In April 1999, a 54 year-old Miles completed the toughest foot-race in the World -
the Marathon des Sables, a 150 mile Ultra-Marathon race through the 120 degree heat
of the Sahara Desert.
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Starting Line
Over 500 competitors from around the world lined up to start the Marathon des Sables in Morocco.
Jon and Miles
In the dunes or less rocky ground, Miles would hold tapes attached to Jon's waist as they ran. Miles depended on Jon
for verbal signals to avoid rocks or holes and for any change in angle of the ground.
Dunes
Miles and Jon made faster progress than many through the energy-sapping dunes but were slower over the more complicated rocky ground.
Medic Tent
Most competitors would visit the medic's tent at the end of each day to have blisters sliced, and wounds dressed.
If you required to be put on a drip to treat dehydration more than twice you were eliminated.
Everyone feared the medics.
Challenging Landscape
Endless days of sand or rock, but always a word of encouragement between competitors.
Miles alone
The sense of space, standing alone in the vast dunes of the Sahara is awesome.
Miles' Feet
After just three days the heat, sand and sweat had taken its toll on Miles' feet.
Finish Line
Miles and Jon proudly wear their finishers medals after completing the 160 mile Marathon des Sables, known as the "Toughest Footrace on Earth".