THE VIEW FROM FEZ: MARATHON DES SABLES

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

MARATHON DES SABLES - Results Day Three

Photo credit: Cimbaly/Saulem

A long string of figures fighting against the wind on dried-up lakes, crossing the magnificent djebel Zireg, and the narrow pass of El Maharch: such were the striking images of the 3rd leg of the 27th Sultan MARATHON DES SABLES, that spanned 35km between Taourit Mouchanne and El Maharch. In extreme conditions, the 34 competitors present on the start line struggled against a strong wind, heads down, glasses and buffs firmly set to face the sand storm: an exhausting and trying day Here are the results.

STAGE 3: TAOURIRT MOUCHANNE / EL MAHARCH : 35 Km

At 8am. Hygrometry : 18%. Temperature: 24°C
At 8am. Hygrometry : 16%. Temperature: 29°C
At 12am. Hygrometry: 13%. Temperature: 31°C
Number of competitors on the start line : 834. Withdrawals from leg 2: 15 (total: 19)

Gone with the wind

Moroccan runner Rachid El Morabity on the men’s side and French runner Laurence Klein on the women’s side won their third consecutive stage. But like all competitors, they had to cope with gusts of sand due to a strong Western wind.

The lead of the race is unchanged: Rachid El Morabity and his main challenger, the Jordanian runner Salameh Al Aqra, were far ahead for the whole length of the leg. And once again, the Moroccan champion won. Same story in the ladies’ race where Laurence Klein, from Reims, has captured absolute leadership.