Aging runner Paul Tonkinson takes on the world’s toughest footrace: the 250km Marathon Des Sables. After training with exploding calves, popping tendons, and even being run over by dogs, he gets a last-minute chance. With just two months to train, the question isn’t if he can compete, but can he finish?

Paul Tonkinson is a regular on the UK comedy circuit. He is one half of the podcast Running Commentary with Rob Deering and writes a column for Runner’s World magazine. Paul’s last book 26.2 Miles to Happiness won the prestigious Sports Book Awards – Sports Entertainment Book Of The Year. @PaulTonkinson

Not really a book about running the Marathon des Sables. It’s a reckoning. Never has an “existential rinse” been more entertaining, hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking – Toby Jones
A book full of passion, humour and unexpected spiritual depth. I loved every page – Tim Vine
Moving, inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny, this triumph of a book is a celebration of human endurance, camaraderie and what it means to feel truly alive – Lisa Jackson
Paul’s the perfect combo: he’s got the gumption to take on the ultimate challenge, and the witty, self-deprecating comic voice to tell the story – Rob Deering
Beautifully honest – Laura Smyth