The Desert Rat - Jake Meyer Marathon De Sables 2025
Update: MDS experience of a lifetime - complete! It was epic, brutal, incredible and beautiful all at the same time. There were dark moments when I doubted if I could continue, and plenty of amazing moments of joy and emotion. 6 marathons across 6 days, including one 82km section (which took 21 hours!). Brilliant team, tent and cameraderie throughout. In the end I was 69th in my category, and we (The Desert Rats) were the top ranked British Team, and 7th team overall all. Still quite foot sore, and carrying a few good blisters, but those will heal… the sense of achievement will live forever! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far - it was definitely a motivator to keep going, even if it was just a crawl. There is an amazing film of the adventure at:
I'm no stranger to a silly challenge, but traditionally I've tended to head towards cold and icy places. This time, like a metaphorical fish out of water, I'll being doing two things I'm not too keen on - running and the heat!
The Marathon de Sables is one of the world's most (in)famous ultramarathon challenges. 250kms through the Moroccan Sahara Desert over 6 days, carrying everything on your back. On the 1st April I set off for North Africa, and from the Friday 4th I'll be setting off into the heat of the desert.
Preparation has been limited, kit is ridiculously box fresh and I haven't met my team... but into the desert we go. Like all of my trips, I'm a big believe that mindset is the strongest muscle, and and resilience, grit and determination will carry you much further than you think possible. The other thing that will keep me going when the times get tough is having a inspiring purpose...
Once again, I'm raising money in aid of Walking With The Wounded and every donation will help the important work that they do for veterans throughout the UK. I'm extremely proud to support such a fantastic cause, and thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.
Walking With The Wounded: Walking With The Wounded offers assistance through its programmes to those vulnerable veterans who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged by their service and assist them in gaining independence through new long term careers outside of the military. This includes providing support to homeless veterans and veterans in the Criminal Justice System, areas which are too often ignored. The outcome? Sustainable employment, and independence for them and their families.
Organizer
Jake Meyer
Organizer
England
Walking With The Wounded
Beneficiary