2nd Press Release - Sunday 29th

29/03/2009 - press release n°2
The sun has finally arrived in Erfoud, bringing smiles on runners and competitors' faces. The 24th MDS began with the usual technical and administrative verifications. Competitors had to comply formalities regarding their rucksak weight, calories (2000 calories minimum required) and compulsory safety items (compass, knife, mirror, whistle, aluminium survival sheet). Participants had to present themselves to the race adminstrators before receiving their identification number.
The come back of Lachen Ahansal is of course one of the most important event of this edition. He promised to stop after 10 victories... He did it and the come back has been really appreciated after one year absence. He is for sure the favourite this year. His young brother, Mohammad Ahansal, who kept the the precious prize in the family during his absence, seemed to be worried regarding the weather conditions : « because of the rain, the ground is less soft. It will be harder than last year »
Favourite women runners expected are taking part in the competition : Simone Keyzer coming from Luxembour, with 3 victories under her belt, and the winner of the previous edition, the moroccan Touda Didi. Still hesitating regarding the departure of the race because of changeable weather conditions, the race organisation will take the final decision by the end of the day.

Check out the video clips on www.darbaroud.com - it really was raining, look for the 4x4 in the last clip.