Must Attend Event for prospective ‘Marathon des Sables’ Entrants –
Check out the video trailer with highlights of last year’s EXPO.
Have your questions answered and more.
Hear sports professionals talk ultra-running and the Marathon des Sables.
Participate in workshops led by experienced MdS Veterans and shop from a comprehensive showcase of gear.
This is an opportunity to meet fellow competitors past, present and future.
Confirmed speakers include:
- James Cracknell – MdS veteran and double Olympic rowing gold medallist
- Dr Mike Stroud OBE – MdS veteran and author of the book Survival of the Fittest
- Plus three past runners – Kerry Sutton, Danny Kendall and Mark Kleanthous will be on the discussion panel lead by MdS veteran Susie Chan.
Lunch is sponsored by Expedition Foods who will be offering a selection of professionally prepared delicious freeze-dried meals! Bounce Foods will be offering delicious healthy snacks, GU Energy will be handing out sample packs and enjoy some extra fuel from a Hammer Nutrition bar
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Confirmed EXHIBITORS include:
PHD is one of the premier designers and manufacturers of down sleeping bags, down jackets and mountaineering clothing in the world and the choice for participants of the MdS for many years. This year we will be at the MdS Expo to show some of the lightest down sleeping bags and down clothing in the world. And for the first time, you’ll get the opportunity to see our brand new “K – Series” of 1000 fill power down sleeping bags and jackets.
Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers have a long history of insuring sporting events and participants. In conjunction with Running Sahara they have developed a travel insurance policy specifically for competitors in the MdS
Mencap is the UK’s leading learning disability charity and each year we have guaranteed MdS places. Also if you have your own place you can still fundraise for us and receive money back from your sponsorship to help with the cost of the race. Come to our talk to find out more about Mencap, fundraising and how we can support you with your MdS journey.
UltraRace – ULTRAmarathon event organisers & MdS Training Specialists offering advice as well as an online Desert Running Store.
myRaceKit – Adventure racing specialists supplying tried and tested gear for extreme events along with friendly expert advice, seminars and coaching.
Profeet* – Complete footwear solutions combining sports footwear, custom orthotic soles, gait analysis and biomechanical analysis to improve sports performance and increase comfort. *MdS participants get a 15% discount & a 25% discount on their 2nd shoe purchase (conditions apply).
Votwo / Precision Hydration – Specialists in fitness and conditioning; Votwo operate the Porsche Human Performance Centre in Silverstone for physiological lab testing and heat acclimation training / Precision Hydration perform hydration assessments, taking the guess work out of electrolyte replenishment.
Expedition Foods – Specialist in freeze-dried food with the highest calorie to weight ratio and RacingThePlanet, retailers of gear for deserts, mountains, trails and triathlons with over 25,000 products available.
More Than Running Ltd – (formerly Running the Sahara Ltd) UK agents for the MdS, TCC (The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica in February) and the ETR (Everest Trail Race every year in November in Nepal).
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There will be a choice of ten 30 minute WORKSHOPS including:
Running the Marathon des Sables for Mencap Even if you have your own place you can still fundraise for us and receive money back from your sponsorship to help with the cost of the race. Come to our talk to find out more about Mencap, fundraising and how we can support you with your MdS journey.
It’s all in your mind – Clinical sports psychologist and competitive athlete Dr. Victor Thompson talks about how to manage your mind, reduce stress and maintain confidence to maximise your performance.
Race Nutrition – Clinical & Sports Performance Dietitian Rin Cobb who ran the MDS in 2011 talks about the physical, environmental and practical considerations to help you plan your race nutrition.
Nutrition preparation for the MdS – Performance Nutritionist and Exercise Physiologist Dr Justin Roberts, who ran the MdS in 2011, talks about how to prepare nutritionally during training and how this benefits race performance. Dr Roberts will also be available to answer individual queries around race preparation, and specific questions about the 2015 MdS study.
How to Train for the MdS – Performance coach and 10 x MdS Finisher, Rory Coleman explains how it’s not just about the kit
Danny’s Desert Diary – 6 x MdS finisher and 3 x 1st Brit, Danny Kendall presented by myRaceKit . Danny’s talk will include insight into training schedule, race strategy, diet and kit choices. Recommended for all levels.
Profeet – Paul O’Malley (MSc Clinical Biomechanics, BSc Sports Podiatry) & Chris Howe advise on choosing the right footwear for you based on MdS history, how to doctor your own feet and how to train your feet for the heat.
Heat acclimation and electrolyte replacement strategies to optimize hydration– Experience sports scientists and endurance athletes from Votwo and Precision Hydration explain how understanding sweat composition and undergoing heat acclimation before leaving the UK, can dramatically benefit your performance during the MdS.
Smart Packing – Experienced ultra-runners – Jo Meek, 2nd woman in the MdS 2013 and Graeme Harvey – 366th overall in the MdS 2013, demonstrate how to strip a backpack of extra weight and pack light.
“I just want to finish” – top tips for the non ultra-runner. Nick Saunders entered the 2014 MdS for the challenge and because of his mid-life crisis. Not being an ultra athlete, his aim was to finish and not come last (finished 492 out of 1029). He has some powerful, practical, pragmatic tips on making sure you get that medal!
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There will also be a competition on the day.
PRIZES include:
- 5 High UV Pro Buffs thanks to XNRG
- 3 myRaceKit £25 vouchers to use in the myRaceKit online shop
- One pair of Sandbaggers gaiters
- One FREE entry in the Druid Challenge 2014
- One FREE entry in the Pilgrim Challenge North Downs Way Ultra 2015
- Mountain King Trail blaze poles
Plus… Enjoy special MdS UK EXPO prices!
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The MdS UK EXPO is a not-for-profit event. Any proceeds will be given to the MdS charity Solidarités, a humanitarian organization, which provides health awareness and sports facilities to underprivileged children living on the edge of the Sahara.
An event not to be missed – buy your ticket now before we sell out!