Paddy Hamilton returns to the Sahara for the toughest foot race on the planet

It's billed as one of the toughest foot races on earth, so it's no surprise that Newry ultrarunner Paddy Hamilton is back this week for more punishment to take on the 38th Marathon Des Sables for a second time, in support of the Southern Area Hospice.
By Elaine Ingram
Published 11th Apr 2024, 10:59 BST
Paddy Hamilton at the Marathon Des Sables in 2021Paddy Hamilton at the Marathon Des Sables in 2021
Paddy Hamilton at the Marathon Des Sables in 2021

The gruelling 250k challenge beginning on April 14, runs over five days across the Sahara Desert in temperatures over 50 degrees while the 1000 plus competitors carry everything they need to survive for the week on their back - food, water, emergency equipment, and more.

Paddy has been fundraising through JustGiving ahead of the race for the Southern Area Hospice Services who provide invaluable care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Their aim is to enhance the quality of life for patients and support families and carers, enabling each person to live every day to the full. All services are provided free of charge and rely heavily on fundraising to enable care and support for patients and their families.

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This is the second time Paddy has taken on the Marathon Des Sables. He and another Newry ultra runner, Hugh Morgan, competed in 2021 – which turned out to be a disastrous year for the event, with sickness and scorching temperatures leading to the biggest dropout rate in the history of the race.

Paddy Hamilton is running the Marathon Des Sables in support of the Sothern Area HospicePaddy Hamilton is running the Marathon Des Sables in support of the Sothern Area Hospice
Paddy Hamilton is running the Marathon Des Sables in support of the Sothern Area Hospice

While both Morgan and Hamilton were lucky to come back in one piece, Paddy fared better physically and was the first of the Irish home in fortieth place.

The goal for Paddy this time around is to better his position from 2021. He will be travelling to Morocco with over a dozen athletes from these shores, lining up alongside 1000 competitors from over 50 countries.

"There is a touch of madness to have to want to do this,” Paddy told the Newry Reporter

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"But as I’m raising funds for the Southern Area Hospice there is an additional sense of purpose to keep him motivated in this challenge.”

Paddy is hoping to raise over £7,500 and is well on his way to achieving that goal thanks to support from local businesses Aiden Strain Electrical Engineering, Watters Electrical Contracts, and Re-Gen, together with street collections, running challenges, and donations from friends and family. If you would like to donate you can do so on the just giving link.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/paddy-hamilton-mds2024

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