James Tysome is currently running in what is cited as the ‘toughest footrace on the planet’. Traversing 250km of sand dunes, rocky jebels and white-hot salt plains, the athlete is still set to complete the challenge.
As temperatures soar, James, who set off on Sunday, is now on day four of the marathon. By the end of day two, temperatures had reached 47 degrees and runners had to endure a sandstorm.
Despite 10% of runners forced to drop out, James continues to battle through inhospitable and hostile conditions, pushing his body and mind to the limit in bib 1225.
In the 37th edition of the world-famous ultra marathon, runners face the glaring sun, with temperatures reaching up to up to 50°C. Running conditions underfoot are extremely challenging, as running across sand presents additional load on the legs and feet. Day three saw 40% of competitors drop out, and James continues to battle on through extreme conditions.
Today, day four, will take James out of the Saharan morning into dusk and dark, and James is expected to cover more than 80 kms in one stretch. Those in the know revere day four, as by this stage, the fatigue and impact of the previous three days is met with the longest stage of the competition.
Marathon des Sables
James will have to carry everything he needs on his back, provided only with water rations and communal goats’ hair Berber tents supplied and pitched each night for him and his fellow competitors to sleep in.
James has already smashed his £3000 target for Tom’s Trust, and is currently at an incredible running total of £4526* – anyone wishing to get behind James and show your support can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamestysomemds
If you want to track his progress, head to https://live.marathondessables.com/en/
We’d like to thank James and his family for their incredible efforts so far in an event that truly tests the mind and body. If you’d like to find out more about how you could raise money for this incredible cause, please get in touch with our fundraising team. Whether it’s a cake sale, a sponsored walk or a 250 km endurance race in the desert, all funds will go directly to helping children diagnosed with brain tumours and their families.
*total amount as of 10:00 26/4/23