Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers race across the world...

Where do you start to report on someone who has spent 6 days in the desert doing the Marathon des Sables?

This race, in the Sahara Desert and Morocco, 252 Km, 152 miles over 6 days in temperatures which can reach 50ºC (122ºF), is what the fantastic Paul Peacock tackled and overcame last week.

It is described as a test of heart, spirit and endurance with differences in altitude, and physical and mental preparations are the key to success.

Participants must carry their own equipment and food, though water and a tent are provided.

Some of the running is over 2 days and you are running through the night.

Sandstorms are particularly difficult and sand is everywhere!

When you are in your tent at night, loud music and noise make sleep very difficult, and after a rest day in the middle, how do you ever persuade yourself to get going again?

Even with a knee problem which slowed Paul down, he got to the finish well within the allotted time, though not all of the 1000+ starters finished - which is quite understandable, and huge congratulations are due to him on this superb effort.















(To read the rest of this article go along to your nearest stockist and buy a copy of the paper)