Heather helps Rinders Run reach target with 19th place finish
Moray Olympian Heather Stanning completes the Marathon Des Sables in the Moroccan desert in 38 hours 27 minutes
Last updated 22nd Apr 2024
Heather Stanning has helped a five-person team take on the 250km Marathon des Sables, running around 50km a day to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund.
The two-time Olympic gold-medalist joined Rinder’s Run, with the barrister, broadcaster and author Rob Rinder running across the Moroccan Sahara alongside an elite team of British Army professionals comprising: the British Army’s most senior soldier – Army Sergeant Major Paul Carney, Infantry Colonel Mark Nooney MC and Army Corporal and winner of Channel 4’s The Circle, Natalya Platonova.
Rob Rinder said: “It has been one of the greatest gifts of my life to have been alongside this group of truly extraordinary people. Definitely one of the best experiences ever. For me this is about celebrating our Armed Forces which is something we can all do together, because they represent who this nation is, at our very best, from every community.”
Speaking to MFR News prior to the event, Heather had highlighted the importance of the Army Benevolent Fund. The British Army’s national charity gives support to soldiers, former soldiers, and their immediate families, with this year marking their 80th anniversary.
Heather added: “I’m used to battles of the body and mind when training and competing at the top of my sport in rowing. But I respect this race – it doesn’t get the reputation as the toughest footrace on earth for no reason. It has been a huge challenge and so rewarding."
Competitors had to be self-sufficient and carry all their equipment with them, besides a tent and water supplies. Every evening, they slept in basic tented shelters, as desert temperatures dropped from daytime highs of 32C down to near freezing.