Help Me Cross the Sahara

At 64 years old, I am about to attempt the greatest adventure of my life.

My name is Sandy McCallum. For more than three decades, I have challenged myself through endurance sports, completing 100 races of marathon distance or longer, including 37 ultramarathons and 63 marathons.

But this journey is different.

In December 2026, I will join three other women on what is believed to be the first all-women expedition to cross the Moroccan Sahara by camel. Over 60 days, we will travel 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) through one of the most demanding environments on Earth.

The Sahara is vast, remote, beautiful, and unforgiving. Powerful winds, sandstorms, extreme temperatures, and long distances between water sources create a constant test of endurance, resilience, and determination.

I have spent years preparing for challenges like this.

Over the course of my running career, I have competed in 17 desert ultramarathons around the world, including nine consecutive Marathon des Sables. I have crossed deserts in Morocco, China, Chile, Libya, Mauritania, and Namibia. Those experiences taught me how to survive and thrive in harsh environments, carrying everything I needed and adapting to whatever the desert placed in my path.

Now I have the opportunity to take on something even bigger.

We will travel from well to well, accompanied by our camels, a nomadic guide, cameleers, and a camp cook. Every day will involve walking, setting up camp, managing limited resources, caring for equipment, and adapting to the challenges of desert life.

Each woman is limited to just 26 pounds of personal gear. Water must be carefully managed. Food supplies must last. Every decision matters.

This expedition represents far more than a physical challenge.

It is a reminder that dreams do not have an expiration date.

Too often society tells us that adventure belongs to the young. I believe the opposite. I believe that courage, curiosity, and the willingness to pursue extraordinary goals can continue throughout our lives.

I am asking for your help in making this expedition possible.

The costs are substantial and include expedition logistics, camels, guide services, cameleers, food support, transportation, accommodations, flights, communications equipment, safety equipment, and specialized desert gear.

My goal is to raise $7,000 to help offset these expenses and allow me to focus on preparing for the challenge ahead.

Should I be fortunate enough to exceed my $7,000 goal, the additional funds will be used to purchase school supplies and sports equipment for children in M’Hamid, Morocco. This is where we start our trek. During my time in the Sahara, I hope not only to complete this expedition but also give back to the community. This will or much needed resources for local students and support opportunities for learning, play and growth.

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps bring this expedition one step closer to reality.

Thank you for believing that adventure does not end with age. Thank you for helping me pursue a dream that has been decades in the making.

I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you.

Sandy McCallum

FYNDAWAY