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The Grand Raid Sahara

This is the first time Sandy will compete in The Grand Raid Sahara. The Grand Raid Sahara will take place from January 28, 2007 to February 3rd, 2007. Read Sandy's daily blog on the Edmonton Journal website: www.edmontonjournal.com.

What is The Grand Raid Sahara?

The Grand Raid Sahara is a 6 day stage-race that takes place in the Sahara Desert in Mauritania, Africa. Competitors race 220 kms in 5 stages. This is a supported race, meaning athletes do not need to carry heavy backpacks! They just race with a camelback for water, and for mandatory emergency gear. Organizers allow competitors to bring a 15 kg bag which awaits them at camp at the end of each day. This means a change of clothing and perhaps a stick of deoderant...what luxury compared to the other races! On top of this, organizers provide food, water, tents and medical aid. This sounds like a 5-star event!

Where does The Grand Raid Sahara take place?

This race takes place in the Sahara Desert in Mauritania. Runners will arrive and leave the country from the city of Atar. The race will start in a city called Ouadane, which is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Atar. Ouadane is a 1,000 year old ancient Moorish city. The race will also take runners through Chinguetti, which is ranked as the seventh holiest city of Islam.

When is The Grand Raid Sahara?

The race starts on Monday, January 29th...and ends on Saturday, February 3rd. 39 athletes are expected to take part in this event. All of them are either French or Italian. Sandy will be the lone North American runner. There will be 9 women in the race.

What will the weather be like for The Grand Raid Sahara?

During January the daytime temperatures will hover around 30 degrees Celsius, with lows of about 10 degrees.

Who Lives In Mauritania?

Moors occupy the Northern half of the country, and southern regions are populated by black Africans.

Other Facts About Mauritania

• Mauritania used to be referred to as "Le Grand Vide" The Big Void
• Only .2% of the land is arable
• The average age...17 years old
• Life Expectancy...53 years old
• Major Infectious Diseases:
  • bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever, Malaria,
  • Rift Valley fever, meningitis
• Religion...Muslim
• Literacy...approximately 60 percent of the population is illiterate

Itinerary

Sandy leaves for the race on Wednesday, January 24th. She arrives in Paris on Thursday morning. She has a few days to get over jet-lag before she boards a charter for Mauritania. She arrives in Atar, Mauritania on Sunday morning. She will then take a 3 1/2 hour drive to Ouadane, where the race begins.

Monday, January 29th
Stage One (41 kms)...The race begins!

Tuesday, January 30th
Stage Two (80 kms)...FREE DAY...
The long stage begins about 4pm and continues through the night.

Wednesday, January 31st
FREE DAY IN CHINGUETTI

Thursday, February 1st
Stage 3 (44km) The stage ends in Zarga.

Friday, February 2nd
Stage 4 (36 kms) Runners will end the day in the Oasis of Mhareth.

Saturday, February 3rd
Stage 5 (18 kms)
The race ends in the Oasis of Tergit.

Athletes will spend some time at the hot springs around the Oasis, before heading back to the city of Atar. The awards banquet will be held that evening.

Sunday, February 4th
FREE morning in Atar to shop at the market.
Flight back to Paris in the afternoon.