While keeping a lid on enrolments, AOI has had to
increase the number of available places for the 20th
edition. Around 800 competitors will be able to make
their dreams reality. This challenge - and it’s
one for the organisers too - has proved rather inspirational.
So be prepared for a few surprises, even if the MARATHON
DES SABLES remains loyal to the concepts that have
made it famous.
Over the years, the MARATHON DES SABLES has become a genuine reference in the
sporting world. That’s probably why NEW BALANCE has decided to lend its
name to the race. This famous make of sports gear, respected worldwide, has always
known how to innovate. We hope this common ground will make for long-term collaboration
- beneficial to everyone involved.
With this spirit in mind, the reconnaissance team has drawn up a
route to remember. Without revealing the race route, we can tell
you there will be long stages and
more climbs than in previous years. Every day, overcoming the difficulties will
reveal breathtaking landscapes.
Considering the numbers enrolled and the high level performances of the favourites,
you can expect a fierce battle in most of the categories.
Several teams are also of a very high level. But will this healthy competitive
spirit pose a serious threat to the stranglehold of the Moroccan runners? Not
so sure but seems thinkable at least. In any case, you’ll have to be very
strong to earn a place on the podium.
Having said that, a lot of satisfaction on the MARATHON DES SABLES comes from
a sum of small pleasures clocked up throughout the week. For most people, the
feeling of camaraderie and solidarity during the race is more important than
the rankings. Is this due to the magic of the desert or a trace of wisdom acquired
through long training sessions?
Nobody really knows but it’s probably a bit of both …
See you soon. AOI.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Don’t forget to tell your families, friends and sponsors they
can leave you messages on our web site:
http://www.darbaroud.com in the special section « write
to competitors » but only from 09 to 15 April 2005.
Only messages with surname, first name and ID number will be transmitted. Do
not send any attachments (for example photos) - this will cancel the message.
After 15 April, this service will no longer be operational for emails.
Other services on the bivouac :
email cards on sale - 6 units
for 20 euros. One unit corresponds to one minute of telephone communication
or one email. Payment in Morocco in euros, US $ or dirhams, or
by credit card (VISACARD and MASTERCARD only).
Communication through satellite phone only.
FLIGHT TIMES
Several planes are chartered for the 20th MDS. AOI does not yet know the times
of these special flights. All competitors enrolled will be sent details of
the times of their flight transfers at the end of March. However, you should
allow for an early departure on 08 April from ROISSY CHARLES DE GAULLE airport.
COMPASSES
The MDS is not an orientation course as virtually the whole route is marked out.
But when crossing the ergs (dune zones) where it is very difficult to mark
out straight lines, it is easier to take your bearings than look for markers.
It is therefore a good idea to learn how to use a compass. It is simple and
after two or three attempts, it should come easily.
SLEEPING BAG
Sleeping bags must be good enough to protect from the cold (temperatures can
be low in April, plus low calorie intake, fatigue).
Simple sheets and coversheets are not sufficient and are not accepted by the
organisation.
BACK PACKS
The ideal backpack does not exist. You should therefore try yours out in advance
and modify it accordingly. The less it moves the better. You can add on straps,
elastic or not, at chest or stomach-level.
Compression straps are very useful as your food supplies go down.
Little pockets can also be sewn on. Freezer bags with zips are very practical
for organising equipment inside the backpack.
BEWARE OF PENALTIES !
You must read the race regulations carefully. Too many competitors skip through
them or think they already know them. Every year, penalties are regularly
handed out for badly-positioned ID numbers and delays in reaching the start
in the morning. (ART. 8, 9, 13 and 16).
CHECKS AT START
The water distribution point each morning is on the bivouac itself. It acts
as the morning check-point. You MUST check in and have your pointing card
punched. Times for water distribution are in the road book under the heading : "A
typical stage". (See ART. 13, 16, 27 and 28).
VERY IMPORTANT !
Start thinking about the following right now: you wear your race number plate
(20 x 24 cm) on your chest, not your stomach, and even less so under your
stomach; it is not a cod-piece ! So there’s no point having tee-shirts
printed with logos in this area : it is reserved for the organisation
(Art. 8 and 9). The parts you can use are collar, stomach, sleeves, cap,
shorts, back-pack etc. The race number plate must not be folded, or covered
by straps (they have to go under it). Be careful !
failing to respect the positioning of race numbers can lead to disqualification.
(Art. 27 and 28).
HOW CAN WE PUT THIS
Too many files arrive incomplete without even a word of explanation. We can
appreciate that an out of date passport can lead to a delay in sending the
photocopy but for the rest there’s no excuse. We therefore remind you
that in addition to the cheque, the administrative file consists of 5 obligatory
documents. For each document missing as of 28 February, the competitor will
receive a 30-minute penalty (See Art. 25,
27 and 28 of the race regulations).
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
Some competitors have already sent AOI one or both of these documents.
The organisation cannot take them into consideration. If this is your case, you
will have to have a second medical check-up and ECG. The certificates must be
dated between 07 March and 07 April 2005.
