The purpose of Dr. Sidy Diallo is not only to provide you the information you need, but also to lead by example to help you do the right thing to stay fit and healthy, boost your immune system, enjoy the best quality of life, save money on healthcare and useless or harmful consumption, and “save the planet.”
He spells out in the book Running Barefoot for Human Survival why all humans can and should run marathons to stay fit and healthy, and why we should run barefoot to prevent pain, injury and fatigue.
He spells out in the book Running Barefoot for Human Survival why all humans can and should run marathons to stay fit and healthy, and why we should run barefoot to prevent pain, injury and fatigue.
The French diplomat and medical doctor Sidy Diallo has run so far in 95 countries 349 marathons and 18 ultramarathons. He's a seven-continent marathon and ultramarathon finisher. He started running at 55 in 2010, in Chicago, where he was posted at the French Consulate.
Dr. Barefoot, I presume?
Since October 2015, Dr. Diallo has completed barefoot a 90 km ultramarathon and 111 marathons, including 15 barefoot marathons in 14 weeks in 2018 and five Marathon Majors: the 2019 Chicago Marathon, the 2019 New York Marathon, the 2021 Berlin Marathon, the 2021 London Marathon and the 2022 Boston Marathon. He finished all his barefoot races pain and injury free, except his first barefoot marathon. No shoes, no problems!
Dr. Barefoot, I presume?
Since October 2015, Dr. Diallo has completed barefoot a 90 km ultramarathon and 111 marathons, including 15 barefoot marathons in 14 weeks in 2018 and five Marathon Majors: the 2019 Chicago Marathon, the 2019 New York Marathon, the 2021 Berlin Marathon, the 2021 London Marathon and the 2022 Boston Marathon. He finished all his barefoot races pain and injury free, except his first barefoot marathon. No shoes, no problems!
Running Barefoot for Human Survival
The book is about why and how all humans—who still possess their physical or cognitive abilities--can thanks to our hunter-gatherer heritage, regardless of age, gender or melanin density, switch from the dominant lifestyle to regular long-distance running to stay fit and healthy, stop possible addictions, enhance their lifespan in good health, enjoy a better life quality, avoid ending up in nursing homes, “save the planet” and save up to hundreds of thousands dollars on tobacco, alcohol, other drugs, fuel, disappointing weight loss diets, excess of food, healthcare, etc.
Long-distance running has been and remains a vital activity for all human species. Only the form has evolved: our ancestors practiced persistence hunting for about three million years to catch animals for food, while we must run marathons not only to prevent the chronic diseases—which are yearly killing over 41 million people and destroying our immune systems, namely obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, Alzheimer disease, other dementia, depression, insomnia, stress, etc. —, but also to terminate any need for unnecessary or harmful consumption, stop global warming, save natural resources and thus provide a chance for the survival of our species.
What’s more, contrary to popular belief, even current humans are born to run barefoot, which prevents fatigue, pain and injury, so much so that—after the readaptation to barefoot running—doing a marathon or an ultramarathon can look like a walk in the park.
Running Barefoot for Human Survival (French edition: Courir pieds nus pour sauver les humains) is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book format.
Long-distance running has been and remains a vital activity for all human species. Only the form has evolved: our ancestors practiced persistence hunting for about three million years to catch animals for food, while we must run marathons not only to prevent the chronic diseases—which are yearly killing over 41 million people and destroying our immune systems, namely obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, Alzheimer disease, other dementia, depression, insomnia, stress, etc. —, but also to terminate any need for unnecessary or harmful consumption, stop global warming, save natural resources and thus provide a chance for the survival of our species.
What’s more, contrary to popular belief, even current humans are born to run barefoot, which prevents fatigue, pain and injury, so much so that—after the readaptation to barefoot running—doing a marathon or an ultramarathon can look like a walk in the park.
Running Barefoot for Human Survival (French edition: Courir pieds nus pour sauver les humains) is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book format.
The Basics of Bliss Are in Rio de Janeiro
As I explain in the book Running Barefoot for Human Survival, the three elements of human bliss are natural habitat, natural environment and natural physical activity, i.e. long distance running (persistence hunting or marathon).
Homo sapiens’ natural habitat—that many call “tropical paradise”—is the Earth zone extending from the Tropic of Cancer in the north to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. Rio de Janeiro lies less than one degree north of the Tropic of Capricorn, which means that you can enjoy the three elements of bliss by just running the marathon of the Cidade Maravilhosa and visiting the world’s largest urban forest: the Tijuca National Park, covering some 40 square kilometers (over 15 sq. mi). Unfortunately, most current humans are lacking two or all the elements of human bliss, hence the impulsive and desperate quest for happiness in...
Homo sapiens’ natural habitat—that many call “tropical paradise”—is the Earth zone extending from the Tropic of Cancer in the north to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. Rio de Janeiro lies less than one degree north of the Tropic of Capricorn, which means that you can enjoy the three elements of bliss by just running the marathon of the Cidade Maravilhosa and visiting the world’s largest urban forest: the Tijuca National Park, covering some 40 square kilometers (over 15 sq. mi). Unfortunately, most current humans are lacking two or all the elements of human bliss, hence the impulsive and desperate quest for happiness in...
