The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

admin · Last edited by admin on Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:14 pm; edited 1 time in total

RACE STARTS 30th March we will be tracking Graham and posting updates here.

The route for 2008 is 245.3 Km long, making it the longest ever in the history of the MARATHON DES SABLES.

Karl C · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 6:55 pm Post subject:

OFFICIAL WEB SITE HERE
http://www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php

PLUS, SEND GRAHAM A MESSAGE HERE
http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/general/uk_23mds_ecrire.php

(he is Comp. No. 674)

Ian J · #2 Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 267 Location: Rayleigh

Just found this, last years route :-

STAGE N°1 : IRHS / KHERMOU - 29,3 Km
STAGE N°2 : KHERMOU / JEBEL EL OFTAL - 35 Km
STAGE N°3 : JEBEL EL OFTAL / JEBEL ZIREG OUEST – 32,3 Km
28-29/03/2007 STAGE N°4 : JEBEL ZIREG OUEST / OUEST DU KFIROUN
70,5 Km
30/03/2007 STAGE N°5 : OUEST DU KFIROUN/ ERG CHEBBI - 42,2 Km
31/03/2007 STAGE N°6 : ERG CHEBBI / MERZOUGA - 11,7 Km

Link Below:-

http://www.marathondessables.com/.../roadbook/uk_22mds_roadbook_1.php

Do you know the distances of each stage for this year?
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Whad'ya mean "Run fat boy, run"? I AM running!

runningman · #2 Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: my office

Each year they change the route and the distance of each leg ! and just to keep it intresting they dont tell anyone until the morning of the event !!

Karl C · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 10:41 am Post subject:

STAGE N°1 : ERG CHEBBI / ERG ZNAIGUI – 31,6 Km 30/3/08

runningman · #2 Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: my office

ITS A NICE & BREEZY 36 DEGREES AT MIDDAY !!!

Karl C · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:32 pm Post subject:

No results yet for Stage One....

801 competitors, amongst which 94 women, set off this morning for an unusually long and difficult opening stage. With hardly more than a kilometre to warm up, our enthusiastic bunch of runners were confronted with the Merzouga dunes. Those 13 kilometres allowed a clear lead to emerge. Unsurprisingly, at CP1, the favourites Ahansal, Aqra and Ait Amar were on each other’s heels. Starting on the long rocky plateau that leads to the second set of dunes, Mohamad Ahansal moved to top speed and left everyone on the spot.

STAGE N°2 : ERG ZNAIGUI / OUED EL JDAID – 38 km

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

Just seen photo of Marco Olmo (460) - previous MdS winner but also winner of the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc for last 2 years.....and he is 58.....younger than Ernie....
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'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Ian J · #2 Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 267 Location: Rayleigh

Day One Results on-Line
Position N° Last name First name Gender Nationality Time Delay Average
145 674 BOOTY Graham H GB 04H40'10 2H08'44 6,77

Just worked out delay is time slower than the leader, 145th out of 800, go Graham!

_________________
Whad'ya mean "Run fat boy, run"? I AM running!

Karl C · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 10:42 pm Post subject:

STAGE ONE 19.5 miles

1st 001 AHANSAL Mohamad H MAR ERTIPS 02H31'26

145th 674 BOOTY Graham H GB 04H40'10 (2H08'44 behind the leader)

794th 861 WONG Wai Ming H GB 10H35'22 (8H03'56 behind the leader)

Ian J · #2 Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 267 Location: Rayleigh

Karl & I must be typing at the same time!
_________________
Whad'ya mean "Run fat boy, run"? I AM running!

Karl C · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:57 am Post subject:

Ian, you just pipped me. I wonder how much sleep Graham got in that tent !

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

Don't forget to keep him flooded out with personal e-mails from the 'caring club....'
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

JBD · #3 Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 317

Yup, just sent him one !
Pictures on the website are pretty awesome....i'm scared just looking at all that sand....madness surely ??!

Karl C · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject:

STAGE N°2 31/3/08 : ERG ZNAIGUI / OUED EL JDAID – 38 km 23.5 miles

Lucycat · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:09 pm Post subject:

spent a bit of time in a car yesterday thinking of theme songs to send: -
So far:

Walking on sunshine - katrina and the waves
These boots are made for walking-nancy sinatra
sandstorm - cast
Hot in the city-Billy Idol
Just an illusion-imagination
Hot hot hot - the cure
enter sandman - metallica
Shuffle your feet - black rebel motorcycle club
Canned heat - jamariquoi
tiger feet - mud
and of course..footsteps in the sand - leona lewis

Thought we'd update some suitably apt and irritating tunes via the official messages. Any more for any more?????
Go graham go...
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Lucy and Paddy

Lee O · #3 Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 385 Location: Canvey Island

Just looked at the Vids, keep expecting to See The Mummy turning up!

Well he will have a lovely Tan.
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My mind says I am still 19 and in My Prime......Body Suggests Otherwise!!!!!!

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

Steve (JBD) check out the videos on the site..great one of them coming up a sand dune...

