Check-in day : 02/04/2011

At 8 am - Temperature: 21,4°C. Hygrometry: 28,4%.
At 12 am – Temperature: 34,2°C. Hygrometry: 17,3%.

849 on the start line

849 competitors are getting ready on the site of the first bivouac in Dar Kaoua, very near the beautiful Merzouga dunes. Last minutes injuries or some more painful reasons, like the tragedy Japan is currently undergoing, explain that some runners had to give up. 24 hours before the kick-off of the 26th Sultan MARATHON DES SABLES, the best part of Saturday was dedicated to the traditional medical and technical checks. The aim was of course to check all runners had complied with the race regulations: back-pack weight, number of calories, flares, everything was carefully scrutinized. The 849 who got through will set off tomorrow at 9.30 for the 33km that separate Dar Kaoua and Kourci Dial Zaid.

On the men’s side, Mohamad Ahansal (D1-MAR), who has already won the race three times, will attempt a 4th victory. But some of his fellow Moroccan competitors and Jordanian runner Al Aqra (D236-JOR) are serious contenders. The 33km of the first stage, amongst which 13 km are dunes, should give a fair idea of the trend. On the women’s side, Monica Aguilera (D505-ESP) is going to try for a second victory, despite strong competition from Touda Didi (D5-MAR) or French runner Laurence Klein (D280-FRA). It should be a fascinating race…