"Marathon des Sables 1996" Western Sahara by gussymons

Western Sahara Travel Guide: 230 reviews and 573 photos

Incredible scenery and warm - Western Sahara

Mad dogs and Englishmen

Crazy place. Nearly died. Younger sister one of the first UK women to complete the race and was in Cosmo to boot.

I was evacuated by camel and medic was never going to let me continue. Despite that, was an amazing experience and probably made me want to run 'ordinary' marathons in cooler climates.

Camel evacuation

Author with camels in Sahara

These aren't the actual camels that took me and the berber out of the dunes and to relative safety, but I like camels so here is a picture of two random camels in the Sahara.

Coke in the Sahara

Alternative mode of transport in the Sahara

Its possible to get a Coca-Cola anywhere in the world! I got one in the middle of the Sahara at some small oasis populated by a few berbers, their children, and some goats.

A helicopter from the organisers of the marathon flew down and landed 15 minutes drive from the village and all the children rushed to see it.

Last visit to Western Sahara: Apr 1996
Intro Updated Jun 30, 2003
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Reviews (7)

You really don't want to get lost out here - Western Sahara

GPS or compass Off The Beaten Path (3)

Its difficult to know exactly where you are going in a landscape with few natural markers. If navigating in the real... more travel advice

My sister, Marly, by the road sign of the village - Western Sahara

Col-du-Tichka Off The Beaten Path (3)

On the way to Ourzazate the coach full of intrepid explorers went through the Atlas mountains. The driver was a psycho... more travel advice

Incredible scenery and lots of it! - Western Sahara

The Mark IV foot Transportation (1)

In all His wisdom, [insert deity here] provided man with not just one foot, but two! These can be used to get around the... more travel advice

Four berber teengers in the Sahara - Western Sahara

Berber encampments Off The Beaten Path (3)

Being in the Sahara desert is fairly off the beaten path already, but to get a taste of the life of the indigenous... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Marathon des Sables

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Drink water

Comments (1)

Bonobo2005 Jul 1, 2003 at 5:48 AM Report Abuse

146 miles in 6 days? Western Sahara? How do you mean "extreme sports"? There are some "crazy" people in this world ;-). Great to read about though!