The 23rd Marathon des Sables took place in the Sahara Desert in Morocco over seven days at the end of March/beginning of April and covered 245.3 km (around 151 miles), making it the longest ever in the history of the race. Professor Norman was placed 580th out of about 800 competitors, with a time of 55 hours and 15 minutes.

The race is the equivalent of six regular marathons. It is run in six stages, this year varying in length from 36.1 km to 75.5 km. Competitors carry all their personal belongings and food for the entire event in their backpack.

‘It was hot!’, was the only comment Professor Norman was capable of making the end of the six days of exertion.

Source: By University Of Bristol