A local man has recently completed a gruelling ultra-marathon across the Sahara Desert. Ross Whelan, who lives in Hom Green, near Ross-on-Wye, took part in the Marathon Des Sables (MdS) in April.

Participants in the excruciating multi-day ‘ultra-marathon’ had to carry their own supplies and survival equipment across 156 miles of Africa’s Sahara desert - where temperatures can soar to 50ºC. The six-stage challenge featured a non-stop phase over 75 kilometres and is known for testing participants to their limits.

Ross told the Ross Gazette:?“I picked up a few blisters along the way but thankfully no sunburn to report.”

Promised by the organisers to be one of the toughest editions to date, this year’s MdS was nothing less than ‘brutal’. Of the 1,254 hopefuls who had originally signed up to the gruelling multi-stage adventure, only 973 made it to the finish line some 257km later, with much of the drop-out being attributable to the strong winds and sandstorms which battered runners on the first and second days and then the feared double marathon long day which tested weary legs later in the week.

Ross said:?“It’s often been said that the MdS has a way of stripping you bare, right down to your core and it certainly felt that way. Physically the race was tough battling the 40ºC heat and the endless leg sapping sand dunes, but the reality is that the race is 90% mental with success dependent on how you deal with the adverse conditions thrown at you. Simply put, the only luxury you can expect to experience on this journey is a can of coke if you’re lucky enough to make it past the long day.”

He continued: “Throughout the journey I have met people who will inspire me forever, for example Bill Mitchell from Derbyshire, who at 72 become the oldest Briton to ever cross the finish line, and Duncan Slater who became the first double leg amputee to undertake the event. Their personal stories along with others of overcoming illness or dealing with tragedy restores your faith in human nature and makes this event what it is…truly special.

“My journey would not have been possible without the amazing support of each and every one of you. It was your messages of support which got me across the finish line and it is your generosity which has given the Veterans-Aid charity some £2,060.65 with which to help others in need. On behalf of the team can I extend our heartfelt thanks, you are all stars in our eyes.”

Although Ross’ MdS journey may now be over, he says that it has not quenched his appetite for adventure. He already has Jungle and Arctic multi-day Ultramarathons lined up for next year. “It’s true what they say about long distance runners,” he said, “we are barking mad.”