Lucy..need to reflect more on tunes....of course the Dogtanian one has to be there...ask Ernie....
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

runningman · #2 Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: my office

GO GRAHAM GO ! now up to 100th place ! Loved watching the vids of the sand dunes ! brings backs memorys ! you really cant appreciate how tough they are ! gaza

Ian J · #2 Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 267 Location: Rayleigh

News Flash - Booty Hits top 100

Stage 2 G Booty Posn 58 4H 31'47

Overall Posn 100 Total Time 8H 53'57 (3H 33'07 behind leader)
_________________
Whad'ya mean "Run fat boy, run"? I AM running!

runningman · #2 Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: my office

It was a news flash 40 mins ago ! :nike:

Ian J · #2 Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 267 Location: Rayleigh

Darn, if only I hit refresh first. Still Top 100 is great Stuff

_________________
Whad'ya mean "Run fat boy, run"? I AM running!

runningman · #2 Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: my office

Only teasing Ian!
it is a fantastic effort so far ! if previous MDS are anything to by i doubt if more than 3 or 4 Brits finish in the top 100...the heat and wind and dunes can not be found anywhere in the UK !
KEEP GOING BOOTY !

mArKw · #2 Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Benfleet

mikemoreton · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:36 am Post subject:

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

Brilliant Graham.....

Castles made of sand - Hendrix plus any of these:

http://www.songsets.net/words/sand/4.htm
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 10:11 am Post subject:

STAGE N°3 : OUED EL JDAID / BA HALLOU – 40,5 Km (25.1 miles)

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

Just reminded Graham that we are expecting a negative split on the back end of the race...that should cheer him up...

_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Steffan · #4 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 588 Location: Basildon

Lol Mike!!!!
Thats amazing, the boy has unbelievable endurance, I bet he does a negative split anyway!
Fantastic G!

Lee O · #3 Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 385 Location: Canvey Island

Stage 3 04.50.58...1hr.37 behind leader...

Not bad hey, think he was 68, but these are only Temp Results..
_________________
My mind says I am still 19 and in My Prime......Body Suggests Otherwise!!!!!!

Charman · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 2

Hi graeme, brilliant, with you every step of the way, lyn h[/b]

tonibella · #1 Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 94

Wow - isn't he fab! Go Graham

I've just sent another note - can't have too many by the looks of previous posts - so lets see if we can get him to win the prize for the most messasges!

I suggested to him that maybe we should have a sweepstake - how many showers will it take for Mr booty to get rid of all that sand/dirt/sweat and other nasties that 5 days in the desert will attract?

My guess is 5

Kirstefitbird · Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 19

I'm not sure Graham has a showering policy after races Toni?!

Can't believe the old boy is doing so well......so proud of him. He must be getting a lift from an old camel or something (he's got previous)

Keep it up Graham - those rugby legs will recover!

Karl C · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 3:23 pm Post subject:

STAGE N°4 : BA HALLOU / OUED AHSSIA – 75,5 Km (46.9 MILES)

Pammie · #3 Joined: 01 Jul 2006 Posts: 385

He certainly is fabulous. Keep it going your club is behind you

Wow this is so impressive
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I'll put something interesting here when i've thought of something, in the meantime heres some music.

Ian J · #2 Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 267 Location: Rayleigh

Stage 4 looks nasty, far too long, how about something from Oasis for him to hum, maybe "Don't Look Back in Anger!"

_________________
Whad'ya mean "Run fat boy, run"? I AM running!

Pammie · #3 Joined: 01 Jul 2006 Posts: 385

How about "Half the World Away"
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I'll put something interesting here when i've thought of something, in the meantime heres some music.

runningman · #2 Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: my office

What makes it even more painful todays section usually has the big DUNES and the next day is usually between 25-30 miles !!!

runningman · #2 Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: my office

WELL DONE SIR STAGE 4 DONE ! 68TH PLACE 13 HRS 44 MINS

Lee O · #3 Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 385 Location: Canvey Island

No that is after stage 3..
_________________
My mind says I am still 19 and in My Prime......Body Suggests Otherwise!!!!!!

runningman · #2 Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: my office

GOOD TO SEE SOMEONE IS PAYING ATTENTION !!! should have realised they will not finish stage 4 until late evening ! or as when i was there breakfast time tomorrow ! Well done Lee

runningman · #2 Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: my office

JUST SHOWS how tough this is 30 DROPOUTS so far including a guy called Stephen Partridge ! , organiser of the Thames Meander , a very experinced ultra runner whos done this race 3 or 4 times and races even tougher !!

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

No Doubt young Graham is a tough runner.
I'm glad all those months lugging that heavy pack around when training has payed off.
I for one am not surprised at Graham running within the top 100 (or is it 50 now ?) in this race.
He is a top Ultrarunner in his own right and seeing how he is only new to the game we can expect to see him come in with some even greater results in the future.
Someone to look up to !
And I only hope that he is "really enjoying the pain"

JBD · #3 Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 317

If my quick look at the site is right, Graham finished stage 4 in 38th and now has an overall ranking of 50th !

Good work !

mikemoreton · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

POS No Name Overall Time Behind Leader Pace
50 674 BOOTY Graham GB 23H08'50 8H01'26 8,02

Kirstefitbird · Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 19

Graham what on earth are you doing man?!!!!! 38th!!!!!!?!!! You are a legend.

Fairplay to Gary and other runners doing this too - my mate Paul is the british record holder and I know he is worried that Graham is going to take his crown!!!

Graham - you're awesome!

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

Graham what a star! I am waiting for him to be featured in a 'portrait' on the MdS website.......

Karl - I take it Graham wasn't whining about the Southend 10k being a trifle warm last year...or year before was he?
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:18 pm Post subject:

STAGE N°5 :

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

is Stage 5 a mystery tour?
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject:

I don't think they announce it until all the last stage runners have finished