Ironman Colonel Jangvir Lamba, 52-yr-old serving Indian Army Officer participated and successfully completed 38th Legendary Marathon Des Sables held in the sand of Moroccan Sahara from 14 to 20 Apr 2024. 

Approximately 900 athletes from 60 countries participated in this gruelling multi-stage event set amidst one of the world’s most inhospitable competitive environments, which register temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius. 

The event demands athletes to carry their own survival items and traverse a distance of 253.5 km across endless sand dunes, rocky jebels, and blistering salt plains and face the ultimate test of physical and mental fortitude. Col Lamba completed the Marathon indisputably considered the toughest foot race on earth in 67 hours and 07 minutes. 

In Col Lamba’s words, “The Marathon Des Sables was not just a race; it was a test of endurance—a culmination of years of training and dedication”. As he traversed the treacherous terrain, carrying his essential survival load and drawing upon his experience as a triathlete, Col Lamba embodied the spirit of perseverance that defines the Ironman ethos. With each stride, he defied the odds, proving that true strength lies not just in physical prowess, but in the resilience of the human spirit.

In Col Lamba’s words, “The Marathon Des Sables was not just a race; it was a test of endurance—a culmination of years of training and dedication”. As he traversed the treacherous terrain, carrying his essential survival load and drawing upon his experience as a triathlete, Col Lamba embodied the spirit of perseverance that defines the Ironman ethos. With each stride, he defied the odds, proving that true strength lies not just in physical prowess, but in the resilience of the human spirit.