Marathon des Sables Podcast
Marathon des Sables Podcast
The Marathon des Sables, known as the toughest footrace on earth.
Competitors have to take on six marathons in six days across the Sahara desert, covering over 250km, in temperatures rising to 50°C.
The rules require you to be self-sufficient, to carry with you on your back everything except water that you need to survive.
Our aim is to raise at least £250,000 for Walking with the Wounded.
This podcast is the story of those taking part in 2020 and of those with experience of previous years.
An Inspiring Journey: Mark “Mavis” Reilly on Overcoming Challenges and Raising Awareness for Rett Syndrome
In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Mark “Mavis” Reilly to the MDS Podcast. Mark, a former professional footballer, shares his personal story and experiences taking on some of the most gruelling physical challenges to raise awareness for Rett Syndrome, an incurable genetic disorder affecting his daughter Dionne.
From Ironman events to 100-mile runs, Mark’s determination and resilience shine through as he discusses his participation in the epic Marathon des Sables
Red Bull’s Tom Evans Top Tips for the Marathon des Sables
In this episode of the MDS Podcast, we go back to 2017, the year that saw an unexpected third-place finish from a then-unknown British athlete, Tom Evans. Tom only entered the race after a bet with a friend, which resulted in the best result a European had ever achieved in the race’s history. Now competing […]
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For Sara Pearce Getting to the Start Line has been a Challenge
After an extended break, we are back with a new episode.
For some people, just getting to the start line is a challenge. Sara Pearce signed up for MDS 2020 and things didn’t quite go to plan. What’s important is how you deal with the setbacks.
Sara handled them perfectly and is now raring to go in 2023. Listen in to find out more about Sara’s MDS journey.
Don’t forget you can follow Sara in the 2023 MDS, search for bib number 1178 when the race goes live in April at ht
Behind the Scenes at the Marathon des Sables with the “Desert Dad”
This episode is a little different, it’s a view from behind the scenes.
If you ran in 2021 or 2022, you will have likely met photographer Jon Bromley. Or “Desert Dad”, as he was affectionately known by some.
So what luxury awaits those non-runners working behind the scenes, four poster beds, 5-course meals, copious wine, and fun helicopter rides? Listen in to find out.
You can find out more about Jon’s work, and his MDS photography offers at: https://www.jonbromley.co.uk/
The post Behind the S
Behind the Scenes at the Marathon des Sables with the “Desert Dad”
This episode is a little different, it’s a view from behind the scenes.
If you ran in 2021 or 2022, you will have likely met photographer Jon Bromley. Or “Desert Dad”, as he was affectionately known by some.
So what luxury awaits those non-runners working behind the scenes, four poster beds, 5-course meals, copious wine, and fun helicopter rides? Listen in to find out.
You can find out more about Jon’s work, and his MDS photography offers at: https://www.jonbromley.co.uk/
The post Behind the S
The Experiences of Roraigh Ainslie an MDS Veteran
Roraigh first completed the MDS in 1995. A lot has changed, and since then, he has completed it four more times. Including this year, 2022, when at the age of 62, he was Britain’s oldest finisher.
No fancy running shoes or ultra-lightweight gear, just solid planning, preparation and a selective choice of kit has led Roraigh to succeed at this event multiple times.
A lot for everyone to learn from this episode.
The post The Experiences of Roraigh Ainslie an MDS Veteran appeared first on Marathon
The Experiences of Roraigh Ainslie an MDS Veteran
Roraigh first completed the MDS in 1995. A lot has changed, and since then, he has completed it four more times. Including this year, 2022, when at the age of 62, he was Britain’s oldest finisher.
No fancy running shoes or ultra-lightweight gear, just solid planning, preparation and a selective choice of kit has led Roraigh to succeed at this event multiple times.
A lot for everyone to learn from this episode.
The post The Experiences of Roraigh Ainslie an MDS Veteran appeared first on Marathon
Ben Gallagher Veteran, Athlete, Explorer & MDS Finisher
On this weeks show we have Ben Gallagher another of our tent-mates from Marathon des Sables 2022.
Ben is a Veteran, Athlete and Explorer. In 2019 whilst serving in the British Army, he was involved in an incident that has since changed his life. He was shot numerous times and received blast/fragmentation injuries to both arms and his upper torso. Without a doubt his body armour saved his life.
Resilience, optimism and determination are qualities that highlight Ben’s consistent drive to succeed.
Ben Gallagher Veteran, Athlete, Explorer & MDS Finisher
On this weeks show we have Ben Gallagher another of our tent-mates from Marathon des Sables 2022.
Ben is a Veteran, Athlete and Explorer. In 2019 whilst serving in the British Army, he was involved in an incident that has since changed his life. He was shot numerous times and received blast/fragmentation injuries to both arms and his upper torso. Without a doubt his body armour saved his life.
Resilience, optimism and determination are qualities that highlight Ben’s consistent drive to succeed.
Terry Maddison Finishing 39th in the Marathon des Sables 2022
Not Terry’s first Ultra. Actually his second attempt at the Marathon des Sables, but a very respectable 39th place overall and 9th Brit.
