As we were going to press yesterday (Thursday), four local runners competing in the 'toughest footrace on earth' had not long gone to bed after successfully completing the most difficult leg of their challenge - 160 miles in one day!

Marathon des Sables participants Nicky Rees, Matthew Evans, Stephen Rogers and Dafydd Lewis are taking part in the gruelling multi-stage adventure over a course of between 150 and 156 miles through a formidable landscape in one of the world's most inhospitable climates - the Sahara desert.

"We have been tracking Nicky and the boys every day and they have been steady all the way," said Nicky's wife Alex.

"I have spoken to Nicky and he said it is very hot and on Tuesday night, the wind was so strong their tent nearly blew down, but Stephen and Dafydd battened it down and saved the day! As the test has only a top covering and no sides, though they didn't get a lot of sleep.

The rules require entrants to be self-sufficient, to carry with them on their back everything except water that they need to survive and before they even start their marathon run for the day, their morning routine takes approximately one-and-a-half hours to wash, dress, tape feet, heat their stove, eat and tidy and pack away.

The four have now all completed the mammoth 91k stage coming in at just after 3 am yesterday (Thursday) morning. Nicky and Matthew were first, closely followed by Steve and Dafydd.

Added Alex: "Unfortunately, the live webcam wasn't working to watch them, but we were able to track them live which has helped us at home to know they are still alive.

"From our point of view, at home, it is very stressful knowing your loved ones are doing this event as it is very dangerous, but they boys have trained as much as they could, and now this stage is over, we can relax a little knowing there is 'only' a marathon day and a 12k day left!"

Family and friends of the boys have been keeping in touch and wish them all the best of luck for the last two days.

"We are looking forward to them being home in time to put the bins out," quipped Alex. " We are all very proud of them for their fundraising efforts, but still think they are well and truly mad!"