Desert Ultra Running: A Podiatrist's Journey Through the Marathon des Sables

When seasoned podiatrist Lindsey Ebbs of BlisterHelp (UK) volunteered for the 2024 Marathon des Sables (MDS) medical team, she didn't just sign up for an adventure – she positioned herself at the frontline of one of running's most challenging blister battlegrounds.

The 2024 Marathon des Sables (MDS) was a six-day, 157-mile ultra marathon that took place in the Sahara Desert of southern Morocco from April 14 to April 20.

As one of only 60 medical professionals supporting 865 participants through a gruelling 252km desert ultra-marathon, Lindsey gained unique insights into what makes or breaks a runner's feet in extreme conditions. Here's Lindsey at back with some of her fellow volunteers from around the globe.

The somewhat serene medical tent would rapidly transform into a hive of activity with various care strategies implemented.

The Scale of the Challenge

"This ultra-run is considered one of the hardest foot race events in the world, and I can honestly say, having seen it first hand, that it is absolutely true," Lindsey reflects. The statistics back this up – a staggering 78% of all medical tent admissions were for foot and backpack blisters, making them by far the most common issue faced by runners.

From Yorkshire to the Sahara

As a podiatrist from Whitby, North Yorkshire, Lindsey brought years of clinical experience to the desert. Despite her expertise in blister prevention and treatment, even she was surprised by some of the challenges that emerged. "I was interested to see how extreme ultra-running caused problems in the lower limb," she explains, "not only by fixing the runner's issues in the race but also by learning more about the circumstances and problems they were struggling with."

Unexpected Challenges

One of the most surprising discoveries was that some runners were developing blisters before the race even began. The culprit? New, unworn camp sandals. This highlighted a crucial lesson: every piece of footwear needed to be thoroughly tested before the event.

Needless to say, there was no shortage of horror foot pictures.

 

Critical Factors in Blister Prevention

Through her experience in the medical tent, Lindsey identified several key factors that made the difference between success and failure in the desert:

1. Footwear Fitting: "The biggest cause of foot blisters was incorrect shoe sizing," Lindsey emphasizes. Blisters appeared on toes, heels, and everywhere in between due to poorly fitted shoes. The key lesson: allow for swelling and use the "rule of thumb" – leaving a thumb's width of space at the toe could have saved much pain.
2. Proper Sock Selection: A two-layer approach using moisture-wicking materials showed the best results. Of particular interest was the experience of one runner who switched to ArmaSkin Anti blister liner socks after experiencing blisters with other options. The unique skin-gripping properties of ArmaSkin helped reduce friction, though Lindsey notes the importance of proper ArmaSkin sizing, especially in conditions where feet will swell significantly.
3. Gaiters and Sand Management: Sand proved to be an unforgiving enemy of foot health. Properly attached gaiters were essential, with sewn-on Velcro proving more reliable than glued versions in the extreme desert heat.
4. Pre-Event Conditioning: "The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it's the one that we all take for granted," Lindsey notes. Proper skin conditioning through training in similar conditions proved invaluable for successful competitors.

Looking Forward

The insights gained from the Marathon des Sables extend beyond desert racing. Whether you're training for an ultra-marathon or preparing for a local trail run, the principles of blister prevention remain consistent. The key is understanding your feet, choosing the right equipment, and preparing thoroughly.

For a much more detailed dissertation on Lindsey's insights into blister prevention and desert running, visit Lindsey's full articles at:

• A Podiatrist in the Sahara Desert
• How to Prevent Blisters When Running in the Desert

For professional podiatric services and blister prevention products in the UK, visit BlisterHelp. BlisterHelp is an official reseller of ArmaSkin liner socks.

Eliminate Blisters with ArmaSkin Anti-Blister Socks

Blisters don’t just cause discomfort—they can end an adventure before it’s truly begun. That’s why many ultra-runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts turn to ArmaSkin Anti-Blister Socks for reliable blister prevention. Designed and made in Australia, these innovative liner socks act as a second skin, reducing friction and protecting your feet even in the most extreme conditions, like the Marathon des Sables.

The secret lies in their unique silicone inner layer, which grips the skin to prevent shearing forces—the primary cause of blisters. Meanwhile, the moisture-wicking technology keeps your feet dry and comfortable for hours, whether you’re conquering desert dunes or navigating muddy trails. Lightweight, durable, and easy to pair with your favourite hiking or running socks, ArmaSkin Anti-Blister Socks are a game-changer for anyone serious about outdoor performance.

Don’t let blisters hold you back. Explore the full range of ArmaSkin Anti-Blister Socks today and experience the difference for yourself!