Guernsey runner describes 'battle' of 155-mile desert race

James Le Gallez documented his journey, which included the pain of 14 blisters

A Guernsey runner who battled heat, sand storms and blisters to complete a mammoth 250km (155-mile) run across a gruelling desert course said there were times he "didn't think he'd make it".

James Le Gallez finished the Marathon des Sables, an ultramarathon in Morocco's Sahara Desert known as the "toughest footrace on earth".

Mr Gallez, 35, told the BBC: "I'm quite relieved I made it, that it's over.

"But thankful for the experience - just a bit lost for words really."

Mr Gallez, who said he took two stock cubes a day to boost his salt intake, added: "There were a lot of times before and during that I didn't think I'd make it or even start.

"It's a battle across all fronts - the admin, the prep, the food, the sleep, the sand storms, the heat, the blisters, the cramps, the stomach issues, the endless sand dunes.

"The run itself is such a small proportion of the battle."

Mr Gallez camped during the nine-night experience

Mr Gallez carried a 26lb (12kg) pack on his mission to raise £10,000 for Autism Guernsey, Jersey Hospice Care, and The Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief.

He said he also had an ankle injury to contend with.

Mr Gallez raised money for a number of Channel Islands charities

Mr Gallez, who said he was inspired to take part after seeing a documentary on the challenge, also recorded his feat on Instagram, where he wrote: "252km, 18 dehydrated meals, 14 blisters, nine nights, six marathons and one battered ankle later, I'm over the line."

He also detailed a "hideous amount of physio, injections and a month off training".

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