In April 2013, from 5th to 15th, about 1017 men and women, aged from 18 up to 80 , from all over the world were in the South of Morocco, near Quarzazate, in order to participate in the Sand Marathon, which was held for the first time in Morocco.
The distance of this marathon was about 240 km over the Sahara desert. So competitors managed to carry basic supplies like food, clothes, medical kits, sleeping bags, etc… And because of the heat, water was distributed every 10 km.
The main aim of the participants in this marathon was not receiving prices and awards, but it was rather collecting money for the poor.
Of course, like any competition, there should be winners. So in women’s category, Laurence Klein from France got the first prize, and for men’s one, the Moroccan, Mohammed Ahansal, won the race. Both received awards. At the end of this competition, everyone was happy and proud of what he did for the poor people.
In my opinion, competitions like this one which include both sport and humanitarian aid will minimize the rate of a lot issues concerning poverty and illiteracy.
Younes Ben Ashhab 2nd year Maths
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