Sylvie HOUBIERS (NED)

Sylvie HOUBIERS (NED), 45, lives in Maastricht where she is a waitress. She has known the MARATHON DES SABLES for a long time, but it will be her first participation in 2020 for the 35th edition, with a group of friends from Maastricht: " I saw a documentary once and I knew, one day I will participate on this race! It has always been on my wishlist. There is no race like this. I’m part of a great group of beautiful people with a great mindset and willpower who also dreamed long of participating in this race. "

Sylvie is a road runner, but she tried a few forays on the trails, for her greatest pleasure : " I participated on a local trail run and that is when I fell in love with trailrunning. I love running long distances in nature. It makes me feel complete and as if nothing really matters more at that moment. " In parallel on this almost meditative side, Sylvie is no less serious in her approach to running: " I train what it takes to reach my goals. Of course I want to finish every race I run and of course I train to be better than in the last race. So yes, I am a little bit competitive. "

On the 35th MDS, Sylvie will keep these meditative and competitive aspects, but in addition she will respect a strong commitment: " I run this race to collect money for the chronicle disease Multiple Sclerosis. My mother is suffering this disease. So me and my friends who also participate on this race, hope to collect a nice amount of money for investigation of course and treatment of this disease. "

Sylvie has no real fear regarding the racing environment and the race itself – " You know when you sing up for this race, you will face a lot of unknown challenges which you cannot 100% train for. You know it will be heavy, but on the other hand that is why we sign up for this race. " Her persistence, mental strength, and fighting for her mother are her main strengths - "Giving up is not an option! " An exemplary will that can inspire many, to follow in less than three months on the 35th MDS!