Day One

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We arrived safe and sound and met up with 4other people traveling with the french. We decided to share one of the tents. 3 English and one Dane one of whom is a girl qnd all of whom are pretty international. There has been good camaraderie in the tent since. Yesterday was admin day and 20 people failed the medical but we were all fine. Despite a few sandstorms everybody was pretty excited and 802 lined up: At 6am today the tent was removed from over our heads and we had some fun with trying to make fire. It was 32kms today but 15 were over sanddunes. Weather is nice and sunny. Both Seppy and I got through it really well though I ran with James from our tent and went off a bit fast and suffered a little at the end though I walked it easily: Finished 140th in 4.5hours. Scenery was spectacular. Seppy said she really enjoyed it and spent lots of time thinking of everybody at home. She said that it far more amazing than anybody could imagine. Longer day tomorrow but less dunes. Bye

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Photos

Jonathan gets early media attention
confused about the direction no doubt

The amsterdam duo
not looking nervous

Stage 1
The first 1.5 kms