Four Times Overall Winner
When Dr. Diallo did in October 2010, at 55, his first marathon he still believed in many fallacies that turned the marathon into something runners can wrongly brag about as a special achievement. At least he never “swallowed” the stupid theory of “speed genes,” fabricated by a so-called Danish “scientific study.” Of course, no “study” could identify such genes, but many people still believe in them.
Fortunately, he progressively found out, as he explains in my book, that the human body is designed for long-distance running, i.e. the most primitive and vital human activity, formerly to get food, and now to prevent obesity and other comorbidities, get enough endorphins and boost our immune systems. As a result, finishing a race possibly pain and injury-free is far more important to me than my ranking. Dr. Sidy Diallo won nonetheless three marathons and one ultramarathon:
The 2015 Torcy International Marathon, France,
The 2015 Southern Cross Marathon, Chile,
The 2015 Punta Arenas Ultramarathon, Chile
The 2016 Philipsburg Waterfront Marathon, Sint Maarten.
And he placed second overall among the finishers of the 2014 Punta Arenas Marathon in Chile and the 2015 White Continent Ultramarathon in Antarctica.
Fortunately, he progressively found out, as he explains in my book, that the human body is designed for long-distance running, i.e. the most primitive and vital human activity, formerly to get food, and now to prevent obesity and other comorbidities, get enough endorphins and boost our immune systems. As a result, finishing a race possibly pain and injury-free is far more important to me than my ranking. Dr. Sidy Diallo won nonetheless three marathons and one ultramarathon:
The 2015 Torcy International Marathon, France,
The 2015 Southern Cross Marathon, Chile,
The 2015 Punta Arenas Ultramarathon, Chile
The 2016 Philipsburg Waterfront Marathon, Sint Maarten.
And he placed second overall among the finishers of the 2014 Punta Arenas Marathon in Chile and the 2015 White Continent Ultramarathon in Antarctica.
Upon completing The White Continent Ultramarathon in Antarctica on February 19, 2015, he asked the race director for permission to run the Penguin Marathon, who kindly granted him permission for the Penguin Half Marathon. Another runner, who started barefoot the aptly named Penguin Marathon, soon found out why Antarctica is the only wrong continent for naked human feet.
At the time, Dr. Sidy Diallo still had no idea about running marathons barefoot, and he had never met a barefoot marathoner until he saw a few days earlier, in Punta Arenas, Eddie Vega doing barefoot the 2015 Southern Cross Marathon. Dr. Diallo won the race with Joe Fernandez.
At the time, Dr. Sidy Diallo still had no idea about running marathons barefoot, and he had never met a barefoot marathoner until he saw a few days earlier, in Punta Arenas, Eddie Vega doing barefoot the 2015 Southern Cross Marathon. Dr. Diallo won the race with Joe Fernandez.
Ancient Greeks Are the Best Barefoot Runners
The founding fathers of Western civilization are the greatest barefoot runners recorded in history. Some of those who nowadays claim or think they have too evolved to be able to walk or run barefoot, will likely be amazed to learn that the best barefoot runners recorded in history are neither the Africans, nor any indigenous people of Northern Mexico, but the “evolved” white men of the cradle of Western civilization, i.e. Ancient Greece, where the barefoot culture was a fundamental component of their lifestyle, and where the word “barbarian” (βάρβαρος) was originated to describe all non-Greek-speaking peoples, thus including all other Europeans.
When the “barbarian” Romans later conquered Greece, they zealously adopted all the ingredients of the Greek civilization, except one: the barefoot culture, simply because the Romans like most current Europeans were experiencing what Dr. Sidy Diallo calls "ancestral barefoot phobia" in his book Running Barefoot for Human Survival.
A striking evidence of persistent barefoot phobia is that while Pheidippides and other long-distance runners in Ancient Greece wore clothes and ran barefoot, most participants in current nudist races ironically do the opposite: They run with sneakers while the rest of their body is naked!
When the “barbarian” Romans later conquered Greece, they zealously adopted all the ingredients of the Greek civilization, except one: the barefoot culture, simply because the Romans like most current Europeans were experiencing what Dr. Sidy Diallo calls "ancestral barefoot phobia" in his book Running Barefoot for Human Survival.
A striking evidence of persistent barefoot phobia is that while Pheidippides and other long-distance runners in Ancient Greece wore clothes and ran barefoot, most participants in current nudist races ironically do the opposite: They run with sneakers while the rest of their body is naked!
Planet of the Masked Apes
After nearly 200 millennia of wise, lucid, smart and fairly healthy existence, Homo sapiens has “evolved” into Homo comorbidus. The physical and mental comorbidization of Homo sapiens started around 10,000 years ago after the invention of agriculture and the domestication of some animals in Mesopotamia. It remained a very slow process, though, until the 1970s when the pandemic of comorbidities gained an unprecedented momentum...
