The Marathon des Sables Adventure

Scribe: Captain Nathan Moorey (OC LAD, 26 Engr Regt)

Why

Long story short…after some initial setbacks in joining the military and after a diagnosis of Barrett’s Oesophagus (a premalignant condition of the gullet), I decided that I wanted to help those suffering with the condition. As a young and active person, I wanted to help those typically suffering from Barrett’s, 50–70-year-olds by raising money for them. To do this I decided to commit to doing something I really despised…running. I said back in 2010 that I would run 10 marathons before I reached my 30th birthday, with the last being the Marathon des Sables (MdS) Fast forward through 10 years, and 8 marathons (one was cancelled), I

Mid-sandstorm with up to 100 kph winds and highs of 400C

Start line, Day 1

finally joined up and had one last objective to achieve, the MdS. In Spring 2019, I signed up for the April 2020 race, billed as the “Toughest Footrace in the World”.

Pre-Lims

Tent 113 – a fantastic group of people

250km in 6 days across the Sahara Desert whilst being self-sufficient, except for water and a bivouac, which relates to roughly 6 marathons in 6 days, though the length of the race varies each year. That was the challenge and I was pumped for it. I lost 13kg in training and began to raise money for the charity. Early on, I decided I wanted to include my family in the whole thing, so I approached my four siblings and asked them each to decide on a charity to support. Eventually these lucky five were chosen, for various reasons: The REME Charity, Stonewall UK, Crohn’s & Colitis UK, The Whale Company and The Molly McLaren Foundation.

As we all know, 2020 was hit quite significantly and so there was much trepidation about the race. About 4 weeks prior, the race was cancelled and deferred until October 2020. It was then delayed twice more, before I chose a final delay to March 2022. So, yes, I hadn’t quite achieved it by the time of my 30th birthday, and I hadn’t squeezed in a 9th marathon; but the 6 marathons to come count towards it, right? Finally, after many dips in motivation and uncertainty, I was nailed on for a March 2022 race. On 25th March 2022, I arrived at Gatwick airport ready for my flight to Errachidia, Morocco.

Race

Day 1 and Day 2 were very straightforward, but full of nerves. I got to the camp and met my new tent mates for the first time. The mix of people was amazing. I was now bunking with an underwear model turned ultra-runner, a Football Coach, a cyber security expert, a Joiner, a Recruitment Consultant, a Branding Manager and a PhD Student. They were quite far removed from the people I normally mix with, and I loved it. Day 1 we all settled in and, that evening, feasted together.

Day 2 was the technical checks day. Essentially, a whole day dedicated to ensuring people had the right

kit and were medically fit to take part…essentially a DAC/RAC. Once cleared, and what a huge relief that was, I prepped my kit and relaxed.

Day 3 – The Race Starts

The first day of racing incorporated roughly 30km across sand dunes and plains. With my QM’s words of “run your race” ringing in my ears, I focussed on moving swiftly but at a walk. Easing myself into it, I finished the stage just shy of 5 hours, having burned 2500kcals. The race had officially started and it was a great way to start. What I hadn’t expected was the way I crashed as soon as I finished. I look back now and think I must have been carried through on adrenaline. I felt horrendous and really nauseous. After stumbling back to the bivouac, I lay down. I snapped myself out of the trance, forcing myself to do my admin. But…I couldn’t. I couldn’t function and I realised I was in a bad place. The heat was beating me. I lay down, wet my buff and stuck it on my head. Within minutes I was revitalised and had learned a valuable lesson; I was going to suffer badly in the heat. So, from then on, at every checkpoint I drenched my buff and hat in water to keep my temperature down. I also upped my salt tablet intake (we’re all issued with a bag of salt tablets on Day 2), from 2 per water bottle to 1 per half hour of activity. I look back now and can’t believe the difference these changes made, I had learned and adapted quickly. That day, I came back 8th out of 8 in my tent. That night we received our first lot of emails from friends, family and strangers. Mine was full of positive messages from all those closest to me, colleagues and a lovely message from the previous runner in number 726.

Feeling fresh on Day 3 with some amazing scenery

Day 4 – Oh the Wind

Day 4 was approximately 38km, across much the same terrain as Day 3, but with bigger dunes, longer plains and one big Jebel (a big, rocky hill). After about 20km, I got to checkpoint 2 and suddenly the world descended into sand and wind. An enduring sandstorm with reported speeds of up to 100kph had set in and lasted from then until the end of the stage. This was by far the hardest day. It was long, hot (temperatures reaching 45ºC), windy and lonely. I completed the stage in 6 hours and 41 minutes. This time, I returned to my tent 6th. Morale in camp was pretty low, the day had hit people hard and drained them of a lot of energy. The jebel had been strewn with heat casualties and with every gust of wind, people’s morale was sapped that much more.

