Half Marathon Des Sables
Resting Before The Final Stretch
Press Release / 27.09.2018
During the Half Marathon Des Sables, and after the long stage the competitors have the right to a much deserved day off. Why is that, because a big part of the runners had arrived late into the night the day before.
A fierce battle unfolded at the head of the race by the victor of last year’s edition, Remigio Huamán Quispe (Bib 1 – PER) and Chema Martinez (Bib 2 – ESP). They never stopped following each other’s footsteps during the entire race, to then finally cross the finish line together.
Mathilde Vinet (Bib 220 - FRN) once again came our triumphant on this second stage. She’s ahead of the race (in her category) and will try to defend her position during the 3rd and last stage of 22km.
The competitors crossed the finish line one after the other, some early in the evening others until 06:00 in the morning. It was a group of European runners who crossed the finish line last. Some of them laid down on the floor, others held one another in their arms telling each other that the hardest part was now over. “I’m proud to have finished this long stage, the last kilometers just there at night I was running on fumes” reveals to us Valérie (Bib 20 – FRN).
Congratulations all around!
The organization, too, is put through its paces, and the different bodies make sure that the desert adventurers can recuperate before completing their experience. The medical team has lots of work to do to heal the small booboos! “We’re a team of 10 to 15 doctors and practitioners, day and night we ensure the competitor’s health. “Despite the different blisters and sore legs they’re smiling today” assures us Patrick Basset, head of the medical body.
In the middle of the afternoon, and in the heart of the bivouac, the organization proposes a red labeled, fizzy, sugary and refreshing drink. An unexpected but pleasant, and much welcomed surprise by the competitors. Smiles all around, everyone is having a fun time. But they know that the adventure isn’t over yet; tomorrow they’ll have to complete their adventure.
Departure is set for 09:30 at La Mata in the heart of the island at the foot of the volcanos of the Island. Rendezvous in the afternoon for a final arrival at hotel Playitas.
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