August 2008

Marathon des Sables 2005: a diary

Why am I finally writing this diary now, more than three years after the race, basically because three friends and I have entered the 2010 MDS. A sort of 5 year anniversary to celebrate the pain and suffering of last time. I’ve been meaning to write a race report from the diary I kept, but work and a normal family life and training for the other four ultras I have entered seem to have interfered and I always seem to find something better to do, but at last here is the report of my first ever ultra marathon. It is written from diary notes made during the event, so is purely a personal recollection, it may or may not bear any relation to the official report and records of the race, but this is how it looked from way down the field.

Source2sea is a team development journey, taking you, quite literally, from the source of a river to the sea, in a beautiful part of the UK.

The 3 day journey allows teams from business to work together on a series of challenges that will test them – cerebrally and physically – whilst being supported by professional team-working coaches. Teams take on the challenges of each stage in real-time, and become adept in the skills of managing uncertainty, problem solving and creative lateral thinking.

On October 7th around 200 runners and support staff will board the boats to take them to Itapuama for this years edition of Jungle marathon, the worlds wildest eco-race.

Jungle Marathon, a six stage seven day footrace though deep jungle, is a self sufficient event, meaning runners face the hideous elevations of the rainforest with the heaviest of backpacks.

In addition to clothing, food and first aid kit, they are required to carry a hammock, rainfly sheet and mosi net.

New name and tougher still, the Al Andalus Ultra Trail will take place in July 2009 (13th to 17th) 250km, 5 stages in the Poniente Granadino region west of Granada and Sierra Nevada. Site www.alandalusultratrail.com launched but lots more to add.
Entries now being taken, only 550euros.
Also our successful Desert Runner Training Camps, designed to get you through the MdS and similar races. Next one October 9th to 13th.

Media Release

The Turas -Stage 2, Day 2 – Top Teams Stay In The Lead While Others Struggle
Schull, West Cork, Ireland

The worlds top adventure racing teams are battling the elements in the
inaugural Turas AR World Series which making its way today from Schull,
West Cork along the Beara Peninsula to Gougane Barra. But boy, have been
having a tough time of it!

The Turas: Extreme Adventure, Extreme Landscapes, Extreme Fun!

Ireland's first World Series Adventure Race, The Turas, hits the West of Ireland from 14th - 21st June 2008

This Summer some of the world's toughest athletes will be pushed to their limits and beyond as they take part in The Turas, a gruelling expedition-style race across some of the world's most iconic landscapes – the Kerry and West Cork Peninsulas.

Participants will compete non-stop, day and night, for over 90 hours across 12 disciplines - including trail running, mountain biking, horse riding, navigating megalithic monuments, rafting, rope courses, rowing and kayaking on sea, lake and river. They'll rely entirely on their own strength and stamina, with no outside to assistance allow and access to food ONLY at certain points along the route or where provided by the organizers. If they need to sleep, they'll do so unsheltered along the way - and only when absolutely necessary!

Registration is now open for the 2008 edition of ARWS – Estoril Portugal eXPeDition Race. Reduce prices and a special lottery of a free inscription for the 2009 ARWC in Portugal are the big news!!!.

Estoril Portugal XPD 2008 will be in early December, from 30 Nov to 4 December and according to the organizers will be a very difficult and challenging race. They have designed a course that explores the amazing SOUTHWEST COAST of EUROPE and its magnificent cliffs, beaches and sand dunes, which look rather like the shores of the north african desert.