Words of Love - The Beatles

At the weekend, I was asked to speak about what the Marathon des Sables means to me. And to and focus my thoughts, I chose the first six words that came to mind when I think of MDS, and then why I’d chosen them. It could have been six completely different ones, but the following are the ones that popped straight out of my head – I wonder if they resonate with you too, or what your six words might be?

Love

The Marathon des Sables is a love letter written in blood, sweat and tears. And for me, it’s not just an ultra-marathon in the Sahara; it’s a journey of passion that rolls my love for running, for adventure, and for life, all into one. It must come from a desire to push myself to my limits and to discover my true potential.

During the race love is all around. Love of the desert’s beauty, love of the human spirit that propels every competitor forward, and love of the realisation that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. 

Love is what keeps folk going when the blisters are biting hard. Love is in the shared looks between people who silently acknowledge one another’s suffering. Love in tears of pain that become tears of joy at the finish line and everyone loves everything in the moment.

People

The Marathon des Sables isn’t a solo experience even though each runner faces their own internal battles. The MDS is about people. The people you’ve trained with. The people who’ve supported your journey. The people back home who cheer you on, from thousands of miles away. The race isn’t just an individual effort, it’s a community and every runner you meet or share a tent with has a story. 

And even though we might be from different countries, speak different languages, and have different customs, there’s a common understanding and a shared desire to finish. 

Friendship

The friendships forged during the MDS are unlike any others. In the desert, the simple needs of water, food and shelter seem to allow genuine connections to emerge. Folk share food, salt tablets, stories and help, if and when, things go wrong.

When people are limping but determined to finish, just a few words of encouragement help, no end. And it’s amazing what lengths folk will go to, to help others reach the finish line – some will carry other people’s rucksacks even.

You see, it’s a friendship born out of shared purpose. In those moments, we are no longer competitors; we’re a tribe, looking after one another in a wilderness.

Challenge

The Marathon des Sables is one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced. It’s not just about physical endurance; it’s about mental resilience and about finding strength when there’s nothing left to give. 

Each day brings the same obstacles - heat, dunes, sandstorms, dehydration. But that’s the challenge, it’s what drew me there. The desert is indifferent; it doesn’t care if you’re prepared or not, if you’re fast or slow, confident or terrified, rich or poor. The desert is the desert. 

And that’s the point - rise to meet it or get defeated. Can you keep going when your body’s broken? Can you keep believing in yourself when every step is agony? The MDS asks these questions, and if you can answer your self-doubt you’ll finish and get the medal.

Hope

In the midst of hardship, hope is the invisible thread that draws you on. During the long stage, it’s hope that gets you to the finish line. Hope that you’ll make it and still able to walk, talk or even survive.

But then that hope translates into life outside of the MDS. When the proverbial hits the fan – we learn that there’s always a way. Always have hope and as long as there’s a chance, a solution, you’ll make it.

I’ve been beaten up in the race and in life but found a way – the MDS taught me how to never give up, and never to throw in the towel.

Direction

The Marathon des Sables isn’t a destination, it’s a direction. In training, in racing, and even in my everyday life, this MDS experience teaches me to focus on my goals, to take things one step at a time, and to embrace discomfort as part of the journey. The desert teaches you simplicity and carrying everything you need on your back, you learn what’s really needed.

Direction is about moving forwards, no matter what. And in the sand, the way is marked. We follow the markers religiously. This has taught me to trust the path and to trust myself, even when I might feel lost. The MDS shows me that direction isn’t just about the finish line; it’s about finding purpose and clarity in each step. It’s about realising that the journey itself is the destination.

The Six words in one

The MDS is more than a race. It’s a journey through the landscape of your soul. It’s about love. Love for running, for challenge, for the people who make it possible. It’s about the people I’ve met along the way, the friendships I’ve made, and the collective spirit of endurance and courage. It’s about facing a challenge, one where I’ve discovered who I really am.

But most of all, the Marathon des Sables is about hope and direction. Hope that there’s always light in the darkness and a direction towards a life of resilience, connection, and purpose.

1,217 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 9 GWR - 18 MDS Legendary - 1 Life