Ranulph Fiennes digs in to complete ultra marathon in desert

The coach of adventurer Ranulph Fiennes has revealed the 71-year-old explorer is overtaking people a quarter of his age during the Marathon des Sables.

Fiennes is facing temperatures of more than 50C and endless sand dunes in the challenge, dubbed the toughest footrace on Earth.

He hopes to raise €1.35m for UK charity Marie Curie.

His coach, Rory Coleman, told BBC Breakfast: “He is overtaking lots of people who are a quarter of his age, not just half his age. It’s remarkable he’s doing this at 71.”

However, Fiennes said he was trying to subdue his competitive side to ensure he had enough energy to finish the race.

“I rely on Rory, uncle Rory, to get it right and make sure I don’t go too fast, which is a competition element you’ve got to subdue, because it gets worse and worse and worse,” he said.

“Yesterday I thought was very difficult, but it’s nothing compared with the next day, and the next day and the next day, so you’ve got to stop any form of competition if you’re going to compete at a certain age.”

The explorer, who turned 71 in March and who suffers from diabetes, said enduring blisters and the heat was the toughest part of the challenge.

The Marathon des Sables in Morocco covers 251km, including the distance of a marathon a day and a double marathon one day, with runners carrying everything they need on their backs.

Fiennes received a message from the Prince of Wales wishing him the very best of luck before taking part in the race. He hopes the money raised will help Marie Curie provide more free care and support to people living with a terminal illness.