Video in French directed by Alexandre Renoux
The “marathon” is named after Pheidippides’s last run. Pheidippides, one of the greatest barefoot runners, ran in few days about 560 km (348 mi) in 490 BC, including 40 km (24.6 mi) from Marathon to Athens to inform the Athenians of their unexpected victory over the Persian invaders, which makes Pheidippides the first marathoner and the Athens Marathon the only authentic one. Any 42.2 km (26.2 miles) race held elsewhere is therefore a “virtual” marathon, and running with shoes annihilate the remaining authenticity, because the authentic way to run a marathon is to do it like the ancient Greek runners, i.e. barefoot.
Dr. Diallo Ran 25 Marathons in 18 Weeks
(August 29, 2021-January 2, 2022)
Dr. Diall ran in 18 weeks 25 marathons, including 12 barefoot marathons in 11 weeks in 10 European capitals (Vienna, Rome, Berlin, London, Sofia, Paris, Ljubljana, Bucharest, Podgorica and Athens), another one in the Paris area and the last one in Maxico City.
Chronic Diseases Yearly Kill 41 Million People
People suffering from these easily preventable diseases are also at greater risk of dying from COVID-19 and losing their physical and cognitive abilities. “Heart disease, diabetes, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were responsible for nearly 100 million additional healthy life years lost in 2019 compared to 2000,” according to WHO. So why do we keep aggravating these comorbidities, instead of preventing and eradicating them by stopping their risk factors (physical inactivity, tobacco, alcohol, excess of food, etc.) now, and by adapting our lifestyle to our biology? —Wake up, Homo sapiens!
Lose Weight Easily and for Free
Any human can lose weight or eradicate obesity in less than three months without spending a penny, and even without moving. This article explains how to do it.
The Port Arthur Syndrome or Penal Colony Syndrome
In newspeak, penal colonies are renamed lockdowns. The Port Arthur syndrome or penal colony syndrome (French: Le Syndrome du bagne) describes the global madness resulting from the planet’s transformation into a huge colony penitentiary since the advent of Covidism. But the mentally ill doesn’t know he’s mad...
Humans Used to Be Happy and Social Beings
Despite enormous difficulties and dangers of all kinds, our ancestors managed to ensure the survival of our species, for they were humble, happy and social beings. This means that it’s now our duty and responsibility to act for both our health and human survival, instead of lamenting our condition and contributing to the untimely extinction of our species. In other words, if we don’t promptly and efficiently adapt our lifestyle to the nature of the human body, we’ll irresponsibly terminate human life.
It’s regrettable that the most intelligent animal species, i.e. Homo sapiens, is so stupidly and vehemently destroying itself for money, power, a moment of fame, etc., particularly since the outbreak of COVID-19. As explained in the book, Running Barefoot for Human Survival, the human body is not designed for our current lifestyle, hence the financial, societal, environmental and health issues we’re now facing.
It’s regrettable that the most intelligent animal species, i.e. Homo sapiens, is so stupidly and vehemently destroying itself for money, power, a moment of fame, etc., particularly since the outbreak of COVID-19. As explained in the book, Running Barefoot for Human Survival, the human body is not designed for our current lifestyle, hence the financial, societal, environmental and health issues we’re now facing.
Are You Afraid of Stepping Barefoot on Glass?
Nelophobia—the irrational fear of glass—is arguably one of the main reasons many people are so reluctant to run or walk barefoot. Well, in an ideal world no one would throw glassy objects, but some do just that, seemingly even more so since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly where the bars are closed because of the restrictions.
While happily running my 90th barefoot marathon in the Paris area, and his face was therefore expressing neither fear nor any pain, a lot of people asked Dr. Diallo the eternal questions barefoot runners have to face in many places around the world: “Don’t your feet hurt? Aren’t you afraid of stepping on broken glass?”—As he explains in the book, Running Barefoot for Human Survival, these questions are the instinctive manifestation of an ancestral barefoot phobia.
While happily running my 90th barefoot marathon in the Paris area, and his face was therefore expressing neither fear nor any pain, a lot of people asked Dr. Diallo the eternal questions barefoot runners have to face in many places around the world: “Don’t your feet hurt? Aren’t you afraid of stepping on broken glass?”—As he explains in the book, Running Barefoot for Human Survival, these questions are the instinctive manifestation of an ancestral barefoot phobia.
“Dysevolution:” The Human Body Is Not Designed for Our Lifestyle
Sadly, while our lifestyle has significantly evolved, our bodies have not. That’s what Harvard professor of anthropology Daniel Lieberman calls “dysevolution,” which is the cause of our current problems, including the unprecedented health crisis.
German newspaper Die Berliner Zeitung: Französischer Diplomat läuft den Berlin-Marathon barfuß (French diplomat runs the Berlin Marathon barefoot)
The 2021 Run in Paradise Marathon
Dr. Sidy Diallo ran 95.5 km (59.3 mi) in four days in Antigua, including the local official marathon and four runs (5 K, 10.7 K, 16.7 K and 21.1 K) inside one of their paradisiacal beach resorts. It was his country # 90.
The 2021 EcoTrail de Paris (80 km)
On July 3, 2021, Dr. Sidy Diallo participated with Obelix in the 80 km event of the EcoTrail de Paris 2021—the first major race allowed in France since the COVID-19 outbreak. Unfortunately but expectedly, only 934 participants completed the race this year, a drop of 53% compared to the number of finishers of the last edition (in 2019).
