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Marathon des Sables Delayed by Rain and Floods!

Rob Howard. Photos courtesy Marathon des Sables / 30.03.2009

Over 800 competitors arrived at Daya in Morocco’s Southern Sahara for this year’s Marathon des Sables, trained and ready for the world’s best known desert marathon – only to find their camp site flooded and the first day called off due to heavy rain.

They had expected to go through medical and administrative checks in Daya but found an inundated bivouac site. After a few hours of digging trenches the race organisation decided to return everyone to the city of Erfoud, where they stayed in hotels awaiting news of the weather and the future of the race. The first stage, due to take place on Sunday, was then called off due to safety and logistical concerns and it seemed the future of the whole race could be in doubt.

“We have never experienced this kind of situation in 24 editions of the race," said Race Director Patrick Bauer, “and have been obliged to modify the race departure in order to respect safety rules.”

Naturally the runners, who had spent so long preparing and training, were disappointed and worried, and one blog recounted how 7 British competitors had to spend the night at the flooded campsite.

Fortunately, the weather relented and today the sun was shining and the race was able to start, although on a shorter and modified route, avoiding flooded wadis.

At the start Bauer spoke to the racers and said the continuation of the race was still weather dependent, adding; “I know that you made many sacrifices to take part in this competition, so we have to take up this challenge together. It will not be easy but unity is strength!”

The race sees the come back of Lachen Ahansal a 10 time winner who must be the favourite, along with his younger brother, Mohammad, who won last year. However, the rainy conditions may play into the hands of visiting international runners. “Because of the rain, the ground is less soft and it is easier for better runners, so maybe for me it will be harder than last year,” said Mohammad Ahansal.

In the women’s race all the favourites are taking part, including Simone Keyzer of Luxembourg, with 3 victories under her belt, and the winner of the previous edition, the Moroccan Touda Didi.

Also running is our correspondent Fredrik Olmqvist of Sweden, who will be sending in news of his progress.

For the latest information see www.darbaroud.com