Diego Yanuar, Andien's Younger Brother, Successfully Conquers the 250 Km Marathon in the Sahara Desert, Running Only in Sandals

Actress and singer Andien Aisyah shared an extraordinary story experienced by her younger brother, Diego Yanuar. Diego successfully completed the Marathon des Sables, a 250-kilometer running competition across the Sahara Desert. What makes him stand out is that he only wore barefoot sandals.

The emotional post was shared by Andien through her Instagram account @andienaisyah on April 16, 2025. In the post, she expressed her admiration and pride for her brother who has conquered the extreme terrain in the desert. According to her, the Sahara is not just any place to be tested.

Andien wrote, “Yes, this is my brother @diegoyanuar .. This time completing the Legendary Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert, which is said to be 'The Toughest Foot Race on Earth'.”

1. Determination to Run in the Sahara That Has Been Planned

Diego Yanuar, Andien's Brother, Successfully Conquers the Marathon in the Sahara Desert (credit: instagram/andienaisyah)

Diego Yanuar has been planning to participate in this extreme race since the end of last year. He had expressed his desire to his older sister, "Pray for me, I want to run in the Sahara in April,".

It is not new for Diego to face extreme challenges. Previously, he completed the BTS 170K and has cycled from Amsterdam to Jakarta, demonstrating how consistent he is in pushing his limits.

2. Unusual Footwear Choice: Barefoot Sandals

Diego Yanuar, Andien's younger brother, successfully conquered the marathon in the Sahara Desert (credit: instagram/andienaisyah)

Diego's decision to wear barefoot sandals in the Sahara Desert surprised many people, including his older sister. In her post, Andien mentioned, "But.. You're really wearing barefoot sandals, huh?"

Apparently, Diego has been accustomed to using this type of footwear for almost eight years. Nevertheless, the harsh and challenging terrain of the Sahara remains a different test compared to other tracks.

3. Extreme Conditions of the Sahara Desert Faced by Diego

Diego Yanuar, Andien's younger brother, successfully conquered the marathon in the Sahara Desert (credit: instagram/andienaisyah)

Diego described the Sahara Desert as a place with very strong and unusual mystical energy. He said, "The energy of the desert is different, it’s very mystical."

With daytime temperatures reaching 55 degrees Celsius and nighttime dropping to only 0-2 degrees, the physical challenges faced were truly extraordinary. Diego was accompanied only by sand, stones, thorns, the sun, and the wind throughout his journey.

4. Heavy Physical and Logistical Preparations

Diego Yanuar, Andien's younger brother, successfully conquered the marathon in the Sahara Desert (credit: instagram/andienaisyah)

The Marathon des Sables organizers only provided tents and drinking water for all participants. Diego had to carry his running gear independently, including food, a stove, and other logistics.

On the first day, Diego's bag weighed up to 11 kilograms. Andien wrote, "I can’t imagine carrying an 11-kilo load while running on hot sand," illustrating how heavy the struggle was.

5. The Meaning of Spirituality Behind This Marathon

Diego completed the race in 40 hours and 44 minutes. However, according to Andien, what matters most is not the time record, but the spiritual process experienced throughout the race.

Diego expressed his deep feelings, "Running in the desert makes me transcend myself." He feels that this experience brings him closer to the true essence of humanity, which is indeed created to run.

6. What is the Marathon des Sables that Diego Yanuar participated in?

The Marathon des Sables is a 250 km running race in the Sahara Desert, known as one of the most extreme running races in the world.

7. How long did Diego take to finish it?

Diego completed the event in 40 hours and 44 minutes.

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(kpl/sjn)