Marathon des Sables 2021 - Summary and Final Thoughts
Despite the death on Day 2, at the time it just felt like the race attitude was that the show had to go on and I did privately question how many more deaths would be required for a change in thinking. Since the race my attitude on this subject has mellowed somewhat, but I'd be lying if this didn't reflect my feelings at the time. As heat increases the effect is exponential; going from 30-33 degrees will have next to no impact on the race, 40-43 degrees and you will probably get a few dropouts, 50-53 degrees and you will get quite a lot, and hypothetically if it went from 60-63 would probably mean no-one, including the Moroccans will finish the race. As it was, it was officially recorded as 52.8 degrees with another media crew privately recording 56 degrees that day (I am guessing this is actual temperature rather than in the shade, but the latter is irrelevant because there is no shade). A hard fought medal. Only c.350 awarded this year. Also half a st...