Two Maltese men, Nathan Farrugia and Douglas Barbaro Sant have reported predictably tough conditions as they started their 250km run across the Sahara Desert in the Marathon des Sables.

They joined 1,013 men and women at the starting line. Nathan Farrugia completed the 29km of Day One in 138th position, crossing the finishing line after 3hrs 43mins.

The other Maltese participant, Douglas Barbaro Sant, was further back, having suffered from painful shin splints.

The run was held in a scorching 48 degrees Celsius.

The marathon will take the runners across 250 kilometres of sand over six days in one of the world's toughest races.

The Maltese runners are hoping to raise €30,000 for the Inspire Foundation and the UK charity Facing Africa.

The Marathon des Sables is split into six stages, ranging from 20 to 91 kilometres in distance, and competitors have to pace themselves to run each section of the race within a certain timeframe or face disqualification, all this while carrying a rucksack including food, a stove, clothes, a sleeping bag and other paraphernalia in temperatures rising to 52˚C.

Writing in his timesofmalta.com blog, Mr Farrugia said that many participants quit the race after just the first day. Others were forced to seek medical attention.

"This does not auger well considering Day 2 is 36km, Da y 3 is 40km, Day 4 a near impossible 83km which is a double marathon, Day 5 is rest day, Day 6 a 42km full marathon and the final Day 7 is a "short" 21km"

However he said he was in good spirits.

www.simplygiving.org.mt/extremechallenge

http://www.timesofmalta.com/blogs/view/20100405/nathan-farrugia/day-one-predictably-tough