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about

Why come to one of the least visited countries in the world, to subject yourself to pain, hopelessness and regret? And who created this tortue? What type of mentality is involved? All the answers you need…..

The Founder

Johnny Ward, a proud Irishman, spent the last 15 years of his life striving to be the first person ever to complete the ULTIMATE Explorers Grand Slam:

– Visit every country in the world

– Climb the 7 summits (highest peak on each -continent)

– Reach both the North and South Pole.

Coming from a tough background, and with little natural sporting talent, Johnny worked out along that way that success, contentment and happiness is directly correlated to the amount of suffering you’re willing to endure. But more than that, Johnny realised that there is no such thing as an ‘elite’ mentality. It’s a choice. And with a little nudge in the right direction, we’re all capable of being ‘elite’.

Once you drag yourself through the fire, you come out knowing you’re capable of so much more. With that, a series of events were created. To encourage everyone to seek the fire, and drag themselves through it. Johnny offers that nudge. Consider this your nudge right now. See you in the desert.

Why The Eye of the Sahara Ultra?

First, why create a event designed to make you suffer? Well, first of all it’s because I know everyone is capable of so much more than they believe. I also know that you’ll hate me for 71 hours of the 72 hour event. And that’s ok. I know at the other side, you’ll be a new person. With bigger dreams, bigger goals, and more self belief than you thought possible. That’s why.

And why Mauritania? Why the Eye of the Sahara? Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all, right? So what screams true adventure more than the depths of the Sahara, in one of the least visited countries in the world, 100miles of soft sand, and a starting point being ‘The Eye of the Sahara’. Visible from space, and said to hold the secrets to the Lost City of Atlantis. Pretty cool.

Days 1-3

Fear, arrival and prep

Day 4

Ultramarathon 1. 52km/33m

Day 5

Ultramarathon 2. 52km/33m

Day 6

Ultramarathon 3. 52km/33m

Day 7 & 8

Suffer in the pain and glory of completion

(Optional Days7-10)

Hitch a ride on the infamous iron ore train

We’ve Got Your Back…And you’re going to need it…

  • A camp in the Eye of the Sahara
  • A ratio of 1:1 for staff to runner
  • Unlimited free drinking water
  • Arabic Berber tents sleeping 2
  • 5 SUVs parolling the race course
  • Trained medical staff at camp
  • Special visas on arrival for racers
  • A videographer and photographer
  • A community in the lead up for chat and advice
  • 4 Camels
  • Bragging rights for life
  • 160km (100 miles) of brutal soft sand
  • Full sun exposure all day
  • Chilly evenings as the sun sets
  • The ‘Camel Team’ chasing sunset. If it catches you, you’re out.
  • Guaranteed self-doubt, regret, self-loathing for 90% of the race
  • No internet or phone signal
  • Your family doubting your sanity
  • Blisters and sunburn to make even David Goggins Cry
  • No sympathy from us