Marathon des Sables 2022

The Marathon des Sables is a 250km 6-day ultra-endurance running event that takes place in the Moroccan Sahara Desert and has been referred to as the toughest foot race on Earth. Hundreds of competitors from around the world will take part in the event which runs from 27^th March to 1^st April, and face temperatures that at times can reach 50˚C.

The challenges that the competitors face include the distance and the rocky and sandy terrain, and they must carry all that they will need for the event other than tents and water that is provided. However, a key challenge is coping with the heat, which in some years can be extreme. At best the heat will slow a runner’s pace as they keep their body temperature within safe limits, and at worst it will cause serious heat stroke that will require medical interventions and cause withdrawal.

Competitors who are heat acclimatised will cope with the conditions and function well despite the high temperatures. Those who reside in hot countries will have developed these heat coping mechanisms naturally but others, such as the competitors from the UK who have just come through a cold winter, will need additional help, support and facilities to develop sufficiently high levels of heat acclimatisation in order to participate safely.

To help participants prepare for this year’s event sports scientists in the Carnegie School of Sport are providing a heat acclimation service using the Schools brand new, industry leading environmental chambers to develop the specific physiological adaptations needed for the event. This service builds on the support provided to Team GB triathletes and track athletes in their preparation for the Tokyo Olympics during the last Olympic cycle, where the hot and humid conditions had the potential to be a major impediment to performance.

Detail of the services and costs involved.

If you would like to find out more please contact Dr Barney Wainwright barney.wainwright@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.