Running 156 miles through the Sahara desert: KE Adventure Travel’s Product Manager Lisa Spratling is taking on the challenge of completing the Marathon des Sables in April 2019. This gruelling multi-stage adventure is one of the toughest footraces on Earth and something Lisa never thought she would do however tells us “it’s an incredible opportunity and I’m thrilled to be taking part.” As such, in 2019 KE Adventure Travel are inviting customers to depart from the bucket list and instead ask themselves: what will I say yes to?

The marathon takes place from 5 – 15th April, a multi-stage adventure through the one of the world’s most inhospitable environments – the Sahara desert. Lisa will complete 6 stages over 7 days of running and 6 nights camping, carrying her own food and equipment for the week herself. Temperatures are likely to reach 50 degrees Celsius and the longest stage of the race is 80 kilometres.

When she’s not creating best-selling holidays for KE, Lisa is a passionate ultra-marathon runner with the Cumbrian Way and Lakeland Trails 110km under her belt. She is currently completing an intense regime of training to prepare for the Marathon des Sables which includes 6am yoga in the mornings and alternate fell-running and cross-training sessions in the evenings.

Lisa will also be taking part in the 2019 Marrakech Marathon in January as warm-weather training, and the Northumberland Ultra Marathon at the end of February to gain experience running through sand dunes.

Lisa says: "The sheer scale of the Marathon des Sables is daunting but also very exciting as what a once in a lifetime opportunity.  For me ultra-running is the most ideal way to experience nature (with plenty of pain thrown in!) and what better way to travel through the Sahara desert then on foot."      

In taking part in the Marathon des Sables Lisa will be representing KE Adventure Travel as part of the Voyageur du Monde group, who are celebrating their 50th year in business in 2019.

About KE Adventure Travel:

KE Adventure Travel offer 400 different active adventures, including walking, trekking, climbing and cycling holidays and family adventures in over 90 countries worldwide. Established in 1984, KE Adventure Travel is an IATA Accredited agent, a member of ABTA (W4341), AITO (5075) and holds an ATOL license (2808). www.keadventure.com

Please contact Tav Kelly at Tav@keadventure.com for any further information or images.