Alexandra HEINTZ (FRA)

At just over 40 years old, Alexandra HEINTZ (FRA) lined up for the second time in the MARATHON DES SABLES during the 34th edition. During her first participation in 2016, she had finished the event, but had suffered particularly badly. “I already participated in the MDS in 2016, it was almost my first trail run! I had never covered a distance greater than 42 km! So it was a great discovery. »

So this second participation in 2019 was placed under the sign of maturity, avoiding repeating all these small errors which, combined, really complicate an already not so easy test. “I was going back in 2019 for several reasons: to repeat the experience by avoiding all beginner mistakes and to perform at my level. »

In 2016, Alexandra had reached the end of the adventure at an average speed of 5.1 km/h, thus ranking 511th overall (51st woman). So the idea was, after three years of training and knowing what to expect, to get the best place possible – something done admirably. Alexandra indeed completed this 34th MARATHON DES SABLES at an average speed of 7.33 km/h, i.e. more than 2 km/h gained! This progression shows perfectly that by preparing correctly, the same person can experience the same ordeal very differently. Her place is affected since she finished 140th in the scratch, or 12th woman!

This second participation was also placed under the sign of sharing, since Alexandra was present as a couple. An experience that delighted the Garchoise who will probably not stop there!