In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers interviews Ivor Stratford about completing the legendary Marathon des Sables, a 270km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert.

Ivor explains the intense six-month preparation process, which included 100-mile training weeks, gym sessions, treadmill hiking with a weighted pack, and desert heat training in Dubai. He discusses how balancing training alongside work, travel, and family life required huge discipline and mental resilience.

The conversation explores the realities of the race itself:

• Six stages over eight days
• Self-supported racing in extreme desert conditions
• Carrying all food and equipment
• Sleeping in basic communal tents
• Managing severe heat, dehydration, and exhaustion

One of the most dramatic moments came before the race had even started, when Ivor became seriously ill with dehydration and nearly withdrew. After treatment in the medical tent and advice to use beef stock cubes for electrolytes, he recovered enough to continue.

Ivor also shares:

• The mental challenge of the 100km stage
• Hallucinations caused by exhaustion
• The difficulty of eating enough calories
• The camaraderie formed between runners
• The emotional experience of crossing the finish line

Alongside the physical challenge, Ivor used the event to raise money for Dreams Come True and Hospice of St Francis, with fundraising totals already exceeding £11,000.

The episode finishes with Ivor discussing future endurance goals, including the North Downs Way 100 and the Moab 240 ultramarathon in 2027.

If you’d like to support Ivor his fundraising page is here

For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you’d to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

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