MAF To Support Dixon In Marathon Des Sables
March 12, 2010 by admin
Filed under Initiatives
The Malaysian AIDS Foundation is in support of its trustee, Mr Ralph Dixon, who will be participating in the Marathod Des Sables 2010. The marathon, which is in its 25th Edition, will take place from 2-12 April 2010.
Mr Dixon, who is also Director Environmental Investments for YTL Corp Malaysia, approached the foundation with the idea of running this tough marathon and raising funds for the foundation. Funds collected from this fundraising drive will be channeled to the indigenous people in Baram Delta, Sarawak. The foundation intends to use the funds to provide HIV and AIDS awareness and education to the community there, together healthcare.
Mr. Ralph Dixon in a promotional poster
The list of sponsors so far include Munchies, L’Oreal, Air Asia X, JobStreet, YTL and MAA Insurance, and is supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The Marathon Des Sables (MDS) (Marathon of the Sands) is a six-day, 245KM ultra marathon, which is the equivalent to five and 1/2 regular marathons. The longest single stage is 84KM (52 miles) long. The event is held every year in the southern Moroccan desert. It is considered the toughest foot race on Earth. The first event of the Marathon started in 1985.
The marathon is considered the toughest because ground covered will include sand dunes (typically 15-20% of the course) as well as uneven rock and stone. Mid-day temperatures can reach 120F. Participants must prepare their own food from the stocks they carry.
Participants will have to carry everything needed for the duration in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). The exception is water, which is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint, and tents which are setup up for participants each day.
The heat, distance will be the main challenge for participants. Physical fitness and is important not forgetting the mental stress that participants will need to endure. Participants’ mental stamina will be key to completing the marathon.
The CSR Digest wishes Mr Dixon and the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) all the best in the upcoming event.
