WOW!! Well, I always knew that the 86km stage of Day 5 would prove to be the biggest challenge – and I was not disappointed. Writing this the morning after, everything still feels like a blur.

The stage was split up by eight checkpoints, averaging 10km between each. Again we were challenged with the extreme heat and torturous terrain. Despite the spectacular scenery on offer, I think the highlight of this stage would have to be spotting a man selling cold soft drinks out of an esky at Checkpoint 2. After such a tough week dealing with stomach issues and overbearing heat, it felt amazing to treat myself with a few cold cans. Thankfully, Pete Wilson, a previous 4 Deserts legend had suggested I carry some money – best tip in the world, thanks mate!

I took full advantage of the checkpoints today, knowing that it was important to get some rest and take advantage of the shade. The next two stages were really tough in the heat, and I continued to have nutrition issues. It just seemed impossible to eat the required amount of food to keep going. However, the scenery at the Valley of the Kings was fantastic, and although there really wasn’t time to be playing tourist, I managed to take a few photos to capture the moment.

Most people kept their own pace throughout the day. I spent the majority of the day on my own as I tried to maintain steady progress in order to achieve my goal of completing the day.

The sun set as I reached Stage 4, but it was important to push on to Stage 5 for the major checkpoint where hot water and tents were provided for those wanting to sleep. Arriving at Stage 5 it felt great to enjoy the change in conditions where the heat was no longer such an issue. I was really struggling by this point, and it took me over an hour to eat a little beef jerky, a nausea tablet and one of my precious cans of soft drink. Then it was time to set off for the adventure through the night…

I left Checkpoint 5 a little after 8.30pm and felt like a man possessed as I stormed through the night following the trail of glow sticks. I think I may have either been overenthusiastic or not thinking clearly because I managed to leave my poles at the checkpoint. I didn’t discover this until 20 minutes into my journey, and although I half contemplated turning back to get them, I’m glad I didn’t because it meant I was no longer so reliant on them for support.

Nevertheless, I don’t think I could have managed without my iPod. I only really met up with people at checkpoints, so it was great to have music to keep me company.

At Checkpoint 6 I discovered I was in 87^th place, and over the last 30km of the race I managed to overtake eight people. It really was incredible to walk at speed under the stars. I felt like there was no stopping me, despite the fact that my body was hurting, I had hardly eaten, the pain from my blisters was indescribable, and I felt on the brink of total exhaustion; I still knew I was going to make it across the line.

The final two or three kilometres included a number of small sand dunes that caused havoc with my knees. After 82km, I started to wish I still had my poles. Spotting the the security car 1km from the finish was an awesome feeling. The sun was starting to rise and it cast a weak light over the sand dunes and on to home camp.

By that time it was almost 5.30am and I had started the stage at 7am the previous day. As I passed the finish line I realised that this was an achievement of significant proportions. It really made me appreciate that there are no limits. I consider myself very fortunate to have had this experience in so many ways.

So now we are to wait here at camp before being bussed to the pyramids to run the final two or three kilometres. The official results are in and the last part of the race is more about a photo opportunity than anything else. All that matters is that in a few hours I will have a 2011 Sahara Race finish medal around my neck and I will be heading towards a nice hotel, shower, shave and real food!

Thank you so much to each and every one of you for your awesome messages of support throughout the week. The significance and importance of this support can in no way be underestimated, as it provided me with the motivation I needed to make it across the line.

Here are the final results for the 2011 Sahara Race:

I cannot put into words how happy I am that I have finished the race. Now, I’m looking forward to getting to Istanbul next week for some rest and recovery time.

In the meantime – Go the Wallabies!!