News 17th Marathon des Sables

Frank Russell, Director of CADRE successfully completed the 17^th Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, Southern Morocco. The Mds commenced on the 7^th April. The total distance of 226km was divided into 6 stages: Stage 1 - 26km, Stage 2 - 36km, Stage 3 - 31km, Stage 4 - 71km, Stage 5 - 42km and the final Stage 6 - 20km.

Entrants faced gruelling weather conditions including the worst sandstorms known in the history of the event during the 71km stage. During this stage competitors had to negotiate 21km of sand dunes, some of them at night, which were the height of houses with 100km per hour winds blasting them with sand and blowing them off course in some cases. Despite the conditions only 28 competitors abandoned the race with 565 finishing on the 13^th April in the desert town of Foumzguid, Zagora province, Southern Morocco. Over 32 nations from around the world were represented which created a great spirit of camaraderie amongst all who took part.

Five thousand pounds were raised and we thank all our sponsors and supporters in making that amount possible.

We are now in the process of procuring the medical equipment for Banso hospital.

Read more about Noma on the Facing Africa-NOMA web site

Background to the race