Bermuda resident Alun Thomas is this week tackling the challenge of a lifetime — the brutal Marathon des Sables in the Saharan desert.

The race, which began 30 years ago, tasks competitors with essentially completing six marathons over the course of seven days, all in the difficult conditions of southern Morocco.

After three days of competition more than 100 competitors had thrown in the towel with four days of gruelling racing still to come.

Mr Thomas, a former Mariners Rugby player who works at Amlin Bermuda, is competing with the hopes of raising money for a charity providing paediatric expertise for abuse children.

So far, he has raised around £17,000 of his £20,000 target.

Yesterday, the tired competitors tackled the equivalent of a double marathon while today was a rest day. They return to the course tomorrow.

Those interested in tracking Mr Thomas’ progress can do so on the event’s website, http://www.marathondessables.com/en, by searching his competitor number 1177.