FITG Athlete - Tim Osburn

2010 Marathon des Sables Finisher

The Marathon des Sables is quite possibly the toughest footrace in the world. This 151 mile race in Morocco is completed over the period of 6 days. Mid-day temperatures in the Sahara Desert reach up to 120 F and the terrain varies from uneven rock and stony ground to sand dunes which make up 15-20% of the course. Competitors are required to carry everything they need with the exception of a tent and water which is rationed at each checkpoint. 

"My long sleeve "Fire In The Gut" shirt was amazing, the max temperature was 125F yet I never felt warm on my upper body. I had no sunburn under the shirt either. I had it on for 9 straight days it was not just a shirt but a piece of vital gear to protect me from the blazing sun of the Sahara. It also kept me comfortable the night of the long stage. The long stage was my stage moving up from the back of the pack to where I wanted to finish. We did the last 32 miles in 11 hours nvaigating by head light on a moonless night and the terrain included a 20 something mile section of mean no stop sand dunes. No one passed us the entire night for that was our "Fire In The Gut" moment."  - Tim Osburn

Fire In The Gut was proud to have Tim Osburn of Texas complete the Marathon des Sables wearing a Fire In The Gut shirt. Tim finished 716th out of 1017 competitors and was in the top 50% for his age bracket. To find out more about his training, race experience and charity supported through his efforts please read his blog timosburn.blogspot.com.