BLISTERS, searing heat and sandstorms were endured by an intrepid pair of Petersfield runners who have completed a six-marathon desert challenge.
Jakob Bloch (44) and Shaun?Smart (29) raised £13,515 for the Dreams Come True charity during their incredible feat in gruelling conditions across the Sahara.
In scenes they describe as a cross between Lawrence of Arabia and Mad Max, they ran 250km over six days in the notorious Marathon des Sables, in temperatures ranging from 45 degrees celcius to freezing.
There was a non-stop 20 hour stretch of 80km?too which meant running under the night sky and giving them an unforgettable experience.
Shaun said:?“There was no light pollution and the stars were incredible. It was a privilege to see it.”
A sandstorm on the first day was a baptism of fire for the pair, who are headhunters at Commodity Appointments in Petersfield, and they were told it was probably the toughest in the 30 year history of the race.
Masks and goggles were essential for protection as well as factor 50 sunscreen.
They didn’t see any giant camel spiders as anticipated, but another hazard was painful blisters. Jakob had to have a drill put through his toe nail to relieve pressure.
“You get dehydrated really quickly too so you have to eat salt tablets and drink water regularly,” said Jakob.
Everything they needed, including water, freeze-dried food and light sleep suits, had to be carried in backpacks.
More than 1,200 runners from 40 countries start the race, but around 300 drop out. The pair are immensely proud to have completed the “magical experience”.
To donate to their fundraising total visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/commoditymdschallenge2016