A 4k flat run before we entered the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. The 4k run was across uneven ground and the dunes rose red and foreboding above us.

We then had a 7k run through large undulating sand dunes before the town of Merzouga came into view, and almost immediately we stepped off the sand dunes, we crossed the finish line.

I cannot describe the feeling of joy I had in completing this race.

We then had a 5 hr bus journey back to the hotel at Ouarzazate. We are now safely back, where I am trying to scrub 7 days of ingrained sand from my body, and shake out as much of the Sahara dessert from my rucksack as possible, although I know my family would be upset if I didn’t bring some back!!
 
I’ll sign off now, and will speak to everyone upon my return, and update the CYC site with a final entry (or my secretary will!!)----sometime soon.
 
I’m at the moment helping my room mate who’s feet are so bad, we have had to get a taxi across to the FRENCH hotel, where the medical staff are, so they can tend to his feet. Then it will be back to our hotel for dinner and bed.
Tomorrow is equipment sorting out day, where we hand back our emergency flares, and sort out necessary paperwork.
 
We leave this hotel at 6am on Monday morning to be taken to the airport for our flight back to England. Unfortunately it’s Gatwick, so I have to endure another painful marathon getting from the airport to the train at KingsX to Leeds.
 
I would like to express my thanks to my family, colleagues, and friends who have supported me throughout this event, and to everyone who sent me emails.

Ian