That’s due to the restrictions and bans supposedly intended to combat the pandemic, but resulted, logically, in the discouragement of many runners, more physical inactivity, the consumption of excess food, the increase in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, etc., hence the worrying aggravation of the comorbidities of the pandemic (stress, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, loss of physical and intellectual capacities, etc.).
That’s due to the restrictions and bans supposedly intended to combat the pandemic, but resulted, logically, in the discouragement of many runners, more physical inactivity, the consumption of excess food, the increase in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, etc., hence the worrying aggravation of the comorbidities of the pandemic (stress, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, loss of physical and intellectual capacities, etc.).
Runcation in Aruba
Dr. Sidy Diallo did 161 km (100 miles) in 6 days in Aruba (June 5 to 10, 2021), namely four runs and the following races:
The 2021 Aruba Marathon
The 2021 Divi Tree Marathon (a private run)
The 2021 Oranjestad Half Marathon (a private run)
The 2021 Eagle Beach Half Marathon (a private run)
The 2021 Aruba Marathon
The 2021 Divi Tree Marathon (a private run)
The 2021 Oranjestad Half Marathon (a private run)
The 2021 Eagle Beach Half Marathon (a private run)
Welcome to "Authoritarian Absurdistan"
A German newspaper article titled “COVID Rules in France: Authoritarian Absurdistan” begins with a summary of the situation. “Certificates to leave one’s home, jog only in front of one’s door, security guards to prevent the purchase of toys: the French lockdown is so repressive that even common sense rules fall into disrepute.”
Criminalization of Physical Activity
The 2020 Absurdistan Running Series
Coping with runner phobia in Authoritarian Absurdistan: Dr. Sidy Diallo ran 72 marathons and 3 ultramarathons in 2020 not despite, but thanks to runner phobia in Authoritarian Absurdistan and worldwide race cancellations for COVID-19.
The 2020 Boston Marathon Virtual Experience (September 7, 2020)
Race the Comrades Legends (90 km)
Date: June 14, 2020
The legendary Comrades Marathon, in South Africa, is the oldest and largest ultramarathon in the world, and by far the most rewarding long-distance race. Sadly, the race was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first time since 1921, and replaced by the virtual Race the Comrades Legends which was run around the world on June 14. Over 43,000 runners registered for the following distances: 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km, 45 km or the distance of the official race (90 km). Dr. Sidy Diallo was one of the 1,000 or so who did the 90 km. He ran in the SQY Recreation Park, France.
The legendary Comrades Marathon, in South Africa, is the oldest and largest ultramarathon in the world, and by far the most rewarding long-distance race. Sadly, the race was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first time since 1921, and replaced by the virtual Race the Comrades Legends which was run around the world on June 14. Over 43,000 runners registered for the following distances: 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km, 45 km or the distance of the official race (90 km). Dr. Sidy Diallo was one of the 1,000 or so who did the 90 km. He ran in the SQY Recreation Park, France.
Liberation Ultramarathon # 1 (60 km)
May 30, 2020
When I set off on May 30, 2020, my intention was to run a marathon from Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY) to the Eiffel Tower. Since the distance is much shorter than a marathon, I ran in 5 SQY cities first, but when I reached the city of Saint-Cyr, I saved the distance (17.8 km) and started from there a new marathon (42.2 km). Find out more.
The 2020 Freedom Boston Marathon Against Pandemics (April 20, 2020)
Venue: inside my apartment due to the ongoing lockdown in France to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The course: 25-meter (82 feet) long, including a staircase of 15 steps. Number of out-and-backs: 844. Number of staircase steps: 12,660, that’s more than twice the steps of the Great Wall Marathon (5,164 steps), which was one of my 48 marathons in 2013. Total elevation: 2,279 meters (7,477 feet). Distance: 42.2 km (26.2 miles). Duration: 14:53:00, including a break for a TV interview. That’s my longest duration in any marathon or ultramarathon.
Primitiveness Is the Smartest Weapon Against the Collateral Damage of Progress
Smart primitiveness, i.e. long-distance barefoot running, is ironically the effective weapon against the collateral damage of progress, wealth and comfort, including selfishness, global warming and the preventable chronic diseases.
Lions Do Know How to Run and How to Eat
Humans Are Seeking Advice on How to Eat, Run & What to Wear
Aquatic species know how to swim, and birds how to fly. Chimps know how to climb and how to jump safely from one tree to another, and they know that bananas are better food than potato chips. And like our ancestors, lions know by themselves how to run, what and how to eat. They never need to consult another lion.
So why individuals of the allegedly most intelligent animal species need some gurus to teach them know to run, what and how to eat, or what harmful accessories are better for their feet? And why are the consequences inevitably more running injuries, increasing chronic diseases and rising global warming?
The answer is simple: our intelligence can’t help us, because we’re brainwashed by gurus who are mostly interested in increasing their power or maximizing their gains.
So why individuals of the allegedly most intelligent animal species need some gurus to teach them know to run, what and how to eat, or what harmful accessories are better for their feet? And why are the consequences inevitably more running injuries, increasing chronic diseases and rising global warming?
