Review of Running the Sahara

[Kanchan Bhil]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Running the Sahara" by Marcel Nickler.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Marathon des Sables is a marathon of 237 km through the Moroccan Sahara that has taken place since 1986. The author participated in this marathon in 2017. “The story I am telling as you run with me in the desert is not so much about running as it is about what running has given me and what I’ve discovered about myself and life through running.” The author says this in the initial part of the book. As I read the book further, his words about the story seemed exactly true.

The author initially did not plan on running in marathons. Running was a way to keep in shape rather than a passion for him. His interest in running a marathon began when he heard his friend’s incredible experience. He chose his first marathon to be the Lausanne Marathon for the setting and the mental and physical challenges of running the marathon. He saw this marathon as a daring goal but not something as a passion. But after 20 years, he has still continued to run, and it has become a passion.

Running the Sahara by Marcel Nickler is about the author’s passion for running and his dream to run in Marathon des Sables. This book is about the events that led to his participation in this marathon and his journey through the desert. It is about the amount of planning, training, and discipline that went into his dream. The author’s positive thinking, efforts, and will to complete his dreams are commendable. I was shocked to know that he was 57 years old when he participated in Marathon des Sables. The chapters of the book shift between events that have occurred before and during Marathon des Sables. The author has included the situations where things did not go as planned. He has also included his quirks and habits, such as putting the little things in place gave him the certainty that what he can control will not go wrong. These instances made this book more enjoyable. The book has doodles of people running in the marathon, a map, a person finishing the race, and many more. I loved seeing these doodles in each chapter.

This book is not monotonous. The author has included his views on life, a little about his personal life that made this book interesting. There was nothing that I didn’t like about this book. Even when the author describes his way through the desert, he has described the thoroughfare, the sand dunes, the weather, and everything needed to know about his run through the sand.

I happily give this book 4 out of 4 stars. It's a great read and covers more than just a marathon. Everyone who can get their hands on this book should definitely read it. The author has included the tiniest details, such as his food list of 7 days that he participated in Marathon des Sables. The book is not very long. It ends naturally and leaves the reader with a great experience.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes non-fiction. I am not an avid reader of non-fiction. I read non-fiction rarely, but this one is a delight to read. The book is exceptionally well-edited with no mistakes.

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Running the Sahara
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[Saint Bruno]

This is a very insightful review. However, I don't think I would be reading this one despite the many positives you highlighted about it. Good job.

[Kanchan Bhil]

This is a very insightful review. However, I don't think I would be reading this one despite the many positives you highlighted about it. Good job.

Thank you for stopping by!

[Kaushiki Parihar]

The book sounds unique. This non-fiction book will be helpful for marathon runners. Thanks for the amazing review.

[Kanchan Bhil]

The book sounds unique. This non-fiction book will be helpful for marathon runners. Thanks for the amazing review.

Thank you for your kind words!