Student plans Sahara marathon

Student plans Sahara marathon

The marathon through the Sahara starts on 6 April

A Bristol University student plans to run one the toughest footraces there is - the Marathon of the Sands.

The gruelling race means six marathons in seven days through the Sahara desert of Morocco, carrying food, equipment and clothing.

Fourth year medical student Akbar Lalani, 21, hopes to raise £25,000 for the Madrasa Pre-school Programme.

Mr Lalani has been training for the challenge over the last two years, and says he was inspired to take part after seeing a TV programme on the race.

Mental test

"I watched in awe as some of the fittest athletes in the world struggled up and down the dunes and wondered if someone as un-athletic as myself could finish the race, he said.

"I went out for a run that afternoon but after twenty minutes, my legs had turned to jelly and my chest felt like it had broken glass in it.

"The race holds many unknowns for me but one thing is certain: it will test the absolute limits of my physical, mental and emotional capabilities," he added.

The marathon starts on 6 April.