Morocco
Stop! Police!
June 4, 2017
Driving through Morocco is always an adventure. But it is wise to keep to the rules and to abide by the speed limit. Check points are everywhere and on this road trip through Morocco, I was stopped at one very special one.
Morocco to Timbuktu: An Arabian Adventure
May 11, 2017
I first started talking to Harry Bell of Tern TV about this adventure nearly two years ago and it is almost hard to believe that we have done it and it is finally going to be there - on BBC2. For me, this is a dream come true, being able to share an adventure and my love for Morocco and Africa with a bigger group of people.
Running tales: A thief and a knight
February 4, 2017
Running in Morocco is always an adventure. Sometimes the trails are long and sometimes they are short, and this morning's run in Essaouira had its fair share of surprises.
The Full Moon Run
June 20, 2016
The Full Moon Run in the Agafay desert in Morocco is run annually in the month of Ramadan. It brings together runners of all nationalities and religions to celebrate the Muslim Holy Month with a 12 km run through the desert under the light of the midnight moon.
Oops! I seem to be running an ultra…
June 2, 2016
I had volunteered to go along and be the translator for the Trans Atlas Marathon, a six day trail running ultra across the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Little did I know that I would also be running it.
Running Tales: An Unlikely Guardian Angel
April 27, 2016
Morning runs in Marrakech always bring some form adventure, be it big or small. Today's involved a coffee maker and a Guardian.
Survivors’ Stories: Marathon Des Sables 2016
April 19, 2016
I ran the Marathon Des Sables in 2014 and for the last two years, I have been going down to Ouarzazate for the end of the race as a volunteer to help the runners check in to their hotel, relax and then get on their flights at the end. This year I was also working as writer for www.runultra.co.uk and www.hopesobright.org. That added an extra depth as I followed our heroes' journeys across the sand. Marathon Des Sables, ultra race, trail race, ultrarun par excellence - the toughest footrace on earth. Here are some of their stories.
Planting a future in the Moroccan Mountains
March 25, 2016
I had gone up to the mountains to meet friends for a couple of days of hiking. Remote and wild, we had fantastic days out across canyons, up river beds and into secret valleys. Our host and guide, Ali, not only shared his knowledge and experience with us, he also invited us to help him plant a wood of almond trees. Leaving something for the future.
Marrakech by sidecar .. toot, toot
March 11, 2016
I thought I knew Marrakech and the winding streets of the medina pretty well. I was sure I knew the roads of the Palmeraie, which I have run along many a time, intimately. But a half-day tour in a vintage sidecar with Insiders Experiences gave me a whole new perspective. A mini adventure.
Why I love running in Morocco
March 7, 2016
Even when I fall out of love completely with the pain of running and the slog of training, there is always something that lures me back in and here in Morocco that is doubly true. The smell of orange blossom, the quiet of the desert, the offer of a cup of mint tea....