For almost 15 years now the Atlantide Organisation Internationale team have been working enthusiastically for you to be able to participate in one of the most wonderful sporting adventures that exist. The event's renown is such that the tyre manufacturer Michelin have chosen the MARATHON DES SABLES as illustration for their European advertising campaign. As an organisation we're of course flattered but their choice is above all recognition of the sheer effort each competitor puts into the race.
It's difficult to convey what goes on in the MARATHON DES SABLES: the emotional aspect counting as much as the physical challenge. All long distance runners know just how much will power is needed to train well. Many also know the feeling of euphoria - even desire to burst out laughing - that running brings... but that's another story. It may be the magic of the desert, surpassing oneself, the sharing of a common objective, cutting off from daily life; there's no one explanation to be had. What we do know is that for many competitors there's a "before" and an "after" MARATHON DES SABLES.
With so much to relate some of you have often said there should be a book about it. You won't have long to wait. The book will be out just after the 15th edition and you'll be able to reserve a copy.
In the meantime, revise the basics, keep up the training without overdoing it and dream endlessly and sweetly of sand and starry skies.
See you very soon.
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale

ANTI DOPING TESTS ATTENTION !!!
In line with International Athletics Federation (IAAF) norms, tests for doping will be carried out this year. As a result, each competitor taking medication will have to provide details of his/her treatment and the relevant prescription. For competitors registered with a national federation, the results will be transmitted to national and international authorities with possible sanctions if the candidate tests positive.
In the event of a competitor testing positive the MARATHON DES SABLES anti-doping commission will make all decisions ranging from warning to immediate disqualification according to the severity of the "products" found to have been used.
The fight against doping is of vital importance for everyone's well-being..

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Don't forget to tell your families, friends and sponsors that they're able to leave you messages on Internet from 7 to 17 April.: www.aoicimbaly. com 08 to 15 april on the web under the special heading "message perso"
(After 15 April, this service will no longer be available for sending personal messages).
VERY IMPORTANT : Take note that only messages with your name, first name
and number will be passed on to you.
Other services available on the bivouac :
Send faxes and/or telephone: 50 FF per minute
Send web messages: 50 FF per message
Payment on the spot in FF, $ or Dihrams, or by credit card VISACARD and MASTERCARD only.

Once again Robert MOLEDA (F) will be with us 7 to 17 April to capture your finest moments on film. Working exclusively for the competitors, he'll be taking photos of every participant. You'll receive an order form and the photos early May. Remember to keep your numbers and sponsors' logos clearly on show.

MEDICAL FILE
The obligatory medical certificate and electrocardiogram must be dated the
month of March.
Imperative: the medical certificate to be completed is the one in the registration file sent by AOI. Remember that failure to bring both documents on 8 April to Morocco will prevent you from beginning the race.

FROM MOROCCO CTM
The Spaniards will nevertheless have their work cut out in beating the fearsome Moroccan team CTM. M. Ahansal (MAR) 1st in 98, M. Aît Amar (MAR) 9th in 99, B. Akhdar (MAR) 7th in 99 and L. Akhdar (Mar) 10th in 98 have their eyes set on 1st place on the podium. The duel between the Ahansal brothers promises to be nail-biting.