Phillip Tunney, Partner and Head of the Chemical Sector Group at Eversheds solicitors decided that 3 Ironman triathlons in the last 4 years simply wasn’t tough enough so this year he entered and completed the Marathon Des Sables which took place over a six day period in April this year.
The Marathon Des Sables (Marathon of the Sands) is one of the most gruelling sporting events in the world – a six day, 230km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert in Southern Morocco in temperatures of up to 130 degrees Farenheit. Described by some as the toughest footrace on earth.
The distance covered is equivalent to five and a half marathons, but is run in several stages. This years stages were in the following distances: 37km, 30km, 38km, 75km, 42km and a final charity stage of 8km.
Competitors had to carry all their equipment including all food on their backs so that most competitors carry a rucksack between 7 and 10kgs plus water. The only thing provided by the organisers during the race is water and the overnight tent.
Phillip did this in aid of Crohns and Colitis UK – Phillip’s wife has suffered from Crohn’s disease for over 20 years. This is a chronic condition causing acute bowel inflammation, pain and discomfort. Symptoms tend to flare up from time to time and Veronica spent 2 months in hospital as a result in 2012.
Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to Crohns and Colitis UK and used to fund research into Crohn’s and its treatment and support for sufferers . Virgin Money Giving is not a profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible.
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=PhillipTunneyMarathonDesSables&faId=276848&isTeam=false
