01/04/09 – Stage 3 - Erg Znaïgui/Aferdou Nsooualhine : 91 km

Conditions at 9.15am: 20°C and 36% hygrometry
Conditions at 13pm : 29°C and 29% hygrometry
 
13 retirements at 12.15pm

Stage 3 ranking not available at the moment

The mytical stage of this 24th Marathon des Sables will be the longest one ever organised. A 91 km long stage with 6 check points, indispensable to the runners looking for water, medical cares and getting some rest under tents. 2 waves of runners set off this morning, depending on their ranking. This double start allows the organisation a better supervision. An opportunity for the slowest runners to admire the leaders'pace and cheer them. As the stage, this competition should be a mytical one thanks to the fight beteween Aziz El Akad, Salameh El Aqrah and the Ahansal's brothers. Considering as a « key stage », this heat should reveal rapidly the name of the leader and put the ranking in order. Fine weather and beautiful landscapes for the classic longest stage of the Marathon des Sables.