The Marathon Of Madness
In April 2023, Aussie dad of three and Sydney PR guy, Rob Lowe, will endeavour to complete ‘the toughest foot race on earth’ - The Marathon Des Sables, a gruelling 251km ultra-marathon over 6 days across the Saharan desert in Morocco.
Rob has partnered with Sony Foundation to help raise much needed funds and awareness, that will help make a difference to the lives of youth cancer patients and their families through ‘You Can,’ plus care for children with special needs in the ‘Children’s Holiday Camp Program’.
Now in its 37th year, The Marathon Des Sables (MDS) sees competitors run the equivalent of five and half marathons in 6 days, in searing heats of over 50 degrees C. Competitors need to carry all their own food, bedding and clothes required for 6 days and brave sandstorms, snakes, blisters, chafing, dehydration and of course exhaustion, before finally getting to the finish. Fittingly, each year, ‘Highway to hell’ by Australia’s own AC/DC, is blared out on speakers at the start line to kick off the race.
Rob, the co-founder of Sydney PR agency Poem, has dedicated much of his life to completing ridiculous challenges for charity, including a 665km ocean kayak from Byron Bay to Bondi beach, raising over $10,000 for Prostate Cancer Australia, numerous trail runs, marathons, treks, climbs and swims. This will be Rob’s first run over 50km and will probably be his last.
DONATE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
WHEN YOU DONATE $50 OR MORE, YOU AUTOMATICALLY GO IN THE DRAW FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE IN THE DIGITAL RAFFLE.
PRIZE POOL 1 : ALL DONATIONS OF $200 AND MORE QUALIFY FOR AN ENTRY TO WIN A PRIZE FROM PLAYSTATION OR NESPRESSO.
PRIZE POOL 2 : ALL DONATIONS OF $50 AND MORE QUALIFY FOR AN ENTRY TO WIN A PRIZE FROM NESPRESSO, SONY, ICEBREAKER, MUMM or FOX GORDON.
Simply donate via the online donation form at the top of this page and you go in the draw to win one of these great prizes!
$200+ donations have an entry in Prize pool 1 & 2.
Winners will be chosen following the event.
AND THE WINNERS ARE
- PlayStation 5 - Lindsey Evans
- Nespresso Creatista - Richard Wise
- Nespresso Vertuo - Simon Lincoln
- A Sony camera - Jamie Verco (address needed)
- Icebreaker T-shirts - Ben Kay, Julianna Nagy, Claire McAdam, Mia Farrow (address needed), Simon Barrow x 2, Dan Putelli, Bob Fox, Janeke Evadne, Scott Earl, Richard Wise
PRIZE POOL 1 : $200+ Donation
PLAYSTATION 5 (RRP $799.95)
NESPRESSO CREATISTA PRO (RRP $1399)
PRIZE POOL 2 : $50+ Donation
x1 Nespresso Vertuo Next with Aeroccino3 (RRP $389)
x1 Sony Cyber-shot Camera – DSC-H300 (RRP $199)
x20 men's & women's Icebreaker merino T-shirts (RRP $100 each)
1x Bottle of GH Mumm & 1x Bottle of Fox Gordon Shiraz (RRP $100)
With thanks to the following sponsors:
Rob sees first-hand the impact of his fundraising
Watch this video where Rob visits a Sony Foundation Camp to experience first-hand the impact of this incredible community program. He meets Campers with disability, the Student Companions who care for the children for four days and three nights, and Parents who all share their stories about what Sony Foundation Camp means for them.
Latest News
A big thank you to our Supporters
The real heroes who are kindly helping us achieve our goal
Rob Winter
$53
Steph Murray
Well done Rob! What an enormous achievement finishing at #47, and for helping so many people in need.
$21
Bexta Benjamin
Congrats and well done, Rob! Thanks for supporting the Sony Foundation ❤️ xo
$108
Patrick Lagana
Well done Rob - such an amazing feat for an amazing cause. Thank you for all your support!
$105
Goncalo Fialho
Champion. Thanks for the support
$154
Robsons
Many congratulations Rob. An amazing achievement.
$52
Edward Bodkin
Hey Rob. Well done completing the MDS and getting into the top 50 🏅 Congratulations epic effort. Can't wait to hear about when you're home.
$53
Renee Bilston
Hi Rob, this is for stage 4 and that dance at the finish line. We are in awe of how you have pushed the limits of human endurance. It was epic to watch your race.