Find out how Terry managed this incredible achievement and see if you fancy placing in the top 50 in 2023!
The post Terry Maddison Finishing 39th in the Marathon des Sables 2022 appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
Terry Maddison Finishing 39th in the Marathon des Sables 2022
Not Terry’s first Ultra. Actually his second attempt at the Marathon des Sables, but a very respectable 39th place overall and 9th Brit.
Find out how Terry managed this incredible achievement and see if you fancy placing in the top 50 in 2023!
The post Terry Maddison Finishing 39th in the Marathon des Sables 2022 appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
Glen Watts Uses His “Why” To Finish The Marathon Des Sables!
This week Rob and I had a cracking time talking to tent mate Glen Watts about his MDS experience. Glen suffered severely with his feet during our journey through the Sahara. Having to use all his mental capacity and his “Why” to get through the pain. Whilst we have a great laugh in this episode, […]
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Glen Watts Uses His “Why” To Finish The Marathon Des Sables!
This week Rob and I had a cracking time talking to tent mate Glen Watts about his MDS experience.
Glen suffered severely with his feet during our journey through the Sahara. Having to use all his mental capacity and his “Why” to get through the pain.
Whilst we have a great laugh in this episode, there are some serious takeaways for every future competitor.
We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed recording it.
Glen’s Fundraising page:https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/glen
Karen Alford from Half Marathon to MDS in under 12 months!
You don’t need to be an ultra runner or even have years of running experience to take part in the Marathon des Sables. With the right attitude, attention to detail and planning, you can complete the MDS whatever your background. This week we speak to Karen Alford, who did just this. With little running experience. […]
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Karen Alford from Half Marathon to MDS in under 12 months!
You don’t need to be an ultra runner or even have years of running experience to take part in the Marathon des Sables.
With the right attitude, attention to detail and planning, you can complete the MDS whatever your background.
This week we speak to Karen Alford, who did just this. With little running experience. No more than a half marathon under her belt. Karen completed the 2022 Marathon des Sables.
Listen in to find out how she did it.
Some links are mentioned in the podcast.
The Hardmoors
Lauren Gregory 1st British Female Marathon des Sables 2021
This week we are lucky to have Lauren Gregory on the show. Lauren not only completed the infamous 35th edition of the Marathon des Sables in 2021 she was also the first British Female.
Whilst Lauren didn’t suffer from the stomach bug that rampaged through camp in 2021 her race was far from straightforward. She definitely had her own problems to solve, and some of the choices she made could have been a race ender if she’d gotten them wrong.
This is a great episode with lessons for runners of all
Lauren Gregory 1st British Female Marathon des Sables 2021
This week we are lucky to have Lauren Gregory on the show. Lauren not only completed the infamous 35th edition of the Marathon des Sables in 2021 she was also the first British Female.
Whilst Lauren didn’t suffer from the stomach bug that rampaged through camp in 2021 her race was far from straightforward. She definitely had her own problems to solve, and some of the choices she made could have been a race ender if she’d gotten them wrong.
This is a great episode with lessons for runners of all
Ian & George Moore on the MDS: A Father Leaves His Son in the Desert!
This is a fantastic story of a Father and Son adventure on the Marathon des Sables. As if the MDS was not tough enough mentally. Could you leave your son behind to finish?
Ian and George tell of the agreement they made and their plans in place should the worst thing happen. When it does, and George can’t continue, the planning comes into play to allow Ian to finish.
A great episode that will make you think twice about competing with other family members.
Mentioned in the show:
Jason Cavill, Ian
Ian & George Moore on the MDS: A Father Leaves His Son in the Desert!
This is a fantastic story of a Father and Son adventure on the Marathon des Sables. As if the MDS was not tough enough mentally. Could you leave your son behind to finish?
Ian and George tell of the agreement they made and their plans in place should the worst thing happen. When it does, and George can’t continue, the planning comes into play to allow Ian to finish.
A great episode that will make you think twice about competing with other family members.
Mentioned in the show:
Jason Cavill, Ian
Jonny Hendry Does The Marathon Des Sables in Body Armour!
As if the Marathon des Sables was not enough of a challenge. You’ll always find someone that wants to do it slightly different to the other participants.
Jonny Hendry is one of those people.
He served in The Parachute Regiment, in all 3 Battalions and deployed on multiple tours of Afghanistan. Over those tours, he was involved in incidents that he struggled to process on his return and with the help of Support Our Paras he was able to find therapy and get his life back on track. He wanted to ra
Jonny Hendry Does The Marathon Des Sables in Body Armour!
As if the Marathon des Sables was not enough of a challenge. You’ll always find someone that wants to do it slightly different to the other participants.
Jonny Hendry is one of those people.
He served in The Parachute Regiment, in all 3 Battalions and deployed on multiple tours of Afghanistan. Over those tours, he was involved in incidents that he struggled to process on his return and with the help of Support Our Paras he was able to find therapy and get his life back on track. He wanted to ra
Andrew “The Colonel” Smallbone on How to Complete the Marathon des Sables 2022
In this edition of the MDS Podcast Sean & Rob invite fellow Walking with the Wounded teammate Andrew “The Colonel” Smallbone on the show to talk through his experience of the Marathon des Sables 2022.