The answer is simple: our intelligence can’t help us, because we’re brainwashed by gurus who are mostly interested in increasing their power or maximizing their gains.
The Amazing Potential Benefits of Novel coronavirus 2019
Lessons learned and tremendous prospects for humans
The macabre virus keeps spreading, causing panic, marathon cancellations, disrupting other events, challenging the global economy, and killing vulnerable people. Yet, at the same time, this novel pandemic is offering us the amazing opportunity and, hopefully, the motivation to wake up and come together to stop effectively overconsumption and global warming, while significantly reducing healthcare costs, and staying healthy, happy and ready to combat new viruses. And there’s no need for money, research or any magic stick: We should just run away from the pandemic of chronic diseases, literally and on our bare feet.
Global Warming Means More Marathon Cancellations Ahead
If we keep indulging in overconsumption, extreme weather induced by the increasing temperatures will force more and more marathon organizers to call off their events. And don’t look for someone else to blame, since we, the consumers, are the global warmers.
And if you think for instance that planting a tree can compensate your greenhouse gas emissions, think again before it’s too late to stop the spiral of global warming. Extreme heat or drought, or fires will likely kill your tree, long before it can absord even a tiny portion of your emissions. Therefore, the rationale should be: “If I feel the guilt, I don’t emit, unless I absolutely have to.”
And if you think for instance that planting a tree can compensate your greenhouse gas emissions, think again before it’s too late to stop the spiral of global warming. Extreme heat or drought, or fires will likely kill your tree, long before it can absord even a tiny portion of your emissions. Therefore, the rationale should be: “If I feel the guilt, I don’t emit, unless I absolutely have to.”
Stop Cutting Trees for Comfort
Humans and many other animals inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide (CO2). Trees do the opposite, by absorbing CO2 and liberating oxygen. Sadly, some humans have been notorious for compromising this natural symbiosis for centuries, while significantly increasing their total greenhouse gas emissions, so much so that we’re now heading to the point of no return, according to the United Nations.
The 2020 Los Angeles Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 70, Marathon # 212
The 2020 Los Angeles Marathon rightfully went ahead on schedule, despite all the fuss and frantic panic about a virus that has killed so far only few thousands almost exclusively vulnerable patients. We should therefore praise the race organizer and the city, state and federal institutions and agencies for rightfully holding the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon on March 8, as planned. It was such a great hunting experience with amazing friends and fellow marathoners.
Regrettably, all my next marathons are already either canceled or postponed: Barcelona (March 15), Seoul (March 22), Roma (March 29), Paris (April 5), etc. Was the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon the last victory against the overwhelming panic lobby?
Find out more.
Regrettably, all my next marathons are already either canceled or postponed: Barcelona (March 15), Seoul (March 22), Roma (March 29), Paris (April 5), etc. Was the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon the last victory against the overwhelming panic lobby?
Find out more.
The 2020 Malta Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 69, Marathon # 211
The 2020 Miami Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 68, Marathon # 210
2020 Muscat Lonely Marathon
We humans are a tropical species, and we have therefore a body perfectly designed for survival without shoes, nor any other protection in our natural habitat, which extends from the Tropic of Cancer in the north, to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. This means that those humans who are living in higher latitudes, may still walk and run barefoot in the spring, in the summer and in the autumn, but not in the very cold months.
And since progress in adaptation to barefoot running is easily reversible, one of the ways to keep improving during the winter is to go to run in the natural habitat. So when I got the information that my only race for January 2020—the Muscat Marathon—was rescheduled five weeks later, I had to make a decision: I went to Muscat and lonely ran barefoot 42.2 km (or 26.2 miles) on January 21 in the wonderful waterfront and restaurant zone of Al Mouj.
Many people were understandably wondering why the barefoot guy with the backpack was running for over five hours. And I wanted to tell them: “Hey guys! I’m doing this for our survival, please consider joining me the next time!”
And since progress in adaptation to barefoot running is easily reversible, one of the ways to keep improving during the winter is to go to run in the natural habitat. So when I got the information that my only race for January 2020—the Muscat Marathon—was rescheduled five weeks later, I had to make a decision: I went to Muscat and lonely ran barefoot 42.2 km (or 26.2 miles) on January 21 in the wonderful waterfront and restaurant zone of Al Mouj.
Many people were understandably wondering why the barefoot guy with the backpack was running for over five hours. And I wanted to tell them: “Hey guys! I’m doing this for our survival, please consider joining me the next time!”
