On Monday 16th April 2018, a team of 10 people returned to the UK, having taken part in the 33rd Marathon des Sables – the ‘Toughest Footrace on Earth’ – in the Sahara Desert and raised over £70,000 for charity.

8 men and 2 women of 4 different nationalities took part in the multi-stage ultramarathon in aid of international children’s charity Hope for Children. Of the 10 competitors on ‘Team Hope’, 9 completed the full distance of 251km, including the gruelling 4th day where runners must complete a double marathon (86km) across the largest desert in the world.

Throughout this endurance event, competitors must be completely self-sufficient, carrying everything they need for the week on their back (except for water). This year, they also battled multiple sandstorms.

Friedemann Gerhardt from London was the highest finisher on the team. After being forced out through injury in the 2016 edition, this year he broke into the race top 75 and finished in 65th overall.

Camilla Archibald and Alexandra D’Arcy Clark both came in the top 100 women: Archibald, from Morpeth, ranked 52nd and D’Arcy Clark, from London, at 81st.