71 Year Old Breaks Marathon Des Sables Record

Last month, SportsShoes athlete Bill Mitchell become the oldest Briton to complete the epic Marathon Des Sables at the age of 71. And not only that, but he also picked up the trophy for Best UK Male. Fresh from his desert triumph, we spoke to Bill about his record breaking MDS experience.

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YOU NOW HOLD THE RECORD FOR THE OLDEST BRITON TO COMPLETE THE EPIC MDS. HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU CROSSED THE LINE?

Very pleased to know I had done it!

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WHAT WAS THE HIGH POINT OF THE RACE FOR YOU?

Getting the best male GB Trophy. And the can of cold cola we were given at the end of day four - like precious nectar after only having water for days!

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AND THE LOWEST POINT?  

Finding my space blanket had been damaged and had become unusable

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WHAT'S YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE?

I'll be doing the MDS again in  2017!

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WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 TIPS TO ANYONE TAKING ON THE MDS?    

1.   Expect it to be VERY HARD.    

2. Go to a sauna and try out your food in hot conditions.

3. Don't take something, just in case you might need it. Weight is everything.

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WHICH PIECE OF KIT CAME IN THE MOST USEFUL?  

My small Swiss army knife which I had on a string round my neck.

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WHAT ASPECTS OF THE RACE DID YOU FIND THE TOUGHEST?

Getting your food ready at the end of the day, when all you wanted to do was lie down.

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IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME?  

I'd give myself more variety of food, a longer mattress, and I'd take a stove to have warm food and drink.

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WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY COMPETING IN THE MDS LOOK LIKE?

You had to keep yourself focused all the time and study the best way forward - not blindly follow the person in front. Above all else, take in the surroundings because you can miss some great sights.  

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DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF OUT THERE IN THE DESERT?  

Just how much determination I have'

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DESCRIBE YOUR MDS EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS    

Tough,  challenging  and rewarding.

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Want to find out more? We've been busy collecting all the latest tips & expert advice for marathon training and race days. Our Marathon category lets you experience real in-the-moment stories as we dive deeper into Q&A with athletes, kit reviews, nutritional advice and so much more!