7M SPORTS
by SNTV
Intro:
The 28th Marathon des Sables concludes with a charity stage of 7.7 kilometres (4.8 miles) from Merdani to Merzouga in Morocco on Saturday.
Script:
After enduring five days of competition in the most inhospitable terrain Saharan Africa has to offer, the remaining competitors in the 28th Marathon des Sables were in party mood on Saturday as the final few steps lay in front of them.
Friday’s fifth stage had settled the prizes, with the men’s award going to Morocco’s Mohamad Ahansal for the fifth time and Meghan Hicks of the United States easily winning the women’s title.
The final day was all about celebrating what many describe as ‘The Toughest Race in the World’ – and raising money and awareness for the United Nations children’s charity, UNICEF.
After having completed 224 kilometres (139 miles), just 7.7 kilometres (4.8 miles) remained as the field made their way between the Moroccan towns of Merdani and Merzouga.
Naturally enough, the pace was a little slower than has been the norm this week.
But the celebrations were all the sweeter, especially for Ahansal, who had a fifth title under his belt after finishing second in this event ten times.
Many other competitors were quick to congratulate his amazing accomplishment.
SOUNDBITE (English) Sam Barnett (#549, GB) 405th overall:
“I think the real story of this race is how the Moroccans, the Jordanians can completely dominate it. Mohamad has pulled off another win today and it’ fantastic. I mean, people know Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps, but this is the toughest race in the world and Mohamad is therefore, for me, the greatest athlete in the world and should be a household name.”
‘The Toughest Race in the World’ always attracts huge numbers and this year 916 athletes completed the course.
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