A GROUP of runners have returned from an epic adventure race through scorching heat, sand and torrential rain storms in the Sahara.

None of the five athletes knew each other before embarking on the gruelling Des Sables desert marathon through Morocco.

But, within hours of touching down in North Africa, Jonathan Kane, Richard Webster, Joe Skinner, Steve Cushing and Rob Jackson were crammed along with other competitors into six- man tents.

The desert conditions they faced make Des Sable among the most arduous endurance races in the world.

But nothing could have prepared them for what was in store.

Mr Webster, 42, of West Kirby, said: “We were given a lot of help from Liverpool John Moores University acclimatisation facilities.

“But, rather than the blistering heat we were expecting, the first day was cancelled by a massive storm.”

Rain saw dry wadi river beds swell and organisers had to redraw the course inside a matter of hours.

Liverpool FC international development manager Jonathan Kane said: “The organisers were amazing. To change things like that brought about a massive level of risk, but they were always there trying to make sure you finished and there were no disasters.” However, Mr Kane, 32, suffered serious blisters on his feet and lost toenails.