Am I Crazy?

I have always wanted to participate in the Marathon Des Sables. That translates to Marathon of the sands and it's been called the Toughest Foot Race on Earth. The past few weeks I have been seriously thinking about making an attempt to actually participate in that race. One of the things I love about this race besides the challenge, is that many of the competitors use this as an opportunity to raise money for a charity. I have always wanted to participate in this race, and there are a few Christian organizations I really want to help. So, this seems like a great opportunity...doesn't it?

Here's some information from their website:

It covers 243km/151 miles (in sections similar to 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78). In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.

You will have to prepare all your own food throughout the race and I warn you that there is not a chain of Tesco stores or corner grocery shops dotted around the Sahara. You will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, of running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.

Check out this video I found on Youtube that will give you an idea of what it is.

So...yeah, that's what I want to do and why. Wait, I didn't mention what organization I want to raise money for...I want to raise money for Gospel For Asia. It's a great Christian missionary organization in which 100% of the money donated goes directly to the field. They raise all administrative costs separately. The idea behind their ministry is to fund native missionaries because it costs only fraction of the cost of foreign missionaries. Also, native missionaries already understand the culture and language which makes things even easier. They are in reality the largest missionary organization in the world.

05-05-2008 22:46

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