The 2019 Auckland Marathon
Barefoot marathon on the “Eighth Continent—Zealandia”
Barefoot Marathon # 62 / Marathon # 204
5th barefoot marathon in 4 weeks
The 2019 Chicago Mararathon
Barefoot World Marathon Major # 1
Barefoot Marathon # 61 / Marathon # 203
4th barefoot marathon in 3 weeks
The 2019 Brussels Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 60 / Marathon # 202
Third barefoot marathon in 2 weeks
The 2019 Budapest Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 59 / Marathon # 201
Second barefoot marathon in 8 days
Marathon # 201 - Country # 85
2019 Buenos Aires Marathon
Marathon # 200
Barefoot Marathon # 58 - Country # 84
Seven marathons in the Caribbean & the Paris Eco Trail (80 km)
in 9 days (8-16 March 2019)
The 2019 Koblenz Marathon
Marathon # 199
Barefoot Marathon # 57
The 2019 Asuncion Marathon
Country # 83 - Barefoot Country # 33
Barefoot Marathon # 56
The 2019 Lima Marathon
Country # 82 - Barefoot Country # 32
Barefoot Marathon # 54
The 2019 Paris Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 50
2019 Bratislava Marathon
Country # 81 - Barefoot Country # 30
Barefoot Marathon # 49
2019 Marseille Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 48
2019 Seychelles Marathon
Country # 74 - Barefoot Country # 28
Barefoot Marathon # 46
2019 Seville Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 45
2019 Dubai Marathon
Country # 73 - Barefoot Country # 27
Barefoot Marathon # 44
2019 Doha Marathon
Country # 72 - Barefoot Country # 26
Barefoot Marathon # 43
2018 Pisa Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 42
Article from the Pisa Today
I had a lot of fun running barefoot 42.2 km, despite the unfriendly freezing temperature for humans.
2018 Malaga Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 41
2018 Costa Rica Marathon
Country # 71
Barefoot Marathon # 40
2018 Panama Marathon
Country # 70
Barefoot Marathon # 39
2018 Bangkok Marathon
Country # 69 - Barefoot Marathon # 38
The race started at midnight in front of the iconic Grand Palace, with arguably the most relevant motto for this renewed physical activity of humans: “Running is Medecine.”
2018 Istanbul Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 37
The course starts in the Asian part of the Turkish metropolis, then crosses the Bosporus to join the European side of the city.
2018 French Riviera Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 36
2018 Marathon de Rennes
Barefoot Marathon # 35
2018 Marathon de Toulouse
Barefoot Marathon # 34
2018 Marathon de Metz
Barefoot Marathon # 33
2018 Lyon Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 32
I ran in the French city of Lyon my 32nd barefoot marathon, my 5th in 29 days. Run in Lyon is the other name of the race, and I chose the nickname “Barefoot Baba” for my bib number because many people in the Comrades Marathon on June 10, 2018, kept encouraging me with kind remarks like: “Well done Barefoot Baba!”
2018 Chisinau Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 31
2018 Marathon de Montréal
Barefoot Marathon # 30
2018 Seine-Marathon 76
Barefoot Marathon # 29
2018 Vilnius Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 28
3 Marathons + 1 Half Marathon in 3 Countries in 3 Days
2018 Azeri Marathon - Azerbaijan
Barefoot Marathon # 27
2018 Azeri Half Marathon
2018 Bagrateshen Marathon - Armenia
2018 Capital City Marathon - Georgia
Barefoot Marathon # 26
After running barefoot the marathon of the 10th Gay Games Marathon on the cobblestones of Avenue Foch and the stony streets and paths of the Bois de Boulogne, I participated in the Paris Hash in the afternoon.
2018 Comrades Marathon (90.2 km)
Barefoot Ultramarathon # 1
I ran barefoot in South Africa, on June 10, the 90.2 km of asphalt of the 2018 edition of the Comrades Marathon, completing the race, comfortably, pain and injury free, just 7 days after achieving my fastest barefoot marathon (3:37).
2018 Rhein-Ruhr Marathon
Barefoot Marathons # 24
Running Barefoot in Africa for Human Survival
4 Barefoot Marathons in 4 Days in 4 Countries in the Craddle of Mankind + 3 Marathons in More Countries in 3 Days
2017 Zambezi Waterfront Marathon - Zambia
Barefoot Marathon # 15
2017 Impalila Island Marathon - Namibia
Barefoot Marathon # 14
2017 Chobe Marathon - Botswana
Barefoot Marathon # 13
2017 Hwange Marathon - Zimbabwe
Barefoot Marathon # 12 (my first in Africa)
2017 Sand River Marathon, Swaziland
2017 Maseru Bridge Marathon - Lesotho
2017 Ladybrand Border Marathon - South Africa
2018 Trinidad & Tobago Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 20
2017 Amsterdam Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 18
2017 Marathon de Metz
Barefoot Marathon # 17
2017 Lyon Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 16
2017 Comrades Marathon (87 km)
Ultramarathon # 11
2017 Rotterdam Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 11
2017 Marathon de l’espace
Barefoot Marathon # 10
2016 Comrades Marathon (89 km) - ZA
2016 Pyongyang Marathon - North Korea
Marathon # 133, Country # 51
If It's Friday, We Must Be Running A Marathon In "San Escobar"!
Oops! I mean Saint Kitts and Nevis!
In the late 1960s film of Mel Stuart, If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium, a group of American tourists went on an 18-day sightseeing tour of 7 European countries. The 2010s’ trend is adding both a physical and mental challenge to this kind of tourism: completing an endurance race in each country visited. On January 29, 2016, we took the challenge to complete 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 Caribbean locations.