$95
Cheryl Shatrov Hayward
Congrats Rob, doing such a great job running out in the Sahara atm but also kudos to you for your fundraising and awareness raising efforts 😊
$21
Evadne Janeke
Massive & totally inspiring. Congratulations, and well done on your superb causes.
$105
Deb Fox
It's been incredible to watch you run the Marathon des Sables via GPS and for such good causes. Well done, Rob xx
$21
Linda & Mattias
So incredibly impressed by your determination and focus Rob. Happy for you that you finally get to fulfill this dream of yours whilst raising money for 2 great causes. You’ve got this mate.
$53
Judith Wicks
Good luck with your MDS adventure. A few lengths of Lowestoft beach would have been much easier 🤔
$21
The Ieraces
All the best Rob, you are insanely amazing! X
$53
Anneka And Family
Good luck Rob! What an amazing event to be part of. It’s mind blowing what you are setting out to do, you will do great. Will be tracking your adventure X
$53
Lindsey Evans
Good luck with your run - truly epic! Best wishes, Lindsey & Special Group
$264
Amanda Cassidy
Best of luck Rob 🏆
$21
Bob & Gerry Fox
Amazing! Enjoy your adventure!
$53
David Mackenzie
I am in complete awe! You are quite incredible and these are two fantastic causes to raise money and awareness for. Best of luck!
$106
John Wick
Can you do it? Yes you can. ( borrowed from Bob the Builder) our Best Wishes for a successful run.
$21
Rob Jenkins
Good luck Rob!!
$53
Erica Llorico
We’re all cheering for you! All the best Rob!
$53
Nicola Hanlon
Best of luck Rob no doubt you’ll smash it 💪🏼👏🏼👏🏼
$52
Alex Tizzard
$106
Ed Wicks
All the best for your MDS adventure Rob, our thoughts will be with you, hopefully the force will be too.
$21
The Earls
Amazing job Rob - legend! Go hard for go home!
$100
The Williams Family
My goodness what a challenge that will also present ultimate award. Best wishes
$50
Tamzyn Botha
$106
Matt Holmes
Incredible effort mate. So proud of you for juggling work, family and this while also raising money for two great causes. Good luck!
$520
Charlotte Flood
Best of luck Rob, what a superb thing to be doing 🫶🏼
$104
The Lincoln’s
Good luck Rob! Amazing and mad at the same time…..! Just think of how good the beer is going to taste on the way home! Love the Lincolns
$260
Robyn Sefiani
Best of luck for the gruelling Sahara marathon Rob! So happy to support this great initiative 😊
$264
Kc Browne
Go get it, legend!! We are all cheering for you, mate. Well done.
$53
Michelle Parsons
Go Rob! What a wonderful cause. You are amazing.
$21
Vanessa Mccausland
$21
Geraldine
Inspirational!! Rob and this legendary race, and this foundation for bringing all these kids together and see past the differences!
$106
Phil & Glenda Planten
Champion person and athlete , no doubt you can do this . Phil & Glenda
$106
Anonymous
The end is in sight - just get over that line!
$53
Claire Mcadam
What an amazing mission! Good luck Rob, I'm sure you will smash it
$53
Jamie Crick
Massive respect, Rob! Good luck out there.
$26
Richard Wise
Amazing Rob! $1 for every KM doesn't seem right giving all of the training and effort you've put in. We're down for both. Godspeed and don't let the camels catch up!
$251
Jeremy & Lucy
What an amazing challenge you've embarked on Rob. Best of luck and we hope you make it to the finish line safe and well! All the best, Jem and Lux
$53
Paul Cheal
Good luck Rob. So great you are achieving a life long dream. Remember just one foot at a time
$106
Nick Johnson
Monsterous effort for an amazing cause, well done mate!
$53
Victor And Etta
So happy for you, and proud of you, that you get to love out your life long dream. You’ll smash it and helping support others in the process. Can wait to hear all about it over a sauna and an ice bath when you’re back.
$106
Nicole Bardsley
Good luck Rob. You are amazing!
$106
Gareth Sneade
Congrats on your five years of training rob. I am in awe of your personal focus, commitment and dedication both to train and also to support two such worthwhile causes. I’m looking forward to following your progress and welcoming you back to Manly Vale and hearing all about it in due course. Go well - I’m sure you will create many wonderful memories.
$106
Christopher Savage
Proud of you Rob- good luck!
$106
Michaela
Good luck Rob! Great causes…great experience. All the best! X
$100
Greg V
You’re insane. But also incredible. Good luck.
