Intro:

Leader Rachid El Morabity wins third stage of Marathon des Sables on Tuesday (8th April).

Script:

Day three of what is billed as the toughest footrace on earth.

Over 1,000 competitors battled their way through the dust and sand but it was Rachid El Morabity who crossed the finish line first.

He finished with a time of two hours, fifty-eight minutes and 47 seconds.

Jordan's Salameh Al Aqra finished in fourth place but still had some breath to speak to reporters.

Nikki Kimball of USA was the first woman to finish with a time of four hours 24 minutes and 53 seconds.

In such gruelling conditions, just finishing a stage is an achievement.

The rules dictate that you must be self sufficient - you are only provided with a tent - everything else must be carried.

Competitor John Colquhoun explained his tactics for the marathon

SOUNDBITE (English) John Colquhoun, competitor
(On wearing a kilt without any underwear)

"My plan was not to wear anything (but) to go traditional. But that went very, very quickly. But I go traditional at night which is why it is very, very comfy. But during this race - no - not traditional. No! (laughs)."

The end of stage three marks the half-way stage of the six stage event taking place over 251 kilometres.