The fifth stage : the marathon
The 42.2 kilometres of this marathon-distance stage are synonymous with liberation for those women and men who have fought against sand, wind, precarious living conditions, lack of food...but who could always count on the unfailing solidarity between competitors and the unshakeable support from the organisers.
FEEDBACK OF THE DAY
“Today’s the one, I’m gonna remember this for the rest of my life.” Richard FRYER (D0789-GBR)
“It’s been a brilliant week, but I’m exhausted. Yesterday was mentally so tough that today, I feel relieved.” Claire TINKER (D1020-GBR)
“I have more bruises than blisters! On the third day, I tripped over my own feet on the crests and fell... I had to be stitched by a doctor.” Carole INGOUF (D0196-FRA)
“The Long Stage is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.” Gary ROBERTS (D0951-GBR)
“I’m excited because it’s the last day!” Lucie HOLTERMAN (D0830-NOR)
“My body seems totally broken now. MDS has won…MDS always wins!” Alec MILLS (D0901-GBR)
“The weather's been very hot and we've had a lot of sand...but in the end, that's what we're here for!” Muriele LACROIX (D0205-FRA)
FIGURE OF THE DAY
550
The number of foot care interventions made yesterday by the Doc Trotters, meaning that more than one in two competitors went through their expert hands
EVENT OF THE DAY
Aerial assistance
Wind gusts are sweeping the plain at the foot of the Merzouga dunes, pushing competitors in their back for the last three kilometres. Enough for them to feel their oats in the final straight!
A GOLD MEDAL FOR EVERYONE
Receiving your Finisher's medal from the very hands of Patrick BAUER is something competitors will never forget for their entire life. They've been waiting for that moment since Sunday.
HEAD OF THE RACE
Elisabet BARNES (D0663-SWE) and Rachid EL MORABITY (D0001-MAR) dominated this 32nd MARATHON DES SABLES from start to finish, thus winning the race for the 2nd and 5th time, respectively.
Provisional results:
http://www.marathondessables.com/results/live/g-live.html?f=MDS2017/MDS2017.clax
PORTRAIT OF THE DAY
“The desert is a fascinating place, and the MARATHON DES SABLES, an incomparable way to enjoy it. Indeed, it's a huge challenge, and competitors must certainly have masochistic tendencies…” Gudrun SIEGLE was forced to withdraw during last year's MDS because of a closure… This year, she's back and definitely wants to be a finisher!
“Having already taken part in the race is very helpful, and although I didn't finish, I think there's no better preparation than having been in the sand and suffered from heat and lack of water.”
Gudrun must be right: after the Long Stage, she is still in contention and ever more determined to cross the final finish line.
Read the full story at: http://www.marathondessables.com/en/marathon-des-sables-maroc/portrait-day