$53
Si B
Given your past navigation skills, I’m expecting you to turn up in Somalia around September. Good luck you madman!
$100
Vicki Mackenzie
So proud. Will be with you all the way x
$106
Ralph Childs
Hillie and Ralph wish you all the best
$53
Mia Farrow
All the best!! Have so much fun. Enjoy Morocco the land of contrasts. Cheers.
$53
Alex Jones
Good luck Rob! You’re absolutely crazy but it’s for an amazing cause!
$53
Steve, Sarah And Ash Wick
Go smash it, Rob. An amazing thing your doing.
$211
Michael Mooney
Hi Rob, This will be a magnificent effort of will & stamina. Good luck & best wishes. Mike Mooney
$208
Dan Putelli
LEGEND... enough said
$104
Amy Leanfore
Best of luck!
$26
Simon Barrow
Just to be clear, this donation is just in the hope of winning a bottle of bubbly and is in no way to be taken as an endorsement or support for another one of your utterly ridiculous ideas. Good luck bud!
$69
Zoe Ingram
Best of luck Rob! You’re a superstar for doing this xx
$50
Ed Wicks
Go for it mate and don't give up the beer when you finish! Good causes and a stonking good effort.
$78
Jamie Verco
Good luck Rob. You are amazing to even consider this race
$52
Tanya Andrews
$104
David Mackenzie
Best of luck Rob. Cheering you on from the UK!
$52
Peter & Janet Wick
Best wishes. Take care.
$104
Judy Maton
Good luck rob - looks like to hell and back, but am sure you’ll do it!
$42
Victor Andersson
Don’t forget the truffle shavings!!! Well done legend
$104
Kevin Azzopardi
Good luck with the run mate, wish I was fit enough to do it myself!
$21
Bryan Murphy
Enjoy the challenge Rob, I know how hard you’ve trained for it. Well done on supporting such a great cause too 👍
$500
Raewyn Mutch
All the very best endurance-safety and wellness. Look after our dear friend Veronika and bring her to the finish with you. ✨💎🌟
$108
Veronika Kretzer
I’m admiring your work and caring! See you in the desert!
$104
Andy Mulrenan
Good luck mate!
$21
Monique
$104
Nathan Davis
I was one of the companions at the Sont Camp. It was a truly life-changing experience and I couldn't help but want to contribute to the cause further. Good luck with the marathon!
$21
Anonymous
$78
Julianna
Absolutely crazy but for a great cause! Best of luck!
$52
Heather Hawkins
Hi Rob, Well done on taking on this awesome challenge and for making a real difference to the lives of youth in need. So proud of you! H :)
$52
Bob Fox
Hey Rob - do us proud!
$52
Lukeh Hepworth
MDS will be a amazing test of mental, physical and emotional strength so best of luck Rob.
$104
Anneka Hunston
What an incredible thing to do Rob and an exciting adventure. You will smash it. Good luck from all of us xxx
$50
Nina Dorn
Good luck Rob! Hope you smash the time and the fundraising goals 🙌🦸
$20
Neil Mcphail
$78
John Wick
Rather you than me, go for Rob.
$50
Jac Watson
Insanity but good luck
$26
Deb Fox
Sending you lots of love and support, Rob xx
$21
Ralph Childs
Good luck you must be mad
$52
Anonymous
Awesome Rob ..... best of luck 🍀
$20
Caroline, Bill And Charlie Nall
Good luck Rob – the craziest cousin I have!
$50
Daniel Ball
Good luck Rob, enjoy the madness
$104
Vicki Mackenzie
Supporting you all the way x
$104
Angus Muffet
Such a powerful goal, go smash it!
$52
The Ieraces
All the best Rob, you guys will smash it xx
$50
Annie Wick
Good luck Rob you crazy person! May the blisters be kind. Love from all of us. Xxxx
$25
Sam Parry
Great cause wishing you all the best. Sam, dom and josh
$52
Dawn Harkin
Good luck Rob, what an amazing adventure for an amazing cause!
$52
Cheryl And Dave Fox
What a fantastic opportunity and what a great charity! It looks to be a mega tough journey! We hope that you have a really awesome experience, Good luck Rob from the Foxes :)
$52
Lee Cole
You've never been completely "all there" Rob, but what a fantastic challenge you've set yourself and for a wonderful cause. A pocket rocket since I met you, I've no doubts you'll complete it then be looking for something that's even tougher. Good luck.
$52
Well done dude! Absolutely amazing effort, fantastic finish position and for great causes.