Sand Marathon

I think some people are born crazy. Some, perhaps, are driven to insanity. I don't know which the athletes engaging in the Sand Marathon are, but there is no doubt about it but they are definitely crazy. The Marathon de Sables is a race across the Sahara Desert that will be 151 miles. Six days... in the searing heat of day, and the chilly temperatures of night, not to mention the bone breaking, muscle tearing effort of running through sand for that many days! At temperatures around 120 degrees, I don't know how they could even consider doing it. Not just running either, the competitors(aged 16 to 78) will also be carrying their packs with a tent, food, medical supplies, and everything else they need, on their backs throughout the entire race.
"The heat, distance and rubbing will trash your feet and may cause severe trauma if incorrect shoes and equipment are used. Mental stamina probably constitutes at least 50% of whether you will complete the distance or not. Physical fitness is important but don't underestimate the mental stress that you will need to endure. Even if you have run dozens of 26 mile marathons, this does not mean that you will automatically find the MdS easy - either way you will be planning to do lots of training prior to the MdS."(MdS website)


 Perhaps, though, some of the madmen aren't so incredibly out of their minds- many people in this race are running to raise money for the charity Facing Africa. The charity is helping to fight against NOMA, a flesh eating disease that kills about 70 to 90% of the malnourished children it infects. While I don't think I could be a competitor in this run, I would definitely love to help raise funds for NOMA victims.
The runners are being offered a rebate off of their registration if they raise more than 500 euros for the Facing Africa foundation, which is another incentive to push themselves beyond their means. I believe that the entire event is a beautiful and well thought out process. Races have always inspired people to go beyond themselves, and to use their competitive nature for a good cause. The fact that they are so concerned with helping others through this competition is amazing. It is stated outright on their website that people who run for themselves, and not to raise money for at least some sort of charity are wasted potential.  Facing Africa is even offering a 50% subsidization of the entry fee to encourage people to join.
While I won't suggest that anyone reading this run out and jump into this race, or start marathon dialing everyone they know to raise funds, I think it would be lovely if this inspired someone to take a few dollars out of their next check and donate it to a child that is facing a life of pain, or, more likely, death.
They will not get to wake up and enjoy playing outside in the fresh air,or feeling butterflies when they meet that special someone. They will not receive the joy of parenthood, or feel the passion of doing something they love. If a small sacrifice on our end could change the entire world for so many people, why would there be a reason to say no?