In April 2008, Steve Bentley and David Sales, two Directors of First Ascent, ran 6 marathons in 7 days across the Sahara, in up to 54 degrees heat, carrying all their own food and equipment for the journey.

The event is called the Marathon des Sables – it is the hardest footrace on earth. 156 miles of sand - no beaches, lots of sand, no ice cream, lots of sand, no sand castles, lots and lots of sand .... and all with a camel chasing you (do not get caught, as you are then out of the race!). …. and sun, oh yes, lots of sun …. and cold nights, lots of blisters, big weepy sore blisters and being thirsty and tired and exhausted and weary and being in pain... We had great fun!

If you’d like to see the photos, the films, hear the war stories, and perhaps the lessons for leadership and self management – just contact Steve or David to hear more.