2016-01-31: San Juan Harbor Marathon (Puerto Rico): 4:58:19
2016-02-01: St Thomas Cove Marathon (US Virgin Islands): 5:42:01
2016-02-02: Carnival Cruise Marathon (Caribbean Sea):6:23:12
2016-02-03: Carlisle Bay Marathon, Bridgetown (Barbados): 6:06:13
2016-02-04: Pitons Peak Marathon, Castries (Saint Lucia): 5:52:47
2016-02-05: St Kitts Waterfall Marathon, (Saint Kitts and Nevis): 5:55:01
2016-02-06: Philipsburg Waterfront Marathon (Sint Maarten): 4:36:54
2016-02-01: St Thomas Cove Marathon (US Virgin Islands): 5:42:01
2016-02-02: Carnival Cruise Marathon (Caribbean Sea):6:23:12
2016-02-03: Carlisle Bay Marathon, Bridgetown (Barbados): 6:06:13
2016-02-04: Pitons Peak Marathon, Castries (Saint Lucia): 5:52:47
2016-02-05: St Kitts Waterfall Marathon, (Saint Kitts and Nevis): 5:55:01
2016-02-06: Philipsburg Waterfront Marathon (Sint Maarten): 4:36:54
2016 Geneva Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 7
2016 Paris Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 5
2016 Eco Trail de Paris (80 km) - France
2016 Malta Marathon
Marathon # 130 & Country # 50
Barefoot Marathon # 4
Marathon de Dakar 2016 - Senegal
2015 French Riviera Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 3
2015 Dublin Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 2
See the Irish TV Footage
2015 Zagreb Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 1
I celebrated the 5th anniversary of my first marathon on October 11, in Croatia, by running barefoot the 2015 Zagreb Marathon. See the coverage by Crotian Newspaper Jutarnji List and CroatiaWeek.
The 2015 Bucharest Marathon
I ran the 2015 Bucharest Marathon barefoot the second half. By the way, I won with my tchaya outfit the "Costume traznite" contest.
The 2015 Warsaw Marathon
I ran the last 14k of the 2015 Warsaw Marathon barefoot
The 2015 Moscow Marathon
Russian TV Footage: 20 тысяч человек принимают участие в Московском марафоне
Sid Diallo ran 100 Marathons on the Seven Continents in 4 Years & 3 Months after his first marathon.
I was kindly granted the bib number 100 for my 100th official marathon, which I ran on January 18, 2015 in the Bahamas, exactly 4 years, 3 months and 8 days after my first marathon, completed painfully on October 10, 2010 in Chicago. My 100 marathons were held on the Seven Continents and in over 30 countries. I have also participated in five ultramarathons in 5 Continents between May 10, 2014 and January 3, 2015. My choice of The Bahamas for my 100th marathon, and the fact I came 2nd in my age group, attracted great interest from the race organizers and local media. If you are looking for wonderful venue for your next winter marathon or half, I’d strongly recommend the Marathon Bahamas and you will surely find out why they love to say: “Running Is… Better In The Bahamas”.
See the results the 2015 Bahamas Marathon & more pictures.
Read : French Diplomat Chooses Bahamas for 100th Marathon
See the results the 2015 Bahamas Marathon & more pictures.
Read : French Diplomat Chooses Bahamas for 100th Marathon
7 Continents Marathon Finisher (01/2014) &
7 Continents Ultramarathon Finisher (02/2015)
Having run marathons on the Seven Continents by January
2014, I completed on February 19 in Antarctica a second circuit of 7
Ultramathons on the 7 continents. For my second trip to the end of the world, I
participated in a total of four races: the Southern Cross Marathon, on February 13,
in Punta Arenas on the north shore of the Strait of Magellan, the Punta Arenas Ultramarathon
(50k), on February 15, and the White Continent Ultramarathon followed immediately by the Penguin Half Marathon on
February 19 in King George Island.
The 2015 Tallinn Marathon in Tchaya
I ran on 13 September 2015 in Tallinn my first marathon dressed in tchaya instead of the usual shorts.
2015 Saint-Petersburg Marathon - Russia
Country # 37
I did on June 28 the Saint Petersburg Marathon, in Russia
See my results and more pictures
See my results and more pictures
2015 Rome Marathon
2015 Copenhagen Marathon
Country # 36: Denmark
2015 Prague Marathon
Country # 35 : Czech Republic
2015 Albi Marathon (France)
I did the Albi Marathon on April 27, 2015, on a nice course in the Dowtown, and along the Tarn River. Albi is a beautiful World Heritage Site in Southern France.
2015 Paris Marathon
I did the Paris Marathon on April 12, 2015
Suprise! Surprise! on the home stretch and the finish zone.
Suprise! Surprise! on the home stretch and the finish zone.
2015 Limassol Marathon
My Country # 33: Cyprus
The 2015 Two Oceans Marathon (56 km or 35 mi)
Country # 34: South Africa
I ran the Torcy International Marathon with the Triple 7 Quest Adventurers.
I ran on February 10 the Torcy International Marathon in the Paris area with the Tripple 7 Quest adventurers. After an overnight flight from the United Arab Emirates, they arrived directly from Charles De Gaulle Airport to the start of the race, where a London based CNN crew was waiting for them. As soon as everyone completed the race, they boarded the bus, which took them back to the airport, as their next marathon was due to start in just a few hours in Tunesia, at 1 AM local time. See the results and more pictures.
