Oldest man survives Atacama Crossing desert race

As one of the world's leading endurance footraces, recognised as the "ultimate test of human endurance" by Time magazine, the Atacama Crossing is revered and respected by even the most experienced of runners.

Crossing Chile's brutal Atacama Desert, which is the driest place on Earth, takes the few who attempt it through a unique landscape of salt lakes, volcanoes, lava flows and sand dunes.

A landscape compared to that of Mars, it is a gruelling seven-day race over 155 miles (250km) in a harsh climate and altitude that averages 8,000ft (2,500m).

One Scot who survived this year's crossing was the oldest man to complete it - coming 38th overall.

Donald Sandeman, 59, from Edinburgh, lost eight toe nails, somersaulted backwards down a 25ft sand dune and had to duct tape his trainers onto his feet when they melted in the intense desert heat.

The retired policeman had to carry all his clothes, sleeping bag and food for a week from the Arcoiris Valley to the finish in San Pedro de Atacama.

He crossed the finish line on Saturday.

Speaking from Santiago, Mr Sandeman, who is 60 later this month, told the BBC Scotland news website, how he was unable to sleep at night because it was so cold and because he was lying on hard rock.

He said: "It was very cold at night and there would be ice in our water in the mornings but then it would be so hot in the day that my trainers melted.

"I had to duct tape them back together and we only had whatever we could carry, which I had down to 10kg.

"The surfaces would also give way under foot so at one point at the top of a sand dune I fell backwards and crashed back down it.

"I had seen a snake at the bottom of the sand dune so I remember worrying I was going to land on it as I was tumbling down.

"The salt flats were very tricky too. They looked like broken broccoli and were difficult to scale.

"I did love the experience though because of the camaraderie with the other competitors who were all experienced adventurers and nutters."

Mr Sandeman has also completed 13 ultramarathons and two marathons this year.

Of the 123 runners who started the race, 104 completed it.

Elaine Sandeman, 58, Donald's wife, who was marshalling and a sweeper for the race, said she was very proud of her husband's achievement.

She said: "I was very worried about him and I'm now just so glad he didn't die. It is a very tough race."