MONMOUTH runner Simon Dimmer completed the gruelling Marathon Des Sable last weekend with a provisional time of 53 hours and 29 minutes.

The 'ultra-marathon' takes place across the Moroccan Sahara, with runners aiming to complete 156 miles in temperatures reaching more than 50 degrees Celsius.

Runners had to carry all personal equipment with them apart from their tents which are set up by organisers. There is a water ration allocated too but food, clothing and fluids all have to be taken on each race stage.

The provisional finish time puts Simon 861st out of 1,490 entrants, with almost 100 competitors not making it to the finish.