Note: the medical certificate to be validated by the doctor (signature and stamp)
is the one in the registration file sent to you by AOI.
Competitors must show these documents in Morocco on 09 April, failing which they
will not be allowed to begin the course.
MEDICAL
A team of 38 doctors and nurses, specialised in medical assistance
in extreme conditions, will monitor the physical state of
competitors.
They know blisters and irritations inside out so don’t let a minor problem
turn into a major one before going to see them.
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale
BP 98 - 10003 TROYES Cedex - FRANCE
Tél. : (33) 03 25 76 57 77 / Fax : (33) 03 25 76 87 75
E-Mail : aoi@darbaroud.com -
WEB : http://www.darbaroud.com
Sahara News n° 75 realized by CIMBALY International
Pépé et Marie - Webmaster : Cimbaly
WATCH THIS SPACE
Jogging International magazine, an MDS partner for many years, has decided to
follow the adventures of the team wearing its colours. The team-members have
different levels, representative of MDS participants overall. The saga begins
in the magazine’s February edition.
REPRESENTATIVES ABROAD
Austria, Germany and Swiss -German
43 competitors (Germany, Austria and Switzerland ...) are coming through Anke
Molkhentin, representative for our German office. She has ???? MDS under
her belt
KOREA & CHINA
18 competitors make up the delegation through our Korean office, represented
by James JANG.
JAPAN
8 competitors from Japan including Miss KOMURO Yoshiko who’s on her
10th MDS. Thank you for your fidelity Miss Yoshiko!
ITALY
Paolo ZUBANI, our Italian representative is running his 17th MDS accompanied
by 50 compatriots. Bravo Paolo !
WOMEN
This year just over 10% of competitors are women. The fight for the top female
places is always a high level competition between women from all the continents.
It’s a genuine feat to make your mark in this category.
So far, no female has won more than twice.
TEAM RACING Jean-Vier Pyrénées : this ecomuseum in the Basque country is
backing Elisabeth MARQUE (F), Françoise PETER (F), M. CABANES (F), M.
VASSALIERE (F), L. MARTIN (F) and O. BONNASSIOLE (F). The team is running for
the Enfants de la Lune : children who cannot withstand daylight. Les Fondus Savoyards : following a great 10th MDS, A. PAGEAUX (F) is back with
G. CHABANNET (F) and J.L. SCARAFFIOTTI (F). Les Pommes de Terre Cosmiques : Nathalie LAMOUREUX (F), A. ZANDONNA (F) and
F. RIOS PALMA (F) are just potatoes in the cosmos Le Dahu : For those who don’t
believe, X. CLERGERIE (F) P. AUDIBERT (F) and L. BOULANT (F) will prove the
animal really does exist. Trio 203 : With 10, 11 and 3 participations respectively, J. VALLON (F), M.
SAADA (F) and D. KOHLER (CH) are very experienced runners in the veteran 3
category. They’re back to celebrate this 20th MDS together. Rev 2 Raid : This Franco Swedish team made up of
H. REXED (S), C. JARRY (F) and G. DJEMA (F) are set to live out their dreams. Batibois Alsace : H. CLAUSER (F), C. HAGENSTEIN (F) and P. KERGOSIEN
(F) form a solid team who privilege friendship over individual performance. Marathon Passion : Y. and J. P. PITAVAL (F) along with J.P. OSTARD (F) are
passionate about wanting to share this week of adventure. Quechua : with his first MDS in 2004, D. VIGNAL (F) is back with Jaqueline
BARALDINI (F) and two old-hands from France. D. NUGRE (F) has already come
in 5th place and V. DELEBARRE (F) has the kind of experience in long distance
trail running will allow him to rival the best. CPM : this team is made up of Rebecca GATZI (F), Edwige BARRE (F), B.
HIRTZ (F), L. MARTIN DUPRAY (F), D. QUEMARD (F), R. JOSEPH (F) and O.
GRANDVALET (F). ACB/Foulées Vertes : K. SASSE (F) is running his 6th MDS along with
Sylvie MICHON (F), J.F. PROUX (F), M. VIENOT (F) and T. ADELINE (F). Jogging International : B. LAVAL (F) will once again be captaining the team
from the famous magazine, partner on MDS. He’s joined by Marie-Paule
BERTINCOURT (F), L. MONNIER (F) and Y. BARBREAU (F). Neuro Media Switzerland : C. GLAUSER, A. HAESLER,
K. MEIER and L. TROXER are from Switzerland - all nature lovers and all delighted
to be discovering
the desert. Daunting Rascals : 11 Chinese from Hong Kong … they hope to raise money
to build a school in a village in China. Female competitors Ko Chung Lucille
LAU, Lai Ying Veronica LEE, Choi Ying TANG, Sui Yi CHAN, Sau Ling Michèle
LUK, Fung Yu LAI, Yuen Yee CHENG and Pui Link CHAN are joined by gentlemen
friends K.K. CHAN, C.M.C. WONG and Y.H. LEE.
