Student to face marathon desert challenge
Press release: 11 February 2009
Britain may be in the grip of its coldest winter for years but life for a Manchester student is about to hot up as he attempts the world’s most gruelling footrace – a 150-mile run through the Sahara desert.
Andrew McMaster will have to endure temperatures in excess of 50 degrees Celsius when he competes in the Marathon des Sables, running an energy-sapping six marathons over six days in the Moroccan desert.
Andrew, who is studying medicine at The University of Manchester, has completed a number of marathons and last month raced in a double marathon in Rotherham as part of his training.
But the 29-year-old from Disley says even that race cannot fully prepare him for the immense challenge ahead: “The Marathon des Sables is widely considered the hardest footrace in the world,” said Andrew, who is raising money for St Ann’s Hospice in Manchester.
“Competitors must run four single marathons and one double marathon over five days with one day’s rest in the middle. All the running is done during the hottest part of the day and we have to carry the supplies we will need to survive for six days apart from our water and tents which are transported for us.”
Last year, 700 people took part in the race, which is supported by a team of 40 doctors and two helicopters to track the runners’ progress as they make their way across the desert.
Andrew, who previously worked as a researcher at the University before deciding to study medicine, is currently running 50 miles a week, including one marathon-long session, in the Peak District.
“I’ve run a number of marathons before, including London, Snowdonia and Amsterdam, but this will be the toughest race I’ve done to date,” he said.
“The training is going well but it’s difficult to prepare for what is to come in the middle of winter in Manchester – I may have to pay some visits to a sauna to try and get used to the temperatures we will be facing.”
The Marathon des Sables takes place at the end of March and Andrew is currently trying to raise as much money as possible to pay towards costs and raise funds for St Ann’s Hospice. Anyone wishing to sponsor him can visit: Just Giving: Andrew McMaster's fundraising
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Notes for editors
For more information, see the Marathon des Sables website
To arrange an interview with Andrew contact:
Aeron Haworth
Media Officer
Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
The University of Manchester
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 8383
Mobile: +44 (0)7717 881 563
Email: aeron.haworth@manchester.ac.uk
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