FAQs

Why are you doing it? Have you ever done anything like this before?
I have not done anything like this before but I have been to Morocco twice - once as a university student 'in-between years' exploring the Kasbahs, and a second time on a family vacation in 2001 when we hiked the highest peak in North Africa, 14,000 foot mount Toubkal. Strangely we summitted on 9/11 and had only a radio broadcasting French at the base camp; our guide interpreted and told us that 60 sq KM of NYC had been reduced to rubble. Getting out of Morocco that week was a bit of a crazy event in itself. As to why I'm doing it, if I told you that it sounded like fun when I signed up would you believe me? It's partly to just be there and absorb the beautiful isolation of the desert and, paradoxically, the camaraderie of the other participants. Its also to see how far I can push myself: a test to really learn what I'm made of, and what better way to do that than running 50 miles through sand and trails carrying a 20 lb backpack in heat up to 40C, having just completed three marathons in the previous three days (and then running a few more marathons in the following days.)

When will it start?
The race starts on April 4 and runs for 7 days

Where will it start?
The race is in the Nation of Morocco, North Africa. The closest city to the starting line is Ouarzazate. We are taken by overland 4WD from Ouarzazate to the start line. Every year the route changes so nobody knows the exact route until the day the race starts. General things are known however, such as this year, the distance is 250 KM or 155miles.

What charity are you raising money for?
I'm raising money for animal welfare, with an additional specific target to rescue dogs from puppy mills. I have a donation location set up above on this page. The money I collect will go to the registered charities that I work with in support of this cause. I'm also matching the first $1,000 of donations with $1,000 of my own personal funds.