of women.
Facing Africa: An international charity concerned with the cure and prevention of Noma. Noma (cancrum oris) is an acute and ravaging gangrenous infection affecting the face. The victims of Noma are mainly young children caught in a vicious circle of extreme poverty and chronic malnutrition.
Noah's Ark Appeal: Until recently, Wales was the only country in Europe that did not have a dedicated children's hospital. The Noah's Ark Appeal raises money to build and equip the first children's hospital for Wales.
Cheques payable to: MDS 2010, or sponsor us online using PayPal:-
Live Hard, Die Well.