View all news

Professor of Inorganic Chemistry conquers Saharan sands

Professor Nick Norman (still standing) at the end of the Marathon des Sables in Tazzarine

Professor Nick Norman (still standing) at the end of the Marathon des Sables in Tazzarine

16 April 2008

Professor Nick Norman of the School of Chemistry has successfully completed the 2008 Marathon des Sables, billed as the toughest foot race on Earth

The 23rd Marathon des Sables took place in the Sahara Desert in Morocco over seven days at the end of March/beginning of April and covered 245.3 km (around 151 miles), making it the longest ever in the history of the race. Professor Norman was placed 580th out of about 800 competitors, with a time of 55 hours and 15 minutes.

The race is the equivalent of six regular marathons. It is run in six stages, this year varying in length from 36.1 km to 75.5 km. Competitors carry all their personal belongings and food for the entire event in their backpack.

‘It was hot!’, was the only comment Professor Norman was capable of making the end of the six days of exertion.

Edit this page