Jersey runners first Brits home in gruelling Marathon des Sables

Patrick Kennedy came ninth overall in the 250-km, six-stage race on foot through the Sahara Desert.

He completed the challenge in 23 hours, 19 minutes and five seconds – a mere 4 hours and 45 minutes behind the race winner.

Beth Rainbow came 61^st overall, finishing in 29 hours, 59 minutes and six seconds. She was the 6^th woman home, 5 hours and 40 minutes behind the first female across the line.

Billed as the ‘toughest footrace on earth’, the Marathon des Sables began last Sunday with the leading contenders, including the two Jersey athletes, finishing on Saturday.

The race was won by Moroccan Rachid El Morabity, the ninth time he was won the race. The first female home was Spain’s Anna Comet.