Marathon man makes it!

After seven days, 240 kilometres, blistered feet and very little sleep, Bahrain-based banker Mike McKinlay completed one of the world's most gruelling running competitions.

On Saturday, the 61-year-old from Saar made it through the finishing line of the Marathon des Sables (MDS), an endurance race run across vast swathes of desert in southern Morocco.

Carrying all his own provisions and braving sandstorms and temperatures of up to 50 degrees, the father-of-three completed the equivalent of six marathons in aid of local charity, The Palm Association.

Mr McKinlay's gruelling training schedule was featured in GulfWeekly last month.

Many abandoned the race, but the banker soldiered on, coming in 747 out of 850 competitors.

"We are so proud of him," said his wife Heather, who spoke with him on the phone from Ouarzazate after the race.

"I don't think he could believe he had done it. He was very emotional as it's been desperately tough. The terrain was so hard, there were huge sand dunes to cross, and on the longest day of the race he said it was very lonely.

"The first few days he had stomach problems, but he got better and picked up speed and finished the final day in very good time.

"He was in high spirits with his medal hanging around his neck, but his feet are bandaged and he has lost four inches from around his waist.

"He is very happy and emotional over his experiences some of which were pure hell in the desert alone at night.

"It is a great achievement and as a family we are amazed and hugely proud of him, his courage and determination."

Mrs McKinlay added: "He has even been talking about doing another one. I told him, no, that's it!"

Messages of support and congratulations have been pouring in and so far the banker has raised more than BD3,180 for The Palm Association, an organisation that helps families and individuals in need in Bahrain.

Association member Eibhlin Crosse said: "It's an honour for The Palm Association to be the recipient of the generosity of such a courageous man as Mike. It was an absolutely amazing achievement."

Mr McKinlay, who is executive director of private equity at Ithmaar Bank, told GulfWeekly: "My wife Heather and I have been posted to Bahrain three times in the past 24 years and now we would like to give something back to the people of the country that have been so welcoming to us."

Mr McKinlay touched down at Bahrain International Airport yesterday and is enjoying some well-earned rest.

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can send cheques made payable to The Palm Association, to Mrs Eibhiln Crosse, The Palm Association, PO Box 1736, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain or to Mrs Heather McKinlay, PO Box 30153, Kingdom of Bahrain.