Riders on the Storm - The Doors

Team Coleman - Warriors

Lots of people that have just completed the 39^th MDS Legendary have asked me how it shapes up against previous editions. Well, I think this one is up there amongst the toughest of my eighteen completions.

Was it the longest? Was it the hottest? Was it the hardest? Hmm, it was more like a combination of all of the above. It was probably the dirtiest, as the sand simply went everywhere. Perhaps this one will be known as the one where people struggled most with 'the living in the desert’ part of the race. I always say Legendary isn't an ultra or a marathon, it's a self-sufficiency race and it was a shock for most that were there with the conditions they faced.

 

Of the 896 competitors only 49 didn't get to the finish line It's good that so many people can return home with a well-earned medal.  And it was a special occasion for me as my son Sam (31) accompanied me throughout. 

 

Team Coleman performed amazing well, as did the hundreds of other competitors that used my training plans or watched my monthly MDS coaching seminars. People from all corners of the world made a point of saying a personal ‘thank you’ for my help.

 

Anyway, The 39^th MDS Legendary didn't disappoint. Race Director, Cyril Gauthier has taken Legendary to another level and his attention to detail is incredible. The Checkpoints are a haven amongst the elements, with crew only too happy to give you anything you need to get you to the finish each day.

Is the race perfect? Well, I think so. It's MDS Legendary - it's designed to take you to the limits of human endurance, and if you ever take part, you'll understand what I mean.

1,215 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 9 GWR - 18 Marathon des Sables