It is possibly the most deceivingly named race on the planet. Over seven days and six stages, participants in the Marathon des Sables run, stumble, burn, stink, hallucinate, cry and bleed across 156 miles of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. They carry

couldn’t do it so I had the all-clear.All that remained for me to do was train, get kit together, perfect my nutrition strategy, find footwear and gaiters that worked, fill out all the relevant paperwork, book my annual leave, enjoy Christmas and ask

half IM distance, the event was longer than most of the forum contingent had attempted to date.The previous months of frenzied training had not been without its casualties. A week before the race the list of injuries had grown amongst the forumite

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and the affection of the huge crowds gathered there, and proved that it was possible for a disparate group of athletes – some finely honed and experienced, some self-confessed lardbutts – to swim, cycle and run from zero to hero in just nine months.But on Sunday

another and give it to your supporters so they'll know when and where to spot you.The Big Day Bookmark these essential event guides to help your day run like clockwork...Great North Run GuideCruise through the race with our expert tips and insider info

Sarah Connors.Race-day nutrition and hydration vodcasts from nutritionist Ruth McKean.Coach Steve Smythe talks the importance of the taper in a vodcast.Your final countdownOur resident blogger physiotherapist Scott Mitchell gives his advice for the final

preparation for longer, multi-day events. While in previous years the race has been run in one direction only, 2008 heralds the introduction of new options - not only can entrants choose when and which direction to run, but those seeking an even greater test

also did the old IM trick of filling my hat with ice cubes. There were a few wobbles, but nutrition stayed OK for most of the run.Richard M knuckles down during his marathonAfter the first turnaround I saw Serpie George lying on the floor vomiting. I