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| Pascal
Arber (59) and Dominique Lacroix (60) |
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MDS2006
/© Pierre-Emmanuel Rastoin |
Pascal
Arber (59) and Dominique Lacroix
(60) : Martiniquans through
to the bone
IF you want to get these guys backs up, just ask them if they’re wearing
Mexican sombreros! They’ll tell you straightfaced and in detail that these
hats, known as bakoua, are in fact from Martinique, decorated with madras fabric,
a flower and 2 bananas “because the best bananas in the world come from
Martinique”. Their objective is simply to complete the race, wearing the
hat of course. Dominique Lacroix : « just a few months ago I was smoking
two packets a day so I’m happy to walk this race. I also want to take the
time to connect with myself and examine my conscience ». Quite a challenge
for someone who complains if there’s no gruyere cheese on his pasta and
takes the car rather than walk 50 metres. His comrade Pascal Arber is running
for his 7-year old son Noé who’s waiting for a bone marrow transplant.
The gravity of the situation in no way impedes Pascal’s good-humour and
broad smile. It came as no surprise to see the duo set off this morning at a
somewhat steady pace ….. but hat on head.
Pascal Arber is raising money for the Laurette Fugain and « Antilles
don
de moelle » association. |
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MDS2006
/© Pierre-Emmanuel Rastoin |
Roy
Chen-Campbell (278) : get up
and walk!
He may be a sheer mountain of muscle but Roy tells you his gripping
story in the softest of tones. « In 1986 I was a professional
rugby player in New Zealand, the first Brit to play in such difficult
championships. I was involved in a savage tackle and broke my neck
in three places. » There was worse to come : 22 months on his
back , a series of more or less successful operations. Roy’s
head was permanently held in a steel halo. The finest specialists
all agreed that he would never walk again properly. He felt suicidal
and fell into a depression. It was his daughter that proved to be
his saving grace : he started running with her because they had a
similar rhythm. She was just two at the time. Little by little Roy
got his sensation back and finally his mobility. He threw himself
into doing triathlons and has embarked on MDS for the first time
this year. He’s dedicating his race “to Moroccans; they’re
admirable, and to my friend’s daughter, Shadia, who died recently”.
A memorable encounter… an inspiring story. |
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MDS2006
/© Pierre-Emmanuel Rastoin |
The Kayser family
are finally running altogether.
There’s Mum and Dad Kayser
plus the two girls Anne et Lis.
They’ll be sharing their
experience of the race with us
every day.
Simone Kayser (5 participations, 3 times winner of the women’s race) : « I’m
sick of this sand storm. The most frustrating thing is that it stops you from
getting to know other competitors. It reminds of the 17th edition when I had
a really hard time of it. But that hasn’t stopped me from coming back.
I can’t wait for tomorrow ».
Mark Kayser (5 participations) : «Arriving here last night was fantastic.
The landscapes were wonderful and gave my daughters a real taste of the race.
This year we’ll be running nearby several villages and I love the way the
green and sandy colours mix like that. Finishing the race near the Merzouga dunes
along with my daughters is going to be a great moment”.
Ann (24 years old, 1st time) : «participating in the event is a real
gift
from my parents and I’m also doing it thinking of my cousin Steve who was
left seriously paralysed following an accident. That’s the main thing driving
me to finish the race. With all this sand I feel like I’m in search of
the lost beach… and I’m going to find it for sure ».
Lis (23 years old, 1st time) : « I already ran the paris marathon when
I was 15, and I’m still the youngest competitor to date. I’m studying
medicine in Germany so don’t see that much of my sister. Doing the MDS
is a great way to spend time together as a family. It makes a change from following
my parents’ progress in the race on internet… I’ve been doing
that for years… » |
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Results 6 are available
(last update 15/04/06 - 22h50
french time)
number of dropping out (stage 6) : 0 |
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June 2005 : opening date for application.
31 july 2005 : application deadline.
28 february 2006 : closing date for fees.
07 april 2006 : departure* France/Morocco, transfer to first bivouac.
08 april 2006 : technical and administrative checks,
acclimatisation day.
09 - 15 april 2006 : the event.
16 april 2006 : transfer, dinner and night at hotel, relaxation,
lunch (at participants’expense), awards, entertainment,
dinner, night at hotel.
18 april 2006 : return* to France.
* those not taking the charter flight to and from France are required to book
their own flight arrangements. Contact your country representative for further
details.
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