Will Dyson (G08) left Charterhouse in 2008. After completing a degree in Modern Languages at the University of Bristol, he chose to pursue a career in the legal sector. Never shy of a challenge, we recently caught up with Will to find out about his most recent venture, undertaking the Marathon Des Sables; a 155-mile ultramarathon in the Moroccan Sahara desert!
My time at Charterhouse instilled an adventurous streak in me that has continued to grow. In particular the legacy of George Mallory and his impact on the history of the School (and indeed the world) is something I have thought about often since I left. I was also lucky enough to be taught by the late Matthew Armstrong for several years, whose passion for the outdoors (and for pushing oneself in all areas of life) was infectious. More practically, the 50-mile Walk (an amazing Carthusian tradition!) also gave me my first proper taste of endurance events, as well as some great memories.
Will’s adventurous streak has seen him recently complete the Marathon Des Sables; a 155-mile, multi-stage, self-sufficient ultramarathon in the Moroccan Sahara desert, which took place in April earlier this year. The course changes every year but is the equivalent of six regular marathons, with the longest stage for 2024’s race being 85km. Competitors must carry all their own food and supplies, and water is strictly rationed throughout the event. The terrain is a mixture of sand dunes, dried riverbeds, rocky desert plains and mountains. Runners sleep in open sided Berber tents at night and during the day must navigate sandstorms, blisters, dehydration and scorching temperatures that can reach 45 degrees Celsius.
It is a unique challenge that tests you in many different (and sometimes unexpected!) ways. I had a fantastic experience and met some great people. The camaraderie that develops amongst the runners throughout the week is amazing and you feel part of something special when you are there and long after you have finished. I would thoroughly recommend the event to anyone that is interested. It is a tough but rewarding week and a rare chance to experience the very remote and beautiful Sahara desert. I would quite like to go back and do it again..!
