Newport woman completes 166-mile desert marathon

Described as the “toughest footrace on earth”, the Marathon des Sables is the only race in the world that includes a repatriation fee in the event of death.

Management consultant Ms Harish, originally from Newport, took the challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, and lined up in the 1,400-strong field alongside the likes of legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

The race involved running the equivalent of six marathons over six days, carrying 12kg of kit – including an anti-venom pump – in searing temperatures, which reach 50°c, and drop to -2°c at night.

The event is so extreme that it involved 12 months of dedicated training and running (an average of 50 miles per week). At the peak of her training, Nisha ran more than 100 miles a week.

After being back in the UK for almost a week, Ms Harish still has no feeling in her toes due to nerve damage.

This was nothing compared to some others, including two who broke their legs and one who broke two toes.

One woman suffered a ruptured intestine and had to be flown back to the UK and another runner developed a bacterial foot infection with risk of gangrene and had to stop at 100 miles.

Another woman suffered temporary blindness as a result of low blood sugar level, Ms Harish said.

The runner, who grew up on Risca Road and spent Christmas Day 2012 on Mount Everest, said: “This marathon attracts those from a military background, which ‘Im not. In fact, I’m pretty small – only 5ft 1ins, and weigh just eight stones.

“And although I’ve run a number of marathons, I’ve only been running for five years. I ran for Macmillan Cancer Support because my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago.

“Macmillan provided my family with immense emotional and medical support. We learnt so much about cancer and how to be there for mum. I’m pleased to say she is now in remission – others are not so lucky.”

To sponsor her, go to http://www.justgiving.com/Nisha-harish1