IF you thought running a marathon is tough, think again. Bournemouth couple Claire Dashwood and Tony Lockyer have just completed the Marathon Des Sables - the equivalent of almost six marathons back to back through the Sahara.

The pair from Bodorgan Road, Bournemouth, saw competitors dropping around them from heart attacks and even witnessed a death.

The footrace covers 151 miles in sections over of six or seven days over dunes in unbearable temperatures. Competitors carry everything they need in a rucksack including food, clothes, medical kit and sleeping bag.

The couple spent two years on a waiting list to take part in the gruelling event which costs around £2,500.

But what made them want to do it?

Mum Claire, 47, a personal trainer, finished the race despite developing heat-stroke and diarrhoea on the third day.

She said: "It was on my list of things to do before I meet my maker and it was the only medal that I wanted. It was amazing.

"We had to survive for seven days in the desert. All they gave us was water. You had to carry everything in your backpacks - there was no outside help at all. The only thing they provided was a tribal tent.

"They allocated a certain amount of water at each checkpoint no matter how long it took you to get there.

"The temperature was between 43 and 45 and the highest 47C. It was absolutely surreal. We were competing against the top athletes in the world.

"There was a few heart attacks and people on drips everywhere, flares going off and helicopters coming in. It was like MASH - surreal."

Tony said: "It was very very hard. It's not just a test of physical fitness and stamina because you've also got sleep deprivation and dehydration.

"And we were running up and down the biggest sand dunes in the world - 300m high and there's mountains and rocky stages as well.

"The night stage is one of the hardest - particularly after it goes dark. Sometimes you're on your own in the dark having to push forward.

"There was no point I wanted to stop - you've just got to condition yourself to keep pushing. I had quite a bit of damage to my toes and the backs of my heels but every morning it doesn't matter. You just strap it up pull your shoes on and start running."

"There was one poor guy who was on a drip as I went past. A lot of them were the good and elite runners. It's all to do with how hard you push yourself. It takes a lot of preparation."

And their ordeal hasn't put them off taking part again.

Tony joked: "I'd consider doing it again but the waiting list is such that it won't be before 2011!"