IT’S been billed as the toughest race on the planet - and an experience former competitors Sir Ranulph Fiennes and James Carcknell have both said they don’t want to repeat - but now one local fundraiser is tackling the Marathon des Sables for charity.
Rhiannon Hastings, from Llyswen, will take on the gruelling challenge in April to raise money for the NSPCC. The gruelling multi-stage event encompasses more than 156 miles across the Sahara Desert in temperatures that often exceed 50c, through sand-storms, up desert mountains (they do exist) and across salt pans.
The rules require that you are self sufficient, with the exception of rationed water you must carry everything with you that you need to survive. Time penalties are given should you require medical intervention for dehydration and should you be caught by the camels sweeping up stragglers then your race is very much over.
"I’ve worked in education for over 10 years and combined with the fact I used to foster I know how many vulnerable children there are out there that need the help.
"I was kind of inspired by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who did it last year. I really wanted to do it for some time and a place came up with the NSPCC, it was perfect," Rhiannon said.
"I run for my sanity, I’ve got three girls of my own, two of which I used to foster who now live with me.
"I previously ran the Berlin Marathon in 2013, I did it in five hours, 20 minutes but I had a kidney infection so had to keep stopping. I ran that for Macmillan Cancer Care as we have a history of cancer in the family.
"I expect to complete the Marathon des Sables in five to six days.
"I’ve tried not to think about it but I’ve been running a lot, with a lot of layers on because of the heat.
"I’ve been running on a treadmill next to the fire at home with a lot of layers on.
"In the week I will do an hour a day and on the weekend about four hours a day, that will build up as I get closer to the event."
To sponsor Rhiannon, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/RhiannonHastings