21 Evecare • Vol 11 • No. 2 • Sep–Dec 2023 Image sources: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/389/rupert-is-running-marathon-des-sables-2023/?currency=eur https://thenewsmill.com/2023/06/bengals-daughter-runs-marathon-des-sables-hopes-to-see-women-take-up-running-as-a-career-urges-for-govt-support/ This year, the “dune day” (day 1) was 36 to 37 km of a deep, loose sand run, which Mahasweta was able to finish in about 7 hours even at stif ling temperatures (~ 40°). Mahasweta describes the “Jebel day” (day 2) as the most challenging feat with 31.7 km of absolute rocky terrain. Climbing the Jebel el Otfal and descending marked the end of the second day. Mahasweta braved paths filled with brutal dunes and sand storms for about 35 km on day 3. Day 4 of the marathon comprised a sandy terrain of 90 km. It was the longest, and required a 1000-m free fall in the sand to reach the checkpoint. Day 5 was known as the “marathon day”, a 42.2-km run, toward the end of which the medals were awarded by Patrick Bauer (the marathon Image source: https://shyamgopan.com/2016/09/25/ the-pursuit-of-definition/ Did You Know? Michelle Kakade is an Indian veteran finisher of the 25th Marathon des Sables. Michelle’s first experience of a field sprint motivated her to get more involved in running. During one of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathons, she learned about the Marathon des Sables through a fellow participant from Germany. Eventually, a certain turn of life events pushed her to sign up for the 25th edition of Marathon des Sables that happened in April 2010. Despite facing several challenges, Michelle triumphed in the 25th Marathon des Sables. coordinator) himself. Technically, a marathoner surviving day 5 of the marathon meant he/she has already succeeded. Day 6, the final day of the marathon, was called a “solidarity day” where the participants ran for 9 km and crossed the finish line of Marathon des Sables at the Merzouga Dune, Morocco. Since day 1, Mahasweta had visualized only one thing—a picture of herself with the Marathon des Sables medal and the Indian f lag. Toward the end of the 6 testing days, she realized her dream through her invincible willpower, indomitable courage, and strong agility in a total of 55 hours and 42 minutes. Today, the Marathon des Sables medal holds a special place in her heart and her medal rack. Running, as a sport, teaches the resilience and discipline needed to survive a fast-paced life. —Mahasweta Ghosh
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