Rinder's Runners conquer the desert raising more than £24,000 for military charity

An Army Benevolent Fund team have emerged victorious at the 2024 Marathon des Sables following a remarkable feat of endurance and determination.

Led by British barrister and TV personality Rob Rinder and supported by a team of elite Army professionals, they conquered the gruelling 250km challenge across the Sahara Desert.

The team smashed their fundraising goal, raising more than £24,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund, a charity dedicated to supporting soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.

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The team included top Army personnel including Olympic champion Heather Stanning, Infantry Colonel Mark Nooney MC, Army Sergeant Major Paul Carney and Corporal Natalya Platonova. 

Rob Rinder said participating in the toughest race on earth had been one of the "greatest gifts of his life" as he called on people on X to support the Army.

The 38th Marathon des Sables saw more than 1,000 participants from around the world tackle unforgiving terrain across southern Morocco while carrying their own supplies including food and sleeping gear for the six-day duration of the race.

With every step they took across the challenging terrain of the Sahara Desert, Rob's Runners, as the team came to be called, were not only pushing their own limits but also making a tangible difference for those who had dedicated themselves to serving their country.

You can learn more about the Army Benevolent Fund and donate to the campaign here.