Andrew completed the 36th Edition of the MDS and for the large part was a walker. Although a very fast one at times!
If you’d like to make a donation, here is a link to Andrew’s fundraising page.
Listen in and enjoy another tale from the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
The post Andrew “The Colonel” Smal
Andrew “The Colonel” Smallbone on How to Complete the Marathon des Sables 2022
In this edition of the MDS Podcast Sean & Rob invite fellow Walking with the Wounded teammate Andrew “The Colonel” Smallbone on the show to talk through his experience of the Marathon des Sables 2022.
Andrew completed the 36th Edition of the MDS and for the large part was a walker. Although a very fast one at times!
If you’d like to make a donation, here is a link to Andrew’s fundraising page.
Listen in and enjoy another tale from the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
The post Andrew “The Colonel” Smal
Rob & Sean’s Debrief on Completing the Marathon des Sables 2022
We did it!
Finally, after many years of training and postponements, plus a second attempt for me, we managed to complete the “Toughest Footrace on Earth”!
In this episode, we go through the poignant moments of the race for us. Covering everything from food to pacing. We also try to answer the question that gets asked each year, “How light should your pack really be?”
The route was as challenging as ever, with Jebels and sand dunes aplenty. There was even a 100km/h sandstorm to contend with just
Marathon des Sables Once is Never Enough with Katie Hislop
Welcome back to another episode of the MDS Podcast. This will be the last episode before I venture out for Marathon des Sables 2022.
On this show we have another of my tent mates from tent 55 in 2021, Katie Hislop.
This was Katie’s second MDS and she did us proud by bringing it home again. Even though much had changed since her last Marathon des Sables the experience paid off and she was able to finish.
It wasn’t all plain sailing though and there were still a few lessons learned in 2022 which
How to Walk the Marathon des Sables and Finish by Lucy Pond
On this week’s show I talk to another of tent mates from Tent 55 at the 35th edition of the Marathon des Sables in October 2021. Lucy gives us an insight in how she coped with the extraordinary conditions of the 35th edition and still managed to finish whilst walking the whole 250km. Lucy has […]The post How to Walk the Marathon des Sables and Finish by Lucy Pond appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
Jack “The Sock” Fleckney Finisher 35th Marathon Des Sables
In this episode I speak with Jack Fleckney, ex-marine, entrepreneur and adventurer. Jack was one of my tents mates, Tent 55, at the 35th edition of the Marathon Des Sables in October 2021. Through careful planning, pure determination and a will to succeed Jack managed to do what nearly 50% of us didn’t in the […]The post Jack “The Sock” Fleckney Finisher 35th Marathon Des Sables appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
Sean & Rob Discuss MDS 2021 & the upcoming MDS 2022
We’re back! After a long lay off the MDS Podcast is back. Since our last episode, Sean finally got to do the Marathon des Sables in 2021. He talks to Rob about what he discovered and provides some valuable insight for those looking to take on the challenge. You can also find out why Sean […]The post Sean & Rob Discuss MDS 2021 & the upcoming MDS 2022 appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
Robert Gibbs – Coping with the heat & packing tips for the MDS
April is fast approaching, which means the Marathon des Sables 2020 is just around the corner. In the run up to the big event, Sean Clark chats with some of this year’s Walking with the Wounded team members. Looking into each member’s reason for embarking on this incredible challenge and how they’re preparing for April, […]
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Elisabet Barnes on How to Prepare for your Perfect Race
This episode was recorded live at the MDS Expo in October 2019. Elisabet Barnes talks on ‘How to Prepare for your Perfect Race’ as she gives advice to new and old hands on running the Marathon des Sables. Elisabet Barnes is a Swedish athlete specialised in ultrarunning. Her major claim to fame is winning the […]
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Steve Diederich MDS Expo 2019 Introduction
This episode was recorded live at the MDS Expo in October 2019. Steve Diederich introduces this years Expo. He is the head of RunUltra and he has been organising the British contingent at the Marathon des Sables for many years.
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Duncan Slater Shares His Previous MDS Experiences & Much More
As the countdown for the Marathon des Sables 2020 is on, Sean Clark chats with some of this year’s Walking With The Wounded Team Members. Looking into each member’s reason for embarking on this incredible challenge and how they’re preparing for April, Sean dives deep into what running the Marathon des Sables as part of […]
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Tom Wilkinson a member of the Walking With The Wounded MDS2020 team
As the countdown for the Marathon des Sables 2020 is on, Sean Clark chats with some of this year’s Walking With The Wounded Team Members. Looking into each member’s reason for embarking on this incredible challenge and how they’re preparing for April, Sean dives deep into what running the Marathon des Sables as part of […]
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Ed Parker CEO of Walking With The Wounded
As the countdown for the Marathon des Sables 2020 is on, Sean Clark chats with some of this year’s Walking With The Wounded Team Members. Looking into each member’s reason for embarking on this incredible challenge and how they’re preparing for April, Sean dives deep into what running the Marathon des Sables as part of […]
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