Sarthois Alexandre Allain, first lung transplant recipient to finish the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara

He pushed the limits of his body a little further. Alexandre Allain, born with cystic fibrosis and lung transplant recipient, completed the Marathon des Sables. A feat that he is the first to achieve. The Sarthois completed the 105 km of the “half” version, in three stages and in food self-sufficiency through the Sahara desert, in Morocco, from October 14 to 17, 2024.

This resident of Sablé-sur-Sarthe, originally from Chantenay-Villedieu, crossed the finish line on the occasion of World Organ Donation and Transplant Day, as a symbol. “This race was the most difficult of my life, I didn’t think I would suffer so much but the message is all the stronger,” commented the 29-year-old.

“A bringer of hope for thousands of people”

One more victory for the man who has multiplied his feats since his double lung transplant which saved him in 2017. He crossed part of the Atlantic by sail, ran the Paris marathon and even participated in the Olympic torch relay , during his visit to Mayenne last May.

Each time, Alexandre Allain carries a message of hope for organ donation and against cystic fibrosis. Assaulting the Saharan dunes, he represented the colors of the Grégory Lemarchal association and the green ribbon, symbol of awareness of organ and tissue donation. “He is truly a bringer of hope for thousands of people. Hats off! » congratulated Cyril Gauthier, the organizer of the event.