Running in the Heat – Thermoregulation, Heat Stress & Heat Acclimation: MARATHON DES SABLES, TRAINING TIPS, ULTRA RUNNING

Running in extreme heat stress is challenging and places a large physiological and psychological strain on the individual. Just as important is the awareness of heat-related injuries. These can range from mild including heat cramps and syncope (feeling light-headed or fainting), to severe including heat exhaustion (which may be commonplace for entrants in the Marathon des Sables), and up to the life-threatening heat stroke (especially if it is undetected or untreated). If you have trained well and adapted to the heat (via heat acclimatisation or acclimation), your body will cope better whilst running in the heat. You will therefore increase your chances of having a successful, enjoyable, and safe race experience.

If you have signed up for the Marathon des Sables (MDS) or other hot events of similar nature, it is vitally important that you:

understand the conditions that you will compete in (Sahara temperatures can exceed ~45°C);
recognise how well you respond to heat stress whilst exercising, and educate yourself on the possible warning signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses;
plan your preparation strategies leading up to departure date accordingly.