Chris Byrne during Marathon Des Sables race

A 48-year-old Nantwich therapist has taken on and beaten the world’s toughest foot race, the Marathon Des Sables

Chris Byrne covered six marathons in just five days in the Sahara Desert, one of the hottest and inhospitable areas on earth.

And Chris, who runs Urban Body Balance Clinic, revealed today how he had to limp the last 14 miles of the final marathon after pulling a quad muscle!

The race requires participants to cover the six marathons self supported, carrying their own food and equipment.

Married Chris, who has lived in Willaston and Wistaston all his life, said: “The race was amazing, covering multiple types of terrain with vast sand dunes!”

“The long day in the middle we covered 54 miles over 22 hours non-stop.

“My feet were in pieces on the last day, but we had a marathon to cover.

“At mile 12, I pulled a quad muscle and had to limp the remaining 14 miles in to finish. The race was brutal, to say the least.”

Marathon Des Sables - Chris Byrne 1

But Chris crossed the finishing line, and in the process helped to raise almost £1,000 for South Cheshire Samaritans where one of his best friends works.

“I chose the Samaritans, primarily because one of my best friends has been a volunteer at the Crewe Branch for many years, and I wanted to support him and the money to go to a local charity group,” he added.

He completed the challenge with his long-term friend Steve Shipp, who lives in Chesterfield.

“I’m a keen runner and have done many half marathons before and one Ultra Marathon (32 miles), but never a multi-stage event on foreign soil.

“We have been training for this for around 18 months, running 2-3 regular half marathons a week on the Sandstone trail.”

Chris launched his Urban Body Balance Acupuncture and Sports Massage clinic in 2008, based at the Regents Park business centre on London Road in Nantwich.

He helps clients overcome sports-related injuries, pain management, and age related wear and tear issues.

Chris Byrne - Marathon Des Sables

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