Gear, strategy needed for desert marathon

As the country is preparing for the forthcoming Oman Desert Marathon slated for January 21 to 24, the organisers are making all efforts to held prospective racers prepare for the event.

“Running through the desert is not like any other. A race like the Oman Desert Marathon, in which we will also have to be self-sufficient for several days, involves very specific material and logistics,” they said in a press statement.

“Beyond running and thinking about what we need during the

race, we will have to consider subsistence, in other words, we must bear in mind that both food and rest depend on our logistical capacities. We will need gear that we do not usually use in races and, above all, we will have to carry it from start to finish.”

The organisers said that the first thing would be to decide on

things that one can carry and does not involve excessive volume.

“There are specific backpacks for this type of race that can give us an idea of which way we should decide. In any case, beware of capacity: More is not

going to be less. If our backpack is big, we will end up carrying more than we should.”

According to them, about 20 or 25 litres should be enough to put everything one needs inside, with the liquid on the outside, usually on the front straps to keep it close at hand and better in two smaller containers than in one large one. “Also, avoid hydration bag-type systems. They are more difficult to fill, we cannot control how much liquid we have and what is in the tube can get very hot,” they said in the statement.

What gear one mustn’t forget in a race like the Oman Desert Marathon? “First of all, you have to think about rest. A light sleep

ing bag and some kind of insulation will be essential for a good night. In January the Omani tem

peratures are mild, but this is not to be trusted: At night our body relaxes and we are more sensitive to temperature.”

The organisers cautioned that not sleeping well would be a problem in the coming stages.

“The sleeping bag must be light

and, above all, compressible to fit in the backpack. Nor must we forget a headlamp and spare batteries.”

“Food is another point on which we must focus our attention. Regardless of the diet we choose, which we should have tried before the race, we must foresee how and what we need to prepare.”

A small saucepan can serve as a dish at the same time and, very importantly, thinking and rehearsing how we are going to prepare our food would be helpful during the real situation. “Fire will be necessary for preparing our food and therefore we will have to think about how to make it,” experts reminded.

The most skilful runners may collect firewood to light one (don't forget a lighter!), although we must find out whether this desert offers this possibility. Most will have to consider the need to carry some type of stove, adding weight and logisti

cal difficulty, since we will need some type of fuel that we will probably not be able to carry on the plane.

A small alcohol tablet stove is

a good solution for making food. For those who do not prioritise performance, loading up with a little motivating extra to please the palate is not a bad idea.

“Nor should we forget some light clothing to give us comfort while we rest. ‘PPE’ sanitary protection overalls are a light and comfortable option, beyond the fact that we must contemplate the need for spare socks to take maximum care of our feet. Similarly, some type of light and comfortable footwear (flip-flops) is convenient to rest your feet after the day’s effort.”

“To all this we will have to add essential details such as a hat (with neck protector), sunglasses, sun cream and the awareness that although we have to spend a few days with the bare essentials, that does not mean that we should be uncomfortable or poorly fed.

“Nor should we forget that feet swell with heat and exercise: pay attention to the shoe size. And as far as the sun is concerned… loose long-sleeved tshirts will make our lives more comfortable than short-sleeved

ones!”