Sir Ranulph Fiennes becomes oldest Brit to complete Marathon des Sables

Sir Ranulph Fiennes has defied all the odds to become the oldest Briton to complete the Marathon des Sables – a gruelling, 256km, 6 day race in the south-Moroccon desert.

Crossing the finish line at 19:37 (BST) after 10 hours of running today, the veteran explorer has overcome 50 degree heat, miles of sand dunes, strong winds and problems with his heart and back to complete the challenge.

The 71-year-old was taking part in the event dubbed ‘the toughest footrace on Earth’ to raise money for the charity Marie Curie. He has already raised nearly £1million for the charity through this endeavour with more fundraising to come.

Speaking straight after crossing the finish line Sir Ranulph said: "I don't feel good - my back is bad. Luckily I've had a load of pain killers. Without them I would have been even more difficult.

"I never though I wouldn't make it. But there were points where I thought the camels, who walk at the rear sweeping up those who are too slow, were getting dangerously close.

"I'd like to thank all the wonderful people who have donated money to the cause which is most important to me, Marie Curie."

Dr Jane Collins, Chief Executive of Marie Curie said: “We’d like to say a huge congratulations and thank you to Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

"It was clearly an incredibly difficult physical and mental challenge and he proves that with sheer determination, anything is possible. His never failing commitment to finish the race and raise as much money as possible for Marie Curie has simply been fantastic.

"We hope he inspires others to take on their own challenge for Marie Curie and help us care for more people living with a terminal illness.”

The race includes the distance of up to a marathon a day for five days and a double marathon one day, with runners having to carry everything they need including their food, clothes and sleeping bag.

Sir Ranulph is no stranger to physical challenges and is the holder of several endurance records despite suffering two heart attacks, undergoing a double heart bypass, a cancer operation and an on-going fight with diabetes. There were fears Sir Ranulph would not be able to finish the event after the 91km fourth stage which saw him run for over 30 hours with just one hours sleep. Sir Ranulph needed medical attention afterwards and described the night as ‘more hellish than hell’.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes has previously raised £6.3million for Marie Curie. In 2007 despite suffering from vertigo, Sir Ranulph climbed the Eiger by its north face for the charity. In May 2009, at the age of 65, he climbed to the summit of Mount Everest, again for Marie Curie, making him the oldest British person to achieve this.

Sir Ranulph and Marie Curie have been able to take part in this challenge thanks to the generous support of a number of sponsors including Paul Sykes, who is covering the costs of the expedition.

Paul Sykes, long-time supporter of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, said: “I’d like to wish Sir Ranulph a huge congratulations on completing the Marathon des Sables. Sir Ranulph proves with enormous willpower what can be physically achieved. He is a friend and hero to me and I am proud to have supported his latest endurance challenge.

“I have sponsored him to raise funds for Marie Curie before which included the Everest and Eiger challenges. This has helped them reach many more people living with a terminal illness as well as providing vital emotional support for their families.”

Speaking about Paul’s support Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: “This challenge would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Paul Sykes. He has supported a number of my challenges and is very keen to encourage other people in his position to do the same and inspire people to take on their own physical challenge.”

Satellite communications experts, Inmarsat and Satcom Global have also been instrumental in allowing the charity to report back from the desert on Sir Ranulph’s progress.

People can still donate to Sir Ranulph’s challenge by visiting www.justgiving.com/ranulph or by texting RUN to 70007 to donate £5 plus a message of support to Sir Ranulph.

For more information and to follow Sir Ranulph’s challenge visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/ranulph

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