Marathon Mark's Sahara success The Force flag flew in victory across northern Africa once again after Inspector Mark Sharp conquered the wasteland of the Moroccan Sahara last month. The Police Training School's Senior Physical Training Instructor, agonised with a battered back and feet, completed the 200-plus-kilometre, six-day Marathon Des Sables for a second time, bettering his performance over the previous year. Sahara stars: IP Mark Sharp and comrades unfurl the Force flag He stormed home 56th out of 620 competitors - the three other members of the Hong Kong team also finished the harrowing event, with Mandy Lo and Rachel Chiu finishing 112th and 120th overall, 4th and 6th in the women's category, respectively. Former Police Officers' Club manager Sandy McCalister, finished a gutsy 280th. Their efforts saw generous funds raised for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, however the gruelling event took its physical toll on the crew. Mark suffered persistent chafing to the back and shoulders from running with the 20-plus pound backpack, along with torturous blistering to the feet and toes, destroying almost all his toenails. Mark's account of the Sahara run and more photos. << Back to Index >>