What a spectacular view and a great little run

Day 5 – Climbing

With the sandstorms keeping everyone up all night, and coating us in a thick film of sand, the calming of the wind on day 5 was very welcome. Approximately 32km lay ahead, with promises of some beautiful landscapes. What a day it turned out to be. I was in my element. With some strong climbs to some breath-taking views and some really technical and rocky paths, I took it all in and really

Day two and a great photo op! Day 4 and feeling ok

A rare rainbow to be seen in the desert

Downhill running, always easier than going up!

enjoyed the day. Naturally the pace was slower due to the ascents and descents, and with single file paths slowing people down. I took the opportunity to recover from the day before and to really enjoy it where I could. I ended the stage in just under 6 hours, burning 2926kcals and with much improved morale. I entered my bivouac as the 5th member that day. Stage 2 was a long way behind us now and everyone in camp couldn’t help but feel that the hardest day was behind us. Morale was high, yet, ‘The Long Day’ was next and many were starting to feel the nerves.

Day 6 – The Long Day

Traditionally, the Long Day consists of roughly 2 marathons. Last year it was 79km and we were all hopeful of something similar. I started the day chatting to a Colonel in the tent next to me as he led a team racing in aid of Walking With The Wounded. The bond shared between

Checkpoint in sight! Always a welcome view

military folk is special and the bond I shared with those in the desert was something really special. Actually, the bond with all camp mates was really quite special. So, I started off by chatting with him about the strategy. He convinced me that the best plan was to aim for 5km/hr and see how we feel at the half way point. At the start line I searched for him and his team, I looked everywhere but I couldn’t see them. To cover all bases, I started at the very back. I crossed the start line dead last, alongside the guy walking it barefoot(!). I travelled at just above 5km/hr, scouring the pack for my pre-arranged team for the day. At 30km, I finally met up with them. We had a quick chat but I was feeling strong, so I pushed on. I started jogging faster and revelled in the downhill technical aspects of the race. I felt so strong that I pushed on more, speeding through the checkpoints so as not to waste time. At that 30km point I set a target in my head to overtake 100 people on the route and by 50km, I was at 82 people passed. I had suddenly changed an 80+km stage into 30-40m races just by breaking it down to the next person in sight. By the 50km point I caught up with a new-found friend from previous days and we finished strongly together. I surpassed my 100th competitor by the 52km point and went from strength to strength; even partaking in a finish line sprint so that we could get in before midnight. As the night sky darkened, we stopped and took some time to soak in the atmosphere, we turned our torches off and stared at the amazing night sky. What a scene. I never knew the sky could seem so full!

The ‘official’ route stated that the Long Day was to be 86.2km but I clocked it in at 88.7km. What a day. By the end of the stage, I had overtaken 125

Still smiling and powering on

Early rise and a cool haze over the camp

All prepped and ready to leave. Bag weighing in at just under 8.5kg Paper plate awards – a great way to cap the event

people and stopped counting. I finished in 15 hours and 38 minutes, finishing at 2358hrs. I was euphoric. I completed in 248th position and settled down for the night.

Day 7 & 8 – Rest Day &

Marathon Day

Day 7 was a rest day. A day filled of foot admin, feeding and a very surreal Opera performance.

Day 8 started the last race day, a full marathon day. I started the day in 289th position overall. I planned to compete well and hoped to get in under the 300 mark. Unfortunately, everyone else seemed to have the same idea and I just didn’t feel that I had it in the legs. I took it easy, hoping that those ahead of me would crumble (horrible, I know). I hydrated well, fuelled well and wanted to push on but I held back and stuck to the plan. With just 5km left, I worked hard and finished strong ending with a hug from Patrick Bauer (the founder) and a medal around my neck. I finished the competitive stages of the Marathon des Sables in 307th place. Not bad for a front row rugby player!

Day 9 – Charity Stage

The final day is a compulsory charity stage, if you don’t complete it then you faced disqualification. All competitors wear a yellow t-shirt in aid of ‘Solidarité’, the MdS charity, and then walk to the coaches. 7km through the dunes with people hobbling all over the place. And that’s it. Completed it.

Near the end, many miles completed and just a tad more'

Summary

The whole event was an incredible experience and one that I have no regrets for. It was simply amazing. My biggest takeaway and privilege was the personal touch. The people I met were from all walks of life; varied, interesting and driven. It was incredible to be able to meet such inspiring, and normal, people.

At time of going to print, I have raised £2546.25 for the 5 charities. I have received some incredible support and I have to say thank you to all my supporters. I welcome any further support, follow the link here:

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nathanmoorey. REME flag flying

Finally finished with Finisher's Medal presented by the Race Director, Patrick Bauer REME flag in hand, Capt Moorey’s finisher photo

Corps Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess Autumn Guest Dinner Night

Thursday 8th September 2022

Tickets are available now from the REME Connect website, closing date for tickets is Monday 22 August 2022 Any questions or queries should be directed at WO2 Gary Hooson (Corps PMC) Gary.Hooson683@mod.gov.uk