The Marathon des Sables

I received an e mail from Mike today at 1404 hrs. He sounds very positive and confident for the next stages.
Here are the relevant extracts;
I had to pull up a little strength for the last two miles and keep my place,it’s been hopt today but didn’t seem to have much effect on me as I was covered up and head down running along, your feel the heat more when you stop and slow down!
The really good news is I still feel great and free from aches pains and riding at 303 out of 840 runners!! I’m amazed but very pleased.
…….and thank everyone for the reems of messages (3 A4 pages :)
Looking forward to the big day, if things keep going I am on for upping a few places (fingers x’d!)
So, it looks as if today is the Big Day. At least 50 miles.
Based on Mike’s performance over the two days and given the length of this stage I reckon it will take between 12 and 18 hrs.
It will have been an early start, the MDS site has not updated, but one thing is for sure, the last few hours will be in the dark….in the desert…..I hope he’s made a few friends!