SWINDON Harriers’ Nathan Montague will realise a lifelong dream when he lines up for the Marathon de Sables tomorrow.

Now in its 32nd year, the event has become one of the most iconic races among ultra runners, comprising 250k of running in five timed stages and one compulsory charity stage, with daily distances varying from 30km to 90km – and all under the burning Saharan sun.

So when the chance came to take part in the race Montague, who lives in Parks, leapt at the opportunity.

“I can remember as a kid, my brother and I used to watch the Gillette World of Sport programme on a Saturday morning before going off to play football,” he said.

“It was back in 1994 or 95 and one of the items I can remember watching was about these guys running across the Sahara Desert. It really stuck in my memory.

“I knew nothing about ultra-running at the time as I just used to do school cross-country events. I could never have dreamt that one day I would be about to run the Sables myself.

“It just seems so surreal to me to be going out to an event that I first saw as a kid over 20 years ago and had no idea what it was about.”

Montague’s preparations haven’t gone perfectly due to various injury niggles but one of his strengths is making the best of any situation he finds himself in and he is a proven competitor in these events with an enviable track record.

“I have enjoyed many years of putting me into the tank so I am happy with where I am at the moment,” added Montague.

“I have had a few sessions in the heat chamber at Bath University to try and acclimatise but I have also raced a lot in the heat so know what works for me in terms of eating and drinking.”

Close to 1,200 runners will start the race on Sunday and apart from copious water and a communal open-side tent at night supplied by the organisers everyone must be self-sufficient so need to carry all food items and a sleeping bag.

“The last few days are spent making sure I have got everything I need but not too much,” he added.