I ran on February 10 the Torcy International Marathon in the Paris area with the Tripple 7 Quest adventurers. After an overnight flight from the United Arab Emirates, they arrived directly from Charles De Gaulle Airport to the start of the race, where a London based CNN crew was waiting for them. As soon as everyone completed the race, they boarded the bus, which took them back to the airport, as their next marathon was due to start in just a few hours in Tunesia, at 1 AM local time. See the results and more pictures.
Magic Mickey, Minnie & My 99th Marathon
2015 Walt Disney World Marathon
I ran my 99th marathon on January 11, 2015 in Orlando, Florida.
See the results & more pictures
2015 Walt Disney World Marathon
I ran my 99th marathon on January 11, 2015 in Orlando, Florida.
See the results & more pictures
2015 Kathmandu Ultra 50 km (Nepal, Asia)
My 5th Continent Ultramarathon
For the Asia leg of my Seven Continents Utramarathon Quest, I ran on January 3, 2015 the Kathmandu Ultra 50 km in the Shivapuri National Park, Nepal. It was by the way, as I knowingly expected, my toughest race ever and at the same time one of the world most rewarding courses, not to mention the wonderful 3-day experience in Kathmandu and the nice staff of the Norbu Linka Hotel in Thamel, a tourist district. If an ultramarathon or even a shorter distance (11k or 27k) in Asia is in your bucket list, you may want to consider the Kathmandu Ultra Trail. Race director Richard is very helpful for visiting runners. See the results and more pictures.
For the Asia leg of my Seven Continents Utramarathon Quest, I ran on January 3, 2015 the Kathmandu Ultra 50 km in the Shivapuri National Park, Nepal. It was by the way, as I knowingly expected, my toughest race ever and at the same time one of the world most rewarding courses, not to mention the wonderful 3-day experience in Kathmandu and the nice staff of the Norbu Linka Hotel in Thamel, a tourist district. If an ultramarathon or even a shorter distance (11k or 27k) in Asia is in your bucket list, you may want to consider the Kathmandu Ultra Trail. Race director Richard is very helpful for visiting runners. See the results and more pictures.
2014 Pisa Marathon
See the results and more photos
See the results and more photos
2014 Reggio Emilia Marathon
See the results and more photos
See the results and more photos
The 2014 Malaga Marathon
See the results and more photos
See the results and more photos
The 2014 Havana Marathon
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Athens Marathon
See the results and more pictures
See the results and more pictures
2014 Chicago Lakefront 50k
My Ultramarathon in North America
See the results and more pictures
My Ultramarathon in North America
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Toulouse Marathon
See the results and more pictures
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Montpellier Marathon
See the results and more pictures
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Chicago Marathon
See the results and more pictures
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Brussels Marathon
See the results and more pictures
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Oslo Marathon
See the results & more pictures
See the results & more pictures
The 2014 Bush Capital Bush Ultramarathon (63.3k)
3 Ultramarathons on 3 Continents in 3 Months
I ran on Sunday, August 3 in Canberra, the Aussie capital, The Bush Ultramarathon, being rewarded by a lot of cockatoos in town and smiling kangaroos on the race course in the nature reserve of Mount Ainslie and Mount Majura. It was by the way my Oceania ultramarathon, after those of Africa (the Royal Raid 80, on 10 May, in Mauritius) and Europe (The Ultra Marin 56 km, on 28 June, in the Gulf of Morbihan, France). The trip took me 7 flights (Paris-Dubai-Singapore-Melbourne-Canberra and Canberra-Melbourne-Dubai-Paris), 7 days and 7 nights, including 3 nights in Canberra and a full day in the city of Dubai. I expect to run my next ultramarathon in a few months in North America. In the meantime, I’ll be still running marathons.
See my results and photos of Canberra and Race
See my results and photos of Canberra and Race
I ran on 14 June the 2014 Liechtenstein Marathon. The starting gun was fired by the Hereditary Princess. See my results and pictures of the marathon here.
2014 Royal Raid (80k)
Sidy Diallo ran his first ultramarathon on mountains, national parks and sugar cane plantations in Mauritius.
The Official 7 Continents Marathon Club & the Seven Continents Club.
On January 26, 2014 I completed my 7th Continent Marathon in Antarctica. It was at the White Continent Marathon.
Upon our return from King Goerge Island (Antarctica) to Punta Arenas, we were met at the airport by the local media. See the reports by La Prensa austral & El Pingüino TV. Four days later we did the Punta Arenas Marathon, which was by the way my second race in South America, after the 2013 Rio de Janeiro Marathon.
I joined the Official 7 Continents Marathon Club in Punta Arenas, with the status of "Finisher". I have also joined the Seven Continents Club.
On January 26, 2014 I completed my 7th Continent Marathon in Antarctica. It was at the White Continent Marathon.
Upon our return from King Goerge Island (Antarctica) to Punta Arenas, we were met at the airport by the local media. See the reports by La Prensa austral & El Pingüino TV. Four days later we did the Punta Arenas Marathon, which was by the way my second race in South America, after the 2013 Rio de Janeiro Marathon.
I joined the Official 7 Continents Marathon Club in Punta Arenas, with the status of "Finisher". I have also joined the Seven Continents Club.