Six marathons in the Sahara
One Cork man is set to compete in six marathons in six days in the Sahara for charity while another Cork-based runner is set to do the gruelling endurance footrace for the second time!
Robert Clarke from Midleton is set to compete in the Marathon des Sables, which involves running six ultra-marathons in less than one week in the Sahara desert, while Limerick-born Cork-based Philip Oakley is set to return to the race.
Starting on Sunday 3 October, they will face harsh terrain in an environment where midday temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius on a course that is set to challenge their mental and physical strength and put all of their training to the test.
Dubbed the toughest race in the world, they will be two of 1,200 competitors aiming to run over 254kms in six days, carrying everything they need on their back and sleeping eight to a tent each night in a bivouac village.
Robert is also using his adventure as a platform to create awareness and fundraise for his local Cork charity, SHARE.
Robert is undaunted by the challenge ahead of the race: “It should be mad but good craic I hope. My resilience and conditioning training has been tough. I know I will be tested but my focus is to take each day as it comes. I'm travelling light, with food for the week, sleeping bag, cooking gear, water and a couple of essential bits of kit.
“I will be doing my best to complete the course as a personal goal and to maximise the fundraising for SHARE. I'm delighted with the response so far and thank everyone for their support and encouragement which is already adding a bit of pep to my step.”
Robert has already raised over €2,000 for SHARE. You can show your support for Robert's SHARE campaign at gofundme.com/f/6-marathons-6-days.
Philip said he is proud to run for two great charities - BUMBLEance and Cork University Hospital (CUH) Charity. "I am fortunate to be able to return to the Sahara this year for the Marathon des Sables 2021.
"If you would like to help me reach my goal of €2,000, I would really appreciate a small donation. My donation page is idonate.ie/philoakley."