Marathon des Sables 2008
Click [here] to hear the updates that
Meagan provided to Science North from the Marathon des Sables!
The Marathon Des Sables ("Marathon Of the Sands") is a
challenging running/trekking event, that takes place annually in the Moroccan portion of the
Sahara Desert. Meagan covered 245.3km (in 6 sections:
31.6km, 38km, 40.5km, 75.5km, 42.2km, 17.5km) during 7 days - equivalent
to 5 1/2 regular marathons, through the Sahara desert.
International participants, typically between ages 16 and 78,
ran/trekked at a speed between 3 and 14 km an hour. All
participants carried everything they needed for the duration (apart
from a tent) on their backs in a backpack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping
bag, etc). Water was rationed and handed out at each checkpoint, and during the
morning/night (Bivouac areas), by the organizers.
 Meagan
had to prepare and manage her food resources (freeze-dried,
energy bars, etc) throughout the race. The minimum calorie intake was strictly
controlled by the event organizers, and was required to be a minimum of 2000 calories/day.
The Sahara desert (Morocco) temperatures for this extreme event rose to
mid-day temperatures up to 120°F (48°C). And she ran and walked
on uneven rocky, stony ground, and sand dunes!
Meagan endured extreme heat,
long distances, and monotony. Fortunately, she did not suffer from
severe rubbing of the feet (blisters) or severe
injury (ill prepared, improper equipment, or shoes). This extreme challenge was
both physical and mental, where all of a person's energy was required to complete
the event. Because the event lasted 7 days, it required
very strong determination and the will to push oneself beyond the monotony.
Meagan McGrath completed this extreme
event and was a great representative for both Canada and her selected sponsors.
Some numbers - Meagan placed:
3rd Canadian Woman
4th Canadian
24th Woman - Marathon des Sables
287th out of 802 participants Overall - Marathon des Sables
|
