Special Event Archives

2007 Marathon Des Sables

Billed as 'the toughest footrace in the world', the Marathon Des Sables is a grueling 6 day, 250 km race across the Sahara Dessert in Morocco.

Ovarian Cancer Australia's friend, the amazing Cliff Mckinley, has decided that he will participate in this gruelling event in 2007. Not only will Cliff participate, but he is endeavouring to raise $100,000 in the process. All funds raised by Cliff will be donated equally between Ovarian Cancer Australia and CanTeen.

Cliff's Progress After Day 2
Day 235KM and 43 degrees.
If day 1 was hard, then day 2 was simply hell. It started with a huge sand storm overnight that blew down tents and covered everything in fine sand. I ran the first 10 kms in 1hr15min but then walked the rest. I could see the 2nd check point for 10kms as we walked across salt flats - very demoralising. Then a huge rock hill of 400m with a 25degree gradient.  I did most of it on all fours. My calves are still a bit sore but the toes are getting worse each day. My highlight of each day is going to the toilet and using baby wipes - the only time I feel clean! A number of competitors have dropped out and I can see how easy it will be to drop out - this is tougher than I imagined. But the emails I am getting are giving me so much strength. Off to doctors now to have a look at what were once my toes!!

Cliff's Progress After Day 3
Today was no where as bad as day 2. It was a real runner’s day and many competitors did incredible times. It was a short 32kms and in the high 30s. My feet felt reasonable so I did the first 10kms in 75mins - quite happy with that. Then all hell broke loose. I felt incredible pain and wetness in my left foot. I stopped, took off the shoe and my little toe resembled an over cooked sausage! I took out my razor blade and cut into the blister below the toe and the one on top of the nail. As I did this the toe nail fell off. Not happy! I wiped away the ooze and sat on a sand dune for 40 minutes before I could walk again. Unfortunately this allowed over 60 people to pass me. I crossed the line with a french guy and we just hugged. Very emotional. We heard that a french runner needed an IV drip on the mountain yesterday - he was in a bad way. Also heard today [RACE DAY 4] that a runner died this morning. There is a real sadness over the camp. I have nothing to complain about with my toes.

Cliff's Progress After Day 4
Today was the big one - 70kms! I am struggling to find a word that adequately describes what the day was like. The sheer distance, the kms of dunes, the kms of salt flats, the heat and the freezing cold. I ran the first 20km in 2.45 and then walked every step of the 50km. And it was like walking on glass. I laughed out aloud at times and also cried at times. I felt like I had nothing left. I used my walking poles to relieve the pain. 5 kms from end I came across a french guy who was in tears and could not walk. I gave him my poles and walked with him. I lost over 50 places but he needed help. We heard that the guy who died yesterday was very fit and had no history of being unwell – it was just his time and he was doing something he loved. This event has been a test of my strength and made me realise the depth of my love for my wife and baby. But the people who are helped by Canteen and Ovarian Cancer Australia are even braver and stronger.

Cliff's Progress After Day 5
After the long 70km stage I felt very strong for the marathon even if my feet did not. I said to Chrissy that I would walk every step of this event but would try to run the marathon, not just for me, but in honour of my marathon running friend Cathy, who was the initial motivation for me to run the distance. After the sadness of the death in camp the previous day, there was a real sense of excitement and optimism. Lots of loud music, laughter and even cries of pain. I did much better than I had hoped. Ran the half marathon in 2.25 and then the pain got too much. I walked the remaining 26kms in a little less than 4 hours! I was so focused on finishing that I only stopped for 3 photos. The day finished off in a way only the french can do it - listening to a live performance of a french opera company that had been flown in by helicopter for the night. Quite surreal listening to beautiful music and singing whilst trying to work on your damaged feet.

Cliff's Progress After Day 6 (Final Day)
For the shortest leg, only 11kms, today caused me the most discomfort. The first 4.5 kms was flat on stone so I ran it even though I knew it would cause pain. I just wanted to get as much of it done before it got too bad. So I did the 4.5 in about 32mins and then walked the last 6.5kms. This would not normally be a real problem however it was through the largest dunes in Morocco. Going up was ok but going down caused the real pain. But I finished and could walk to collect my medal!
 
I promised Chrissy that I would finish healthy enough to return home and be able to do things with her and Sophie. I have kept both of these promises. I could have pushed myself even harder and may be even gone up the rankings a little. But this event was not about that for me. I will leave the final word to an amazing American lady, Mary, who I have befriended over the past week. At dinner last night, out of the blue, she says "anyone who tells you about their place or asks you about yours just doesn’t get this event!
Read Cliff's training updates ...

Women only KoKoda Trek October 2007

Ovarian Cancer Australia & Getaway Trekking present the first Women only Kokoda Trek.

" GetawayTrekking is about PEOPLE. It is about adventure trekking, learning local culture in countries we visit and people experiences "

The October trek offers an empowering experience in a group exclusively comprising women, in which you will enjoy a safe, eco-friendly and culturally sensitive journey. Getaway Trekking will pay 10% of your fees direct to Ovarian Cancer Australia, in addition to any fund raising activities you may wish to run independently. (Please note extra fundraising is optional.)

In line with Getaway trekking's corporate policies, they have established a relationship with Ovarian Cancer Australia to assist with raising the profile of Ovarian Cancer.

A note from Karen Livingstone – CEO Ovarian Cancer Australia

Ovarian Cancer Australia supports the fundraising effort of Getaway Trekking and the exceptional women undertaking the Kokoda Women’s Challenge for October 2007.  There has never been a women’s only trek to Kokoda, this is a first ever opportunity.  The trek will be a 9 day extreme adventure, reliving the trail forged by Australian diggers in the Papua New Guinea highlands during the war.   The area is celebrated for the Australian spirit, and it is fitting that women undertaking this challenge will be representing this spirit.

When cancer touches lives, it can inspire, motivate and set up new challenges in life.  Ovarian Cancer Australia applauds the journey that the Women’s Challenge to Kokoda will facilitate.  As in the fight for cancer the journey will involve physical and mental challenges and stretch women to their limits. 

Funds raised from this challenge will enable Ovarian Cancer Australia to continue its vital work in saving Australian women’s lives.  I would encourage women to consider participating in the Kokoda Women’s challenge , and supporting the fundraising efforts of the entrants.

For the further information please visit www.getawaytrekking.com and click on the link “Book your women on Kokoda Trek” on the right hand side of the home page or call 03 9728 6233